Domaine Zind-Humbrecht - Alsace Riesling Heimbourg 2023

Bettane & Desseauve

About the estate:

For three decades, this estate has been a model of 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. His son, Olivier, 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, continues their legacy, particularly with the latest acquisitions on the Sommerberg.

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

About the estate:

An tireless ambassador for his wines and the region, Olivier Humbrecht—the first Frenchman to earn the title of Master of Wine—has long understood the importance of vineyard work. 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 has allowed him to avoid botrytis and reduce alcohol levels. The wines have evolved over the years and now exhibit a decidedly dry style, with the large casks aging them several meters underground. Like all great Alsace 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 grows in prominence with time. Pierre-Emile, Olivier’s son, has just joined the estate. The excellence of this production, respected by all, allows this iconic property to enter the pantheon of our guide with a fourth star.

Vinous

About the wine:

The 2023 Heimbourg Riesling comes from two steeply sloped plots located near the Grand Cru Brand, on iron-rich limestone soil dating back to the Oligocene epoch—a mixture of limestone and reddish sandstone. The plots face west, allowing them to benefit from afternoon and evening light, which promotes skin ripening. This wine features a lovely smoky reduction 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)

James Suckling

About the wine:

Still quite tight, yet surprisingly 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.