Domaine Trimbach - Alsace Riesling Clos Sainte-Hune 100ème Anniversaire 2019

A very mineral nose, hinting at a stony, shell limestone terroir—the Muschelkalk of Hunawihr. On the palate, there’s already a strong smoky expression of the terroir, and a magnificent acidity gradually emerges; this is unquestionably a great vintage from Clos Sainte-Hune, one that is expected to age slowly. We’ll taste it again in a few years to see if it’s perfect—or just almost perfect.

The Ribeauvillé winery is slowly evolving to keep pace with the times. After shifting its focus to grand cru wines, Trimbach is in the process of converting to organic farming (certification expected in 2023). This transition will require the involvement of its grape and wine suppliers. Here, Riesling reigns supreme (55% of production). The terroirs are well-suited to this: marl-limestone (Geisberg, Mandelberg, Clos-Saint-Hune in Rosacker) or granite (Schlossberg, Brand). The Frédéric-Émile cuvée blends the Osterberg and Geisberg grands crus. The 2017 and 2019 vintages will go down in history.

The 2019 Riesling Clos Ste Hune 100th Anniversary is very clear, fresh, and refreshing on the nose, with a precise, refined, and highly detailed profile that clearly reflects the terroir through salty citrus aromas. Generous yet refined on the palate, this is a more classic Riesling compared to the 2018—thus a bit more austere, less textured, but more precise and incredibly briny. The tannins are still a bit sharp but are already playing off the briny acidity, and I assure you this is a great, classic, and balanced Riesling that will continue to evolve over the years. Personally, I love this style (or this vintage) because it showcases the vineyard’s finesse and purity rather than its power and richness at this stage. Keep it for at least 10 years or, if you can, 20 years. Tasted at the estate in April 2024 and during the 100th anniversary of Clos Ste Hune in early November, with the same result, but a different note:

The monumental Clos Sainte-Hune combines intensity and brilliance: sleek, incredibly taut, rich in dry extract, and bursting with aromatic complexity, it will still be in top form half a century from now.

A must-visit winery that stands proudly in the beautiful town of the minstrels, Trimbach delights wine lovers with its legendary Frédéric-Émile and Clos Sainte-Hune vintages. Across the vintages, Pierre Trimbach crafts Riesling with a vertical approach, always in a dry style. His brother Jean oversees global sales. They are now supported by the next generation: Anne and Frédérique (Pierre’s daughters) and Pauline and Julien (Jean’s children). The family produces wine from nearly 60 hectares of estate-owned vineyards and about 100 hectares of purchased grapes. Certain grand cru wines have been designated as such since 2009 and are directly allocated in small quantities by Jean Trimbach to the world’s finest restaurants. The estate undeniably contributes to the recognition of Alsace wines through its internationally iconic vintages, while also producing entry-level wines of consistent quality. The range of Pinot Noirs still has room for improvement.

The greatest Clos Ste. Hune of all time? The beauty and elegance of this very young dry Alsatian Riesling are literally breathtaking. It offers very subtle notes of white peach, great concentration, and remarkable finesse in its extremely long and precise finish. However, patience is required, as this wine is so well-structured that it will take many years to reach its peak. Made from organically grown grapes. Best after 2024.