reviews & Notes



Rolly Gassmann -- eRobertParker --2011
Auxerrois Moenchereben 2008
Guide Parker 2011: 90/100  (David Schildknecht) - Fascinating aromas of lichen, browned butter, and peat mingle with white raisin and caramel in Rolly Gassmann’s 2008 Auxerrois Moenchreben and its lush though lively palate is similarly informed by an unusual juxtaposition of forest floor-like and almost confectionary elements. Hints of salt offer a welcome sense of invigoration to a long, fascinating finish that is unabashedly sweet but utterly belies its over-14% alcohol. I could imagine this being worth following for 12-15 years, but Gassmann scoffs at that. “It will be there for my grandchildren,” he insists.
Sylvaner Weingarten 2007
Guide Parker 2011: 89/100  (David Schildknecht) - Rolly-Gassmann’s honeysuckle- and lily-scented 2007 Sylvaner Weingarten exhibits the creamy nuttiness and overt sweetness familiar from its 2006 and earlier renditions. Quite delicate in weight and enveloping in richness, this Sylvaner’s hints of lime and sage offer some refreshment and invigoration in the finish, and I suspect it will keep well for 6-8 years.
Riesling Reserve Milléseme 2008
Guide Parker 2011: 90/100 - Cherry, smoky black tea, peony, lemon, and a hint of fusil oils in the nose of the Rolly-Gassmann 2008 Riesling Reserve Millesime pick up a stimulating piquancy and mouthwatering savor from cherry pit and salt on a lithe, bright palate, finishing with admirable persistence. Like its “regular” counterpart, this comes off as dry. It should be a pleasure to employ over the coming decade. (There is no separate Rorschwihr cuvee in 2008. Due to the small crop and size of available casks, Pierre Gassmann decided to incorporate that fruit into this Reserve Millesime.)

BETTANE & DESSEAUVE - GRAND GUIDE DES VINS DE FRANCE 2009

 
Château Mas Neuf Tradition rouge 2006  Note : 14/20  (available)
"A nice concentrated colour, a fresh and smooth palate with black fruits notes. The finish is textured with nice and light tannins.
Château Mas Neuf Compostelle rouge 2005 Note : 14,5/20 (available)
"Dominated by the syrah, the wine is very stained, with blackcurrant flavours and the palate reveals a softness character. The oak flavour reveals caramel with delicate tannins."
Château Mas Neuf Avec des Si... rouge 2005  Note : 15/20 (available)
"This wine, composed of 100% syrah, is classified in “Vin de Pays” because it is not permitted to use Costière de Nimes with this proportion of syrah. Steady with a very good structure of the tannins and an intense fruity, the wine reveals a softly and long character."