Critic Notes
Anne Krebiehl MW writes: The 2022 Pinot Blanc Auxerrois Vieilles Vignes is made from vines that are between 60 and 75 years old, harvested in Colmar. Despite the name, this is pure Auxerrois. And since this is pure Auxerrois, it is allowed to carry this designation on the label. White currant juiciness is mild but gently fruited on the nose, opening into...Show More >
Critic Notes
Anne Krebiehl MW writes: The 2022 Pinot Blanc Auxerrois Vieilles Vignes is made from vines that are between 60 and 75 years old, harvested in Colmar. Despite the name, this is pure Auxerrois. And since this is pure Auxerrois, it is allowed to carry this designation on the label. White currant juiciness is mild but gently fruited on the nose, opening into clear Mirabelle juice and smooth, cool yeast and textured, round, mild and bone dry body with a nutty and pithy, subtle finish with much smoothness and serenity. (Bone-Dry) Drinking 2024 to 2034. - Vinous 90
Winemaker Notes
Made from 50-year-old vines, this is a crisp, juicy Pinot Blanc with loads of citrus and lovely minerality. Medium-bodied and concentrated on the palate with good grip, clean acidity, and a fantastic finish.
-------
Bernard Schoffit is a brilliant pioneer in Alsace’s greatest Grand Cru, Rangen de Thann. The domaine started by Bernard’s father, Robert at 10 hectares, is situated near Colmar. 25 years ago, Bernard, then still very young, embarked on an ambitious program of buying land in Rangen, around the Clos St. Theobold. Totaling nearly 6.5 hectares, a good part of it had been abandoned because it was too steep to work. Through sheer determination and ambition, he has now reclaimed all 6.5 hectares. From these incredibly steep slopes, with extremely low yields, he is making simply extraordinary wine from each cépage he grows. Bernard’s gift for wine-making is not reserved only for his Rangen wines.
In his vineyards near Colmar he practices the same rigorous approach to yields, and from a less than one hectare parcel of Riesling on Sommerberg (granite), makes one of the most brilliant wines of that varietal in all of Alsace. These yields, some very old vines and Bernard’s guiding hand produce wines that are all marked by the following characteristics: intensity, very pure varietal character, great concentration of fruit on the palate and perfect acidity to balance and carry this weight into a long and brilliant finish.
< Show Less
