The illustrious Trimbach family boasts an illustrious winegrowing heritage that traces its roots back to the year 1626, spanning an impressive 12 generations. Their storied viticultural journey unfolds in the charming commune of Ribeauvillé, a location they settled in following the cataclysmic First World War. This picturesque town, nestled amidst the captivating landscape of the Alsace wine region, serves as the familial heartland. This northeastern corner of France, bordering Germany, is renowned for its slender ribbon of vineyards that unfurls gracefully from north to south.
The modern incarnation of the Trimbach wine dynasty owes much of its character to the pioneering spirit and indomitable vision of Frédéric Emile Trimbach, a luminary who left an indelible mark on the estate during the latter part of the 19th century. His legacy endures through the continued inclusion of his initials in the official name of the company, a testament to his enduring influence. It is within this hallowed tradition that one encounters a distinguished offering – a Riesling cuvée bearing his name, a testament to his enduring significance in the world of Alsace wines.
Trimbach, true to its heritage, crafts a diverse array of wines, harnessing the potential of both their meticulously tended vineyard holdings and carefully sourced grapes. A defining hallmark of their approach is the embrace of a decidedly dry style, a characteristic that sets them apart in the spectrum of Alsace winemaking. Remarkably, Trimbach eschews the use of Alsace Grand Cru vineyard designations, which were introduced in the 1970s as a measure to highlight exceptional terroirs. Instead, they tread their path with understated confidence, reserving vineyard designation for a singular gem in their portfolio – Clos St Hune. This extraordinary wine emanates from a minuscule 1.3-hectare plot nestled near the quaint village of Hunawihr, an integral part of the renowned Rosacker vineyard. Clos St Hune embodies the epitome of a dry Riesling, standing tall as one of Alsace’s most celebrated vinous treasures, renowned for its remarkable capacity to age with grace and distinction.
In traversing the tapestry of the Trimbach family’s wine legacy, we embark on a journey that spans centuries, each chapter steeped in tradition, innovation, and unwavering commitment to excellence. As we explore their vineyards and vinification methods, we encounter a lineage of passionate vintners who have deftly navigated the complex landscape of Alsace’s terroirs, delivering wines that reflect the soul of their land and the indomitable spirit of those who tend it. Join us as we delve deeper into this remarkable wine dynasty, uncovering the secrets of their success, the nuances of their wines, and the enduring legacy of the Trimbach family in the world of fine winemaking.
15 Rte de Bergheim, 68150 Ribeauvillé, France +33 3 89 73 60 30
Tasting notes
THE WINES
2009 Riesling Réserve
Taut, limey, lemony fruit here. Very precise, fresh and lemony. Dry and clean. 88 corked Points
2005 Riesling Cuvée Frédéric Emile
Lovely aromatics: full, fresh and intense with lemon and richer melon notes. The palate is dense with some lime fruit and nice acid. Complex and dry with subtle creamy notes on the finish. 93 corked Points
2002 Riesling Cuvée Frédéric Emile
Dense, complex and pithy with lemon and mineral notes. Dry with lovely precision and some richer crystalline fruit notes. Developing some complexity. 93 corked Points
2001 Riesling Cuvée Frédéric Emile
Waxy, citrussy, herby nose. Really complex and evolving nicely. The palate has notes of citrus, melon and wax with nice structure and density. Developing very nicely. 94 corked Points
2000 Riesling Cuvée Frédéric Emile
Taut citrus nose with a savoury, mineral dimension. The palate shows honey and citrus, with some nutty notes. Great acidity and precision here. 93 corked Points
1999 Riesling Cuvée Frédéric Emile 1999
Quite dry and a little austere. Fresh, pure and lemony with a herbal edge. Long, precise and dry. 92 corked Points
1989 Riesling Cuvée Frédéric Emile
Beautifully aromatic with notes of honey, melon and apricot, as well as citrus fruit. Open, ripe and thrilling. The palate has a rounded character and shows nuts, apricots and honey. Broad with lovely intensity. 95 corked Points
1989 Riesling Cuvée Frédéric Emile
Beautifully aromatic with notes of honey, melon and apricot, as well as citrus fruit. Open, ripe and thrilling. The palate has a rounded character and shows nuts, apricots and honey. Broad with lovely intensity. 95 corked Points
2005 Riesling Clos Ste Hune
Dense, focused and taut with lovely comcentration and intensity. Lemons, limes, minerals dominate. Dry, pure, long and intense. 94 corked Points
2004 Riesling Clos Ste Hune
Slightly honeyed nose with intense liminess. Combines richness and freshness. The palate is dense and waxy with melon and lemon fruity notes. A richer style of Ste Hune. 95 corked Points
1985 Riesling Clos Ste Hune
Evolved, complex, nutty nose with some citrus, wax and lanolin notes. Lively and pure. The palate has a savoury, nutty quality and some toastiness, as well as lemony fruit. Very appealing. 93 corked Points
2007 Pinot Gris Réserve
Taut and precise with nice fruit and a bit of grapey, spicy richness. 87 corked Points
2005 Pinot Gris Réserve Personelle
Rich and grapey with lovely fruit, nice texture and notes of herbs and citrus. A bit of sweetness here. 90 corked Points
2005 Gewürztraminer Réserve
Lovely nose of rose petal and Turkish delight. Grapey and textured with lovely balance. 91 corked Points
Gewürztraminer Cuvée des Seigneurs de Ribeaupierre
Aromatic, rich, grapey and textured. Pretty but not overblown. Lovely depth and subtle rose petal notes. 92 corked Points
2002 Riesling Vendange Tardive
Intense, waxy, citrussy nose leads to a bold, dense, waxy palate with textured, spicy citrus fruits and some melony richness. 94 corked Points
Trimbach Gewürztraminer Vendandge Tardive 2005
Rich, grapey and textured with some broad melon and peach notes. Grapey, spicy edge. Very lush and smooth showing sweetness but also nice balance. 93 corked Points
1989 Gewürztraminer Sélection de Grains Nobles
Very sweet, open nose with notes of apples, lychees and cream. The palate is bold, dense and sweet with rich grapey notes. Long finish. Sweet and harmonious. 94 corked Points
2001 Gewürztraminer Sélection de Grains Nobles
Luscious and rich with notes of grape, peach and spice. Bold, viscous and sweet with lovely intensity and great concentration. 92 corked Points
2000 Pinot Gris Vendange Tardive
Very rich, ripe nose is aromatic and spicy with notes of grape and apple. The palate is ripe and sweet with appley fruit and lively acidity. Lovely texture and a spicy bite on the finish. 93 corked Points
2001 Riesling Frédéric Emile Sélection de Grains Nobles
Complex, spicy and lively nose with citrus fruit as well as waxy, herby notes. The palate is rich and lively with apricot and citrus notes, good acidity and a long finish. 94 corked Points
