Pinot Noir Wibtal 2023 Albert Boxler | Alsace

Albert Boxler 's Pinot Noir Wibtal "S" is undoubtedly one of the best-kept secrets of the Sommerberg Grand Cru, in the heart of Alsace's Haut-Rhin region. This exclusive cuvée comes from a small parcel called Wibtal, where vines over fifty years old sink their roots into a granite soil mixed with Muschelkalk limestone residues. This unique terroir gives rise to a Pinot Noir d'Alsace of remarkable finesse, combining restrained power and mineral sensuality. In 2023, a vintage marked by high hydric tension, low yields enabled us to extract a dense body without sacrificing elegance.Organic viticulture allows the soil to express itself freely, while 18 months ageing in old Burgundy barrels refines the tannins without masking the fruit. Jean Boxler, in his constant quest for purity, has created a racy, vertical version of the grape variety, in a style that is more vibrant than woody, with a measured intensity that is on a par with Burgundy from the Côte de Nuits, and would even dethrone some of the great Pinot Noirs from Alsace.

Philippe Mischler, sommelier at Mundovin : Albert Boxler's Pinot Noir Wibtal "S" is the culmination of more than ten years' in-depth work by Jean Boxler, characterized in particular by freshness, precision and purity in the interpretation of the Sommerberg Grand Cru. The wine displays an exceptionally clean palette of fruit, with a structure that's still a little tight, but of great nobility. It's a red for laying down, like some Nuits-Saint-Georges: wild, pure, structured, luminous.

The nose opens with a dazzling expression of Morello cherry, recognizing the concentration and ripeness of fruit typical of Sommerberg. There are also smoky accents of hot stone, which add depth. The whole is precise, without excessive ageing, and reveals the discreet hand of the winemaker.

On the palate, the silky texture still reveals a certain restraint in the tannins, which will soften gracefully after a few years in the cellar. The juicy black cherry fruit is enhanced by notes of clove and smoke, adding relief and complexity. The saline acidity is vibrant, giving the wine superbly taut length. This is a great Alsace Pinot Noir, cut out for ageing potential and revealing the potential of Jean Boxler's signature reds.