Domaine Albert Boxler 2008

Lovely wines from Jean Boxler, especially his Rieslings. This is my last report from my holiday; I hope you have found them to be instructive.

Pinot Blanc “A” 2006

This is Boxler’s basic Pinot Blanc rather than the one from the Brand Grand Cru. Nice gooseberry fruit with hints of pear. It is rather tasty with spiciness and weight. More than a degree of interest here.

Riesling Grand Cru Sommerberg JV 2006

This is the Sommerberg young vines cuvee. Nice elegant nose of fruit and creaminess. Some density of flavour on the palate, but it is the fruit and complexity that lift this into being a good experience.

Riesling Grand Cru Sommerberg L31E 2006

There is real intensity to the nose with powerful creamy minerality. Smells lovely. Quite dry with real complexity driven by the powerful minerality. Really lovely.

Riesling Grand Cru Sommerberg L31D 2006

A profound nose of rich minerality and great citrus fruit. This is the cat’s rude bits. Tastes pretty dry with present acidity and a lot of mineral complexity. Tits++.

Riesling Grand Cru Brand 2006

Ripe, peachy nose. Buxom palate, quite long, but the flavours seem a touch confused and lacking harmony. Nice, but no Cuban to suck on.

Riesling Grand Cru Sommerberg Vendanges Tardives 2004

Real late harvest character of preserved fruit. Has lots of minerality, too. The palate is quite weighty and dense, but the fine acidity coupled with the sophisticated minerality make this seriously top bunny.

Pinot Gris 2006

Good white fruit and spice on the nose. Rich, weighty, spicy palate. This is reasonably complex and quite pleasing.

Muscat Grand Cru Brand 2006

Floral nose, with a hint of mint. Also a hint of drain cleaner which is not so attractive. Bit lean and dirty on the palate. Simple too. No thanks.

Pinot Gris Grand Cru Brand 2006

A subtle, perfumed nose on peach, spice and minerality. The palate has good scale, but the acidity and minerality keep this in great form. Really tasty, I am impressed.

Pinot Gris Grand Cru Sommerberg Vendanges Tardives 2005

An expressive nose of deep character. Great fruit, great minerality. Lovely depth and harmony on the palate. Real class, real style. Kick-arse good.

Pinot Gris Grand Cru Brand Selection des Grains Nobles 2005

Botrytis on the nose which is in perfect harmony with the white fruit and spice of the grape. The palate is perfectly balanced and as far as the finish goes: whoa, steroid boy!