($60, Diageo Chateau & Estates):  Trimbach, like other leading Alsace producers, Hugel and Beyer, eschews the Alsace Grand Cru classification system of vineyards, insisting that when the boundaries were drawn they included inferior sites.  Hence, even though the grapes for this wine come exclusively from the core of the Grand Cru sites of Geisberg and Osterberg, on the steep slope directly behind their winery, Grand Cru does not appear on the label. … Read more

($150, Diageo Chateau & Estates):  The Clos Sainte Hune is a small parcel within the Grand Cru Rosacker vineyard in the village of Hunawihr that has been owned exclusively by the Trimbach family for more than 200 years.  In the Trimbach tradition, the label will never carry its Grand Cru designation despite the grandeur of the wine, which many authorities believe is Alsace’s finest. … Read more

($20, Kermit Lynch):  The word “barriques” (small, 225-liter French oak barrels) on a label of Pinot Blanc, a fairly delicate grape, is bound to dissuade many from tasting this wine.  It certainly put me off and I had every intention of not liking the wine. … Read more

($16, Frederick Wildman):  Hugel is one of the undisputed leaders in Alsace so it’s not surprising that their Pinot Blanc–a wine that can be innocuous–is so full of character.  Delicate notes of white flowers grab your attention, but it’s the bracing character of this unoaked wine that keeps it. … Read more

($19, The Sorting Table): Zind-Humbrecht is straying from French tradition by making wine from Chardonnay in Alsace.  A blend of one-third Auxerrois and two-thirds Chardonnay from the famed Clos Windsbuhl vineyard, this appealing wine carries no appellation—it’s labeled solely as a “vin de table”—because Chardonnay is not an allowed variety in Alsace. … Read more

($40, The Sorting Table): People either love or hate Gewurztraminer because of its overt flamboyant profile and an unpredictability regarding its level of sweetness.  This is one Gewurztraminer that is hard not to love.  Explosive as expected, flavors of spiced pears and lychee nuts pour forth. … Read more

($17, Kermit Lynch): With so many innocuous Pinot Blanc on the market, it is a joy to find one with character and richness.  Hints of peaches are immediately apparent and a subtle spiciness and excellent acidity adds interest and verve.  It’s another good choice for Thanksgiving, both as a welcoming aperitif and a wine for the table.… Read more

($16, Pasternak Wine Imports): Albrecht has fashioned a lovely dry Riesling that finds a mid-ground between the enamel-cleansing character of some and the soupy sweetness of others.  Plump apple flavors allow you to enjoy a glass as an aperitif, but the hallmark acidity of Riesling means it will hold up nicely through a meal. … Read more

($18, Pasternak Wine Imports): Alsace Riesling usually highlights the mineral aspect of the varietal compared with the more floral expression of German Riesling.  Albrecht’s combines the best of both.  Less floral than many, the minerality extends onto the palate and intermingles with attractive spice. … Read more

($18, Pasternak Wine Imports): Alsace Riesling usually highlights the mineral aspect of the varietal compared with the more floral expression of German Riesling.  Albrecht’s combines the best of both.  Less floral than many, the minerality extends onto the palate and intermingles with attractive spice. … Read more

($13): Clean and brisk, with more intensity than many Pinot Blancs, Sipp Mack’s is a great value. You could drink it as an aperitif and then carry it to the table for a first course. 87 Michael Apstein Oct 10, 2006

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($19): A dry style of Riesling, Sipp Mack’s Vieilles Vignes conveys minerality throughout its considerable length. With plenty of power, it will hold up nicely with spicy Asian fare. 90 Michael Apstein Oct 10, 2006

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($27, Paterno Wines): Pinot Blanc represents the neutral baseline of the world’s white wines in terms of aromas and flavors, but this Pinot Blanc is actually an exciting wine. On the nose it expresses broad, minerally notes as well as gentle floral character.… Read more

($35, Pasternak): Albrecht’s regular Riesling is always quite good and well priced at about $15. This one, from the Grand Cru vineyard, Pfingstberg, is glorious. With lots of intensity and minerality, it delivers everything you’d expect from a grand cru vineyard.… Read more