Domaine Zind-Humbrecht - Alsace Riesling Heimbourg 2023

For three decades, this estate—a model of Alsatian winemaking—has told 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 as early as the 1990s. And today, Pierre-Émile, who joined the estate during the very challenging 2021 vintage, is continuing their legacy, particularly with the latest acquisitions on the Sommerberg.

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, 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 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 really comes into its own with age. Pierre-Emile, Olivier’s son, has just joined the estate. The excellence of this production, respected by all, has earned this iconic estate a place in the pantheon of our guide with a fourth star.

The 2023 Heimbourg Riesling comes from two steeply sloped plots located near the Brand Grand Cru, on iron-rich limestone soil dating from the Oligocene—a mixture of limestone and reddish sandstone. The plots face west, allowing them to benefit from afternoon and evening sunlight, which promotes the ripening of the grape skins. This wine features a lovely smoky, reductive note with hints of anise and fennel seeds, set against notes of apple and citrus. The 2023 is lively, bright, and textured, with a lovely phenolic crispness on its delicate structure. It is lively, delicious, and vibrant. (Very dry)

Still quite tight, but astonishingly elegant on the palate, concentrated and medium-bodied, with fabulous aromas of yellow peach and a refined minerality. This is followed by extraordinary freshness in a dynamic yet refined finish. Made from biodynamically grown grapes. Ready to drink or for aging.