2012 Riesling Rangen de Thann Clos St Urbain
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Tasting notes
From 50-year-old vines on sedimentary volcanic rocks that yielded 23 hectoliters per hectare after a severe hailstorm in early August that reduced the crop by 20% to 50%, the 2012 Riesling Clos Saint-Urbain Rangen de Thann is super clear, fresh and deep as well as intense on the refined and spicy nose that is aromatic yet also precise, with salty notes of crushed volcanic rocks. Full-bodied, rich and intense on the palate, this is a deep, very aromatic and fruity as well as enormously mineral and tensioned Clos Saint Urbain that is based on perfectly ripe and healthy fruits. The long and complex finish is nearly dry, tight and savory-mineral. This is a classic and, for Humbrecht, even an "emotional wine." Bottled in February 2014 with 14.1% alcohol and 5.8 grams per liter of residual sugar. Natural cork. Tasted as part of the large Rangen vertical in Wachenheim, Pfalz, in November 2023.
Critic scores
Average Score
Ian D'Agata
Jancis Robinson MW
More reviews and scores
pH 3.3, RS 5.8 g/l. Sedimentary volcanic rocks, south facing, steep slope. Vines at 350-450 m. Slightly warmer vintage than 2013 (note the difference in alcohol levels) so the power of the Rangen shows a little more clearly. But severe hail at ehe end of June reduced the crop by 30-50%. Slightly deeper gold than the 2013. Spicy, smoky and more mineral, too. Honeyed and woody, very complex aromas. Honeyed quince on the nose and palate, with terrific freshness. Seems a little more oily and broad than the 2013 but still has that direct arrow-like freshness giving fabulous length. (JH)
Fairly pale gold-tinged color. Captivating aromas of lemon custard, quince, brown spices, smoke and wet stone. Highly concentrated and on the dry side, with a powerful spice character contributing to an impression of power. Conveys a tactile sense of high dry extract and finishes with chewy tannins and lingering notes of bitter orange peel and lemon curd. This very deep, multilayered wine finishes with exceptional length. A serious step up in concentration from the 2012 Clos Windsbuhl, this is an especially powerful and ripe Rangen because the yields were even lower than usual as a result of hail in early July. An absolutel knockout.
Rich lemon yellow. Slightly reduced. Ripe, generous fruit. Pithy slightly chewy texture. Very strong core fruit character with eons of length. Steely and mineral – great juiciness and profound intensity. (RH)
About the producer
Widely acknowledged as one of the legendary wineries in Alsace, the wines of Domaine Zind-Humbrecht are nothing short of magical. Certified organic and biodynamic, the estate crafts an extensive range of wines, including many Grand Cru and single-vineyard bottlings.