2009 Hommage a' l'Alsace, Mountford Estate

Winemaker CP Lim has long held a passion for Alsace wines and in particular for the old style of wines from this great region, which were not bottled as single varietals but were usually a blend of several. This example combines the four classic varieties, Riesling, Gewurztraminer, Pinot Gris and Muscat, and is vinified completely dry, although such is the richness on the palate that one could be excused for thinking that a little bit of sweetness remained.

The style of the wine is very complex, and the multi-faceted bouquet seems to change every time you return to it; sometimes the steeliness of the Riesling is to the fore, sometimes it is the lychee-scented Gewurztraminer which holds centre stage, at others the smoky spice of the Pinot Gris or the heady fragrance of Muscat seems to dominate. It’s difficult to predict the wine’s longevity as this is the first such example produced in the New World, but it’s a fascinating experiment and gorgeous to drink right away.
(Alun Griffiths MW, BBR Wine Director)