2010 Riesling Cuvee Frederic Emile

Prominently briny and alkaline in a manner that comes as no surprise given the showing of the corresponding classic and Reserve bottlings, Trimbach’s 2010 Riesling Cuvee Frederic Emile delivers mouthwatering intrigue of oyster liquor, iodine, and oyster shell, its near severity and firmness akin to 2008 but its infectious juiciness and sheer energy more impressive. White peach with its pit as well as hints of huckleberry, sloe berry and nut oils lend succulence as well as piquancy to the long, lemony, almost piercingly bright, minerally palate-coating finish. Tasted alongside the corresponding 2011, this proves even clearer and more rivetingly dynamic. I anticipate it excelling through at least 2028. ”When it came to our own vineyards, we got only 50-55 hectoliters per hectare in 2011,” notes Pierre Trimbach of a generally abundant Alsace vintage. “We started picking already around September 10th,” he continues, “thanks to a hot, dry August and September. There was no rain until October 19, just after we finished picking.” While the Trimbachs express understandable delight with their iconic Rieslings from 2010, they bottled no Pinot Gris Reserve Personnelle and only a single wine from Gewurztraminer. “The quantity was so small, that we said ‘one bottling and that’s it,” relates Jean Trimbach. I urge wine lovers to take advantage of those bottling decisions! (What little 2010 V.T. was picked also ended up being blended out.) The Trimbachs’ Riesling line-up has recently grown by several bottlings, including one from the share of Gaisberg that they recently rented long-term from the local convent. From nearly three-decade- old vines in the highest reaches of this Kaysersberg grand cru there will be, beginning in 2012, a Trimbach Riesling Schlossberg. Both of these wines have prompted the family to break with past practice of not referencing any grand cru vineyards on its labels. Importer: Palm Bay International, Boca Raton, FL; tel. (561) 362-9642

Prominently briny and alkaline in a manner that comes as no surprise given the showing of the corresponding classic and Reserve bottlings, Trimbach’s 2010 Riesling Cuvee Frederic Emile delivers mouthwatering intrigue of oyster liquor, iodine, and oyster shell, its near severity and firmness akin to 2008 but its infectious juiciness and sheer energy more impressive. White peach with its pit as well as hints of huckleberry, sloe berry and nut oils lend succulence as well as piquancy to the long, lemony, almost piercingly bright, minerally palate-coating finish. Tasted alongside the corresponding 2011, this proves even clearer and more rivetingly dynamic. I anticipate it excelling through at least 2028. Aug 2014, www.robertparker.com