TN: 2007 Domaine Weinbach Riesling Cuvée Théo & 02 Cadence Ciel de Cheval

  • 2007 Domaine Weinbach Riesling Cuvée Théo - France, Alsace, Alsace AOC (2/18/2012)
    Popped and poured. A couple of years since my last bottle of the 07 Theo, and things have moved along nicely, to say the least. Served a little bit too cold initially, the aromas were somewhat subdued, but gained definition as the wine warmed. Classic Weinbach: white peach, quartz, and just a slight suggestion of honey. Yellow plum and nectarine flavors are the main attraction on the palate, that carry the palate weight and texture of a wine with residual sugar, but no, the back half is full of fresh acidity keeping this firmly rooted as a dry Riesling. At peak, and should hold for another 3 to 5 years. (91 pts.)

Posted from CellarTracker

2002 Cadence Ciel du Cheval Vineyard - USA, Washington, Columbia Valley, Red Mountain (2/18/2012)
Popped and poured. I think this is the second decade old Cadence wine I have had, and all I can say, is yes, Ben Smith really does make wines that can age well, very well. A tasting delight of the famed Ciel de Cheval vineyard, this puppy was absolutely seamless in its transition of elegant, yet lush black cherry fruit to the perfectly integrated tannic structure, it simply glided on the palate effortlessly. Any semblance of oak or barrel is way back in the rear view mirror (not that Cadence wines have ever had the rep of being 2 x 4’s), but a rich wake of minerals and just a touch of earthy, floral flavors on the finish left me really impressed. One of the better Cadence wines I have had, and a sure fire reminder of just how well these wine not only age, but improve, if simply given the time. (93 points)

Thanks Dale, but you’d be surprised how those Weinbachs round into after a decade plus of age. I think the 07s have a long life ahead, esp the l’Inedit.

I’m with ya 100% Faryan on Weinbach and a decade (esp the CsC Schlossberg), but I really don’t think this particular Theo in 2007 doesnt need that 10 year span,now is a good a time as any to enjoy, well I have one more I could lay down for another 5 years or so, and then we shall see, cheers.

Dale,
Terrific notes as usual which I would love to disagree with but can’t. The Weinbach was, well, Weinbach. Shades of German sweetness with the regal Alsatian dry-backbone. Loved it!.

The Cadence was freakin’ shocking and fantastic. It looked like a recent vintage in the glass. 10 years left in that puppy, at least. I know Ben mentioned that he’d make that wine differently but I don’t see why as it’s fully resolved any issues of tannin or oak. What a treat!!