Zind-Humbrecht | Alsace | Pinot Gris Clos Windsbuhl | 2018 | 750ml | bio

Description

Product description for Zind-Humbrecht Pinot Gris Clos Windsbuhl 2018 (bio)

Wine Information

Clos Windsbuhl is located at the top of the village of Hunawihr, on a type of soil found along the vineyards, especially in this region of Alsace: shell limestone. Here at Windsbuhl, the top layers of soil are particularly thin, allowing the vines to reach the bedrock very quickly. Situated in a late-ripening climate, the warmth of the soil and the south to southeast exposure compensate for both the altitude and the cooler influence of the proximity of the Vosges Forest. Indeed, the location creates a unique climate that explains the style of the wines from this old, historic clos: aromatic, delicate, and expressive, yet also austere with racy acidity. The vines planted in the early 1990s are still classified as a second wine (Roche Calcaire), and this wine comes from vineyards planted in the 1950s/60s/early 1970s. (Olivier Humbrecht)

Vintage Info

Of all the vineyards in the Domaine where Pinot Gris is grown, this is probably the most difficult to harvest when sugar ripeness is perfect. The grapes seem to hide their potential, and more than often we have regretted not picking them a little earlier. In 2018, that was not the case, and the harvest conditions (very dry weather) probably also helped to maintain good wild yeasts on the grapes, allowing the wine to ferment fully. (Olivier Humbrecht)

Colour

Dense, slightly muted golden yellow.

Nose

What a multi-layered nose the 2018 Pinot Gris Clos Windsbuhl displays – alongside chalky, malty notes and a touch of wood smoke, the taster is presented with apple, vineyard peach, kumquat, broom, fresh ginger, honey, and a hint of soy sauce. A true umami wine is already announced in the aroma and makes you curious to try it!

Palate

A monumental drop grips the palate with plenty of fruit and spice, but also with a very complex and invigorating acidity. In 2018, Olivier Humbrecht succeeded in bottling a Pinot Gris with fascinating playfulness and drinkability – bravo! Those impatient to open it now are advised to decant it at least a day in advance and enjoy it not too cold from large Burgundy glasses.

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Keywords: Zind-Humbrecht Pinot Gris Clos Windsbuhl 2018 bio Alsace France

Wine Advocate

Score: 94

From vines averaging 49 years of age, the 2018 Pinot Gris Clos Windsbuhl opens with a deep, intense and concentrated, clearly limestone-driven and pure bouquet with concentrated ripe fruit aromas but also yeasty, nutty and phenolic notes. On the palate, this is a full-bodied, rich, refined and very elegant, balanced, stimulating saline and tightly structured Pinot Gris with fine, ripe tannins and stunning, vibrantly mineral acidity. The finish is long, intense and finely bitter, still textural and very long. Bottled in January 2020. 14.3% stated alcohol plus 6.3 grams per liter of residual sugar. Natural cork. Tasted in January 2023.
Stephan Reinhardt

Vinous

Score: 94

The 2018 Pinot Gris Clos Windsbuhl offers lovely concentration and depth. Apricot, passion fruit, tangerine oil and dried flowers all develop nicely in the glass. I would give the 2018 a year or two in bottle to soften, as it is a bit severe today.
— Antonio Galloni
Drinking window: 2022 – 2038
Review date: Oct 2020

Producer website: http://www.zindhumbrecht.fr/