Louis Sipp - Pinot Gris SGN Coeur de Tries 2008

Bettane & Desseauve

About the wine:

With a distinctly woody nose marked by toasted 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, while the refreshing finish provides a balanced, easy-drinking profile—impressive given such extreme concentration. To be sipped slowly, 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 current organic standards (the estate is now certified). At the entry level, the wines clearly express the saline character that the upcoming communal 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—golden in color and with toasty notes—opens with a clear, smooth, and woody nose reminiscent of a fine Cognac. Clear, smooth, and very elegant on the palate, this is a very refined, lively, incredibly racy, 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 botrytised 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 nutty notes that linger on the palate. It is full-bodied with a smooth texture, balanced 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 fine 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 mature, top-tier Pinot Gris with a nose brimming with dried figs and dates. The palate is truly velvety and rich with caramel. The finish is long and balanced, showing no signs of fading. Perfect to drink now, but should age gracefully for at least another decade.