Domaines Schlumberger Gewurztraminer Vendage Tardives Cuvee Christine 2018

Domaines Schlumberger Gewurztraminer Vendange Tardive Cuvée Christine 2018 is a sumptuous late-harvest dessert wine from the heart of Alsace, crafted for those who appreciate intensity, finesse and complexity in the glass. This cuvée captures Gewurztraminer’s exotic character at peak ripeness, balanced by a vibrant spine of acidity that keeps the sweetness beautifully in check. Named “Cuvée Christine,” it represents a special selection within the estate’s range, showcasing the house style at its most opulent yet precise.

Tasting Notes
In the glass, the 2018 Cuvée Christine shines with a deep golden hue, hinting at both concentration and maturity. The nose is lavish and expressive, bursting with aromas of rose petals, lychee, candied ginger and ripe tropical fruits, layered with notes of honeycomb, saffron, sweet spices and a subtle touch of botrytis (noble rot) that adds complexity and depth. On the palate, this Vendange Tardive is rich, velvety and full-bodied, with a generous sweetness that unfolds in waves of mango, quince paste, crystallized citrus, apricot and exotic spices. Texturally, it is unctuous yet lifted by a fine, refreshing acidity that prevents any heaviness and leads into a long, lingering finish marked by floral nuances and a delicate, spicy warmth. Still youthful, the 2018 vintage has excellent aging potential; properly cellared, it can evolve gracefully for 10–20 years, developing more honeyed, truffled and caramelized notes over time while retaining its core of fruit.

Production
Cuvée Christine is sourced from steep, sun-drenched slopes around Guebwiller in southern Alsace, where Domaines Schlumberger farms high-altitude, terraced vineyards rooted in complex, well-drained soils rich in sandstone and volcanic elements. The favorable microclimate and long autumns encourage slow ripening and the development of noble rot, ideal conditions for late-harvest Gewurztraminer. Grapes are hand-harvested in successive passes, ensuring that only bunches with optimal over-ripeness and concentration are selected for this Vendange Tardive. In the cellar, the juice is gently pressed and fermented slowly at controlled temperatures to preserve the variety’s aromatic intensity. Fermentation is stopped naturally or by chilling to retain a significant level of residual sugar, followed by maturation in tank or neutral large oak, allowing the wine to harmonize and integrate its richness before bottling.

Food & Serving
This luxurious dessert wine is a natural partner for blue cheeses such as Roquefort or Bleu d’Auvergne, foie gras terrines, and richly spiced Asian cuisine where sweetness and aromatics can play against heat and savory notes. For dessert, pair it with fruit tarts (apricot, pear or mango), crème brûlée, almond-based pastries or lightly sweetened panna cotta; it also shines simply on its own at the end of a meal. Serve chilled at around 8–10°C (46–50°F) to highlight its aromatic complexity without muting the bouquet. Decanting is generally not necessary, but opening the bottle 15–20 minutes before serving allows the wine to blossom in the glass.

Producer
Domaines Schlumberger is one of Alsace’s most respected and historic estates, founded in the early 19th century and still family-owned and -run today. Based in Guebwiller, the domaine is renowned for its spectacular, hand-built terraces and extensive holdings in some of the region’s top hillside sites, including several prestigious Grands Crus. With a long tradition of meticulous viticulture and a focus on estate-grown fruit, Schlumberger has helped shape the reputation of Alsace wines worldwide, particularly for noble varieties like Riesling, Gewurztraminer and Pinot Gris. The estate’s late-harvest wines, including its Vendanges Tardives, are regularly acclaimed for their balance, purity and age-worthiness, cementing Domaines Schlumberger’s status as a benchmark producer in the region.

We deliver within 2 - 6 business days. You can choose whether it should be to a parcel shop or home delivery. Free delivery to both parcel shops and your front door. Our store partners primarily use GLS, DPD, UPS and DHL for deliveries. We cover deliveries to the majority of countries in Europe.