Albert Mann - Alsace Gewurztraminer Grand Cru Furstentum Vendanges Tardives 2022

Bettane & Desseauve

About the estate:

Jacky Barthelmé puts it bluntly: “We’re very happy with 2021 because it was a winemaker’s vintage. Those who were out in the vineyards got the grapes. It didn’t happen on its own. ” And it’s clear from tasting the lineup that he’s right: Pinot Noirs that are as successful as ever, Rieslings of great beauty, and even Pinot Gris wines that show a drier balance than in the past—which can only delight us.

Robert Parker - Wine Advocate

About the wine:

Harvested on October 19, the 2022 Gewürztraminer Vendanges Tardives Grand Cru Furstentum from Alsace opens with a clear, precise, fresh bouquet of fascinating purity, while remaining highly concentrated and flavorful, with aromas of lemon chutney and bitter orange, accompanied by salty and rocky limestone notes. Full-bodied, rich, and very elegant on the palate, this is a highly refined Gewürztraminer, with a dense, textured (umami) flavor, very fine tannins, and a long, intense, and stimulating finish. Declared alcohol content: 12.5%. Natural cork. Tasted at the estate in April 2024.

RVF - La Revue du Vin de France / Guide des Meilleurs Vins de France

About the estate:

The estate, born from the union of the Mann and Barthelmé families—two distinguished lines of winemakers dating back to the 17th century—produces wines of the very highest caliber, emblematic of the finest that Alsace has to offer. Maurice, an inspired biodynamic winemaker and occasional dowser, has succeeded in bringing purity to the wines through meticulous work in the vineyard. Jacky and his son Antoine possess a highly refined sense of winemaking for both whites and reds. The balance of the wines, their approachability, and their depth make them models for all wine lovers. Their four reds rank among the very best of Alsace and are among the finest in France. This success has now made them rare wines.

Vinous

About the wine:

The 2022 Gewurztraminer Furstentum Grand Cru Vendanges Tardives was made from shriveled grapes rather than botrytized ones. The nose is all cooked and candied peach—pure, immaculate, and velvety. The palate is just as brilliant, with expressive notes of ripe, yellow, and juicy fruit. The balance here is impeccable. Its residual sweetness of 90 g/L is perfectly balanced and vibrant. The 2022 has a very long and aromatic finish. (Sweet)

James Suckling

About the wine:

An incredible nose of orange peel and orange blossom. No trace of the usual honey and rich exotic fruit typical of late-harvest Gewürztraminers. Incredibly pure and light on the palate, with medium to full body—it’s a joy to drink. The balance is perfect, and the grape’s natural sweetness is already fully integrated. The finish is very long and silky smooth. This wine was pressed in a basket press from grapes grown using biodynamic methods. Ready to drink now or for aging.