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