1997 Domaine Schoffit Riesling Rangen de Thann Clos St. Theobald Grand Cru

In 1997, Bernard Schoffit crafted two Rieslings from his parcel on the steep Rangen vineyard. The vines located on the upper portion of the slope, furthest away from the Thur river, were not affected by botrytis and fashioned a superb wine that bears Schoffit's normal Riesling Rangen de Thann Clos St. Theobald label. The spectacular 1997 Riesling Rangen de Thann Clos St. Theobald #10 was produced from grapes affected by noble rot. This wine was produced from Schoffit's parcel closest to the river. It displays a super-concentrated nose of liquid minerals, smoke, botrytis, and roasted peanuts. This extraordinarily ripe wine is broad, opulent, and crammed with apricots, peaches, quince, caramelized minerals, and candied lemons. Tight and slightly backward, its medium-to-full-bodied core exhibits compelling concentration, complexity, intensity, and length. Drink this gem between 2003 and 2014. Importer: Peter Weygandt, Weygandt-Metzler, Unionville, PA; tel (610) 486-0800.