Zind-Humbrecht - Alsace GC Pinot Gris Rangen de Thann Clos Saint Urbain 2023

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.

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

About the wine:

The Rangen trilogy borders on the sublime: [...] The masterful Pinot Gris is enveloping and smoky, full of restrained power, with an inner volcanic fire: in our opinion, the finest Alsatian expression of this grape variety.

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.

Vinous

About the wine:

The 2023 Pinot Gris Rangen de Thann Clos Saint Urbain Grand Cru has a vibrant, concentrated nose with a delightful mineral scent of nettle. It is magnificent. Upon aeration, it reveals aromas of ripe pear, yet everything remains imbued with that lively freshness. The palate is all-encompassing, lively, refined, and incisive—totally unlike any other Pinot Gris. It displays beautiful structure, minerality, verve, and immense energy, with a long, distinctly citrusy finish. The 2023 is incredible. (Very dry)

James Suckling

About the wine:

The striking concentration, smoky notes, and mineral energy of this one-of-a-kind dry Pinot Gris defy categorization. It is certainly not full-bodied, but how could one describe it as medium-bodied with such intensity of expression? Despite its power, it rises almost weightlessly toward the heavens and carries you along with it. Made from biodynamically grown grapes. It can be enjoyed now, but will reach its peak starting in 2027.