Description
This is a very cool/unique/avant garde wine that Agathe ages in a single, second use barrel purchased from Jean Claude Ramonet (à la her Pinot Noirs); this year’s example is a nearly bone dry wine that is meant to express the pure limestone nature of the upper Zinnkoepflé, in cofermented sytle, à l’ancienne. It is a blend of one-third each Sylvaner, Pinot Gris, and Riesling, and is chock full of telltale salty, tranchant (cutting) limestone mineral attack. In principle, she wanted to make a wine that allies the strengths of each variety, combining the Sylvaner’s textural allure and depth with Riesling’s cut, and the fruit and charm of Pinot Gris. In each and every vintage that I have brought this in, the few brave souls who have ventured to check it out have come back to me with holy molys and OMFGs, as the sense of complexity and unique charm are something very unique and special indeed…..This year’s may be my favorite iteration yet, as its sense of intensity and poise are simply knockout gorgeous. On the world stage of vinous quality, this holds its own and then some, which will not be lost on any taster…..a little * awarded here.