Clos des Rochers

Grevenmacher, Moselle

The wines of one of Europe's coolest wine regions are not often seen on the retail shelves in New York City. I found it online at Astor Wine's website, but when I asked for it in the store both sales people I spoke to wouldn't believe me that they had a wine from Luxembourg in their store. Until they checked the inventory in their computer system. Too bad for Astor Wines that no one is aware of this gem that's been hidden at the end of the aisle, after Loire's Muscadet wines, another sad chapter of customer ignorance.

Riesling 2005

Pale lemon color. Medium(-) intensity of citrus fruit and mineral aromas, with a hint of hazelnut and blossoms. Dry on the palate with medium(+) acidity, medium alcohol and body. Medium intensity of citrus fruit, pear and peach flavors with a good dash of minerality, which prolongs through a medium long length and finishes on a peppery note. Drink now through 2015.

Finely balanced wine, minerality and fruit are very pure and refreshing. But the wine also has depth, because rather than despite its subtlety.