2015 Puligny-Montrachet “Les Chalumaux”Comtesse de Chérisey
France | Burgundy
$120
Producers
It’s a good thing for us that Alsace isn’t part of Burgundy. What we have here—a wine from one of the absolute top estates in the entire region, all from declassified fruit from one of the absolute top grand cru sites in the entire region, all from the region’s most noble grape—would simply be impossible to come by in a Burgundian context. Imagine declassified Chardonnay from Corton-Charlemagne made by one of the greats from Meursault . . . the wine would never see the pages of this newsletter! And I shudder to think of the price. If the collectors aren’t chasing after Alsace, I say let them drink Burgundy and leave more Boxler for the rest of us. This is real-deal Riesling here, with the full aromatic intensity and opulent yet dry structure well beyond what one wishes for when reaching for a Riesling.
—Chris Santini
Wine Type: | white |
Vintage: | 2017 |
Bottle Size: | 750mL |
Blend: | Riesling |
Appellation: | Alsace |
Country: | France |
Region: | Alsace |
Producer: | Albert Boxler |
Winemaker: | Jean Boxler |
Vineyard: | 15 years |
Soil: | Granite |
Farming: | Traditional |
Alcohol: | 13.5% |
Albert Boxler France | Alsace | Alsace Grand Cru
Albert Boxler France | Alsace | Alsace Grand Cru
Albert Boxler France | Alsace | Alsace Grand Cru
Albert Boxler France | Alsace | Alsace Grand Cru
Albert Boxler France | Alsace
Tragically, Alsace might be the most misunderstood wine region of France. In spite of its long history of viticulture and tremendous diversity of pedigreed terroirs, a past fraught with marketing mishaps has left consumers baffled as to what exactly to expect inside one of these mysterious tall, thin bottles.
The good news, on the other hand, is that a new wave of quality-oriented growers is working hard to put Alsace in its rightful place as one of the world’s most fascinating sources of fine white wine. By embracing tradition, respecting terroir, and making a concerted effort to better communicate the countless virtues their wines have to offer, they have succeeded in putting Alsace back on the map.
Crafted from a number of grape varieties and beautifully interpreting the region’s mosaic of soil types, our Alsace imports are by and large dry whites offering exceptional versatility at table. While each of these selections is ready to be uncorked tonight, the finest among them are also capable of maturing for many, many years in a cool cellar. Expect kaleidoscopic aromatics, lively acidities, and loads of terroir transparency in these skillfully crafted masterpieces. Enjoy a foray into the thrilling world of the world’s most underrated wine region, and certainly do not hesitate to contact our sales staff with any questions as you take off on this mouth-watering adventure.
Domaine Ostertag France | Alsace | Alsace
Albert Boxler France | Alsace | Alsace Grand Cru
Meyer-Fonné France | Alsace
Albert Boxler France | Alsace | Alsace Grand Cru
Albert Boxler France | Alsace | Crémant d’Alsace
When buying red Burgundy, I think we should remember:
1. Big wines do not age better than light wine.
2. A so-called great vintage at the outset does not guarantee a great vintage for the duration.
3. A so-called off vintage at the outset does not mean the wines do not have a brilliant future ahead of them.
4. Red Burgundy should not taste like Guigal Côte-Rôtie, even if most wine writers wish it would.
5. Don’t follow leaders; watch yer parking meters.
Inspiring Thirst, page 174
Drinking distilled spirits, beer, coolers, wine and other alcoholic beverages may increase cancer risk, and, during pregnancy, can cause birth defects. For more information go to www.P65Warnings.ca.gov/alcohol
Many food and beverage cans have linings containing bisphenol A (BPA), a chemical known to cause harm to the female reproductive system. Jar lids and bottle caps may also contain BPA. You can be exposed to BPA when you consume foods or beverages packaged in these containers. For more information, go to www.P65Warnings.ca.gov/bpa