Albert Boxler - Pinot Gris Sommerberg W Grand Cru 2017

Since joining the family estate nearly 20 vintages ago, Jean Boxler has gradually refined his winemaking techniques and now produces wines on par with the elite of Alsace. The vineyards are superbly situated—first on the Sommerberg, where Jean owns a significant number of plots, and then on the Brand—two terroirs that truly shine with Riesling, the estate’s flagship grape variety. The viticulture is meticulous and demanding, with aging methods tailored to the wines and vintages; here, there are no missteps, regardless of the grape variety—not even with the more modest Sylvaner or Pinot Blanc (though the latter comes from the Brand). The 2016 vintage is a superb success, with wines that are slightly less dense than the 2015s but will age to perfection. The 2017 vintage allowed the Sylvaners, Pinot Blancs, Muscats, and, of course, the Rieslings to stand out within the lineup. The selection is vast, even though few wines are available directly from the estate.

Slightly sweet, the 2017 Pinot Gris Grand Cru Sommerberg Wiptal has a flinty nose and is very refined and elegant on the palate. Structured by fine tannins and a lingering salinity, this 2017 Sommerberg W develops a long and intense finish. It pairs perfectly with foie gras. Tasted in October 2018.

Full-bodied and rich, the Sommerberg W Pinot Gris is classified as a semi-dry wine. Its notes of hazelnuts and praline will shine at the table, enhanced by the patina of age.

Jean Boxler, perched on the heights of Niedermorschwihr, has cemented his reputation as a highly demanding producer with his latest vintages. He brings out the full nobility of the Sommerberg Grand Cru, a granite cirque whose steep slopes make work there particularly difficult. The estate owns 4 hectares there, as well as 1.9 hectares in the Brand Grand Cru. Various cuvées from several plots are available; all have now reached an exceptional level, and exploring their nuances proves to be a fascinating experience!