Classification | Grand Cru |
Type | White |
Brand | Zind Humbrecht |
Vintage | 2011 |
Country | France |
Region | Alsace |
Grape | Gewürztraminer |
Volume | 0,75 |
Condition | Perfect |
Label | Perfect |
Drinkable | -2035 |
Stock | 5 |
Picked in mid-October at the end of their harvest of this vintage and from some of its only fruit to have achieved any significant degree of noble rot, the Zind-Humbrecht 2011 Gewurztraminer Hengst Vendange Tardive projects the sweet richness of dark, resinous honey, lychee preserves, butterscotch, praline, and spicy mango chutney. A creamy, almost buttery texture enhances the confitured and confectionary personality, yet a sense of primary juiciness, lift and energy emerges in the long, soothing finish such as one might not expect (though avowed “terroirists” would point to this site’s highly calcareous and water-retentive marl as predictive). I suspect that this will reveal yet more diversity through at least 2035.
There's lovely balance to this floral version, lightly sweet and creamy on the palate, offering a well-cut vein of citrusy acidity that frames the flavors of cantaloupe, lychee, honeyed apricot and star fruit. A streak of zesty ground ginger and white pepper builds on the finish.