Garagiste

• By Jon Rimmerman
  7/9/2007 (link)

  (Schlossreben KLEIN GEWURZT) 1981 and 1993 Alsace Dear Friends, This was just confirmed and it’s another doozy of an opportunity on pristine cellar stock from Klein. The first time I tasted both wines below my only notes were “wow”. The clarity and definition is something to behold and I feel fortunate to have tried both on several occasions. If you enjoy the finest older wines with pristine provenance, here’s your chance on a few wines you are almost certain to be the only one on your block to have obtained... Both are EXTREMELY LIMITED - only a few cases of each for the entire US pulled directly from the library reserve (both are full bottles, not splits): 1993 Klein aux Vieux Remparts Gewurztraminer “Schlossreben” This is an amazing wine. I wish all of you could smell the panoply of floral aromatics and spice that spill forth from the glass fortunate enough to hold this nectar. Unctuous, intense and memorable the way a grand experience leaves a lasting impression that you call to the forefront of you memory on a rainy day to give you a well-deserved smile. A big presence but still defined and refined that is yet to fully resolve. Becomes more intense as it sits in the glass which bodes well for the future. An impression of natural sweetness lingers although I believe this wine is dry. Tasted three different bottles on different occasions and all were quite similar (reminds me of the 1993 Mann Steingrubler that Richard opened for me last year). Very rare. 1981 Klein aux Vieux Remparts Gewurztraminer “Schlossreben” What can I say? One of the definitive examples of Gewurztraminer produced in this era around St. Hippolyte and a wine that many would pull teeth to obtain. Not many examples of 25 year old Gewurztraminer exist anymore from this area (certainly not with this level of provenance) and most are kept by collectors in the UK and around Strasbourg. A soaring nose of white fruits, aged tobacco and (somehow) still fresh flowers dance around your nose and its not long before the glass beckons you to imbibe. The first sip is like a taught ball of glyceral-laden caramel-tinged Gewurztraminer from a museum - almost like they put the wine in cryogenic deep freeze and allowed it to thaw for your perusal. Where the 1993 unfolds its wings of power, the 1981 is more medium bodied, more esoteric like a great mystery in four acts that is at first lightly sweet, then again deep and brooding with a dark side that never becomes heavy. The finish lasts long enough that each sip starts to blend into the next. A wine that can last for another decade. Thank you, Jon Rimmerman Garagiste Seattle, WA Als7000 Als7100