Zind-Humbrecht - Alsace GC Riesling Rangen de Thann Clos Saint Urbain 2022

Bettane & Desseauve

About the domain :

For three decades one of the models of Alsatian viticulture, this estate tells the story of the Humbrecht family. Léonard, the founder, was a visionary who acquired the best terroirs in the region, including the famous Rangen. Olivier, his son, brilliantly introduced biodynamic principles in the 1990s. And today, Pierre-Émile, who arrived at the domaine with the very complicated 2021 vintage, and who is continuing their work, particularly on the latest Sommerberg acquisitions.

RVF - La Revue du Vin de France / Guide des Meilleurs Vins de France

About the domain :

A tireless ambassador for his wines and the region, Olivier Humbrecht, the first Frenchman to hold the Master of Wine degree, has long understood the importance of work in the vineyard. He converted the estate to biodynamic viticulture in 1999, of which he is one of the best ambassadors, being also president of the Biodyvin label. This type of cultivation has enabled him to get rid of botrytis and reduce alcohol levels. The wines have evolved over the years and now assert a resolutely dry style, and the large tuns patinate them several meters underground. Like all great Alsace wines, they come into their own after a few years or decades of cellaring. Clos Windsbuhl is a must-have, and Rangen de Thann takes its place over time. Pierre-Emile, Olivier's son, has just joined the domaine. The excellence of this production, respected by all, has earned this emblematic estate a fourth star in our guide's pantheon.

Vinous A. Galloni

About the wine:

The Riesling Rangen de Thann Clos Saint Urbain Grand Cru 2022 was harvested among the last Rieslings but had one of the lowest alcohol levels, at 12.8%. A lovely green, pungent aromatic flavor, almost with the intensity of watercress, fresh, green and vigorous without being immature, sets a first aromatic climax. The famous smoky taste appears on the second whiff, followed by a tangerine aroma. The palate is exquisitely precise, stony, taut, so nuanced with immense citrus luminosity. It's a sparkling marvel of zest, citrus and such stony directness. (Dry)

James Suckling

About the wine:

All the world's fresh yellow and tropical fruits come together in this exceptionally complex and breathtakingly intense wine, which pushes the boundaries of minerality to the limit, and then some. If this isn't your thing, get off the bus, but for lovers of highly concentrated, stony wines, this is a stunning experience. The smoky, salty, spicy finish is truly extraordinary. Made from biodynamically grown grapes. To drink or to keep.