Zind-Humbrecht - Alsace GC Pinot Gris Rangen de Thann Clos Saint Urbain 2016

Bettane & Desseauve

About the wine:

Elegant smoky touch, lovely notes of yellow flowers, then fresh banana, on the palate the signature of the terroir is evident with this note of rubbed match, it tastes totally dry (2 g!) which makes tasting even more immediate, the balance is splendid thanks to a rare unctuousness in the touch, finish carried by bitters and a toasted roasted note. A great wine!

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 wine:

You can't resist its subtle toasty notes and dry balance. The wine has great volume on the palate and an intense, toasty finish, the hallmark of wines from this terroir.

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.

Wine Enthusiast

About the wine:

The nose is marked by a touch of flinty reduction. The palate then presents bright citrus zest with wonderfully bitter citrus pith and a saline intensity reminiscent of preserved lemon. The whole is wrapped in expressive ripe pear on a concentrated yet sinuous body that seems to have inherent strength. It's the pith and zest that make this wine. The finish is dry and persistent. Drink between 2025 and 2030.

James Suckling

About the wine:

The most powerful and profound Pinot Gris of this Zind Humbrecht vintage, with a ton of smoke, creme brulee and mushrooms. Despite an alcohol content of almost 15%, it's quite dry and has a wonderful liveliness on the finish. Drink it or keep it. Produced from biodynamically grown grapes.