Zind-Humbrecht - Riesling Clos Windsbuhl 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:

More introverted in its youth, Clos Windsbuhl is harvested at just the right ripeness, but remains vibrant and balanced, with a very bright 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 Clos Windsbuhl 2023 comes from a forest vineyard on Triassic limestone soil. It sparkles deliciously with a fine, promising reduction that's exciting and thrilling. On the palate, it offers a wonderful alliance between the juiciest, crunchiest apple and the smoothest lemon. Everything about this wine is long, fresh, lively and sunny, with wonderful depth of freshness and real serenity. It flows and shines with purity. What an incredibly invigorating wine! (Very dry)

James Suckling

About the wine:

The chalky minerality of this tight, compact dry Riesling is absolutely extraordinary. Its elegance and lively, medium-bodied acidity make it unique in Alsace. The mirabelle plum fruit appears very slowly. Made from biodynamically grown grapes. Can be drunk now, but will be at its best from 2027.

Yves Beck

About the wine:

This Riesling comes from Hunawihr on a Muschelkalk terroir, respectively a limestone soil less incisive than the Oligocenes. The filigree bouquet of Clos Windsbuhl reveals notes of grapefruit and lemongrass, complemented by a touch of flint. With good density, the wine has pep, respectively a saline touch and a slightly fizzy attack. The wine is full-bodied and carried by an elegant acidity that ensures harmony and temperament. A wine with character! 2028-2045 95/100