2018 Jean Biecher & Fils Riesling Grand Cru Sommerberg Alsace 750 ml

A Grand Cru white wine that is 95 points, 42% off, and as stunningly delicious as the 2018 Jean Biecher & Fils Riesling is an incredibly rare find. We’ve always had a weakness for aromatic white wines, especially from Alsace, so the second we encountered this one’s nose of juicy yellow peach and tangerine, its zippy, mouthwatering acidity, we knew we had to secure an allocation. To this day Wine Access remains the only place to get it, so the time to claim it is now.

One of the reasons we love Riesling so much is because it is one of those grape varieties that can channel its terroir with laser-like precision. The Biecher family knows a thing or two about crafting superb Riesling, as they’ve been farming the variety since 1762 from their property near the charming Alsatian village of Saint-Hippolyte.

The Biecher family’s impeccably situated piece of the Sommerberg Grand Cru vineyard produces impeccable Riesling from 45-year-old vines, and they majestically veer down an absurdly steep 45-degree well-draining slope, which ensures a luxurious concentration in the finished wine. If that weren’t perfect enough, this slope sits at 1,300 feet of elevation, guaranteeing optimal ripeness and a piercingly bright acidity that freshens and lifts the wine’s richness.

While other grape varieties grow in the Sommerberg Grand Cru vineyard, Riesling is the star, and the Biecher family’s version is routinely counted among the region’s best. Given its incredible versatility, and a price point that drastically under-represents its quality, it almost demands space in the cellar. Its modest alcohol, high acidity, and lack of oak make it an especially great match with the complex flavors of Vietnamese and Thai dishes. It also has the structure to age for eight to ten years, unlocking even more depth of flavor.

With only 5% of Alsatian wine qualifying as Grand Cru, and the Sommerberg output accounting for a fraction of that five percent, this juice is precious. The 2018 Biecher & Fils Riesling Grand Cru’s combination of body and energy will appeal to all white wine lovers, not just Riesling aficionados. It’s a singular expression that cannot be missed, especially at this amazing price.