21715 customer reviews

Zind-Humbrecht - Gewurztraminer Grand Cru Hengst 2012

Name: Zind-Humbrecht - Gewürztraminer Grand Cru Hengst 2012
Brand: Domaine Zind-Humbrecht
Rating: 4.1 (7 reviews)

Alsace Grand Cru|White wine|Organic

4.1/5 (7 customers)

19,5/20

Bettane & Desseauve

96/100

Robert Parker

91/100

Wine Enthusiast

94/100

Wine Spectator

17,5/20

RVF

“Golden yellow in color, the 2012 Gewurztraminer Grand Cru Hengst is a dense, very clear, and highly aromatic wine on the nose, displaying deeply mineral notes of orange, lemon, and spices. Very rich with an oily texture, it is an intense and powerful wine, yet very elegant and nobly textured, with great structure, lingering tension, and salinity. The freshness and brilliance of this wine are remarkable, as is the finish—firm and full of tension—indicating excellent aging potential.” (Wine Advocate 2015 – Robert Parker)

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Estate

Domaine Zind-Humbrecht

Vintage

Gewurztraminer Grand Cru Hengst

Vintage

2012

Designation

Alsace Grand Cru

Region

Alsace

Grape Varieties

100% Gewurztraminer

Regions

Oligocene marl and limestone soils, facing south-southeast, with moderate to steep slopes

Viticulture

Certified organic and biodynamic

Grape Harvest

Manuals

Wine Production

Gravity-fed processing, complete elimination of fining techniques, no chaptalization, and later bottling of the wines

Alcohol content

15%

Residual sugars

41 g/L

Organic

Yes

Eye

Pale gold color

Nose

Subtle citrus aromas contrast with powerful spicy notes and hints of limestone (a hint of tar, smoke, and wet stones)

Palate

Gradual build-up. A full-bodied, enveloping structure. Lingering, creamy flavors. Round at first, then rich.

Serve

At 10-12°C

Drink starting at

2018

Drink before

2042 +

Food and Wine Pairings

Pairs well with Asian and Creole cuisine, as well as strong cheeses (Munster, Pont-l’Évêque, Bleu de Bresse, Maroilles)

More information at Domaine Zind-Humbrecht

More information at Alsace

Bettane & Desseauve

Wine rated 19.5/20 (Wine of exceptional quality)

Rated estate (2024 guide): 5*Stars (Exceptional producers who represent the absolute pinnacle of quality in France and around the world)

About the wine:

Very clean, vertical, and elegant, with subtle spice and floral notes that fill the glass; an elegant texture that’s already showing good structure; the minerality comes through nicely on the finish. Less extroverted than the Goldert made from the same grape variety, but undoubtedly superior in the long run.

About the estate:

For three decades, this estate—a model of Alsatian winemaking—has told the story of the Humbrecht family. Léonard, the founder, was a visionary who acquired the region’s finest terroirs, including the famous Rangen. Olivier, his son, brilliantly introduced the principles of biodynamics as early as the 1990s. And today, Pierre-Émile, who joined the estate during the very challenging 2021 vintage, is continuing their legacy, particularly with the latest acquisitions on the Sommerberg.

Robert Parker - Wine Advocate

Wine rated (2015 guide) 96/100 (Extraordinary wine)

About the wine:

Golden yellow in color, the 2012 Gewurztraminer Grand Cru Hengst is a dense, very clear, and highly aromatic wine on the nose, displaying deeply mineral notes of orange, lemon, and spices. Very rich with an oily texture, it is an intense and powerful wine, yet very elegant and nobly textured, with great structure, lingering tension, and salinity. The freshness and brilliance of this wine are remarkable, as is the finish—firm and full of tension—indicating excellent aging potential. Don’t decant it; instead, wait 3, 5, or even 25 years.

RVF - La Revue du Vin de France / Guide to the Best Wines of France

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

Wine rated (2016 guide) 17,5/20 (Great wine)

Rated estate (2024 guide): 4*Stars (These represent the pinnacle of French winemaking. The finest terroirs cultivated by the greatest winemakers. Tasting their wine is always a magical experience)

About the wine:

The Gewürztraminers remain fresh, with a hint of aromatic herbs on the finish in the Hengst.

About the estate:

An tireless ambassador for his wines and the region, Olivier Humbrecht—the first Frenchman to earn the Master of Wine designation—has long understood the importance of work in the vineyard. He converted the estate to biodynamic farming in 1999 and is one of its leading advocates, serving as president of the Biodyvin label. This approach to viticulture has allowed him to avoid botrytis and reduce alcohol levels. The wines have evolved over the years and now exhibit a decidedly dry style, while the large casks age them several meters underground. Like all great Alsatian wines, they reach their full potential after a few years or decades of aging. The Clos Windsbuhl is a must-try, and the Rangen de Thann really comes into its own with age. Pierre-Emile, Olivier’s son, has just joined the estate. The excellence of this production, respected by all, has earned this iconic estate a place in the pantheon of our guide with a fourth star.

Wine Spectator

Wine rated 94/100 (Exceptional wine)

Wine Enthusiast

Wine rated (2015 guide) 91/100

About the wine:

Some of Olivier Humbrecht's wines can push the boundaries. This wine is one of them. A truly magnificent wine: it's all about ripe fruit, a rich structure, and sheer opulence. It stands out from the crowd and is impressive.

James Suckling

Rated winery (2022 guide) Recommended

Customer Rating

4.1/5

based on 7 reviews