Domaine Zind-Humbrecht - Alsace Pinot Gris Clos Jebsal Sélection de Grains Nobles 2007 (37.5 cl)

Bettane & Desseauve

About wine:

A magnificent wine with a strong character, the 2007 Pinot Gris has high acidity and a mellow character that finishes with exotic fruits. This wine has great aging potential and its freshness is reminiscent of certain late-harvest Rieslings. Keep it to allow it to reveal its full complexity.

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:

Zind-Humbrecht's Pinot Gris Clos Jebsal Sélection de Grains Nobles 2007, with an alcohol content of 9.5%, is not one of those nectars (two of which were also produced on this estate in 2007) that barely reached the legal threshold to be considered wine. In some respects, however, it is similar to Eszcencia. Its enormous residual sugar content and the highest acidity of the vintage are less noticeable on the palate than on paper, and it is almost light and viscous to the touch. Marzipan, apricot jam, and honey, tinged with mint and cinnamon, are the main players in a scene that, for now, is as remarkable as its cast. The ethereal purity of this wine is extraordinary, but it will take years to evolve, and a lifespan of three decades or more should be expected.

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

About wine:

Two high-quality SGNs, Gewurztraminer (Grand Cru Hengst) and Pinot Gris (Jebsal), round off an exceptional range offering truly astonishing levels of concentration and balance.

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.

Vinous

About wine:

(9.5% alcohol, 227 g/l residual sugar) Deep, brilliant yellow color. Great purity and elegance of very botrytized aromas of honey, menthol, aromatic herbs, and mint. Silky attack, then incredibly concentrated and glycerinized in the middle of the palate; as mellow as a solid wine, but with an exhilarating elegance that makes it impossible to spit out. An incredible wine, endless and completely undeveloped, currently showing more structure than fruit. It is even sweeter on the finish than its residual sugar level of 227 g/l would suggest, as there is no sign of alcohol. I would set it aside for 10 to 15 years.

James Suckling