Domaine Zind-Humbrecht - Alsace Gewurztraminer Clos de Windsbuhl 2011

Even purer than Heimbourg, with subtle bitter notes that linger on the finish—truly elegant.

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.

With virtually the same alcohol and residual sugar levels as its Heimbourg counterpart, the 2011 Zind-Humbrecht Gewürztraminer Clos Windsbuhl is arguably an even better example of the advantages of a cool, windy, limestone-rich site in a vintage where extremely high must weights were the price to pay for a Gewürztraminer with a truly pronounced flavor. Smoked meats, cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves, lychee, pineapple, and decadent notes of rose and lily combine to create a seductive aroma as well as a lush, creamy, and multifaceted palate. Not only is the fresh fruit surprisingly juicy on the finish, but the wine also has an astonishing lightness for a wine with nearly 14% alcohol, and a hint of salinity stimulates the salivary glands while perfectly complementing the liquid florality and caramelized notes that also emerge. There’s even a hint of chalk and stone to round out this magnificent tribute to its terroir, its grape variety, and its producer. The more it is exposed to air, the more it reveals its charm. Impressive results can be expected at least through 2030.

Gewürztraminer enthusiasts will find this wine to their liking—the Clos Windsbuhl is full-bodied yet balanced, with a lovely, lingering finish.

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.