The 2006 The Furst Pinot Noir is 100% Pinot Noir sourced from vineyards from the Kayersburg/Kintzheim region in the Alsace AOC of France. Alsace has been fought over by France and Germany for centuries and has been a part of Germany as often as it has been a part of France. They have been growing grapes in the Alsace since the 1600’s, the vines were brought in from Hungary. The wines of the Alsace have very different influences than most of the wines from France. This wine is a “Mis en bouteille ala Propriete,” meaning the wine was bottled on the same property that the grapes were grown. Though I think the name and label were created for the American market. Almost all of the wines from Alsace are White wines, Pinot Noir is the exception and few of the Alsace wines are aged in oak. The wines are, by law, bottled in tall Riesling-like bottles. The alcohol content is a low 11.5%.
The color is a pale cherry red with brown highlights and a pale almost clear pink halo. This is a Pinot with 5 years of aging and the nose is plum, stewed prune and strawberry jam. This is a light bodied Pinot Noir, it has a delicate flavor of tart cherry and raspberry with a touch of herbs. The mid palate adds a splash of bright ripe strawberry. There is balanced acidity that runs through the body of the wine. The finish is subdued, but does linger.
The Furst Alsace Pinot Noir is a very different take on Pinot Noir. Aged Pinot Noir is usually not available in the cheapwinefinder price range, so the mellowed flavor profile is a surprise. Not a complex wine, but it is well made with good structure. A little too light bodied to pair with many dishes, this is more of a late night sipper.
