Back from Alsace

[Bucko]

Just back from Alsace. Four clear impressions that I came away with were 1) 1999 is pretty nice for the local wines, if selective, but not up to 1998 standards 2) The food really IS better 3) I don't think that Alsace Pinot Noir will ever dominate my cellar 4) You can't go to Alsace without buying wine, no matter what your intentions (I lugged back three cases).

We ate Tart Flambe, foie gras and munster cheese until we popped. We loved the pastoral countryside views and the cathedral at Strasbourg.

The visits to Weinbach, Schoffit, Kuntz Bas, Trimbach and Boxler were real highlights. Wine friends were right -- give them a chance and they will keep pouring -- 17 wines at Schoffit alone.

The restaurants we dined at were just stunning, none with stars on them, and the prices were embarrassingly cheap compared to the USA. The best value to me was Sarment d'Or in Riquewihr. Le Clou in Strasbourg was a delight. Munster cheese was made for Gewurztraminer, which made me a very happy boy.

If you get the chance, GO! What an amazing wealth of foods and wines, all at values that leave me wondering why we can't do it here........

Bucko