Domaines Schlumberger, Les Princes Abbes, Gewurztraminer, Alsace, France, 2019

Overview of the Wine
The vineyards of Domaines Schlumberger were originally planted by the Romans and were later controlled by the Prince Abbotts of Murbach, an order of monks who established their seat at the town of Guebwiller in the southern end of Alsace. When the estates of the Abbey were put up for sale after the French Revolution, a local mill owner named Nicolas Schlumberger purchased 20 hectares.

Today, the Nicolas Schlumberger's heirs own and cultivate a 135 hectares spread located over four miles on the steep flanks of the Vosges Mountains. The Schlumberger vineyards are the largest in Alsace, and one of the largest blocks of contiguous vineyards in France. The domaine also has the distinction of owning the largest acreage of Alsace grand cru vineyards, and references to the famous blocks of Kessler, Kitterle and Saering date back to ancient Roman times.

Domaines Schlumberger is renowned for its luscious wines, full in body and flavor. Their richness and delicate sweetness is balanced by excellent acidity. Therefore, the wines are never cloying or overly heavy. Even the vendange tardive, or late harvest dessert wines - the Gewurztraminers Cuvée Anne and Cuvée Christine capture exquisite honeyed flavors with an ethereal lightness.

Grape / Blend
Gewurztraminer

Origin
Alsace, France

Winemaker's Tasting Notes
The robe is golden yellow with green reflections of good intensity. The disk is bright, limpid and transparent. The wine shows youth. The nose is marked, pleasant and intense, and sophisticated, with candied and overripe scents marked by exoticism: grapefruit, passion fruit, papaya, spices and ginger. The airing enhances these scents and reveals mango as well as a slight floral hint of peony. The onset in the mouth is moderately ample and mellow. The class of the vintage tempers the extent of the grape variety. Marked by a sophisticated and subtle aromatic palette, this profile is remarkable.

90 Points - Wine Enthusiast
Grassy and petrol fragrances all but bury hints of lychee and forest floor aromas. Sweet lychee and lemony acidity come to the forefront on the palate, balanced by green bell pepper and a tenacious back note of petrol. The finish is clean and bright. The pyrazines are unexpected but not unpleasant, aiding the acidity in making this sweet wine quite refreshing.

Product size: 750ml