Leon Beyer Gewürztraminer Selection de Grains Nobles 1998

Leon Beyer is one of the oldest wine houses in France, with fourteen successive generations following the winemaking tradition since 1580. Located in the heart of the Alsace region, in the beautiful village of Eguisheim, at the foot of its three castles, Leon Beyer is the owner of some very prestigious vineyards.

The wines are produced in perfect conditions, to exacting standards of vinification and ageing, in Leon Beyer’s extensive winery and cellars, dug into the hillside itself and under its vineyards.

Leon Beyer’s best wines, in the best vintages, are at their best after at least 20 years in bottle.

Appearance

Golden yellow with old gold tints.

Nose

A spectacle. Abundant aromas of peach jam, botrytized quince and tropical fruit, with floral notes of lychees and roses, against a smoky backdrop.

Palate

Delicious. Medium bodied with an oily texture with apricot jam and candied citrus flavours. Pure essence of Gewürztraminer.  It has a magnificent future ahead.

Comment

These exceptional wines, from very small productions and selected noble grape varieties, are available only in the best vintages.  They are unique, magical wines subject to the most stringent legislation in France. We are talking here about the selection of  ‘grains nobles’ from the deluxe terroir of Alsace.

This 98, although it is looking very good, is still somewhat shy, holding back much of the force contained within it.  We think it could be in a growth phase, and may be at its very best in 10-15 years' time.

Recommended with cooked Galician barnacles.

Glass by RIEDEL, SOMMELIERS collection, RIESLING GRAND CRU model