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

Bettane & Desseauve

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. His son, Olivier, brilliantly introduced the principles of biodynamics as early as the 1990s. And today, Pierre-Émile, who took over the estate during the very challenging 2021 vintage, is continuing their legacy, particularly with the latest acquisitions on the Sommerberg.

Robert Parker - Wine Advocate

About the wine:

The 2018 Gewurztraminer Rangen de Thann Clos Saint Urbain combines the purity and the vineyard’s unique spicy, mineral, and ethereal character with classic aromas of lychee and rose petals in a deep, intense, and concentrated bouquet. Sumptuous and round on the palate, this is an intense Gewurztraminer with a very long, lingering finish, featuring fine tannins and a dense, complex, salty, and gripping finish. The wine is tight yet charming, thanks to its generous fruit and lush elegance. It combines richness, finesse, and vitality, and is an exceptional example of this unique, timeless, 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 a natural cork. Tasted in January 2023.

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

About the estate:

An tireless ambassador for his wines and the region, Olivier Humbrecht—the first Frenchman to earn the title of Master of Wine—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 also 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 oak 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.

James Suckling

About the wine:

This is an almost overwhelming wine, but not in the typical way that Gewürztraminer is—through the intensity of lychee and spices. It is very smoky, with complex aromas of exotic fruits and notes of wild herbs. The rich, caramel- and butter-like mouthfeel is beautifully balanced by the salty, smoky character that dominates the long finish. Yes, there is a certain sweetness, but not too much to prevent it from pairing well with hard cheeses. Made from biodynamically grown grapes. Ready to drink now or for aging.