Domaines Schlumberger, Les Princes Abbes, Pinot Gris, Alsace, France, 2018

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. 

Winemaker
Michel Ottermann

Grape / Blend
Pinot Gris

Origin
Alsace, France

Winemaker's Tasting Notes
The robe is lemon yellow with light reflections, of good intensity. The disk is bright, limpid and transparent. The wine shows youth.

The nose is marked, pleasant and of good intensity. We perceive a dominant of fruity scents, sweet almond, orgeat syrup as well as a characteristic but fine smoky touch. The airing enhances these scents and reveals yellow fruits, quince, Mirabelle plum, honey, flowers, acacia and orange blossom. The nose beautifully shows the varietal complexity of the Pinot Gris. A bit short but precise in its definition. The work at the vineyard and during aging, is remarkable.

The onset in the mouth is moderately ample, rich, the alcohol support is full-bodied. The wine evolves on an incisive medium, marked by a sparkling note. The range of scents is in line with that of the nose, still dominated by orgeat syrup, sweet almond, yellow fruits, Mirabelle plum, quince, acacia flowers, orange blossom, honey and this complex smoky profile. We perceive a hint of firm bitterness. The finish has a good length, 8-9 caudalies, as well as a hint of bitterness and a persistent liveliness. The wine is full balanced, tasty and with good length. The tonicity of the vintage gives it a good energy, optimized by an exquisite aromatic palette. A nice work.

This wine is perfect with a tasty cuisine. A hare terrine with Armagnac wine, a chicken pastilla, roasted veal sweetbreads with butter and black garlic or a soft and washed-rind cheese, such as the Chamberat Fermier (region of Allier).

Serving temperature : 12°C.

92 Points - James Suckling
With plenty of floral-honey, caramelized-pear and some melon aromas, medium-full body and a creamy texture, this is a very classic Alsace pinot gris. But it is drier than most with a nice touch of positive tannin at the clean finish. Generous, dry and fruity wine. The wine of compromise, accessible to all. Rather food-friendly. Drink now.

This wine goes well with apéritifs, Asian food, cold cuts, and cooked fishes.

Product size: 750ml