2007 Riesling Muenchberg Grand Cru

"Two thousand seven was a dream; it was like a classic vintage from the '80s," said Andre Ostertag. "Thankfully, we had a cold summer after the very early flowering, and the grapes kept their acidity and finesse. It's a classic style of vintage-at least four stars out of five. I'm sure it's great, but it's too early to say that it's exceptional." All of Ostertag's wines from pinot varieties did their malolactic fermentations in 2007, as did his sylvaner and muscat. In contrast to 2007, the previous harvest was difficult here. As Ostertag explained it, "the rot in '06 gave the berries a pre-oxidative character. That doesn't mean they won't hold well in bottle, but if the '07s go through their oxidative process in the bottle and age for 20+ years, then the '06s are for drinking in more like 10." (Kermit Lynch Wine Merchant, Berkeley, CA) Also recommended: 2006 Pinot Gris Zellenberg (86), 2007 Pinot Noir Rouge d'Epfig (85), 2006 Riesling Fronholz (86), 2006 Riesling Heissenberg (86), 2006 Muscat Fronholz (86). Other wines tasted: 2006 Pinot Gris Barriques, 2006 Pinot Gris Fronholz, 2007 Pinot Noir Fronholz*, 2006 Pinot Noir Fronholz.