Anders Frederik Steen & Anne Bruun Blauert, Early Eyes 2021
Place: Ardèche + Alsace, France
Grape: Riesling + Viogner
Vibe: Natural, Rustic
This is a classic Steen blend in the sense that it’s not very classical at all. Alsatian Riesling with a bit of Viognier. It has the verve and tension of long-aged Riesling from the north, but there is a sunnier, more southern core beneath it. Do not serve this blind. It is not nice to be mean. This latest release, with the wines left in barrel for extended periods, shows how rewarding it can be when nothing is rushed in the cellar. And again, just a two-bottle allocation here. ABV: 12.75%