Caramelized mirabelle, quince preserves, and litchi on the nose and palate of Trimbach’s 2008 Gewurztraminer Vendange Tardive are backed by considerable sweetness, which in turn is partially restrained by a strongly alkaline and chalky sense of underlying minerality. Soothingly persistent, this ought to be worth following – and to gain some complexity and better balance – over the next 15-20 years. “The oenologists were saying in 2009 ‘Oh we have to get approval so that we can add acidity,’ but it was absolutely unnecessary, for us,” notes Pierre Trimbach, who indeed delivered a surprisingly animated collection, albeit one diminished in size by instances of declassification. The Trimbachs compare their 2008s with 1998, adding that there is something of 2001 to them, too. As a group, they are going to further the reputation of wines from this family for rewarding patience.Importer: Diageo Chateau and Estate Wines Company, New York, NY; tel. (212) 419-1400