Vinous Media’s Ian d’Agata posted his reviews of the 2014 and late-release 2013 wines from Alsace, and two of our fantastic Alsatian producers-Andre Kientzler and Marc Kreydenweiss-received some glowing reviews!
For the full article, click here; for the Kientzler & Kreydenweiss scores, see below:
2014 Pinot Gris Lerchenberg-91+ pts
“Straw-green. Lime, white flowers and anise on the pungent nose. Ripe stone fruit and almond paste flavors are layered and complex. Leaves an impression of sweetness on the palate, closing lemony and bright. I especially liked this wine from Kreydenweiss, as it’s made in a fruitier, less oxidative and earthy style than many of his other wines.”
2014 Clos du Val d’Eléon-90 pts
“Straw-green. Rich aromas and flavors of apple and peach are complemented by fresh herb and mineral notes. Bright and focused on the palate, finishing with very good texture and floral length. Kreydenweiss told me this wine is a take on what was done traditionally in the past, with different vines co-planted in the same vineyard (the wine is a blend of Riesling and Pinot Gris)…this was one of the freshest, most balanced and ultimately best wines I tasted from Kreydenweiss this year.”
2014 Riesling Andlau-91 pts
“Pale lemon-green. Delicate perfume of white peach, minerals and spices. In a distinctly round, ripe style, with stone fruit and white pepper flavors lifted by lemony acidity. Closes fresh and vibrant, with a persistent note of lime.”
2014 Riesling Clos Rebberg-91+ pts
“Bright straw-green. Aromas and flavors of orchard fruits and flowers. Boasts very good balance and length, closing with a hint of orchard fruits and noteworthy salinity…this is one of the better young Clos Rebberg wines I can remember.”
2013 Riesling Grand Cru Kastelberg-89 pts
“Straw-green. Aromas of pear and apple, with a spicy nuance emerging with air. Dry and floral, conveying a high-acid mouthfeel but also a slight austerity to the flavors of mint, apple and crushed stone. The tart finish features lemon and mint notes and very good length.”
2014 Riesling Grand Cru Moenchberg-91+ pts
“Straw-green. Fresh orchard fruit and lime aromas are complicated by talcum powder and balsamic herbs. Enters the mouth very ripe and broad, then turns more vertical and austere, showing a bitter twinge to the orchard fruit flavors on the finish. Sharp acidity makes the bitterness stand out that much more…this Riesling has outstanding potential and will improve further.”
2013 Sylvaner-90+ pts
“Vibrant aromas of white flowers, quince and candied orange peel. In the mouth, enamel-shattering acidity lifts fresh flavors of quince, lemon and lime complicated by a hint of almond. Finishes bright, long and saline, with a repeating lemony note. Another crisp Alsace Sylvaner wine that will pair beautifully with shellfish and smoked fish platters.”
2013 Muscat-89 pts
“Pale straw. Clean aromas of jasmine and citrus fruits, along with hints of peach and grapefruit. Fresh and lively on the palate, with refined orchard fruit and spice elements rising on the bright, fine-grained finish.”
2013 Riesling Grand Cru Osterberg-93 pts
“Pale straw. Enticing jasmine and vanilla on the nose, with an airy quality to the grapefruit and lime aromas. On the palate, finely chiseled acidity frames flavors of white peach, guava, minerals and spices. Boasts outstanding clarity and cut thanks to the limey but very harmonious acidity, which draws out the finish…I absolutely loved this 2013 Osterberg.”
2013 Riesling Grand Cru Geisberg-92 pts
“Bright, gold-tinged straw. Licorice and baked apple aromas are complicated by anise and lime. Saline and savory in the mouth, with ripe stone fruit and anise flavors lingering through a youthfully chewy, tannic finish.”
2010 Riesling Grand Cru Geisberg-94 pts
“Pale straw-green. Marvelously complex nose of white stone fruit, pear, spicy chamomile and licorice. Lemony on entry, then richer in the middle, showing suave flavors of orchard fruits and sweet botanical herbs and a bright mineral overlay. Finishes clean and long, with a slightly flinty nuance to the lingering apple compote and ripe citrus flavors. Marvelously complex, multilayered wine.”
2012 Muscat Grand Cru Kirchberg de Ribeauvillé-91 pts
“Pale straw-green. Delicate floral and mineral nuances to the fresh citrus aromas and flavors. Bright and multilayered, with vibrant, lively acidity giving clarity and cut to the middle palate. Finishes crisp, floral and long. The highly mineral, steely aromas and flavors are not unlike those of Saar Rieslings.”