Kientzler Kirchberg Pinot Gris 2016

Mentioned for the first time in 1328 by the famous historian Medard Barth, the Kirchberg Grand Cru has long given its name to some of the finest wines of Alsace. Adjoining Geisberg to the west, it enjoys a south to southwest exposure which, allied to a steep slope, means it is bathed in longer daily sunshine at the time when the grapes mature. Whilst the more westerly exposure would make it a slightly warmer site, it also reaches 30 or 40 metres higher, giving wines that can marry ripe, sometimes exotic fruit flavours with a cooler, zesty and more racy personality.

Profound aromas of poached pear are given an exotic edge by notes of cumquat and baking spice. In the mouth there is lovely volume and a sumptuous texture, the inherent richness reined in by mouth-coating phenolics and a beautifully balanced minerally finish of great length. At least a decade ahead of it. FWC.