when 96 is on, wow, and this one was on. I might be biased after two dry weeks on call, but this is a fabulous bottle screaming for oysters–which I sadly didn’t have. Tasting ever so young, it must be a forty year wine, but I am not complaining–mind-bending depth with layers of citrus zest, crazy acidity, a huge wine that is impeccably balanced, a great, great wine. The finish is endless–this bottle makes me forget white Burgundy. Is the 96 Clos Ste. Hune even better? That is a scary thought.
alan
Good to know. Don’t have any 96, but I’m holding on to some 98, 99, 2001, and 2002.
Thanks for the note, Alan
It shouldn’t, as a lot of Trimbach FE and Hune suffers from premox, including the '96. That said, I tried a '96 on Saturday and it was delicious.
I haven’t had this one so not able to compare but I had the Clos St. Hune 96 earlier this year and it was simply mind-blowing as well so I guess they just nailed it in 96 all across 
Nice note Alan. We had quite a bit of 1996 CSH and CFE in the cellar. Every bottle of the CFE was great and up until now, every bottle of the CSH has shown some oxidation. Not sure what might be the reasons for this in terms of winemaking, but the difference in experience has been very clear cut.
Great wine and note, the way Alsace Rieslings should be made. I think I might have one bottle left.
Hey Jeremy - I am surprised about the oxidation on your bottles of the 96 CSH since the one I had was crystal-clear and had no such notes but maybe we was just lucky with that one - I had the 98 last month and that had a more dark color and some hints of burned sugar and although a great wine not anyway near the 96 in focus and sharpness
This wine sends out mixed (and confusing signals, IMO). But, ultimately, I think it’s good wine, thoug the wines all show some oxidative elements. Not sure if it’s the winemaking or a cousin of the premox (the corks, I’ve noticed were unusually rigid in this vintage; silicone?).
My last two notes on this wine, FWIW.
trimbach cfe 96…butterscotch/caramel and grapefruit nose; good acidity and fruit and some of the caramel on the palatte; is this age or the vintage? nice long, round finish. Good wine…no hurry; will last til it’s 20…but beyond??? Maine: July 2010.
2/14: jambalaya . This wine seemed closed and maybe advanced/oxidized at first, but blossomed into a honeyed, leanish dry riesling that is very enjoyeable with some time in decanter.
This latest experience…seeming “oxidation” that blows off with aeration into a pleasant wine is a phenomenon that I’ve experienced in some Dauvissat Chablis from several vintages. (I’ve had other bottles between those two that had “oxidation” issues, but were not “oxidized”; my notes on them have disappeared, though.)
No recent experience with the CSH '96. Trying to hold mine until 2016…as , in 2008, I noted I should after enjoying one. They are VERY different wines from Trimbach in 1996.
Heresy, I know, but I still think Boxler’s rieslings are more special, the “way Alsace rieslings should be made,” to quote one fan.
time to retire and enjoy your cellar !
J’agree.
Can we set up sort of fund that fellow Berserkers can contribute to so that the good Dr can be ‘off call’ from now on?
Stuart no heresy at all. I think you are right!
I do enjoy both stiles, but find CFE a bit to round and in lack of expression (compared to the Boxlers). Especially Sommerberg is for me the Alcase-Riesling par excellence with its electrifying character.
this would be a dream come true! It’s the truly lousy part of the job.
I want a piece of that action!
Hey, I was going to say exactly that! It’s almost as if we were in the same place on Saturday.
Still have two magnums of this bought at the Domaine. Opened one a couple of years ago and it was way too young.
Thanks…you just reminded me…so do I…and one of the '95. I opened the other one in 2005 for my son’s h.s. graduation party. What a waste!
Seriously…I forgot I have them, as I don’t buy/own many magnums, esp. from Alsace. Love that Alsace magnum bottle , though.
Well…were you?
Well…were you?[/quote]
Indeed, we were. We’ve also been together for plenty of premoxed Trimbach FE.
Actually, I wasn’t present for any of the premoxed '96 Trimbachs I’ve heard reported on. My big one was the 1998 CSH which I brought to Jeff and Jim’s anniversary dinner. Should have been fantastic but … premoxed.