Domaine Ostertag Pinot Gris Grand Cru Muenchberg A360P 2013

Date of Tasting: 15 July 2015

Wine Type: White

Grape Varieties: 100% Pinot Gris

Alcohol: 13.5%

Origin: Alsace, France

Appellation: Alsace Grand Cru

Expect to Pay: ~ EUR50

Web: http://domaine-ostertag.fr/
Chubby Appreciation: 94/100
Critics' Opinion: CT - 92/100

Appearance: Golden yellow.

Aroma: Floral, limestone, mild citrus and pineapple.

Palate: Somewhat big boy for white wine on the palate but elegant. Light touch of oakiness. Lemon zest and apple. Spicy notes of ginger. Fresh. Deep and long.

Such a rare beauty. More than 20 years old vine with limited quantity which is only 0.40 Ha planted with Pinot Gris. And indeed biodynamic. Dry in style. To me, this is a wonderful expression with complexity and depth. The integration of floral, minerality, and oakiness is gorgeous. There are things going on and on. At the first thought, it seemed elegant. However, after a long flight it could be noticed that this is more of dramatic. Long evolution. It is beautiful at its youth but it should live its life well through. The hard bit is how to keep my hands off and let it evolve.

Domaine Ostertag Riesling Clos Mathis 2012

Date of Tasting: 26 January 2015

Wine Type: White

Grape Varieties: 100% Riesling

Alcohol: 13.5%

Origin: Alsace, France

Appellation: Vin d'Alsace AOC

Expect to Pay: ~ EUR30

Web: http://domaine-ostertag.fr/
Chubby Appreciation: 92/100
Professional Rating: WS - 89/100

Appearance: Light lemon straw.

Aroma: Bouquet of minerality and stone. White flowers, kumquat, and white fruits.

Palate: Some weight and fresh acidity. Sappy and structured. Dry in style but a touch of sweetness on the secondary tone. Existence of ripe pear. 

What a personality of Alsace riesling that Andre Ostertag had created. Such of piece of art this is. The more you sip this Clos Mathis, it seems to release its inner character bit by bit. It's like slow dancing in a ball learning your newly met love of the night. What a privilege to have learned this beauty. Fantastic now. I would not mind drinking as aperitif but light fish dish would be lovely too.