-- Parker: "The idea behind this wine is that you don’t get the grape’s character, but the chalky marl terroir," says Marc Tempé, serving me the 2012 Rodelsberg that was made "with a very little bit of botrytis," and finished fermentation with some grams of residual sugar though Marc does not know how much. "The slightly sweet impression fades away anyway," he says. The 2012 shows a subtly intense fruit aroma on the nose (though the complantation in the Rodelsberg was made with 70% Gewurztraminer) with some spicy flavors of chervil and potted ginger that makes you ask for sushi. Full-bodied and highly elegant on the palate, the Rodelsberg develops a stunning intensity and power without becoming alcoholic or opulent. This is a very pure, fresh and mineral blockbuster with a piquant and almost racy, but superbly integrated acidity and sweetness. It is not a well made but a truly grown Grand Cru that binds your mind and conquers your heart the more you drink of it, because it is so different and so unique. And, as all the wines from Tempé, it is structured by very fine and refreshing tannins and should have an aging potential of 15, 20 or more years. Like in 2010, the acidity is very present and cutting through the wine; it seems slightly softer than the more focused and tension-filled 2010. The finish is salty and followed by a mouth-watering aftertaste. The wine is not yet in the market, so take the 2010 instead. But whichever vintage of the Rodelsberg you can get, pour the wine in a black glass and serve it blind to your friends. How many of them, do you think, would think they are tasting red wine, Pinot Noir for example? 93+/100
