Holy Grail of Riesling

[Martin Zwick]

2001 Trimbach "Clos St. Hune", Alsace

"Clos Sainte Hune is a 1,67 hectares exceptional stony argilo-calcaire, or Muschelkalk, limestone terroir, exclusively planted in Riesling, located in the heart of Grand Cru Rosacker, in Hunawihr. 

The calcary soil allows this Riesling to develop a specific aroma and a wonderful concentration of fruits. Dry yet succulent, of phenomenal complexity, this wine develops an extraordinary aftertaste of minerals after a few years in bottle. 
The plot, which is approximately 50 to 70 years old, is south south east exposed and the yields are low.
Annual production reaches about 9000 bottles, depending on the vintage. That makes the wine so unique that Clos Sainte Hune is looked for by many collectors all over the world.

We pick the grapes as late as possible in order to achieve maximum ripeness which, in turn, gives optimum depth of flavour and complexity. The grapes are picked by hand and pressed gently in a pneumatic press. The juice runs into the cellar by gravity and clarifies naturally prior fermentation. The juice ferment in stainless steel at controlled temperature for 3 or 4 weeks. The wine is vinified to complete dryness. 

No oak ageing, because we believe it does not bring anything to our wines, except hiding the fruits, the flowers and moreover the salient characteristics of which are extreme purity and concentrated fruits. Bottling is early to preserve freshness. Wines are bottle-aged for several years before leaving the winery, especially CSH, for minimum 6 years.

Of great longevity and very rare, Clos Sainte Hune takes at least seven or eight years to reach its peak.*Wine ageing: 10-20 years +"

Again a Riesling for „stone-suckers“. Breathtaking balance with a perfume of blossoms, petrol and chalk.
Fascinating pure&racy on the palate with a bombastic salty minerality, floral elements and lime. Neverending length and a laser-like precision. Of course quite young and will reach the climax in 10-15 years....... but enjoyable right now. Here we have together with the Keller "G-Max" the Holy Grail of Dry Riesling!

95+ pts.

[laurent gibet]

I deeply trust you, Martin ...

I also liked Frédéric Emile 2001.

[david shaw]

Exceptional terroir and a vineyard which has consistently showed the prowess of French riesling. Fond memories of the 82.