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

Bettane & Desseauve

About the domain :

For three decades one of the models of Alsatian viticulture, this estate tells the story of the Humbrecht family. Léonard, the founder, was a visionary who acquired the best terroirs in the region, including the famous Rangen. Olivier, his son, brilliantly introduced biodynamic principles in the 1990s. And today, Pierre-Émile, who arrived at the domaine with the very complicated 2021 vintage, and who is continuing their work, particularly on the latest Sommerberg acquisitions.

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

About the wine:

The Rangen trilogy touches on the sublime: the Riesling is almost hypnotic in its aromatic intensity, unctuous in its ripeness of fruit, soothing and caressing on the finish.

About the domain :

A tireless ambassador for his wines and the region, Olivier Humbrecht, the first Frenchman to hold the Master of Wine degree, has long understood the importance of work in the vineyard. He converted the estate to biodynamic viticulture in 1999, of which he is one of the best ambassadors, being also president of the Biodyvin label. This type of cultivation has enabled him to get rid of botrytis and reduce alcohol levels. The wines have evolved over the years and now assert a resolutely dry style, and the large tuns patinate them several meters underground. Like all great Alsace wines, they come into their own after a few years or decades of cellaring. Clos Windsbuhl is a must-have, and Rangen de Thann takes its place over time. Pierre-Emile, the son of Pierre-Emile, the son of Olivier, has just joined the domaine. The excellence of this production, respected by all, has earned this emblematic estate a fourth star in our guide's pantheon.

Vinous

About the wine:

Riesling Rangen de Thann Clos Saint Urbain Grand Cru 2023 comes from this steep, emblematic site at the southernmost tip of Alsace. On the nose, smoky notes mingle with aromatic green citrus, lively, seductive and exhilarating. The palate is pure, crystalline, chiselled, uncompromising and precise. Long, omnipresent and energetic, it always retains that magnificent smoky note. If you can imagine drinking stone, this is exactly that, but with a fluid charm. (Very dry)

James Suckling

About the wine:

Gigantic concentration, elegance and finesse. The smoky character floats like a cloud above the deep, dark waters of this unique wine. The spicy notes are so delicate and fascinating, and although the texture is extremely silky, the dark minerality lends this wine an almost supernatural intensity on the finish. Made from biodynamically grown grapes. Can be drunk now, but will be at its peak from 2026.