Domaine Weinbach Alsace Wine Tasting at Wine Watch

"What is man, when you come to think upon him, but a minutely set, ingenious machine for turning, with infinite artfulness, the red wine of Shiraz into urine?" - Isak Dinesen [1885-1962] "Seven Gothic Tales":

I am in Texas right now getting an even better sun tan than I already have but I wanted to remind you that we have an incredible tasting at Wine Watch next Friday with one of the greatest white wine producers on the face of the earth Domaine Weinbach from Alsace. We have the newly released 2009's here along with a selection of 2007's.

THESE WINES ARE ALL WHITE, just wanted to make sure that everyone knows that as we have had people come to our Alsace wine tastings and say- "where are the red wines?"

Domaine Weinbach Tasting at Wine Watch
Fri, July 1st, 2011
7pm

Alsace produces some of the most profound white wines on the face of the earth. The wines from this storybook village can range from very average to very ethereal. Tonight we will be sampling wines from one of the greatest small producers of this region and one of the most unique because today, it is run by women. Théo Faller, a prominent figure in Alsace winegrowing, strove to improve the quality of Alsace wines. As a fervent advocate of the region's recognition as an Appellation d'Origine Contrôlée, he continuously promoted its incomparable terroirs and grape varieties. Théo was devoted to Domaine Weinbach. He developed, expanded and enhanced it. Since his death in 1979, his wife Colette and daughters, have carried on Théo's passion for the great wines of Alsace and his unrelenting commitment to delivering excellence. Join us as we taste through the current releases from this landmark producer from Alsace. Wine Watch Catering's Toni Lampasone will serving up a few tasty treats to accompany the tasting wines. This is a walk around tasting and is limited to 25 tasters. The fee for this tasting is $35 per person all-inclusive for reservations call 954-523-9463.

Tasting Wines:

2009 Domaine Weinbach Sylvaner Reserve
Price: $20 Sale $17.60 Case $204
Quantity in Stock: 12

Origins: Clos des Capucins. Fresh, fruity, this admittedly modest but surprising wine has depth and body. The Sylvaner is good with cooked pork meats, oysters, fish. It is also a thirst-quenching wine.

2009 Domaine Weinbach Riesling Schlossberg
Price: $56 Sale $49.28 Case $571
Quantity in Stock: 12

Origins: the high part of the "grand cru" Schlossberg's hill. In a tense and very pure style, the Riesling Schlossberg tastes perfect with fish on the grill, oysters and other kinds of seafood, as well as with the traditional alsacian choucroute.

2007 Domaine Weinbach Riesling Schlossberg
Price: $51.00 Sale $44.88 Case $520
Quantity in Stock: 4

The Weinbach 2007 Riesling Schlossberg smells of apple, pineapple and grapefruit; is clear and refreshing on the palate; and delivers cleansing fresh fruit accompanied by tingling salinity, citrus zest, and fruit skin in a long finish. This will be a delight to follow for at least a decade.

This year, Domaine Weinbach will receive its official certification as organic and biodynamic growers. The Fallers did well in the difficult 2006 vintage – especially with those Gewurztraminer harvested before botrytis gained the upper hand – and with good reason expressed elation over the vibrancy and refinement that characterizes most of 2007s.

2009 Domaine Weinbach Pinot Gris Cuvee Ste Catherine
Price: $47.25 Sale $41.58 Case $482
Quantity in Stock: 12

Origins: the old vines of the Clos de Capucins. The Tokay Sainte Catherine has a nice power and a slight roundness, well balanced by a nice acidity. It is wonderful combined with white meats en sauce, risottos, poultry such as geese, ducks, etc.

2007 Domaine Weinbach Pinot Gris Cuvee Ste Catherine
Price: $69.50 Sale $61.16 Case $709
Quantity in Stock: 9

(90 Points) Succulent ripe peach and marrow-like meatiness mingle with piquant fruit pit and toasted nuts in the Weinbach 2007 Pinot Gris Cuvee Saint Catherine, which displays surprising firmness of texture and vibrant acidity, finishing with peaty smokiness and invigorating salinity as well as the persistence of carnal and ripely pit-fruited flavors. For a Pinot Gris that combines richness with refreshment; is as mineral as it is fruity and carnal; and comes off dry-tasting, this is hard to beat, the only drawback being a bit of finishing heat. Furthermore, I don’t doubt it will remain pleasurable for at least a decade.

This year, Domaine Weinbach will receive its official certification as organic and biodynamic growers. The Fallers did well in the difficult 2006 vintage – especially with those Gewurztraminer harvested before botrytis gained the upper hand – and with good reason expressed elation over the vibrancy and refinement that characterizes most of 2007s. eRobertParker.com # 188, Apr 2010

2007 Domaine Weinbach Riesling Schlossberg Cuvee St Catherine l'Inedit
Price: $93.00 Sale $81.84 Case $949
Quantity in Stock: 10

The 2007 Riesling Schlossberg Cuvee Saint Catherine l’Inedit as usual represents Domaine Weinbach’s segregation of especially ripe material, and finishes with subtle sweetness. Like its “non-l’Inedit” counterpart, it offers both honeyed richness and high glycerin with vivacity and refreshment. Luscious apple, peach, musk melon, and quince are accented by nutmeg, peach kernel piquancy, and savory salinity. This should perform well over the next 15 or more years.

This year, Domaine Weinbach will receive its official certification as organic and biodynamic growers. The Fallers did well in the difficult 2006 vintage – especially with those Gewurztraminer harvested before botrytis gained the upper hand – and with good reason expressed elation over the vibrancy and refinement that characterizes most of 2007s.

2009 Domaine Weinbach Gewurztraminer Cuvee Theo
Price: $37.50 Sale $33 Case $382.50
Quantity in Stock: 12

Origins: Clos des Capucins. The Gewurztraminer Cuvée Théo is fine, with a slight and elegant roundness, it is good with spicy dishes (curry, colombo) or exotic cuisine such as North African stew, smoked salmon (without lemon!)…

2007 Domaine Weinbach Gewurztraminer Cuvee Theo
Price: $51.75 Sale $45.54 Case $528
Quantity in Stock: 7

From the older vines in their Clos, the Fallers’ 2007 Gewurztraminer Cuvee Theo smells of classic litchi, rose petal, and brown spices, along with caramelized peach and yellow plum as well as musky, carnal, and peony notes. A brine-like salinity and alkalinity as well as primary fresh fruit sap serve for invigoration, while subtle sweetness underscores the wine’s creamy richness and liquid floral perfume. A hint of heat is all that stands in the way of even greater finishing satisfaction, but I would expect this to serve admirably over at least the next 7-9 years in contexts where some sweetness is welcome.

This year, Domaine Weinbach will receive its official certification as organic and biodynamic growers. The Fallers did well in the difficult 2006 vintage – especially with those Gewurztraminer harvested before botrytis gained the upper hand – and with good reason expressed elation over the vibrancy and refinement that characterizes most of 2007s.

Menu

Panko crusted Chicken with curray honey mustard dipping sauce

Shrimp and pork shumai served with Asian black vinegar

Tuna Avacado tartar with Chile lime glaze on a sesame crisp

Cheese Plate: Epoisses, Chevre, Manchego