Domaine Trimbach - Alsace Riesling Grand Cru Mandelberg 2021

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.

Grown on a 1.6-hectare plot—early-ripening and well-exposed—on stony, calcareous marl soils that have been cultivated by Trimbach since 1996, the 2021 Riesling Grand Cru Mandelberg offers a generously rich yet refined and smoky bouquet, with notes of ripe lemon and pineapple. On the palate, it is a generously rich yet elegant and flavorful Riesling, with a briny persistence and a long, intense, and aromatic finish that is also invigorating, mineral-driven, and briny. Hailing from a very warm terroir, this is a rather textured yet consistently elegant Riesling, with 14.11% alcohol and 7 grams of residual sugar, balanced by 7.96 grams of rather gentle tartaric acidity. Tasted at the estate in April 2024. Tasted again at Trimbach on the occasion of the 100th anniversary of Clos Ste Hune in early November, with the same result, but with this note: The 2021 Mandelberg offers a clear, precise, elegant, and aromatic bouquet, with aromas of white and yellow stone fruits mingled with mineral notes. Dense, fresh, and briny on the palate, this is a highly aromatic and elegant Riesling—well-structured and crisp—with a long, intense finish that remains fresh and aromatic throughout. Natural cork.

Mandelberg captivates with its subtle nuances and mandarin flavors

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.

White as water. An intoxicating and very intense nose. Some of the richness of the tropical flowers—lilies?—carries over to the palate with a floral note. A real impact on the palate and acidity that’s less pronounced than in the 2021 vintage… right up to the very end. Acidity remains high. (JR)

The 2021 Riesling Mandelberg Grand Cru has a shy, waxy nose, with a maturity reminiscent of wax on citrus peels—rich yet lively and fruity. Once the wine has warmed slightly, its citrus charm emerges. The palate offers notes of citrus, ripe mandarin, and a tingling sensation on a rounded palate that is simply aromatic. The astringency of the citrus peel lends it even more balance, and the spicy, aromatic, and captivating character of the fragrant zest comes through fully here. The 2021 offers a long, fragrant finish with a seductive hint of white pepper. (Very dry)

Still a bit closed on the nose, it already reveals its expansive personality. Notes of pomelo, but beneath them lies a massive limestone structure. A very powerful and long finish that promises great things to those willing to be patient. From a 1.3-hectare vineyard planted with 70-year-old vines on very steep terrain where all work must be done by hand. Made from organically grown grapes. Ready to drink upon release.

Right from the start, the wine shows its spirit, even just on the nose. Within a second, it becomes clear that this is a wine with character that is nonetheless generous. The minerality and fruity nuances go hand in hand, paving the way for a wine that is incisive yet rich. The salty and invigorating notes are supported by a structuring acidity, while a touch of sweetness lends it a bit of charm. A mouthwatering and persistent wine. Now – 2041