As we noted back in February, 2019 is a wonderful vintage for Domaine Weinbach. Investments in the cellar and the purchase of new vineyards has heralded a newfound energy at the estate – an energy that seems to have been transferred into the very wines themselves.
The critics are united in their praise. Jancis Robinson MW was an early admirer of the wines, saying of the 2019 Schlossberg Riesling “This is Alsace Riesling at its very best. Such depth and reverberation already. This is the sort of wine I could drink all night.” Now Stuart Pigott has released his scores on jamessuckling.com and they are emphatic. With a mighty 99 points, top billing goes to Riesling Schlossberg St Catherine, a majestic cuvee from old vines in the very heart of Alsace’s first Grand Cru. The mineral tones of Riesling Schlossberg, from the highest section of the slope garner an impressive 97/100 as do the exotically spiced Gewurztraminers Furstentum (Grand Cru) and Altenbourg. The complex sleek caress of Pinot Gris Cuvee St Catherine is another 97 point wine – “if you’ve never tasted great Alsatian pinot gris, here is the place to start!”.
Read MoreFor point of reference we will also include Weinbach’s 2018 Schlossberg St Catherine Riesling – rated 99/100 and crowned French wine of the year 2020 by James Suckling and his team, who describe it as “a masterpiece of concentrated minerality …(with)… a seductive, kaleidoscopic array of yellow and exotic-fruit aromas (most obviously puréed peach)”
As we have so often said, these are some of the wine world’s most gastronomically friendly wines – textured, seamless and versatile and with the concentration to enhance even the richest dishes. Now fully Demeter certified Biodynamic and with the next generation taking the helm, the future looks bright for this historic Alsatian estate.
All notes below written by Stuart Pigott on jamessuckling.com
Domaine Weinbach Riesling Alsace Grand Cru Schlossberg Cuvée Ste. Catherine 2019
Enveloping, sensual bouquet of a thousand yellow fruits and some wild berries that’s just beginning to reveal its profundity. Gigantic concentration, but this remains as light on its feet as a prima ballerina. The gentle creaminess on the palate perfectly balances the mineral acidity that seems to blink like a star low in the sky. Enormously long and subtle finish. From biodynamically grown grapes with Demeter certification. Drinkable now, but better from 2023. 99/100
Domaine Weinbach Riesling Alsace Grand Cru Schlossberg 2019
This is so elegant and refined, with such a complex bouquet of aromas that range from bitter lemon, through red apple and quince to white peach. Then comes the finely etched palate that’s simultaneously very nimble and intense. Breathtaking delicacy at the crystalline finish! From biodynamically grown grapes. Drinkable now, but better from 2022. 97/100
Domaine Weinbach Gewurztraminer Alsace Altenbourg 2019
Breathtaking nose of tropical flowers and foliage after rain, with a whiff of smoke in the air. This has spectacular elegance and minerality for a wine of this stature (14.5% alcohol). I love the fresh-ginger note that already suggests the kind of dishes that would pair beautifully with this masterpiece of restrained extravagance. Only a hint of sweetness at the ravishing finish. From biodynamically grown grapes. Drink or hold. 97/100
Domaine Weinbach Gewurztraminer Alsace Grand Cru Furstentum 2019
A very concentrated, complex Alsace gewurztraminer with enormous spice, plus some candied orange, mangosteen and lychee. There’s serious structure, which wines of this kind need to age gracefully, plus spot-on balance of the touch of grape sweetness with fine tannins and discreet acidity. The finish is quite dry with so many delicate, spicy notes. From biodynamically grown grapes. Drink or hold. 97/100
Domaine Weinbach Pinot Gris Alsace Cuvée Ste. Catherine 2019
If you’ve never tasted a great Alsace pinot gris, here is the place to start! All the richness and creaminess we expect from this category, but married to lively acidity and pristine clarity. We love the super ripe pear bouquet with hints of exotic fruit and flowers. No perceptible tannins and still dry enough at the delicately spicy and mineral finish to be food-flexible. Drink or hold. 97/100
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