1989 Riesling Cuvee Frederic Emile SGN
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Tasting notes
Magnum that was never commercialised. The wind concentrated the sugar in the grapes. RS 80–90 g/l. Bright orange colour. Very sweet but very lively. Strong almond flavour. This is in much better shape than the Clos Ste Hune 2001! Glorious. (JR)
Critic scores
Jancis Robinson MW
Jancis Robinson MW
More reviews and scores
RS 119 g/l. Similar orange tawny to the Clos Ste Hune Hors Choix Vendange Tardive 1989. Very obvious Riesling. Dry finish. Transparent and sweet but so fresh! Very pure and sweet and lower acid than a similar German wine would have. Lightly raisiny, and with a thick texture that somehow reminds me of chenille. Lightly and agreeably bitter on the end. This wine broadcasts Sélection de Grains Nobles most loudly (as opposed to the Riesling broadcast so eloquently by the Clos Ste Hune Hors Choix Vendange Tardive 1989). (JR)
Apparently more than 70% of the vineyard was affected by noble rot. Deep gold. Too heavy to have much nose. Green gold colour; rich apricot flavours. Sweet but it needs time to develop the excitement of the 1989 Vendange Tardive. Undoubtedly extremely pure but not as nervy or racy. One to keep. (JR)