alsace

2005 Dirler Kessler Pinot Gris 14%

~ Richard ~ Leave a comment

Bright clear gold, this Alsatian wine seems quite advanced with low-key but authentic scents of musk, marzipan and almond meal. It’s dense and rich with chalks, flints. Fruit descriptor would be beurre bosc pears. Perhaps 50 g/l residual sugar, and it’s beginning to dry out, but the heroic 14% alcohol doesn’t seem inappropriate. The acidity is adequate, but not quite enough to warrant further cellaring (although Pinot Gris is a notorious low acid variety).

2005 dirler pg

Grimly, another instance of a Grand Cru site, but somewhat disappointing for a wine labelled at this standard.

Drink now- 2017, score 86

2005 Zind-Humbrecht Heimbourg Pinot Gris SGN 10%

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zind sgn

The selection de grains noble (SGN) from Alsace. I guessed at 190 g/l; but is 219 g/l.

I struggle to define Pinot Gris; sometimes its pear-like, with more body than  riesling but throw in botrytis and its all too difficult. This wine is  at BA sweetness levels and the oiliness and honey elements could easily lead to choosing this as a Mosel wine; there are some phenolic aspects, nothing untowards.

Pale colour revealing some musk and lemon sherbet and botrytis spices, very sweet pear and apricot but held together by magic acidity; marvellous texture and balance, so clean – will live for another 20 years. Score 95+.

2002 Zind-humbrecht Gewurtztraminer Hengst

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ZH reduced

Deep gold, but what a hedonistic melange on the bouquet! Honey, cinnamon and other baking spices, musk, white flowers. Its very concentrated with enough acidity to carry the 41 g/l sugar. ZH rows their own boat – this wine is 15% a/v, but is in balance; phenolics add interest and texture. Amazing vitality for a 13 y/o aromatic wine, and a very suitable match for the roast chicken. Cannot see improvement but it will provide a few more years of drinking pleasure. 95= points