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.

Champagne Henri Giraud AY Grand Cru Fut de Chene MV

Date of Tasting: 14 February 2015

Wine Type: Sparkling White

Grape Varieties: ~ 70% Pinot Noir, 30% Chardonnay

Alcohol: 12%

Origin: Champagne, France

Appellation: Ay Grand Cru

Expect to Pay: ~ EUR110

Web: http://www.champagne-giraud.com/
Chubby Appreciation: 94/100
Professional Rating: WA - 91/100, AG - 94/100, WS - 94/100, CT - 92/100

Appearance: Yellow

Aroma: Apple, ripe peach, lemon zest, and menthol.

Palate: Nutty flavour. Fine and creamy mousse. Layers of citrus fruits, grapefruit, and pinot fruits with vibrant acidity. Rich minerality. Persistent finish.

Based on August 2014 disgorgement, it is a non-vintage champagne of opulent personality combining power with unique elegance. Needless to say much. It's a champagne with sleekness and personality that ones shall deserve on a special occasion and festive season. But why wait for such event if you feel like one now. Salute!!!

Albert Boxler Pinot Gris Grand Cru Brand 2010

Date of Tasting: 11 August 2014

Wine Type: White

Grape Varieties: 100% Pinot Gris

Alcohol: 13.5%

Origin: Alsace, France

Appellation: Alsace Grand Cru Controlee

Expect to Pay: ~ THB1,800

Web: http://www.trimbach.fr/
Chubby Score: 92/100
Value for money: 7/10

Professional Rating: ST - 93/100, CT - 90/100

Appearance: shaded in golden yellow

Aroma: peach, pineapple, and melon

Palate: somewhat rich and thick structure with peachy/honey/citrus sweetness (off-dry). fine and balance acidity. ripe and smooth with long aftertaste. 

Round and vibrant Pinot Gris by Albert Boxler in powerful style it is. I did have this alongside Thai food and they went pretty nicely together. The mild sweetness balanced out spiciness of Thai food convincingly. The lovely part is the presence of texture/structure while fruity flavour is still held. Looking forward to come back during the next few years. Sante!!!!!