2001 Domaine Zind-Humbrecht Pinot Gris Clos Windsbuhl
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Tasting notes
The 2001 Pinot Gris Clos Windsbuhl (indice 5) is a wine of huge ripeness. It has Vendange Tardive levels of sweetness (for Humbrecht it lacked enough botrytis to earn that moniker) yet retains a refined, balanced character. Minerals, smoky apricots, and white peaches are found in its aromatics. Silky-textured, medium to full-bodied, and powerful, it is a broad, intensely flavorful, decadent wine that is crammed with smoke-laced poached pears and peaches. In addition, this exceptional offering has a shockingly long, fruit-filled finish. Projected maturity: 2008-2025+. In response to requests from consumers for more information as to the character of his non-Vendange Tardive or Selection de Grains Nobles wines. Olivier Humbrecht has devoloped an "indice" scale which appears on the label of each bottle. This indice ranks from 1 to 5 the perceptible sweetness of the wines, and Humbrecht describes it as follows: "1 is totally dry; 2 is not technically dry but the sweetness is not apparent on the palate; 3 is medium sweetness that may gradually disappear with aging; 4 is sweet wine; 5 is for high sweetness, a Vendange Tardive in richness but without botrytis." Humbrecht is to be commended for instituting this system as it will immensely aid consumers. Importer: Kermit Lynch Wine Merchant, Berkeley, CA; tel. (510) 524-1524
Critic scores
Average Score
Stephen Tanzer, Vinous
Pierre Rovani
More reviews and scores
(not a selection but still contained a sizable percentage of botrytized fruit; 70 g/l r.s.) Exotic dried fruits and honey on the nose. Supersweet but fresh in the mouth, with apricot, hay and honey flavors lifted by a strong spiciness and framed by harmonious acids. Wonderfully smooth and elegant for a wine this rich. Finishes spicy and extremely long. This needs to be served alongside exotic foods, says Olivier, such as Peking duck or fresh foie gras with orange confit.
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.