Marc Tempé Alsace Riesling Amzelle 2019

Domaine Marc Tempé is run by husband-wife duo Marc and Anne-Marie, Alsace natives based in the small village of Zellenberg. Believing strongly that the only way to make good wine is through harmony between winemaker and terroir, the two have farmed organically and biodynamically since the late-1990s. Sourced from plots grown in the clayey limestone of their home village, this Riesling is subtle and (mostly) dry, with moreish stone fruit aromas and a pleasantly reductive note on the end. Two years ageing sur lie adds tremendous mid-palate weight and creaminess, while an alluring acidity contributes great tension. 

93/100 - This comes from Zellenberg's clayey limestone soils in an east-facing vineyard that, due to winds, is slower ripening. Aged in large oak for two years, the 2019 Riesling AmZelle shows an intense, golden-yellow color and exhibits a dense, complex and aromatic nose of perfectly ripe fruit (yellow plums) intertwined with lemony notes of crushed stones and lemony chutney. On the palate, this is a full-bodied, perfectly round, refined and elegant Riesling with a long, intense and saline, finely tannic and lemon-bitter, uplifting finish with ripe pears on the aftertaste. This is a perfectly balanced Riesling that already drinks beautifully, but it can be aged for 20 to 25 years. 14% stated alcohol. Natural cork. Tasted at the domaine in April 2022. - Stephen Reinhardt, Wine Advocate