Albert Boxler - Alsace Gewurztraminer Réserve 2022 (doux)

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.

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 working the vineyards 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 Gewurztraminer Réserve is made from Gewurztraminer grapes that were downgraded from the granite-based Brand Grand Cru and the Pfoeller, Logelberg, and Boland lieux-dits, which are closer to the limestone-based Forimont Grand Cru. On the nose, lively and juicy lychee shines through with a hint of rose. On the palate, it is smooth, velvety, succulent, and rich in ripe fruit, combining peach compote with crushed lychee flesh. The 2022 is rich, full-bodied, juicy, and full-flavored. Jean Boxler says this wine has about 30–25 g/L of residual sugar, which enhances the fruitiness. This wine is round, sweet, and long-lasting. (Medium)

In 2022, Jean Boxler downgraded his Gewurztraminer from Brand and blended the limestone plots into it. The bouquet is intense and varietal, with distinct notes of wild roses and ginger. Smooth on the palate, the wine is creamy, round, and refreshing, thanks to subtle, structuring bitter notes. Drink now through 2038.