WTN: 2 Alsace Rieslings from Domaine Loew

[Otto]

Domaine Loew doesn't seem to get much mention anywhere online. And that is a shame as I think their wines are outstandingly pure and elegant. They even make some Pinot Gris that I love - and it is rare that I enjoy that grape. Tonight I got to drink a very mini vertical (can just two vintages be called a mini-vertical?) of his Riesling.

2007 Domaine Loew Riesling Bruderbach Clos des Frères - France, Alsace, Bas-Rhin, Alsace AOC (8/2/2012)
13%; indice de sucrosité 2/10. The aromas is rather mute even with a whole day open. But what is noticeable is a ripe Riesling fruitiness that is pure and mineral - but inexpressive now. A nice blend of raciness and some richness, it tastes dry and has a fantastically intense peacock's tail finish. It is a friendly rather than austere type of dryness even now when too young. I think once the aromas become less muted this should be a very pretty Alsace Riesling. Hold.

2008 Domaine Loew Riesling Bruderbach Clos des Frères - France, Alsace, Bas-Rhin, Alsace AOC (8/2/2012)
13% abv; indice de sucrosité 1/10. More open than the 2007 (but still far from mature IMO), with a more austere profile of cooler fruit and more bite. Crisp, clean, acidic and with enough fruit to keep it from becoming too austere. I think there is still much of an upside to this wine. I love it already, but still: hold.

[David M. Bueker]

I've never actually seena bottle in my area. Sounds good though.

I see they are using a sugar level indication. Interesting that they are doing so, but boy I wish those who voluntarily do it could stick to one system (ZH goes from 1-5, not 1-10).

[Otto]

I see they are using a sugar level indication. Interesting that they are doing so, but boy I wish those who voluntarily do it could stick to one system (ZH goes from 1-5, not 1-10).

Since it's all relative is it really all that important what the scale is?

[Rahsaan]

Since it's all relative is it really all that important what the scale is?

If you want to use the indice to compare wines across producers, I would think the scale is important.

[Otto]

Since it's all relative is it really all that important what the scale is?

If you want to use the indice to compare wines across producers, I would think the scale is important.

Yes, the ideal would be that lab infos on both acidities and sugars would be given instead a fairly subjective number of sweetness. But since no one is willing to give such info any scale of sweetness is useful.