J. Hauller et Fils 2007 Vendanges Tardives Riesling - 89pts

J. Hauller et Fils 2007 Vendanges Tardives Riesling (Alsace) France

Availability: Limited. Specialty import
Cost: N/A
Alcohol: 12.1%
Date Tasted: January 13th, 2019

Tasting Notes: From the cellar... At 12 years old, the hue of this late harvest Riesling is decidedly golden and the bouquet, though muted, is showing lovely signs of age: lanolin, beeswax and apricot pits. Off-dry, yet, mostly stonefruit driven, rather than the Mott's fruit cup appeal of other late harvest Rieslings. Unctuousness grows as the wine rests and lowers to room temperature. Finish has shortened, but, remains long. Ready to go now or hold for a further 3-4 years. Drink now.
 - Liam Carrier ©copyright 2019 IconWines.ca

Hugel et Fils 2008 Classic Pinot Blanc - 88pts

Hugel et Fils 2008 Classic Pinot Blanc (Riquewihr) Alsace - France

Availability: Limited
Cost: $15-20
Alcohol: 12%
Date Tasted: February 20th, 2011

Tasting Notes: A rich and creamy Pinot Blanc from top Alsatian producer Hugel et Fils with strong tropical and orchard fruit flavours and subtle slate minerality. Slightly off-dry with a full mouth feel and lingering lemon zest. A great pairing for salads or a hot afternoon with friends. Drink 2011-13.
 - Liam Carrier ©copyright 2011 IconWines.ca

Hugel et Fils 2006 Jubilee Pinot Noir - 87pts

Hugel et Fils 2006 Jubilee Pinot Noir (Riquewihr) Alsace - France

Availability: Limited.
Cost: $N/A
Alcohol: 12.5%
Date Tasted: February 19th, 2011

Tasting Notes: Alsace is mostly known in North America for delicious, aromatic, white wines but they can also make a mean, cool-climate Pinot Noir. Rare to see one imported, but should you get the chance to try one, snatch it up for a unique experience.

Subtle and delicate with maraschino cherry, cool raspberry and perfume aromas on the nose. The fruit characters transfer to the dry palate where austere hands are waiting to clasp the throat of the juicy flavours and extinguish them, but never succeed. The oak treatment lingers on the moderate-plus finish. Light tannins and high-ish acidity make for an excellent wine to pair with savoury lamb stews. Drink 2011-13.
 - Liam Carrier ©copyright 2011 IconWines.ca

Hugel et Fils 2005 Cuvée Tradition "Hugel" Muscat - 89pts

Hugel et Fils 2005 Cuvée Tradition "Hugel" Muscat (Riquewihr) Alsace - France

Availability: Limited. Specialty import
Cost: $25-30 est
Alcohol: 12%
Date Tasted: May 26th, 2010

Tasting Notes: From the cellar... Hugel et Fils have been making wine in Alsace since 1639 and miraculously remained family owned. They produce a number of levels of wine of which this Cuvée Tradition "Hugel" is the second of five. I brought this delicious and subtle Muscat back from a trip to Alsace in 2008 - I've not seen it listed in Canada.

Should you get hold of a bottle, you'll find a wine that blends citrus and mineral notes effortlessly. A medley of citrus aromas, grapefruit, lime and lemon, await on the medium intense nose which reveals layers of mineral and floral characters as it warms up. The dry palate has intense acid and a good continuity of flavours from the nose. The texture is light and playful. The finish is long with residual tartness. A very good quality wine indeed. Drink 2010-2013.
 - Liam Carrier ©copyright 2010 IconWines.ca

Pierre Sparr 2007 Gewurztraminer - 82pts

Pierre Sparr 2007 Gewurztraminer (Alsace) France

Availability: Widely available

Cost: $21.99

Alcohol: 14%

Date Tasted: September 22nd, 2009

Tasting Notes: This pale gold-straw coloured wine from Alsatian producer Pierre Sparr has an intense and aromatic nose but fails to deliver on the palate. Perhaps it was simple a bad vintage which has lead to an unbalanced wine.

On the nose you'll find youthful aromas of jasmine, soap, mandarin oranges and candied-lychee. The dry and medium-bodied palate offers flavours of starfruit and mandarin oranges that are overshadowed by the high alcohol. Combine that with medium-minus acidity and you get an unbalanced and short finish. Drink now. - LC

Pfaffenheim 2007 Pinot Gris - 86pts

Pfaffenheim 2007 Pinot Gris (Alsace) France

Availability: Widely available

Cost: $19.99 (BCLDB stores)

Alcohol: 13%

Date Tasted: September 22nd, 2009

Tasting Notes: For an Alsatian wine this one has a bit more residual sugar than normal for the region. The nose of this medium-yellow gold coloured wine is light and subtle offering aromas of canned mushrooms, pears with notes of wet slate.

On the well-balanced palate the medium-bodied Pinot Gris offers youthful flavours of tangerines and melons with notes of residual lees from the barrel fermentation. The fruit aromas and flavours hold up to the alcohol well and the medium acid adds to a complex and refreshing wine that will pair well with medium-bodied fish with a creme and mushroom sauce. Drink now through 2011. - LC

SKU 616144 UPC 3185130071025