95/100 PP
"Cool, aristocratic and iron-rich on the nose where some flinty notes are displayed the 2012 Riesling Clos Ste Hune starts very pure and demanding on the nose. On the palate you can find as much energy and tension as in an electric power station. The wine is very clear, fresh and pure, shows lots of salt on the very elegant and seductive palate. The finish is very long and complex and indicates a terrific aging potential.
Pierre Trimbach was in a hurry when he presented me the 2013 range along with some of the 2012s, which are still in the markets. However, 90 minutes wewa enough to learn that 2013 as well as 2014 were small vintages in terms of quantity, but at least the 2013s have an extraordinary good quality; namely, the age worthy Rieslings (with the world class Clos Sainte Hune on the top and the remarkably good Geisberg Grand Cru), but also the dry Gewurztraminers, especially the Réserve and the rarely produced Cuvée des Seigneurs Ribeaupierre, are impressively good.
Pierre Trimbach calls 2012 "a classic vintage." The sugar levels were "good though not exceptional." Also, the acidity was "good -- not as high as in 2010, 2013 and 2014, but better than in 2011." Last but not least, the quantity is better than in 2010, 2013 and 2014. Some of the vines suffered from drought, but the Rieslings (which were mainly sourced in the southern part of the region) are of excellent quality and provided with a very good aging potential (which is important for a domaine that sells more than 50% Rieslings or 350,000 bottles)."
(Stephan Reinhardt, robertparker.com)
"Clos Sainte Hune is a 1,67 hectares exceptional stony argilo-calcaire, or Muschelkalk, limestone terroir, exclusively planted in Riesling, located in the heart of Grand Cru Rosacker, in Hunawihr.
The calcary soil allows this Riesling to develop a specific aroma and a wonderful concentration of fruits. Dry yet succulent, of phenomenal complexity, this wine develops an extraordinary aftertaste of minerals after a few years in bottle. The plot, which is approximately 50 to 70 years old, is south south east exposed and the yields are low. Annual production reaches about 9000 bottles, depending on the vintage. That makes the wine so unique that Clos Sainte Hune is looked for by many collectors all over the world.
We pick the grapes as late as possible in order to achieve maximum ripeness which, in turn, gives optimum depth of flavour and complexity. The grapes are picked by hand and pressed gently in a pneumatic press. The juice runs into the cellar by gravity and clarifies naturally prior fermentation. The juice ferment in stainless steel at controlled temperature for 3 or 4 weeks. The wine is vinified to complete dryness.
No oak ageing, because we believe it does not bring anything to our wines, except hiding the fruits, the flowers and moreover the salient characteristics of which are extreme purity and concentrated fruits. Bottling is early to preserve freshness. Wines are bottle-aged for several years before leaving the winery, especially CSH, for minimum 6 years."
(Domaine Trimbach)
