The 1999 Tokay-Pinot Gris Altenbourg Vendanges Tardives has fresh white flower, peach, and poached pear aromas. Medium-bodied and spicy, this refined, richly layered wine has excellent balance to its bergamot, sweet herbal tea, pear, and anise-flavored character. It is gorgeously defined, highly concentrated, and possesses a luxuriously long and flavorful finish. Drink this superb wine between 2005 and 2016. Importer: Vineyard Brands, Birmingham, AL; tel. (205) 980-8802

The gold-colored 1996 Tokay-Pinot Gris Vendange Tardive combines the bright acidity of its vintage with copious quantities of candied oranges, tangy apricots, and creamed herbs. This magnificently bold wine should be at its peak between 2000 and 2014.Since Laurence Faller took over the winemaking duties at Domaine Weinbach (1993/94) there have been marked stylistic changes to the wines. They remain extremely well-made, rich, and concentrated yet are less generous in their youth than under the former winemaker's regime. I am, however, convinced that the wines presently being produced at this famed estate will be longer-lived than those from the past.Importer: Vineyard Brands, Birmingham, AL; tel (205) 980-8802.

The 1997 Tokay-Pinot Gris Vendange Tardive displays enthralling aromas of apricots and pears dripping with honey. This medium-to-full-bodied, thickly-textured wine has admirable focus, balance, and powerful super-ripe peach flavors intermingled with white raisins. It is intensely concentrated and complex. Projected maturity: 2002-2012+.Since Laurence Faller took over the winemaking duties at Domaine Weinbach (1993/94) there have been marked stylistic changes to the wines. They remain extremely well-made, rich, and concentrated yet are less generous in their youth than under the former winemaker's regime. I am, however, convinced that the wines presently being produced at this famed estate will be longer-lived than those from the past.Importer: Vineyard Brands, Birmingham, AL; tel (205) 980-8802.