Domaine Zind-Humbrecht - Alsace Gewurztraminer Clos de Windsbuhl 2011

Bettane & Desseauve

About wine:

Even purer than Heimbourg, with subtle bitterness that lingers on the palate, very classy.

About the estate:

For three decades, this estate has been a model for 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. Olivier, his son, brilliantly introduced the principles of biodynamics in the 1990s. And today, Pierre-Émile, who arrived at the estate during the very complicated 2021 vintage, is continuing their work, particularly on the latest acquisitions on the Sommerberg.

Robert Parker - Wine Advocate

About wine:

With virtually the same alcohol and residual sugar levels as its Heimbourg counterpart, the 2011 Zind-Humbrecht Gewurztraminer Clos Windsbuhl is arguably even more revealing of the advantages of a cool, windy, limestone site in a vintage where extremely high must weights were the price to pay for a Gewurztraminer with real flavor intensity. Smoked meats, cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves, lychee, pineapple, and decadent scents of rose and lily combine to create a seductive aroma and a lush, creamy, multi-faceted palate. Not only are the fresh fruits surprisingly juicy on the finish, but the wine also has astonishing buoyancy for a wine with an alcohol content of nearly 14%, and a hint of salinity stimulates the salivary glands while perfectly complementing the liquid floral notes and caramelization aura that also emerge. There is even a hint of chalk and stone to round off this grandiose tribute to its terroir, grape variety, and producer. The more it is exposed to air, the more it reveals its charm. Impressive results can be expected until at least 2030.

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

About wine:

Gewurztraminer enthusiasts will find what they are looking for in the Clos Windsbuhl, which is full-bodied but balanced by a beautiful finish.

About the estate:

A tireless ambassador for his wines and the region, Olivier Humbrecht, the first Frenchman to hold the title of Master of Wine, has long understood the importance of working in the vineyard. He converted the estate to biodynamics in 1999 and is one of its leading advocates, as well as being president of the Biodyvin label. This type of cultivation has enabled him to eliminate botrytis and reduce alcohol levels. The wines have evolved over the years and now have a decidedly dry style, and the large casks age them several meters underground. Like all great Alsace wines, they reach their full potential after a few years or decades of aging. Clos Windsbuhl is a must-try, and Rangen de Thann has established itself over time. Pierre-Emile, Olivier's son, has just joined the estate. The excellence of this production, respected by all, has earned this iconic property a place in our guide's pantheon with a fourth star.

Wine Spectator

James Suckling