Riesling Sommerberg "E" 2022 Grand Cru Albert Boxler | Alsace

Albert Boxler 's Riesling Grand Cru Sommerberg "E" was born at the top of the Eckberg hillside, the coolest and stoniest part of the Grand Cru overlooking Niedermorschwihr. On these vertiginous terraces, Jean Boxler grows organic Riesling vines that are around forty years old. At an altitude of almost 400 meters, the vines plunge their roots into the stony faults of pure granite, delivering a juice of rare tension. After a meticulous hand-harvest, the grapes are pressed in whole bunches, then slowly fermented with their indigenous yeasts in century-old foudres. Resting on fine lees for almost ten months polishes the texture without compromising its crystalline élan.

Philippe Mischler, sommelier at Mundovin: All the cuvées from the Albert Boxler wine estate are outstanding, but the Riesling Grand Cru Sommerberg "E" cuvée is a cut above the rest. It has a crystalline precision and brilliant tone, the fruit of the particularly high location of the Eckberg parcel, from which the cuvée takes its name. Give it five or six years, and it will metamorphose into a vibrant concentrate of energy, one of Alsace's greatest dry white wines! From vintage to vintage, Jean Boxler proves that rigor and meticulousness can generate pure emotion.

The nose is highly sophisticated, with a rare elegance. Notes of green tea and citrus mingle with hints of bewitching lemon verbena. After some oxygenation, more powerful notes emerge, revealing a smoky, roasted facet and lightly peppery touches. The energy emanating from this wine is superb.

On the palate, the attack is precise and sharp, a perfect reflection of the Sommerberg terroir. This incisive energy is matched by a sensation of extraordinary limpidity. The wine's substance and concentration are clearly present, with a redoubtable accuracy. The mineral framework gradually reveals itself during tasting, giving the wine splendid verticality. The tasting ends with a remarkable saline touch, signalling a very great Riesling.