My first Clos Ste Hune. My expectations were through the roof. I worried that I was opening it too early at 11 yrs old, but I’m glad I didn’t wait any longer. The bottle isn’t premoxed, but it’s more advanced than it should be. Bottle looked good, but removing the capsule revealed a cork that was sunk 2mm below the rim. I tasted a small bit PnP and the rest of it went into the decanter which we drank slowly over 5 hrs. Some weird funky notes upon opening, which went away after some air.
Aroma is mostly pleasant, but it’s not at the intensity that a top quality Riesling should be- I’d say medium minus. Notes are of a wine that is advancing in years: stewed pears, apple sauce, wilted wildflowers, honey, lemon meringue pie, chamomile tea, and jasmine. Not a hint of petrol. The smells are pleasant but, again, intensity is lacking, and too advanced for a wine with a reputation of being able to age forever.
Pleasant in the mouth, but lacking the high acidity it should have. Even a touch flabby. The texture is soft, smooth, very easy drinking. Tastes of poached pears, pineapple rings out of the can, chamomile and jasmine (again). There is a hint of Juicy Fruit gum note that feels out of place. Finish is reasonably long, emphasizes the fruit.
I haven’t had this wine before, but I’ve had Cuvee Frederic Emile on multiple occasions, as well as other high quality Alsatian Rieslings. This wine is pleasant enough to drink, but no way this is what it’s supposed to be. Strangely, it’s missing the je ne sais quoi typicity of Riesling. Here I am, drinking what is supposed to be one of the top expressions of Riesling in the world, and I’m not sure I could have even identified the grape if blinded. Fun to try, but given the price, a bit fat disappointment.
I’ve had the bottle for 3 years, stored perfectly. I suspect damage in transit.