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

Bettane & Desseauve

About the estate:

For three decades, this estate—a leading example of Alsatian winemaking—has told the story of the Humbrecht family. Léonard, the founder, was a visionary who succeeded in acquiring the region’s finest terroirs, including the famous Rangen. His son, Olivier, brilliantly introduced biodynamic principles as early as the 1990s. And today, Pierre-Émile, who took the reins of the estate during the very challenging 2021 vintage, is continuing their legacy—particularly with the estate’s 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 and imbued with an inner volcanic fire: in our opinion, the greatest 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 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, also 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 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 gains depth with age. Pierre-Emile, Olivier’s son, has just joined the estate. The excellence of its wines, respected by all, has earned this iconic estate a place in 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, reduced nose with a delicious mineral scent of stinging nettle. It is magnificent. Upon aeration, it reveals aromas of ripe pear, yet everything remains imbued with that lively freshness. On the palate, it is all-encompassing, lively, refined, and incisive—completely unlike any other Pinot Gris. It displays beautiful structure, minerality, verve, and immense energy, with a long, decidedly 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 given such intensity of expression? Despite its power, it soars 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.