2007 Trimbach Gewurztraminer SGN Hors Choix, Alsace

Pale color. Very pure, inviting nose offers mirabelle, smoked meat, nutmeg and mace. Dense, glyceral and superconcentrated; like an essence of spice. Here, too, the wine's thickness is perfectly cut by sound, ripe acidity, giving it impeccable balance and considerable early sexy appeal. 
 
Offers a wonderful combination of fresh fruit and pure botrytis spiciness. This bottling was previously made in 2000 and 1989.
 
94 points Stephen Tanzer vinous.com

2007 Trimbach Gewurztraminer Sélection de Grains Nobles Hors Choix from Alsace is a rare and magnificent dessert wine, crafted only in the most exceptional vintages when perfect botrytis-affected grapes are hand selected berry by berry. Trimbach, one of Alsace’s most historic and respected producers, has been making wine since 1626, and this SGN Hors Choix represents the pinnacle of their craft — a wine of extraordinary intensity, purity and longevity.

The fruit comes from old-vine Gewurztraminer parcels in the best hillside vineyards around Ribeauvillé, where warm days and cool nights encourage slow ripening and concentration. In 2007, conditions were ideal for noble rot, with alternating misty mornings and sunny afternoons that allowed botrytis to develop evenly, dehydrating the berries and concentrating sugars, acidity and aromatics. Each grape was carefully picked by hand over multiple passes, gently pressed, and fermented slowly in stainless steel before being aged to harmonise richness with precision.

In the glass it glows deep gold with amber reflections. The aroma is opulent and layered, revealing rose petal, lychee, candied orange peel and honey, alongside exotic spices, saffron and dried apricot. The palate is rich and viscous yet perfectly balanced by fresh acidity and a subtle mineral undertone. Flavours of tropical fruit, marmalade and caramelised ginger unfold endlessly across a long, crystalline finish. The sweetness is profound but never cloying, carried by remarkable lift and finesse.

It is a wine for contemplation, best enjoyed with foie gras, blue cheese, tarte Tatin or simply on its own as a meditation wine. Still youthful despite its age, it will continue to evolve gracefully for decades, gaining notes of truffle, spice and dried fruit while retaining its remarkable purity.