One of the great winemakers of Alsace and beyond has died in a car accident.
As head winemaker at Trimbach he made many wines that touched my heart and taught me the wonders of Riesling.
I never had the opportunity to meet the man, as he wasn’t there the one time I visited, but his passing leaves a void.
Oh no, that’s sad news. I was fortunate to meet him briefly when we visited the winery in 2017.
Rest in peace.
He and Hubert presented a tasting to Trimbach’s Scandanavian importers that I was able to crash. Fabulous tasting. The 1973 Clos Ste. Hune was remarkable. Both Hubert and I guessed 1976. That said, I think the 1989 Clos Ste. Hune VT Hors Choix is his greatest wine.
I used to see Hubert when he would visit LA on his annual US promotional tour. Hubert came during the summer and we would go to the Hollywood Bowl with his distributor and our wives. I recall that the first time I brought a Clos Ste Hune to drink with our picnic dinner, Hubert declared that CSH should only be opened on French National Holidays, to which I replied, “then there is no problem, because there is a French National Holiday weekly!” I never met Pierre, but I sure enjoyed his uncle.
Sad, way too young. Always found CFE to be one of the great wine values in the world, will open one soon.
RIP
I was fortunate to go to a tasting run by Hubert with the local distributor in Portland early in my wine journey. I was so excited to get to taste Clos Ste. Hune for the first time. The lineup included the '89 VT Hors Choix. I cannot say from experience but it definitely is the top of all of Trimbach’s wines that I’ve encountered before or since.
I will be retooling the menu plan to make a Clos Ste. Hune work tonight in memoriam.
fred
Postscript tasting note:
1999 Trimbach Clos Ste. Hune Riesling
Medium gold color that got a touch deeper as the bottle was open. Initial aromas of lime, kerosene, pine resin, and lemon balm. Palate had that tart lime initially but quickly went to a more resinous/kerosene/furniture polish place with clear signs of age. Finish is long and this is firmly in old age with just a hint of its prime visible on that first sip from the freshly-opened bottle. Drink.
I corresponded with the Maison just last Thursday and had commented on a memorable Clos Ste Hune. Raising a glass to the family and loved ones.
Likewise raising a glass. Very sad to hear and for his family.
