Famille Hugel Gewurztraminer Selection de Grains Nobles 2002

To produce such rare wines, certain factors have to coincide : an exceptional vineyard, old vines, perfect maturity, early-morning mist followed by maximum sunshine, to encourage the development of "noble rot" (botrytis cinerea). The shrivelled grapes are then carefully harvested, one by one, then vinified with utmost care. The resulting nectar has unbelievable finesse and complexity, and its lifespan is practically unlimited.

This is extremely rare; made with grapes from 40 year old vines in only in their prime years, the result is wonderful. It has flavors of quince and peach preserves, fresh lime, and orange marmalade, then lingers long on honeyed richness, subtle minerality, and mysterious hints of truffle and musk. This classic will also linger in your cellar without diminishing in quality for at least the next dozen years.