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Alsatian Wines Blind Tasting
Newport Beach, CA
Tasted June 12, 2009 by Paul Lin with 734 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.
Flight 1 (15 notes)
White
1997 Zind-Humbrecht Gewurztraminer
88 points
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.
White
1998 Hugel Gewurztraminer "Hugel"
85 points
Earthy notes of moss, peat, apple skin, and river water.
White
2000 Albert Mann Gewurztraminer Steingrübler
89 points
Rich aromas of lychee, fruit cake, and cinnamon. Mixed nuts and baking spices on the palate. Chewy and dense. 89-90 points.
White
2003 Trimbach Pinot Gris Reserve
86 points
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.
White
2004 Schoffit Riesling Harth
90 points
Refreshing notes of lime zest, grapefruit, kumquat, and crushed minerals. Tangy and pure with terrific acidity.
White
2005 Albert Mann Gewurztraminer Furstentum Vieilles Vignes
85 points
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.
White
2005 Zind-Humbrecht Riesling
88 points
Aromas of apricots, petrol, and touch of cornichon (pickle juice). Dry on the palate with notes of straw, kumquat and kiwi.
White
2006 Beck-Hartweg Pinot Gris Frankstein
90 points
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.
White
2006 Beck-Hartweg Riesling Cuvée Prestige
88 points
Aromas of lime zest and white flowers. Kumquat, lemongrass, and chalk on the palate. 88-89 points.
White
2006 Zind-Humbrecht Gewurztraminer Gueberschwihr
89 points
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.
White
2007 Albert Mann Gewurztraminer
82 points
Herbal and mossy with notes of soft cheese. Sweet and unbalanced.
White
2007 Beck-Hartweg Pinot Gris Cuvée Prestige
91 points
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.
White
2007 Beck-Hartweg Riesling Frankstein
90 points
Aromas of marzipan, apricot, and peaches. Lime zest on the palate with a long, lingering finish. The group's #3 wine.
White
2007 Domaine Ostertag Pinot Blanc Barriques
87 points
Chalk, minerals, and fresh river water on the nose followed by a delicate palate of lemon zest and unripe nectarines.
White
2007 Jean Albrecht Riesling Reserve
91 points
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.