Score: 94/100
At Famille Hugel winery, the Schloelhammer Riesling represents one of the producer’s finest expression of the iconic Alsatian grape variety.
The grapes come from the heart of the historic Schoenenbourg vineyard which overlooks Riquewihr village (home town of Hugel), and which has always been amongst the winery’s most-favoured single vineyards.
This is what Hugel says about the 2007 Vintage the wine reviewed here is from:
“2007 was a benchmark vintage in Alsace. Having enjoyed the longest period of maturation for the past 25 years, the grapes were perfectly ripe and healthy.
Very gentle winter, late bud burst around 10 April, very dry and warm April (27°C) causing accelerated early vegetative growth. Exceptionally fine Spring. Flowering began 20 May and finished in record time. Very early veraison from 16 July. Magnificent weather throughout the harvest, no rain (less than 4mm in October) ! Vegetative cycle ended without excessive temperatures and the final weeks were perfect for slow final maturation, an ideal situation for Riesling.”
Tasting Notes:
Exuberant fruity nose, filled with warm, ripe citrus fruit aromas.
The fruit characteristics of the aromatic profile are completed with subtle trpical notes.
It is also quite spicy with great minerality.
On the palate: great balance driven by acidity. Powerful and layered flavors developp on the palate and end on a very long and complex finish.
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