Vintus

Altenberg de Bergheim, Alsace Grand Cru

The magnificent Altenberg vineyard is situated in the heart of a geologic fault area that combines hard Jurassic calcareous deposits and liassic marl strata. These formations, which are rich in fossils, have formed a spare clayey-calcareous soil that is red (ferrous) and rich in limestone rock. Here, the vine has to send its roots deep for energy; it is very warm, dry and nearly overheated. That maturity of the grape is often enhanced by noble rot and is exceptional. The site enhances the domination of the terroir on the planted varieties. (13 Alsatian grape varietals)

• 2004 Vintage

  • “With tremendous polish, richness and honeyed botrytis character on the palate, this has an underlying density suggestive of minerality and presumably going far to explain why nearly three-digit residual sugar results in a wine that is certainly sweet but not overbearingly so. Candied citrus, orange liqueur and marmalade, peach preserves, nut paste, honey, and vanilla, along with doughy richness and buttery texture give this wine a patisserie character – if one simply imagines dustings of chalk dust instead of flour. It finishes with remarkable lift and elegance for a wine of such sheer richness.” 94 Points Wine Advocate