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Josmeyer

Domain Josmeyer was founded in 1854 by Aloyse Meyer, whose grandson Jean Meyer now manages the domain. Situated in the village of Wintzenheim, just west of Colmar, the domain has 25 hectares of vineyards scattered across nearby villages. These are mainly in Turckheim and Wintzenheim, including 2 hectares in Grand Cru Hengst, and a much smaller parcel of land in Grand Cru Brand.

Unsurprisingly the predominant grape varieties are Riesling, Gewurztraminer and Pinot Gris, three of the four 'noble' grapes of the region. There are lesser amounts of Muscat and other varieties planted, including Chasselas, but these are outweighed by Pinot Blanc and Auxerrois, which account for almost a fifth of the domains holdings. A number of these varieties are grown on Grand Cru Hengst, although they may never be marketed as Grand Cru wines, and they bear the symbol "H". (3/12/01)

Contact details:
Address: 76 rue Clemenceau, 68920 Wintzenheim
Telephone: +33 (0) 3 89 27 91 90
Fax: +33 (0) 3 89 71 91 99
Internet: www.josmeyer.com

Josmeyer - Tasting Notes

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Josmeyer Riesling Grand Cru Hengst 2000: A fairly pale, straw-gold hue, rather muted and primary on the nose, lemon sherbet, minerally and volcanic, but not a great deal of evident complexity. A good full weight on entry, although certainly not rich. Rather a bare acid and structure here, to the point where it seems rather lean through the midpalate. It fattens up with a little air, but it still remains rather a skinny wine without a lot of substance. Towards the finish, a touch angular and awkward. With time it takes on a richer character, of honeyed autumn apples, showing a strange metamorphosis in the glass, becoming fuller on the palate, richer, although still sharply defined and dry. A good composition overall, with a firm grip at the end. Decent stuff, but I hope this wine will show more interest with further bottle age. From my 2000 vintage Ten Years On tasting. 16+/20 (November 2010)

Josmeyer Pinot Auxerrois 'H' Vieilles Vignes 1999: A surprisingly pale wine despite its Grand Cru status. There are typical Pinot Blanc notes of pears and minerals on the nose, with a hint of creamy, nutty richness in the background. This comes through a little on the palate, which is initially fresh and crisp on entry, but soon develops a creamy yet elegant texture on the midpalate, with more nutty hints. There are some pear fruit and honeysuckle flavours, and plenty of spice as the wine develops its rich palate. There is a touch of bitterness running through the palate, more prominent on the finish, which is the major detractor from pleasure here. 15/20 (December 2001)

Josmeyer Gewurztraminer Grand Cru Hengst 1996: An unremarkable, pale golden hue. Very typical perfume on the nose, rose petals with plenty of bacon and a little lychee. Nice weight on entry, the acidity is rather low as is frequently the case with this variety, but there is a nice grip which gives a little structure, but more acids would have given a more appealing freshness too. Nevertheless it does have plenty of attractive character, including notes of bitter, mineral, orange peel and rose petal. Very good. From a 1996 vintage ten years on tasting. 16.5/20 (December 2006)

Josmeyer Riesling Grand Cru Hengst 1983: A pale, golden hue. Lime pickle and honey dominate the nose, with an exotic, mineral character, with nuances of vanilla pod, thyme and a little stone fruit. Full, structured, rounded, honeyed palate; this is showing impressive vigour and balance. Some petrol character, along with a limey citrus note. Broad, stylish, full of appeal, and finishing in a long, lingering fashion. This is delightful; it has such vitality that it will clearly continue to do well in the cellar. Excellent. A Christmas Wine. 18.5+/20 (December 2005)