Domaines Schlumberger Vendange Tardives Cuvee Christine

Besides its beautiful line of Alsace wines, Domaines Schlumberger also produces a Vendange Tardives, or dessert wine. This dessert wine is named after Christine, who cared for the unique vineyard for years. This white dessert wine is therefore known as Cuvée Christine. This winery has a long history, as the German Claus Schlumberger arrived in Alsace as early as the 17th century. He established his estate in Guebwiller, but unfortunately, he didn't enjoy it for long because the region was dominated by monks known as "The Princes Abbés." He moved to another town, where he passed his estate on to his son, Nicolas Schlumberger. In 1810, he built wine cellars and purchased a twenty-hectare vineyard that would later produce his renowned wines. Nicolas also had many children, nine to be precise, with Jean Schlumberger taking over the reins from his father. The family's love for Alsace is strong, and today, everything is still run by the Schlumberger family.

The old Vendange Tardives vineyard in Alsace

The vineyard is situated in the very best location in Alsace, specifically in the Grand Cru Kessler vineyard. The climate here is perfect for dessert wine thanks to the abundant sunshine and the very, very steep slope. Therefore, the Gewürztraminer grapes are harvested entirely by hand and placed in very small crates. This is because such delicate bunches can damage the grapes. When the grapes arrive at Domaines Schlumberger, they are pressed, and the Vendange Tardives ferments on the lees for at least three months. It develops beautiful aromas and flavors unique to this dessert wine.

The smell and taste of the Domaines Schlumberger Cuvee Christine

The color is a beautiful golden yellow with hints of orange, revealing the greatness of this Vendange Tardives. We pour it slightly chilled into the glass and smelled an unprecedentedly beautiful interplay of herbs and fruit nuances. We noted lemon, apricot, white peach, lychee, spices, and candied ginger. The palate is equally stunning, with a lovely, thick structure and flavors of blood orange, white peach, apricot, banana, passion fruit, papaya, mango, flowers, roses, spices, and ginger. We also detected a savory bitterness. The finish is long, with a frank vibrancy and a lingering bitterness. What class!