Domaine Weinbach, Pinot Gris, Les Caracoles, Alsace, France, 2021

Overview of the Wine
At the foot of the majestic Schlossberg hill surrounded by vines and roses, lies Domaine Weinbach. Named after the little stream which runs through the property, and planted with vines since the 9th century, it was established as a winery in 1612 by Capuchin friars. After being sold as national property during the French Revolution, it was acquired by the Faller brothers in 1898 who then left it to their son and nephew, Théo. Théo Faller was a prominent figure in Alsace winegrowing and an ardent defender of quality wine production. After his death in 1979, his wife Colette, his daughters Catherine and Laurence, and their team continued the family’s passion for the great wines of Alsace and its unrelenting commitment to excellence. Since 2016, Catherine has led the estate winery with her sons, Eddy and Théo. Employing both organic and biodynamic practices, Domaine Weinbach produces an exquisite range of wines: estate varietal wines including Riesling, Muscat, Pinot Gris, Sylvaner and Pinot Blanc, single vineyard wines that express the diversity of the terroir, and luscious yet balanced vendanges tardives and selections de grains nobles wines.

Grape / Blend
Pinot Gris/Grigio

Origin
Alsace, France

Tasting Notes
Subtle and delicate nose of honey and exotic fruit, with smoky and buttery notes. Rich and well structured on the palate, crisp and supple thanks to a lively acidity which frames the flavours. A dense, concentrated wine showing a very elegant and persistent finish.

96 Points - James Suckling
If you are ever worried that Alsace pinot gris might be too extravagant for you, here is an incredibly pure and wonderfully balanced example. Super-ripe apricot yet so bright and clean, then you are pulled into the simultaneous rich and tense palate of this amazing pinot gris. Very dry and extremely straight finish. From biodynamically grown grapes with Demeter certification. Drink or hold.

91 Points - Vinous
The 2021 Pinot Gris Les Caracoles is named after the Schnackator lieu-dit, a name perhaps linked to snail-shaped fossils in the limestone soils. It is just underneath the grand cru Furstentum, on clay and limestone; the vines are 40-50 years old. This was aged in foudre, and the nose is very shy. There is a mere faint note of lemon. The palate then presents a cool, lemon-edged sense of juicy pear but remains streamlined and bright, giving the merest edge of almond skin bitterness. The finish is bone-dry and mouth-watering. (Bone-dry) (AK)

Product size: 750ml