Also from cask (used barriques), Gross’s 2006 Sauvignon Blanc Privat – as usual for the wine so-labeled, coming from Nussberg and Sulz – shows its wood a bit awkwardly, but that segues into honeyed, ripe mint-garnished melon on a palate of imposing textural richness. This finishes with admirable clarity and no lack of mineral and herbal nuances and nutty depth (as well as persistent notes from cask). It will not be released before 2009. Alois Gross harvested his entire crop in less than three weeks during October.Importer: Vin Divino, Chicago, IL; tel. (773) 334-6700