Zind-Humbrecht - Alsace GC Pinot Gris Rangen de Thann Clos Saint Urbain 2017

Bettane & Desseauve

About the wine:

Tasted before bottling. Completely dry (1.6 g/l!), strong saline power but contained alcohol, making it a perfect gastronomic wine, tannins present on the finish, it's too young but it's one of the wines of the vintage. And it will improve in bottle!

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.

Decanter

About the wine:

This great terroir is located in southern Alsace, on complex volcanic soils, with a maximum yield of 50 hl/ha. The nose is opulent and exotic, without being overpowering. Broad and fleshy on the palate, it is round and perhaps a little soft. Essentially dry, it has spicy notes and a hint of bitterness that is not unpleasant. This is a wine of great volume that also offers a very long finish.

Robert Parker - Wine Advocate

About the wine:

Tasted from the sulphurous vat at the end of October 2018, the pure, mineral Alsace Grand Cru Rangen de Thann Pinot Gris Clos Saint Urbain 2017 is rich, intense and dense on the palate. It's a powerful but balanced Pinot, with fine tannins. Not exactly unctuous, but harmonious and elegant.

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

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.

Wine Enthusiast

About the wine:

A mineral note of reduction still lingers on the nose of this wine. Concentrated and energetic, it's full of drive and urgency. The midpalate is dominated by phenolic structure and notes reminiscent of apple seed and almond skin. The finish is dry and intense. This aromatic palette, which continues to unfold, will reveal much more. Drink between 2025 and 2040.

James Suckling

About the wine:

This wine has a fresh, seductive perfume, with sweet floral aromas and fragrant, ripe notes of lychee, peach and rose. The palate is very seductive and succulent, with an impressive concentration of lychee. There are also notes of honey and pastry. Simply magnificent. Full-bodied and delicately sweet. Drink it or keep it.