2016 Trimbach "Cuvée des Seigneurs de Ribeaupierre" Gewürztraminer Alsace

The 2016 Gewurztraminer Cuvée des Seigneurs Ribeaupierre reveals a remarkably fine and elegant nose of lychees and white fruits highlighted by fine minerality. The palate is dense and persistently saline, with a discreet, caramel-like sweetness and the first hints of maturity. This is a rich but elegant Gewürztraminer with mild acidity. 14% stated alcohol. Natural cork. Tasted in June 2024. We published reviews of 18 vintages of the iconic Riesling Clos Sainte Hune in one of the last issues, including the latest from 2019, which has been cultivated in the grand cru Rosacker for 100 years. Beyond that, and as always, I tasted a pretty wide range from vintages here in spring and in late autumn last year. All the crus, whether grand cru or not, are of superb quality. The 2020 Gewürztraminer Muehlforst is a Best Buy; the 2020 Pinot Gris Grand Cru Osterberg is one of the finest Pinot Gris I tasted in Alsace last year; and the Riesling cuvée Frédéric Emile, no matter if the 2018 or 2019, should be seriously considered as a wine to purchase. (SR)

Pale yellow with golden tinges. Musky yellow fruits, smoke and honey on a ripe nose clearly marked by elements of passerillage (air-dried grapes). Ripe and full, this is a bigger, richer and riper Seigneurs de Ribeaupierre than usual, but still finishes classically dry despite having an almost Vendanges Tardives-like quality. All estate-grown grapes from famous Alsace vineyard sites such as, among others, the Mandelberg, Muhlforst, Trottacker, Gruenspiel, and Altenberg de Bergheim. (ID)