2018 Trimbach Brand Riesling Grand Cru, Alsace

This vibrant white is focused by vivid acidity and a savory mineral elements. Crisp flavors of apple, Mexican gherkins, quince blossom and lemon zest are layered and nuanced. This is broad in shoulders, but moves gracefully, presenting a velvety mouthfeel.

92 points Wine Enthusiast

The Trimbach family have been making wine in Alsace since 1626 and remain one of the region's most revered names. Across thirteen generations they have championed dry, precise and remarkably ageworthy Rieslings, with the family's finest vineyard bottlings sitting comfortably among the greatest white wines of France.

Grand Cru Brand sits above the village of Turckheim and is one of Alsace's oldest and most famous vineyard sites, its name translating simply as "burnt earth" in reference to its warm, sun drenched slopes. Granite rich soils and excellent exposure produce Rieslings of concentration and generosity, often showing a more powerful and exotic profile than the wines of Ribeauvillé while retaining impressive freshness and structure.

The colour is a brilliant pale gold with youthful flashes of green. Aromas of lime zest, white peach and preserved lemon are layered with acacia blossom, wet stone and hints of spice. The palate is rich and expansive, delivering ripe citrus and stone fruit flavours wrapped around a core of granite driven minerality. There is impressive concentration here, balanced by vibrant acidity and a long, saline finish that lingers beautifully.

A wonderful match for lobster with saffron butter, grilled kingfish with fennel, roast chicken with wild mushrooms or a pumpkin and sage risotto. While already highly expressive, the structure and balance suggest this Grand Cru Riesling will continue evolving gracefully through to 2040 and beyond.