2010 Zind Humbrecht

"2010 will also be remembered as one of the smallest crops in Alsace for many years, with yields sometimes up to 70% smaller in some areas." -- Olivier Humbrecht

Very limited Zind-Humbrecht

Very rare wine....this is one to throw into blind Chardonnay tastings....

2010 Zind Humbrecht Clos Windsbuhl Chardonnay..$41.99

Yes, Chardonnay from Alsace?  You will notice the label above does not say Chardonnay on it because it is not legal in Alsace, it must be calld "Vin de Table".  There is less than 1% Chardonnay vines planted in Alsace and this is a very rare and delicious wine.
Clos Windsbuhl is a Monopole owned by Zind Humbrecht that is planted with Pinot Gris (Tokay d’Alsace), Gewurztraminer and Riesling. Then there is a surprise for Alsace especially for such a famous vineyard -- they have planted a small parcel of Chardonnay.
"Each year, the Humbrechts have vinified at least one barrel of pure Chardonnay from the Clos Windsbuhl to follow its potential..." - The Wine Advocate

2010 Zind Humbrecht Gewurztraminer Herrenweg de Turkheim V.V....$49.99

Oliver Humbrecht Tasting Notes:

3/2012: the influence of the old vines shows on the nose and palate. There are much less floral expression here and more complex spicy ripe fruits aromas. The palate has a great structure. Of course, the mouth-feel is rich and dense, but with this typical Gewurztraminer richness. Here, there is some noble rot influence, as the wine also develops some ‘roti’ character (phenolic) and chocolate aromas.
Yields: 18 hl/ha
Optimum drinking period: 2012-2030+
Average age of the vines: 64 years


2010 Zind Humbrecht Riesling Clos Hauserer...$54.99

Oliver Humbrecht Tasting Notes:

3/2012: this wine is starting to express some beautiful stony, mineral aromas. It will take probably a year after the bottling for the fruity character to eventually come out. The palate shows a firm crisp minerality with a long aftertaste. The Clos Häuserer is a very elegant wine in 2010 with a medium alcohol power. The little residual sweetness brings a small sensation of roundness which is very short, because the firm acidity makes the finish taste dry. This is a true Indice 1 wine!
Yields: 29 hl/ha
Optimum drinking period: 2014-2030+



2010 Zind Humbrecht Gewurztraminer Clos Windsbuhl...$67.99

Oliver Humbrecht Tasting Notes:

3/2012: there are already lots of fruity and exotic aromas at first, but then quickly, as the wine is opening up, more complex spicy flavours develop on the nose. There is a sense of richness and sweetness on the nose, probably enhanced by the presence of crystallised fruit aromas. The palate is unctuous and round, really close to a late harvest in style. The important sweetness is well into balance and the finish leaves a nice impression of harmony. Falsely ready today, this wine will need lots of extra ageing time.
Yields: 17 hl/ha
Optimum Drinking Period: 2014-2040+
Average Age of the Vines: 40 years


2010 Zind Humbrecht Muscat Goldert Grand Cru...$54.99

Oliver Humbrecht Tasting Notes:

3/2012: the nose is still going from full floral notes to mineral stony aromas. Full lees contact has also made the wine less developed. The palate shows a discreet sweetness and very nice Riesling-like texture. The acidity, well present on the middle palate, and the lower alcohol make it extremely elegant. The flavours are long lasting and that little sweetness is almost not perceptible. There is no doubt that this Goldert will age for a very long time.
Yields: 45 hl/ha
Optimum drinking period: 2014-2025


2010 Zind Humbrecht Riesling Turkheim...$35.99

Oliver Humbrecht Tasting Notes:

3/2012: gravely/silt soils produce very aromatic expressions of Riesling, and here there is no exceptions in the rule. This is probably the most open Riesling of 2010. The nose shows typical fruity flavours enhanced by this little noble rot touch (white fruits, light bee wax). The palate is generous and quite ample, but before we expect some sweetness, the acidity kicks in and allows the finish to be drier than expected. This wine surely has a nice ageing potential, and with age, it will taste even drier.
Yields: 45 hl/ha
Optimum drinking period: 2012-2025