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Country: | France |
Region: | Alsace |
Winery: | Wolfberger |
Grape Type: | Gewurztraminer |
Vintage: | 2017 |
Bottle Size: | 750 ml |
Wolfberger Alsace Grand Cru Hengst Gewurztraminer is made from 100 percent Grand Cru Gewurztraminer.
Hengst means stallion in alsatian.
Floral nose, yellow fruits, sweet spices. The mouth is ample with the same aromatic.
Tangential filtration before bottling.Vinification in stainless steel tanks at 16°C then aging on fine lees until spring of the following year.
Full-bodied cheese (munster, époisses), curry, dessert with fresh fruit
Review:
"Pear, mustard blossom and stemmy aromas are fun and lighthearted. This wine is vivacious with acidity and has a rich, creamy texture offering all of the lychee and spice you could want. Grassy dill complements those and adds a lovely savory note to this sweet wine. Kysela Père et Fils. Editors’ Choice. - Layla Schlack"
- Wine Enthusiast (November 2021), 94 pts, Editors' Choice
The Wolfberger Estate
Wolfberger is a union of producers located in Eguisheim, south of Colmar. The city was also the home of Pope Leo IX, the Reformer (Pope from 1048 – 1054 A.D.). The winery was founded in 1902 when a group of wine-growers in Eguisheim decided to join forces to create one of the first cooperatives in Alsace. The cave counts 800 members today. Wolfberger combines tradition and constant innovation to elaborate high quality wines and preserve their typicity.
The resident oenologist at Wolfberger is Bertrand Praz. A young but extremely capable winemaker, he learned his craft at the famous Dijon wine school and from working at the Mumm Champagne House. He has taken huge strides in raising the quality level here. They also take their evaluative wine tasting very seriously and have a highly efficient set-up for tasters. The amphitheatre style classroom has individual wine-tasting desks each with light, spit bowl and automatic water faucet.
"This huge cooperative with more than 800 members makes charming crémant sparklers and clean varietals at a bargain price." - Anthony Dias Blue's Pocket Guide to Wine 2006
"An Alsatian cooperative located just south of the town of Colmar, these are tasty, fairly priced, dry white wines from a region that could use some help." - Wine Advocate (Aug. 2010)
Wolfberger is the rare example, in the wine world, of bigger actually being better.
The Wolfberger Vineyard
With 1300 hectares (3,211 acres), 500 hectares of which are in and around Eguisheim, there is a lot of raw material for a specialty importer to choose from. Pinot Blanc has been known in Alsace since the 16th century. Today it covers 22% of the vineyards and is the second most important variety after Riesling. It succeeds well in most soils and enjoys the dry microclimate of the area. The grapes are gathered in vineyards situated above Eguisheim and in surrounding villages. Rangen is the most southerly vineyard in Alsace and belongs to the towns of Thann and Vieux-Thann. This mountainside vineyard ranges from 340 to 470 m in altitude, and its slopes are extremely steep (up to 85%), with dark, stony soil, where harvesting resembles mountain climbing because the grape-pickers work from top to bottom, secured with harnesses and ropes. The grapes are brought down on sledges. The river Thur which flows at its base helps to preserve it from spring frosts. From the geological point of view, Rangen is immediately adjacent to the main Vosges fault and lies on the Devonian-Carboniferous volcano-clastic base. This gives a siliceous rock, more or less coarse sand, with acid and basic minerals, fertilizing elements for the soil: Ca, K, Mg, Mn, Fe, F, P, S, with trace elements. Rangen is the only vineyard
Wolfberger Alsace Gewurztraminer is made from 100 percent Gewurztraminer
Very aromatic, with rose petal, peach and honeysuckle aromas. Full bodied, bright, zesty and crisp, this wine is extravagant and extroverted.
This wine has been awarded with silver and gold medal on a regular basis for the last decade.
This new red wine blend is produced from Suisun Valley, a remarkable AVA that has become the Wagner family’s second home. A 30-minute drive from Napa, Suisun has ideal soils and climate for a variety of grapes. The Walking Fool is named after a long-ago relative who was often seen traveling by foot – thus earning this affectionate moniker. Featuring Zinfandel and Petite Sirah, this wine is smooth and lively, with juicy raspberry, notes of espresso and softly fine tannins.
Howard Park Abercrombie Cabernet Sauvignon 100% Cabernet Sauvignon.
The 2018 Abercrombie reflects the highs that can be achieved in a superb vintage when thoughtful and deliberate winemaking combine with exceptional vineyards. The color is a vivid, deep ruby, tingeing purple and betraying the wine's youth. The bouquet evolves in a measured fashion as the wine slowly aerates, filling the glass with textbook Cabernet perfume of powerful dark fruits, rubbed bay leaf, cedar, coffee beans and vanilla. Intensity and purity of fruit is the standout feature, and this transmits seamlessly to the palate, where the profound structure and effortless length also take centre stage. The harmony of rich fruit, clean and vibrant acidity and fine, abiding tannins speak to the beguiling nature of this young wine and the glorious future that awaits its patient custodians in ensuing decades. This is true West Australian Cabernet.
Named for Walter Abercrombie, the much loved Great Grandfather and mentor of Jeff Burch, the owner of Howard Park Wines, this is Howard Park's finest Cabernet Sauvignon.
Howard Park’s winemaking philosophy is to craft elegant, age-worthy wines from our best sites in the Margaret River & Great Southern regions of Western Australia. Critical site selection, meticulous viticultural practice and detailed winemaking underline each Icon wine.
Review:
This is really fine with such polished and manicured fruit and tannins that deliver a thoroughly refined and beautiful palate with sweet dark fruit, from currants to blackberries. Long, long finish. Hard not to drink now. But one for the cellar. Try after 2025.
-James Suckling 97 Points
Wolfberger Cremant d Alsace Rose Brut is 100 % Pinot Noir.
The wines from Alsace date back to 589 A.D., but Cremant d’Alsace has more recent beginnings, starting in 1900. Dopff au Moulin (founded in 1574) was the first to produce Cremant d’Alsace in the Method Champenoise style. Cremant d’Alsace received AOC status for sparkling wine in 1976. Two types of Cremant are produced today, resulting in about 2.5 million+ cases of Cremant d’Alsace production annually:
Wolfberger's Cremant d'Alsace Rose Brut displays a lovely delicate salmon color with active, small bubbles. Round and full-bodied, this Cremant Rose displays beautiful watermelon and strawberry aromas cascading in a smooth finish. A minimum of 15 months bottle aging before disgorging ensures ripeness.
Wolfberger Alsace Edelzwicker is made from 40 % Pinot Blanc, 30% Riesling, 15% Gewurztraminer and 15 % Muscat
Edelzwicker has a nose of grilled almonds and walnuts, with a light floral hint following. The first sip shows its true character: fresh and lemony with vegetal, herbaceous flavor. It is round and easy drinking, not overpowering and finishes clean.
Each grape variety is harvested individually in early or mid-October on the most suitable date for each vineyard.
It is a good companion for food without ever dominating it. In Alsace it is served by the glass or in large jugs to partner regional specialties. In general Edelzwicker goes well with fresh salads, cold or warm starters, but also with oysters, mussels and seafood. It should always be served chilled, around 10 ° C.
Begude Bandol Rouge La Brulade is made from 95% Mourvedre and 5% Grenache.
"La Brulade" is the name of a select slope located at an altitude of 400 meters overlooking the Mediterranean sea between La Baie d'Amour (the town of La Ciotat) in the South and La Sainte Baume in the North. This is one of the highest parcels in the Bandol appellation.
The wine is only produced in exceptional vintages. This carefully selected blend is made of 95% Mourvedre and 5% Grenache, aged in large French oak barrels for 24 months.
The wine shows a deep purple color. It is fresh and fruity on the nose with intense garrigue aromas. Structured, elegant and well-balanced on the palate with strong tannins. Licorice, ripe black fruits, garrigue flavors and some peppery freshness on the finish.
The 35-year old grapes are grown on clay and limestone soils and are farmed organically. Yield is very low - 15hl/ha. The grapes are harvested manually.
Winemaking: Double selection, destemming, crushing before skin contact fermentation. No filtration. Aging for 24 months in French oak casks (600L).
Grilled meat (lamb, beef, boar), Mediterranean cuisine, spicy dishes.
Review:
"Complex nose with deep black berry fruits, spice and hints of polish. Really lovely texture with layers of creamy red and black fruits, spices and powerful but super fine tannins. Great expression of the appellation; powerfully long."
- Decanter World Wine Award 2020 - 97 pts & Platinum Medal
Wolfberger Alsace Grand Cru Riesling Rangen de Thann is made from 100 percent Riesling.
Mineral, spicy, minty with some eucalyptus notes, tropical fruits, grapefruit. Balanced and exotic in the finish, with long lasting flavors.
The Rangen Grand Cru is located in Thann, deep in the south of Alsace. Its particular soil is made of volcano-clastic rocks that drink up the heat of the day and send it back out again at night. The composition of the soil allows the roots of the vines to drink deeply from the mineral-rich sub-soil. Its southern exposure has the advantage of refreshing, drying winds in case of dampness. The high slopes are quite steep, reaching 68% in some places, requiring that the harvest be done by abseiling or roping down. Perfect for aging, these wines will reveal even more qualities after several years in the cellar.
Pair with Serve with fish, seafood, sushi, sashimi, goat cheese, vegetarian food.
Review:
"Aromas shimmy out of the glass. An enticing haze of petrol is lifted by lime and grapefruit zest, as well as pineapple. The texture of this wind is smooth and heavy, but the acidity and citrus notes bring freshness and light. A long finish carries just a hint of menthol. - LAYLA SCHLACK"
- Wine Enthusiast (November 2021), 93 pts
Wolfberger Alsace Grand Cru Riesling Rangen de Thann is made from 100 percent Riesling.
Mineral, spicy, minty with some eucalyptus notes, tropical fruits, grapefruit. Balanced and exotic in the finish, with long lasting flavors.
The Rangen Grand Cru is located in Thann, deep in the south of Alsace. Its particular soil is made of volcano-clastic rocks that drink up the heat of the day and send it back out again at night. The composition of the soil allows the roots of the vines to drink deeply from the mineral-rich sub-soil. Its southern exposure has the advantage of refreshing, drying winds in case of dampness. The high slopes are quite steep, reaching 68% in some places, requiring that the harvest be done by abseiling or roping down. Perfect for aging, these wines will reveal even more qualities after several years in the cellar.
Pair with Serve with fish, seafood, sushi, sashimi, goat cheese, vegetarian food.
Wolfberger Alsace Gewurztraminer is made from 100 percent Gewurztraminer
Very aromatic, with rose petal, peach and honeysuckle aromas. Full bodied, bright, zesty and crisp, this wine is extravagant and extroverted.
This wine has been awarded with silver and gold medal on a regular basis for the last decade.
Wolfberger Riesling Muenchberg Grand Cru is made from 100 percent Riesling.
The Muenchberg facing south terroir located in the commune of Nothalten benefits from a unique microclimate. From the 12th century, the Cistercian monks started cultivating the stony and sandy soils formed by volcanic sediments of 250 million years old. Hence the name of the terroir meaning “monks’ mountain”.
This volcanic stony, sandy soils absorb and retain the sunshine heat. They provide excellent drainage and rapid warming, as the ground in this small valley is protected from the rain. The Muenchberg terroir is perfectly suited for Riesling. The nobility of the varietal is due to its late-ripening character and a rare, real fullness from the exceptional terroir which, while unfertile, helps the vines produce fewer grapes with high concentration of flavors.
This Riesling Grand Cru Muenchberg shows a pale yellow color and gold tints. The nose develops complex citrus aromas, verbena and a mineral character. On the palate the wine is dense, fresh, full-bodied and sophisticated with elegant acidity. The finish develops refined bitterness, citrus peels flavors and a touch of salinity.
This Grand Cru matches well seafood, bass with sauce, sea bream with fennel, dry goat’s cheese, roasted poultry with Riesling sauce.
Domaine Sipp Mack Alsace Pinot Gris Grand Cru Rosacker is made from 100 percent Grand Cru Pinot Gris.
Rigor and diligence were the key words for this emotional 2016 vintage!
The year starts with heavy rainfall and low temperatures, severely delaying the growing cycle. The month of May sees temperatures increase and the tropical atmosphere favors the development of mildew. Finally, the dry and sunny summer allowed our heavy soils to avoid maturity blockages linked to water stress. The 2016 harvest started in early September and ended 7 weeks later, a record!
In the cellar, the sanitary condition was very good, the wines developed freshness, complexity and fine, ripe acidity.
SITUATION
Fresh notes of mango and peach, enhanced by a sweet sensation, dominate the palate. The finish is long thanks to a lively acidity. It will go perfectly with white meats, firm fish and cheeses with character.
Review:
Ripe, pristine notes of yellow pear on this wine's nose come with notions of creamy banana and vanilla. The palate carries rich, concentrated fruit, but in a precise fashion that channels the rounded ripeness into smooth generosity. A vein of freshness and smidge of sweetness give the fruit staying power and verve. Together they present an off-dry wine with immense potential and elegance. Drink by 2045.
-Wine Enthusiast 94 Points
Wolfberger Alsace Edelzwicker is made from 40 % Pinot Blanc, 30% Riesling, 15% Gewurztraminer and 15 % Muscat
Edelzwicker has a nose of grilled almonds and walnuts, with a light floral hint following. The first sip shows its true character: fresh and lemony with vegetal, herbaceous flavor. It is round and easy drinking, not overpowering and finishes clean.
Each grape variety is harvested individually in early or mid-October on the most suitable date for each vineyard.
It is a good companion for food without ever dominating it. In Alsace it is served by the glass or in large jugs to partner regional specialties. In general Edelzwicker goes well with fresh salads, cold or warm starters, but also with oysters, mussels and seafood. It should always be served chilled, around 10 ° C.
Elvio Cogno Baroloa Ravera is made from 100 percent Nebbiolo.
2017 is to be considered a very good vintage. Despite being characterized by hot and dry summer months, water reserves in the soil and September rain saved the vines from being stressed by water shortage. These factors, together with the excellent exposure of our plots and the scrupulous practices adopted in the vineyard during the growing season, allowed the grapes to fully ripen, avoiding to anticipate the harvest date too much. The 2017 wines are incredibly pleasant to drink: they are rich in crunchy red fruit, with an energetic mouthfeel, dominated by freshness and elegant tannins.
Goes well with braised meats, stewed game, roasts, and mature cheeses such as pecorino and Parmigiano Reggiano.
Brilliant garnet-red in color with orange highlights. Firm, elegant and potent on the nose, it has scents of dog-rose, mint and tobacco, scents that meld over the course of time into spice, coffee, licorice, truffle, leather and minerals. A full-bodied, rounded bouquet of great structure and balance, redolent of plum jam and withered brambles. The persistent chocolatey aftertaste is harmonious and enticing. Over the years, it gradually refines its characteristics to achieve classic elegance and composure.
Review:
Made by the estate that put this celebrated cru on the map, and showing an enviable combination of elegance and power, this stunning wine opens with aromas of wild berries, underbrush, dark spice and balsamic notes of cedar and new leather. The tense, savory palate is loaded with youthful energy, showing succulent Marasca cherry, raspberry, cinnamon and star anise framed in tightly knit, refined tannins and surprisingly bright acidity for the vintage. A mineral note suggesting iron adds depth to the close.
-Wine Enthusiast 98 Point
Lingua Franca The Plow Pinot Noir is made from 100 percent Pinot Noir.
A large proportion of fruit from some of our finest sites, 48% coming from Blocks 1 - 3, planted with PN777 clone. Another 44% is sourced from two blocks of the bold PN 115. The elegant and nuanced PN777 Pinot Noir grown on Gelderman-Jory soils creates the top notes of mineral, rose petal and savory elements while the PN115 provides the fruit, body and weight of the wine.
Loin of lamb, Filet Mignon, veal chop, veal scallopini, pasta with Bolognese sauce, charcuterie, hard cheeses, hamburger, Viennese boiled beef (Tafelspitz), Wienerschnitzel, Kalbi, Bulgogi. Teriyaki, Vietnamese shaking beef, Chinese broccoli beef or Feast of the Immortals? Experimentation is welcome!
Review:
The 2022 Pinot Noir Estate saw 20% whole clusters and 20% new oak. A representation of the vineyard, the blend can vary from year to year. The 2022 is a ripe ruby color and opens to notes of spice and ripe raspberries. Medium-bodied, it’s a great appellation wine, with ripe tannins and a great finish. Drink 2024-2036. A few thousand cases were produced.
-Jeb Dunnuck 94 Points