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

Bettane & Desseauve

About the estate:

For three decades, this estate has been a model of Alsatian viticulture, telling 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 joined the estate during the very challenging 2021 vintage, continues their legacy, particularly with the latest acquisitions on the Sommerberg.

Robert Parker - Wine Advocate

About the wine:

The 2018 Thann Clos Saint Urbain Gewurztraminer Rangen combines the vineyard’s unique purity and 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 representative of this unique, timeless, and remarkable grape variety. Although it contains 77.8 grams of residual sugar per liter, it tastes like a wine of moderate sweetness. 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 vineyard work. 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 has allowed him to avoid botrytis and reduce alcohol levels. The wines have evolved over the years and now exhibit a decidedly dry style, with the large casks aging them several meters underground. Like all great Alsace 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 grows in prominence with time. Pierre-Emile, Olivier’s son, has just joined the estate. The excellence of this production, respected by all, allows this iconic property to enter 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 tends to be, with its intense lychee and spice notes. It is very smoky, with complex aromas of exotic fruits and hints of wild herbs. The rich, caramel-like and buttery 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 pair it with hard cheeses. Made from biodynamically grown grapes. Drink now or cellar.