Albert Boxler - Alsace Pinot Blanc Réserve 2022

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.

The 2022 Pinot Blanc Réserve comes from the Kirchberg vineyard (80%) and the granitic soils of Niedermorschwihr, which give it texture and suppleness. The wine is rich and intense on the palate, yet fresh, lively, well-structured, and with a briny finish. This is a fairly complex Pinot Blanc made from vines over 50 years old. 13% alcohol. Natural cork. Tasted at the winery in April 2024.

Light and crisp, Pinot Blanc should be decanted to let off some of its carbonation.

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!

The 2022 Pinot Blanc Réserve is a pure Pinot Blanc, sourced from a plot in the Barnd Grand Cru and a plot in Niedermorschwihr, both on granite soil. The grapes are harvested together, then pressed and fermented jointly. On the nose, the flesh and skin of the red pear are prominent, accented by subtle notes of mango. The palate is lively, fresh, and beautifully intense, with notes of pear skin and zest. This is a very fresh Pinot Blanc, full of verve and direction. A lovely zesty energy shines through. (Bone-dry)