Barmès-Buecher - Gewurztraminer Hengst Grand Cru 2023

Maxime Barmès and his sister Sophie are now in charge of the estate, with their mother Geneviève still very much involved. The vineyard spans nearly 19 hectares and has been cultivated for over a decade according to biodynamic principles, with increasingly advanced practices (such as sheep and beehives in certain vineyards, and tree plantings). With each vintage, the wines seem to gain in tension and dryness—a development we can only welcome. The estate’s greatest successes are, without a doubt, the Pinot Noirs and Rieslings, year after year. The estate has just released a 2009 old-vine Pinot Noir from the Hengst grand cru—though it cannot yet claim that designation—a wine that was vinified at the time by François Barmès, two years before his tragic accident.

Founded in 1985 by Geneviève Buecher and François Barmès—both heirs to families of winegrowers and estate owners dating back to the 17th century—this estate is located 5 km southwest of Colmar. Operated biodynamically since 1998 (certified in 2001), it now comprises 7 terroirs, including 3 grands crus. Following the passing of their father in 2011, the founding couple’s two children, Sophie and Maxime (in the cellar), joined the estate.

An energy that is reflected in the Gewürztraminer, which is lingering and full-bodied.

Maxime Barmès, supported at the estate by his mother Geneviève and his sister Sophie, builds upon and continues the work established nearly thirty years ago to maintain the wines’ quality at the highest level. Rigorous work in the vineyard—using biodynamic methods—and careful monitoring in the cellar make this estate one of the most reputable in the region. The most recent vintages are exemplary: the wines have gained in precision, and the grands crus belong to the select circle of great wines, with exceptional longevity when exposed to air and the ability to improve over several days.

The nose reveals a delicate note of orange peel. On the palate, it offers the same aromatic liveliness and an unexpected lightness. It is refined, smooth, and juicy, with 27 g/L of residual sugar that lends it a creamy texture rather than sweetness, as it exhibits a surprising and exceptional freshness.

A magnificent Gewürztraminer that impresses not only with its immense concentration and structure, but also with its dynamic freshness on the palate—full-bodied yet barely off-dry. The aromas of strawberries, raspberries, roses, and acacia are incredibly pure and precise. The finish is remarkably precise, light-years away from what one would expect from this grape variety. Made from biodynamically grown grapes. Enjoy now or celller.