Domaine Trimbach - Alsace Riesling Grand Cru Mandelberg 2021

Bettane & Desseauve

About the estate:

The Ribeauvillé estate is slowly evolving to keep pace with the times. After shifting its focus to grand cru wines, Trimbach is now converting to organic farming (certification expected in 2023). The process will involve its grape and wine suppliers. Riesling reigns supreme here (55% of production). The terroirs are ideal: marl-limestone (Geisberg, Mandelberg, Clos-Saint-Hune au 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.

Robert Parker - Wine Advocate

About wine:

Grown on a 1.6-hectare plot, early-ripening and well-exposed, on calcareous marl and stony soils 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 but elegant and flavorful Riesling, with a salty persistence and a long, intense, and aromatic finish that is also stimulating, mineral, and salty. From a very warm terroir, this is a rather textured but still elegant Riesling, with 14.11% alcohol and 7 grams of residual sugar, supported by 7.96 grams of rather soft 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 this note: The 2021 Mandelberg offers a clear, precise, elegant and aromatic bouquet, with aromas of white and yellow stone fruits mixed with mineral notes. Dense, fresh, and salty on the palate, this is a very aromatic and elegant Riesling, well-structured and crisp, with a long and intense finish that remains fresh and aromatic. Natural cork.

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

About wine:

Mandelberg seduces with its nuances and mandarin flavors

About the estate:

A must-visit estate that stands proudly in the beautiful city of musicians, Trimbach delights wine lovers with its legendary Frédéric-Émile and Clos Sainte-Hune vintages. Depending on the vintage, Pierre Trimbach vinifies Riesling in a vertical style, always dry. His brother Jean manages sales worldwide. They are now supported by the new generation, Anne and Frédérique (Pierre's daughters) and Pauline and Julien (Jean's children). The family vinifies nearly 60 hectares of their own vineyards and around 100 hectares of purchased grapes. Certain grands crus have been claimed since 2009 and are allocated directly in small quantities by Jean Trimbach to the world's finest restaurants. The house undeniably contributes to the promotion of Alsace wines with internationally renowned vintages, while producing entry-level wines of consistent quality. The range of Pinot Noirs still has room for improvement.

Jancis Robinson

About wine:

White as water. Head-spinning and very intense nose. Some of the richness of tropical flowers—lilies?—is found on the palate with a floral touch. Real impact on the palate and less obvious acidity than the 2021 Brand... until the very end. Acidity still high. (JR)

Vinous

About wine:

The 2021 Riesling Mandelberg Grand Cru has a shy, waxy nose, with a maturity reminiscent of wax on citrus peel, rich yet lively and fruity. Once the wine has warmed slightly, the charm of citrus fruits emerges. The palate offers notes of citrus, ripe mandarin, and tingling on a buffered palate that is simply aromatic. The astringency of the citrus peel gives it even more balance, and the spicy, aromatic, and captivating character of the fragrant zest is fully expressed here. The 2021 offers a long and fragrant finish, with an appealing touch of white pepper. (Very dry)

James Suckling

About wine:

Still a little closed on the nose, it already reveals its expansive personality. Notes of pomelo, but beneath which lies a massive limestone structure. A very powerful and long finish that promises great things for those who are 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.

Yves Beck

About wine:

From the outset, the wine reveals its character, starting with its aroma. Within seconds, it becomes clear that this is a wine with personality that is nonetheless generous. Minerality and fruity nuances go hand in hand, paving the way for a wine that is incisive yet rich. The salty and invigorating aspects are supported by a structuring acidity, while a touch of sweetness adds a little charm. A mouthwatering and persistent wine. Now – 2041