‘FRESH TREASURE’ Domaine Charlotte et Justin Boxler, Alsace
‘FRESH TREASURE’ Domaine Charlotte et Justin Boxler, Alsace
My recent tasting of 17th Century Domaine Justin Boxler begged a single question: How can Alsace not be considered among the very best wines in the world e.g. Burgundy/ Bordeaux/ Champagne/ Piedmont and Tuscany? Perhaps it’s the lack of red wines, only comprising about 10% of the region’s total production? Perhaps it’s the tendency to avoid new oak, opting instead for large neutral casks. Whatever it may be…let’s you and I be more evolved and clever and selfish: these wines are simply SPECTACULAR:
Jardin Des Vignes, 2021: This is Justin Boxler’s true field blend. A combination of some of Alsace’s unsung heroes such as Sylvaner, Auxerrois, Muscat, and Chasselas. What struck me the most was the contrast between nose and palate. On the nose this wine is ripe, with notes of melon, lychee, and even a bit of candied fruit. On the palate, however, this wine is light with crisp acidity. The taste is more of citrus fruit than tropical fruit. … $25. (OURS, EXCLUSIVEY)
Riesling Lieu dit Pfoeller, 2020: The first of three single vineyard bottlings, the Lieu-dit Pfoeller is a restrained beauty. Reflecting undeniable characteristics of Riesling: The famous “petrol” note with fresh lemon, stone fruit, and white flowers. Evidence of lees contact deepens the palate and texture, and a pleasant elegant touch of faint sweetness and balanced acidity, this wine is rich and delicious. Rare as can be from just one single barrel comprising the entire cuvée. Pfoeller can be aged for years to come, but is delicious now. … $36.
Riesling Grand Cru Sommerburg, 2017: This is without a doubt one of the most beautiful wines I have had in a long time. The wine comes from the legendary Grand Cru Sommerburg vineyard, a plot with an incredibly steep slope and ideal sun exposure. The complexity and concentration come through immediately on this wine. More notes of brioche from lees contact, and a wonderful texture from the neutral oak. There is *more*: More richness, more acidity, more sweetness, more stone fruit and melon…threads of dried lemon and fresh herbs run throughout. It’s incredible to think this is a wine that’s at the beginning of its life, and has decades ahead of it. … $54.
Gewurztraminer Grand Cru Wineck-Schlossberg, 2017: Gewurztraminer is one of those varietals that gets heaps of praise from wine nerds and industry professionals alike, yet there never seems to be enough of it in the market. Let’s start to change that! Boxler’s Gewurtz is so delicious. The wine is off-dry with notes of white flowers, apricot, and fresh pineapple. On the palate there is wonderful texture with flavors of lychee and dried sweet stone fruit. Like all of the wines in this list, the palate is incredibly long lasting, and you continue taste the primary flavors on your tongue minutes after drinking. … $54.