Pinot Gris Clos Windsbuhl Selection de Grains Nobles 2007 Zind Humbrecht

Professional reviews

Robert Parker (97)

ntering the arena of barely-wines, the now-bottled Zind-Humbrecht 2007 Pinot Gris Clos Windsbuhl Selection de Grains Trie Speciale spent two years fermenting plus an additional year in cask thereafter. Deeply-toasted walnut, honey, marzipan, caramel, and notes of exotic, aromatic woods lend the aromas a very dark, positively oxidized cast. Given the nature of those aromas – not to mention the wine’s 400 (!) grams of residual sugar – it comes to the palate with shocking vivacity; a cooling aura of mint and chamomile, glazed apricot akin to Esszencia; and a saliva-liberating salinity. Hints of toasted coconut and vanilla from the barrel manage to integrate themselves into the metaphorically dark, toasty elements that also persist in this wine’s splendidly multi-faceted and dynamically interactive finish. The dazzling complexity and the fascinating alternation of electric acidity and dark, torrification confound one’s expectations of wine with Esszencia-like analytic parameters. This will probably last for the better part of half a century.

Winespectator (97)

This amber-colored SGN is loaded with herb and spice accents—nutmeg, myrrh, clove and Chartreuse-like medicinal herbs—that add detail to flavors of peach and apricot jam, apple sauce, honeycomb, sweet smoke and spiced nuts. A thick, unctuous wine, but very bright and tangy nonetheless, with a fine backbone of intense acidity. A unique expression of both grape and style. Offers more with each sip.