Albert Boxler, Riesling Grand Cru "Sommerberg Dudenstein" 2023

Jean Boxler, many generations removed from his ancestor of the same name who moved to Alsace from Switzerland in 1673, currently rules the roost at this humble yet incredibly exciting domaine. Intense and serious about his land, his craft, and his wine, Jean is the genius behind what are certainly some of the finest white wines in Alsace and possibly the world. 

For Jean, wine is first and foremost a form of expression. In the same way that a writer sees a page as a blank canvas on which to express their words, Boxler sees wine as a space of freedom, still intact, on which an expression can erupt, an idea of his own. So it is as an artist that he approaches wine. Implementing an organic and low-intervention agricultural philosophy, the Boxler wines, whose aromatic, yet powerful profiles are unlike many we’ve come across, have never been better. 

The Dudenstein (D) bottling, produced only in great years, represents the pinnacle of Boxler’s wine-growing prowess and is, without any doubt, one of Alsace’s finest Rieslings, if not one of the greatest in the world. Age it patiently and respectfully, as you would a fine Corton-Charlemagne or Chevalier-Montrachet from Burgundy.

The 2023 Riesling Dudenstein Sommerberg Grand Cru is from a more complex parcel where granite is mixed with limestone and sandstone. This was made from vines planted in 1946 and 1953. A shy nose hints at zesty citrus. The palate is distinctly juicy, delving into green-yellow Reine Claude plum, emanating coolness and sporting a touch of pear peel on its texture. 

Pairing: Oysters, shellfish, trout, roast chicken, pork, asparagus, artichokes, or Alsatian-style dishes.