Domaine Trimbach - Riesling Cuvée Frédéric Emile 2009

Bettane & Desseauve

About wine:

Concentrated and rich, it begins to evolve toward a tertiary register, straighter and less broad than the Geisberg, less fragrant too, but perhaps longer and intended for a more aesthetic audience.

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.

Guide des Vins Gault & Millau

About wine:

Beautiful golden color with silver hues and hints of green. On the nose, the Riesling is vibrant with pronounced minerality. Aromas of dried fruit, almonds, and pistachios interplay with a fresh note of white mint. On the palate, the wine is dry, straightforward, and offers a mineral finish.

Robert Parker - Wine Advocate

About wine:

Lemon zest, blueberry, and white pepper give the 2009 Riesling Cuvée Frédéric Emile an aromatic spiciness and an attack that—combined with an oily texture—could lean a little too much toward bitterness if it weren't for the exuberant and juicy notes of mandarin and kiwi. Crushed stone and alkaline mineral notes add depth to an invigorating finish with tenacious persistence. It should perform admirably for at least 12 to 15 years.

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

About wine:

From a warm vintage, the 2009 Frédéric Emile offers notes of almonds and ripe fruit and is well balanced. However, it will evolve fairly quickly.

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.

Wine Enthusiast

About wine:

A benchmark for Alsatian Riesling, the Cuvée Frédéric Emile is only released when it approaches maturity, and this 2009 vintage is only now reaching that stage. With aromas of kerosene and intense, zesty, mineral scents, it represents the Trimbach approach—Riesling must be absolutely dry. It is impressive now, but will be even better from 2016 onwards.

Jancis Robinson

Vinous

James Suckling