Winemaker Notes
Rounding out this trio of masterpieces is Boxler’s towering Riesling Eckberg. From a steep mid-slope vineyard in the geographic center of the Sommerberg grand cru, in pure granite rising just behind the village of Niedermorschwihr, the Eckberg parcel will be vinified separately by Boxler in exceptional years. This vintage is notable for its power, concentration, and explosiveness. Also noteworthy is the fact that you can drink it now, as it is much more forward in style than the Dudenstein bottling we highlighted last month. Look no further. You have reached Riesling nirvana.
Professional Ratings
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Robert Parker's Wine Advocate
The intensely yellow-colored 2019 Riesling Grand Cru Sommerberg Eckberg opens with an intense, complex and very elegant bouquet of exceptional depth and finesse. Beautiful crystalline stone and citrus aromas lead to a rich and elegant, vibrantly fresh palate with remarkable, finely racy salty-piquant acidity and lush, generous fruit that immediately intermingles with the acidity and mineral grip that leads to a long and intense finish. Still young, this is a long-distance runner that I would start drinking in about 8 to 10 years. 14% stated alcohol. Natural cork. Rating: 95+
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Decanter
Exotic aromas of melon, tangy fruit and some smoky notes. Attractive on the palate with hints of flowers and a rich finish.
Riesling possesses a remarkable ability to reflect the character of wherever it is grown while still maintaining its identity. A regal variety of incredible purity and precision, this versatile grape can be just as enjoyable dry or sweet, young or old, still or sparkling and can age longer than nearly any other white variety. Somm Secret—Given how difficult it is to discern the level of sweetness in a Riesling from the label, here are some clues to find the dry ones. First, look for the world “trocken.” (“Halbtrocken” or “feinherb” mean off-dry.) Also a higher abv usually indicates a drier Riesling.
Small but mighty, this picturesque region in northeastern France is renowned for its white wines produced by passionate families whose winemaking roots span generations and even centuries. Nestled between the Vosges Mountains and the Rhine River, Alsace benefits from a sunny, dry climate and a long growing season. It is one of the most geologically diverse regions in the world — one of the many reasons why Alsace rocks!
Alsace wines include dry, mineral-driven Riesling, earthy Pinot Gris, refreshing Pinot Blanc, exuberant Gewurztraminer, elegant Pinot Noir, and more. From traditional-method sparkling wines to easy-drinking AOC Alsace, to complex Grand Cru bottlings from 51 distinct sites, and rich, late harvest wines, Alsace produces a wine for every occasion. Most Alsace wines are single-varietal bottlings and are labeled with the grape name. The region is also one of the greenest wine-producing areas in France, with 36% of its vineyard area certified organic.
Riesling, the region’s calling card, is dry, fresh and floral in its youth, developing complex mineral and flint character with age. Gewurztraminer is known for its signature spice and lychee aromatics. Pinot Gris is prized for its combination of crisp acidity and savory spice as well as ripe stone fruit flavors. Pinot Blanc is an affable food partner or porch sipper. Pinot Noir, the only red grape in AOC Alsace, is now authorized in three Grand Cru areas and is also used for Crémant d’Alsace sparkling rosé. Any bottle you choose will offer deliciousness, pleasure and value that is unprecedented in other wine regions.