Gustave Lorentz Riesling Grand Cru Altenberg de Bergheim 2005

Despite the 100's of years of uncertainty and turmoil in the Alsace region, Gustave Lorentz continues to pass on the heritage of their wines to each generation. Just outside the medieval city of Bergheim, the vineyard extends over the steeply sloping south face of the Grasberg hillock, at an altitude between 220 and 330 meters. At the margin of the Ribeauvillé fracture zone, carved up into strips and compartments of varied terrains.

Subtly aromatic nose offers peach skin, jasmine, ginger, quinine and crushed stone. Juicy, steely and quite dry, with subtle acidity focusing hints of Golden Delicious apple, white peach, apple blossom and clementine flavors. Light-bodied and well-meshed, with a tangy finish. This austere Riesling lacks flesh but its juiciness suggests it will reward aging.

90 Wine Spectator