Riesling Frédéric Emile, Domaine Trimbach 2006

The Trimbach 2006 Riesling Cuvee Frederic Emile displays almost cinnamon-like as well as gingery sweet spicy pungency, a legacy of advanced ripeness and a touch of botrytis. Ripe strawberry, blood orange, and pink grapefruit add to the rather decadent allure here, following on an opulent palate, whose subtly oiliness of texture and honeyed cast give further testimony to noble rot. Yet for all of its far-gone, exotic ripeness, there is persistent refreshment here and a sense of lift rather than weight. A strikingly long, succulent finish is touched with quinine and citrus rind bitterness. (The alcohol here is only a bit over 13% in alcohol, incidentally.) After the release later this year I would start enjoying this unforgettable if far from classic Frederic Emile, and while it might well surprise me and hold up well for longer than another 3-5 years after that, I would advise it me monitored closely ,while waiting on the more classic and in time more impressive 2005.