94p + topscorer/Spectator. Den legendariske syd-sydøstvendte mark
med granit, glimmer og mergel har lokalt
været anset som Grand Cru i hundreder af
år. Vinen er utroligt raffineret og, selvom
den smager herligt ung, bør man opleve
nuancernes udvikling efter 8-15 års forløb.
En absolut klassiker.
Bottling date: 2/2011; Alcohol: 13.5° alc; Residual sweetness: 4.5 g/l; pH: 3.1; Yields: 38 hl/ha;
Optimum drinking period: 2014-2029+; Average age of vines: 27 years; Terroir: Biotite granite,
facing south. Steep slope. Indice 1.
94p + testvinder/Spectator: "This is a big Riesling, offering lots of minerally
smoke on the nose and palate, with intensely vivacious, crackling
acidity throughout. Flavors of white peach, papaya and star fruit are
focused and pure, but ultimately play second fiddle right now to the block
of mineral character. The finish is fresh and clean, with a long, spicy
note of freshly ground white pepper.
Drink now through 2034. 390 cases made".
Olivier om vinen:
"In 2009, the Brand showed an exceptional capacity to ripen the grapes. The warm location
(Brand comes from Brandy/English or Brandig in Alsacian!) is due to an exceptional
precocious climate but also a steep south exposure and a soil type, made of two micas
granite that allows fast temperature increase deep under the surface at the roots level.
The vineyards located in the eastern part of the Brand (Schnekelsbourg) see often more
botrytis, but those located in the middle of the Brand on poorer granite (Steinglitz
and Brand) produced healthier grapes. This part of the Brand was used to produce this
drier Brand, only after 11 months fermentation though! Early harvest (in September
versus October) and healthier grapes usually guarantee a steadier more complete yeast
activity. Of course, with commercial yeasts, it doesnÆt matter!
2/2011: the nose is showing both typical fruity aromas, typical of Brand, and also a
certain minerality and light austerity which isnÆt that usual in this vineyard. The
palate is rich and intense, very saline with a beautiful dry structure. The refinement
of the Brand vineyard compensates the dry character and power of the wine. It is
already very pleasurable but thanks to a beautiful acidity/low pH combination,
it is also a wine that deserves further cellaring".
