help newbie choose wine from strasbourg

[Bucko]

A wine virtually impossible to find in the US is Kientzler. Here are my notes from a visit last spring:

2002 Kientzler, Chasselas, Alsace, France, $NA. A grape common in Switzerland, this wine has a Sauvignon Blanc nose. Light on the palate, this wine begs for oysters on the half shell; 85.

2000 Kientzler, Gewurztraminer, Alsace, France, $NA. This is fantastic for an entry level wine. Lots of tasty apricots and figs, with great acidity for this grape; 91.

2000 Kientzler, Gewurztraminer, Reserve Particulière, Alsace, France, $NA. I got so busy talking to Kientzler that I neglected writing a note. He states that they blend some of their VT back into this wine to make the reserve. It was tasty.

1989 Kientzler, Gewurztraminer, Sélection de Grains Nobles, Alsace, France, $NA. This one was opened to let us see how their SGN ages (well I might add). The nose and palate are a complex mix of filberts, cocoa, coffee, and baklava. Stunning stuff; 94.

1998 Kientzler, Gewurztraminer, Vendages Tardive, Alsace, France, $NA. Kientzler says that these grapes come from a low-yielding site known for botrytis formation. Imagine baklava with juniper overtones, and then lay on a layer of dazzling acidity. Almond and peach overtones linger; 93.

2001 Kientzler, Muscat, Alsace, France, $12. We´re talking gooseberries here. Dry, with brisk acidity, this is a good food wine, especially with white asparagus; 87.

2000 Kientzler, Muscat, Kirchberg Grand Cru, Alsace, France, $NA. Similar to their regular Muscat, but with more floral notes and complexity, although a tad softer on the palate; 89.

2002 Kientzler, Pinot Auxerrois, “K,’ Alsace, France, $NA. This grape is often sold under the name of Pinot Blanc d'Alsace. Delicately sweet, with some light spicy notes. Oysters Rockefeller come to mind; 88.

2001 Kientzler, Pinot Blanc, Alsace, France, $11. Nice, crisp acidity gives life to the classic Pinot Blanc flavors. Lingering finish. Pair with shrimp and oyster dishes; 87.

2000 Kientzler, Riesling, Alsace, France, $NA. Wow! What a nice low-end Riesling. Classics flavors had me wishing for a plate of escargot; 88.

2000 Kientzler, Riesling, Giesberg Grand Cru, Alsace, France, $NA. Kientzler said they could have sold this as an SGN but did not. Intense on the nose and palate, with petrol nuances and gripping acidity, this wine is just stunning; 95.

2001 Kientzler, Riesling, Giesberg Grand Cru, Alsace, France, $NA. Perfect for Thai food fans. This is a class act wine with spirited acidity, great minerality, and yummy citrus and pear fruit. Delightful; 92.

2001 Kientzler, Riesling, Osterberg Grand Cru, Alsace, France, $NA. You´ll find plenty of chalky minerals on the palate. The fruit profile/flavors remind me of Frederick Emile; 88.

2002 Kientzler, Riesling, Reserve Particulière, Alsace, France, $16. Great minerals and petrol on the nose and palate. This is an overachiever at a very fair price. Often contains declassified Grand Cru grapes; 90.

2002 Kientzler, Tokay Pinot Gris, Alsace, France, $NA. This is a classic Pinot Gris that will make a great food wine. Refreshing acidity breathes life into the peachy fruit flavors. The fruity finish seems endless; 91.

2001 Kientzler, Tokay Pinot Gris, Kirchberg de Ribeauvillé Grand Cru, Alsace, France, $NA. Almonds, peaches, and apricots define this wine, which is softer in the mouth than some of their other releases; 90.

2001 Kientzler, Tokay Pinot Gris, Reserve Particulière, Alsace, France, $NA. Fruit tart flavors combine with smoky caramel and great acidity to make a delightful wine. This is a perfect match for foie gras; 92.