Gewurztraminer Cuvée Laurence Weinbach 1997 (White)

One of the most beautiful properties in Alsace, the Weinbach vineyard covers just over 26 hectares. The Capuchin monks produced a wine from the early 17th century on the historic terroir of the Clos des Capucins (5 hectares enclosed by walls). Sold as a national asset in the French Revolution, the property was acquired in 1898 by the Faller brothers, who passed it on to their son and nephew, Théo. A major figure in French viticulture and an ardent defender of Alsace's vineyards, largely responsible for their being granted AOC status, Théo Faller died in 1979. His wife Colette and her daughters Catherine and Laurence took charge of the property and continued to build its reputation; it is now known all over the world. Located at the base of the majestic Schlossberg hill, it benefits from an exceptional position that has all of the geological and climate characteristics usually associated with Alsace's finest wines. The vineyard is tended with a deep respect for nature and with a view to expressing each terroir. The harvests are delayed until optimal ripeness; after rigorous selection the grapes are gently, progressively pressed, followed by long fermentations in old oak casks. The property produces successful generic cuvées, but really stands out for its grandes cuvées, named after members of the family, and associated with each terroir.

The Laurence cuvée, owing its name to one of the daughters of the late Colette Faller, comes from the magnificent Altenbourg vineyard which sits perched at 200 m altitude on the slopes just below the outer perimeter of the Grand Cru Furstentum. This terroir favours early ripening and is ideal for the maturation of Gewürztraminer grapes, with a soil rich in marl, limestone and sandstone. Hand-harvests mean that the fruit of this noble varietal are picked at the perfect stage of maturation and this domaine favours a non-interventionist approach in the cellar; the wine is matured in old oak barrels, revealing typical aromas of spice, flowers (notably rose and honeysuckle), and fruit (yellow fruits, lychee). On the palate it is silken, unctuous and generous with a fine long, many-layered finish. Cellar for several years to unveil its full potential.

Consult price estimate for: Weinbach