Vintus

Schoenenbourg, Alsace Grand Cru

The Schoenenbourg has a very specific topography, facing south, with a steep slope and the geology formed of Keuper marl. The combination of a light, airy, friable topsoil on a clay based, fertile substratum with good water retention properties, accounts for the fact that the personality of the Schoenenbourg wines is dominated more by their native soil than by their varietal. Schoenenbourg produces wines which age extraordinary well with outstanding body and richness, and characteristics not common for this type of wine: a nose with a hint of pepper or even a smoky aroma similar to a Tokay, a light acidity hidden by the fullness of its body, and a mineral nature not evident when young but developing fossil traces in time.

2003 Vintage Reviews
“Tangy, highly complex nose combines pineapple candy, crystallized lemon peel, honey, licorice, lichee and mint. Densely packed and juicy, with a distinctly brooding character. This tastes drier than the 2004 but Deiss maintains that the actual r.s. is similar (in the range of 50 to 60 g/l) and that this is simply more closed. Wonderfully broad wine that offers a felicitous combination of stony minerality and botrytis lift.” 93 (+?) Stephen Tanzer, Nov/Dec 2006

2002 Vintage Reviews
“This is gorgeous in the way it balances ripe, rich depth: The succulent orange and apricot fruit comes on like a freight train, yet the structure is so subtly poised, always in control, vibrating with an inner tension and purity. The complex interplay of intense fruit and crystalline minerality on the finish demonstrates why this site is regarded as a top grand cru.” 94 Wine & Spirits, October 2006

“Excellent harmony and beauty. Supple, full and off-dry, delivering delicate flavors of white flowers, peach, mango and mineral. It stays with you, in a vibrant, lilting way, through the long aftertaste of apricot. Roughly 70 percent Riesling, with Pinot Gris, Gewurztraminer and Muscat.” 93 Wine Spectator, October 2006