Alsatian Wines Blind Tasting
Newport Beach, CA
Tasted Friday, June 12, 2009 by Paul Lin with 826 views
Introduction
This tasting was conducted blind.
The group's top wines were: #1 2006 Zind-Humbrecht Gewurztraminer, #2 1997 Zind-Humbrecht Gewurztraminer, #3 2007 Beck-Hartweg Riesling Grand Cru Frankstein. Based upon these rankings, it seems clear that the sweeter wines won the day. My top wines, on the other hand, were: #1 2007 Jean Albrecht Riesling Reserve, #2 2007 Beck-Hartweg Pinot Gris Cuvée Prestige, #3 2006 Beck-Hartweg Pinot Gris Grand Cru Frankstein.
1997 Zind-Humbrecht Gewurztraminer 88 Points
France, Alsace
Rich and aged aromas of Captain Crunch cereal and caramel. Honey, dried peaches, and a touch of oyster shells on the palate. This was the group's #2 wine.
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1998 Hugel Gewurztraminer "Hugel" 85 Points
France, Alsace
Earthy notes of moss, peat, apple skin, and river water.
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2000 Albert Mann Gewurztraminer Steingrübler 89 Points
France, Alsace, Alsace Grand Cru
Rich aromas of lychee, fruit cake, and cinnamon. Mixed nuts and baking spices on the palate. Chewy and dense. 89-90 points.
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2003 Trimbach Pinot Gris Reserve 86 Points
France, Alsace
Muted aromas of graham crackers and baking spices followed by wet stones and mossy river water on the palate. At one point, the wine smelled of wet socks.
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2004 Schoffit Riesling Harth 90 Points
France, Alsace
Refreshing notes of lime zest, grapefruit, kumquat, and crushed minerals. Tangy and pure with terrific acidity.
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2005 Albert Mann Gewurztraminer Furstentum Vieilles Vignes 85 Points
France, Alsace, Alsace Grand Cru
Exotic notes of charcuterie, ocean spray, oyster shells, lychee, and spiced pears. The meatiness of the nose was a bit of a turn-off, but the palate was decent.
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2005 Zind-Humbrecht Riesling 88 Points
France, Alsace
Aromas of apricots, petrol, and touch of cornichon (pickle juice). Dry on the palate with notes of straw, kumquat and kiwi.
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2006 Beck-Hartweg Pinot Gris Frankstein 90 Points
France, Alsace, Alsace Grand Cru
Interesting and complex aromas of fresh river water, moss , and peat followed by a palate of honeydew melon and stone fruits. Long finish. My #3 wine. 90-91 points.
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2006 Beck-Hartweg Riesling Cuvée Prestige 88 Points
France, Alsace
Aromas of lime zest and white flowers. Kumquat, lemongrass, and chalk on the palate. 88-89 points.
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2006 Zind-Humbrecht Gewurztraminer Gueberschwihr 89 Points
France, Alsace
Initially musty, setting off my TCA alert, but with air notes of honey, green tea, dried herbs and marzipan emerged. An intriguing Gewurtz. Although somewhat controversial, this ended up being the group's #1 wine. 89-90 points.
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2007 Albert Mann Gewurztraminer 82 Points
France, Alsace
Herbal and mossy with notes of soft cheese. Sweet and unbalanced.
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2007 Beck-Hartweg Pinot Gris Cuvée Prestige 91 Points
France, Alsace
A little surprised to learn that this was a Pinot Gris. Notes of lychee, kiwi, and spiced pears. Refined and elegant on the palate. My #2 wine.
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2007 Beck-Hartweg Riesling Frankstein 90 Points
France, Alsace, Alsace Grand Cru
Aromas of marzipan, apricot, and peaches. Lime zest on the palate with a long, lingering finish. The group's #3 wine.
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2007 Domaine Ostertag Pinot Blanc Barriques 87 Points
France, Alsace
Chalk, minerals, and fresh river water on the nose followed by a delicate palate of lemon zest and unripe nectarines.
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2007 Jean Albrecht Riesling Reserve 91 Points
France, Alsace
Aromas of white flowers, vanilla bean, almond extract, and moss. Elegant on the palate with notes of lime zest and river water. My #1 wine and the group's #4. 91-92 points.
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