The 2nd in a trio of very fine vintages for Alsace in the mid 1990s. Spring was late this year and was followed by 3 weeks of warm and dry weather at the beginning of June. July and August were very hot and dry and were followed by cool but dry weather in September and October. The harvest began on October 7th and ripe and healthy fruit produced superb dry whites, some very good Vendages Tardives and even a little Selection des Grains Nobles. Stylistically the wines are different to the 1995s - they are more backward and less opulent, but possess an underlying depth of fruit as well as elegance, intensity and very good length on the finish.