Louis Sipp - Pinot Gris SGN Coeur de Tries 2008

Bettane & Desseauve

About the wine:

With a distinctly oaky nose marked by toasty and vanilla notes—a winemaking choice made deliberately by Étienne Sipp—the aromas of dried dates, white chocolate, and caramel are utterly indulgent. The rich body is exquisite, concentrated, and briny, and the fresh finish provides a balanced, easy-drinking profile—impressive for such extreme concentration. Best enjoyed in small sips, while counting the feathers on the storks.

About the estate:

Étienne Sipp manages this prominent 40-hectare estate situated on the hillsides surrounding Ribeauvillé, which includes, among others, the grand cru vineyards of Kirchberg and Osterberg. The standout wines here are, of course, the Rieslings; the terroirs of the Ribeauvillé region are wonderfully suited to the grape variety, particularly in the vintages of 2013, 2014, and 2017—wines that age perfectly over several decades, as the estate demonstrates by opening old bottles from the 1970s, bearing in mind that at the time, viticulture was far from adhering to today’s organic standards (the estate is now certified). At the entry level, the wines clearly express the saline character that the upcoming municipal appellations are expected to require.

Robert Parker - Wine Advocate

About the wine:

Aged for 54 months in 112-liter oak barrels, the 2008 Pinot Gris Sélection de Grains Nobles Coeur de Tries—with its golden color and toasty flavor—opens with a clear, soft, and woody nose reminiscent of a fine Cognac. Light, smooth, and very elegant on the palate, this is a very refined, vibrant, incredibly distinguished, and mineral-driven Pinot with a long, aromatic finish and beautiful tannic structure. It is a great sweet wine that should age for decades. The finish is delicate and simply magnificent. This wine was made from botrytis-affected and sun-dried grapes and was bottled with 213.6 grams of residual sugar and 10.3% alcohol.

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

About the wine:

The wine has an intense, smoky aroma with notes of hazelnut that linger on the palate. It is full-bodied, with a velvety texture, supported by a touch of acidity that prolongs the enjoyment.

About the estate:

Passionate about his terroirs, Étienne Sipp organically cultivates a vast vineyard that includes two lovely grands crus: the Kirchberg de Ribeauvillé and the Osterberg, vinified with aging in mind and always refined. The plot-by-plot work he has been carrying out for several years is highly commendable. We have a preference for the estate’s whites, where Riesling reigns supreme. The potential of this vineyard could allow it to go even further, and some wines are disappointing: with regret, we are removing the star this year.

James Suckling

About the wine:

A fully matured, top-tier Pinot Gris with a nose brimming with dried figs and dates. The palate is truly velvety and full of caramel. The finish is long and balanced, with no loss of intensity. Perfect to drink now, but should age well for at least another decade.