My first Boxler. I was always drawn to the beauty of Boxler's labels, but looking at the price tag always made my hand go elsewhere (cheaper) on the wine shelf in the store (Astor Wines). Which is not always the right thing to do. At some point I made the right decision. I left those two inexpensive wines I initially spotted on the shelf and this time bought the Boxler Riesling Vielles Vignes 2005 instead. Not outrageously expensive at $34, but still more than what I tend to open on a Wednesday evening. I'm glad I did.
The aforementioned label: it looks like it was designed in the 1930s and has not been changed since. It's assuring to know that not every domaine is going modern with their labels. But what I found more intriguing is the fact that the Boxler domaine (I assume this is what is depicted here) can only be seen from afar, through a gate. The viewer is kept at a distance. Similarly, the domaine is keeping a low public profile. It is difficult to find information about Albert Boxler. The wine is all we have. And that is quite a bit, as it turns out.
The first thing I notice is the already beautifully golden color of the Riesling Vielles Vignes 2005. The old vines make an early appearance. The nose is equally developed, with a pronounced intensity of apricot, bay leaf and plums. On the palate it is off-dry, with a noticable alcohol level and a fairly full body. The acidity is crisp, keeping the wine from becoming too heavy. Perfectly balanced. A pronounced intensity of spiced fruit (baked apple with tarragon) as well as apricot jam leave a long impression on the palate before they slowly fade, a medium(+) length with a surprising finish of mouthwatering pear fruit at the very end.
The age of the vines (unfortunately, I do not know how old they are) give this young wine an exciting early touch of maturity.
There is so much ripe fruit and tickling spice in this wine and that touch of sweetness that keeps drawing me into it. Yet another example of how residual sugar in a wine can lull higher alcohol levels and make them palatable. Drink now - 2025