Zind-Humbrecht - Gewurztraminer Rangen de Thann Clos Saint Urbain 2018

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.

Robert Parker - Wine Advocate

About the wine:

The 2018 Gewurztraminer Rangen de Thann Clos Saint Urbain combines the vineyard's unique purity and spicy, mineral and ethereal character with classic lychee and rose petal aromas in a deep, intense and concentrated bouquet. Sumptuous and round on the palate, this is an intense Gewurz, very long and persistent, with fine tannins and a dense, complex, saline and gripping finish. The wine is tightly wound but also charmingly fruity and luxuriantly elegant. It combines richness, finesse and vitality, and is an outstanding representative of this unique, eternal and remarkable grape variety. Although it contains 77.8 grams of residual sugar per liter, it tastes like a moderately sweet wine. Fabulous. Bottled in January 2020 with 13.2% alcohol and natural cork. Tasted in January 2023.

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, the son of Pierre-Emile, the son of Olivier, 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.

James Suckling

About the wine:

This is an almost overwhelming wine, but not in the usual way that Gewurztraminer does through the intensity of lychee and spice. It's very smoky, with complex aromas of exotic fruits and hints of wild herbs. The buttery, caramel richness on the palate is beautifully balanced by the salty, smoky character that dominates the long finish. Yes, there's a certain sweetness, but not too much to go with hard cheeses. Made from biodynamically grown grapes. Drink or cellar.