1997 Alsace
An extraordinary vintage which has been compared to the legendary 1949 and 1959 vintages. The first half of the growing season saw decidedly ordinary weather - frosts during a cold winter, uneven weather during spring and wet weather in June and most of July. However the weather then picked up and there followed a period of exceptionally hot and dry weather, which continued through to the end of September.
The harvest commenced on 1st October and sugar levels were some of the highest ever recorded. The Rieslings are particularly successful and are characterised by their ripeness, raciness and exquisite balance. A great year for dry whites, although many noteworthy sweet whites have also been produced.