Zind Humbrecht: vintages rated 100/100 by Robert Parker

Things you should know about Domaine Zind Humbrecht

In the family HumbrechtThe tradition of winegrowing has been passed down from generation to generation since 1620, but this authentic family of winegrowers didn't start bottling their own nectars until 1947. As for the Zind Humbrecht estateIt was created under a lucky star in 1959, by the union of properties belonging to the Zénon Humbrecht (owner in Gueberschwirhr) and Emile Zind (owner in Wintzenheim) families.

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Mythical terroirs

We can say that the domain's current prestige began with Léonard Humbrechta visionary, who was one of all his Alsace's first winegrowers interest in terroirs as much as in grape varieties. His son, a brilliant agricultural engineer, who was first French to obtain in 1988 the prestigious diploma of Master of Wines" has continued its progenitor's research, in particular by developing the entire estate in a rational and well-thought-out way towards the organic farming.

Visit fine wines by Olivier Humbrecht on the grand cru Rangen (Clos Saint-Urbain), so famous that references to it can even be found in the pages of Gargantua, are particularly blessed. Yet this south-facing, volcanic terroir is so steep that it's almost impossible to climb. When the vines are vigorous and cared for by a winemaker of the calibre ofOlivier Humbrecht, this allows grapes to have a perfect acidityaromatic qualities and exceptional ageing capacity.

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Prestigious vintages awarded 100/100 by Robert Parker

 

Zind-Humbrecht Gewurztraminer Heimbourg Vendange Tardive 1990

Robert Parker We find enormous aromas of cherry, honeyed fruit, freshness and remarkable length. It's the very definition of freshness, acidity and spiciness in perfect harmony. The orientation of these massive wines makes this achievement remarkable. A powerful nectar that will surprise wine-lovers with its aromatic intensity and powerful flavor. They are massive, extraordinarily well-balanced. They are best served before a meal: as an aperitif, or at the end of a meal." April 1993

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Zind-Humbrecht Pinot Gris Clos Windsbuhl Vendange Tardive 1990

Robert Parker The tasting was a breathtaking experience. This wine is magnificent in its entirety. It has exemplary breadth, texture, refinement, balance and length. While already incredible at first taste, it seems to show its full potential with age. The 1990 is pale gold in color, with an immense spicy nose of candied apples. Full-bodied, velvety-textured and rich. It's an exquisite wine, with notes of quince, poached pears, juniper berries, minerals, caramel and pineapple. Its concentrated finish is pure and endless. Impressively, the fruit density and balanced structure of this gem completely cover the sugar. Drink it now through 2020." October 2000

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Zind-Humbrecht Pinot Gris Clos Windsbuhl Vendange Tardive 1989

Robert Parker Textured and balanced, the 1989 is soft. It has a golden color and bursts from the glass with aromas reminiscent of Beijing: duck skin dipped in plum sauce. This wine is incredibly complex, medium-bodied and packed with sweet spices, minerals, tropical fruits and stones. The fruit and structure also cover the sugar, completely. Drink well into 2020. October 2000

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Zind-Humbrecht Tokay Clos Windsbuhl Late Harvest 1990

Robert Parker I think this wine is perfect. The nose is impressive, with notes of minerals, honeyed fruit and exotic spices. An incredibly massive wine, with fruit in perfect harmony with lively acidity, full body, huge amounts of glycerin. A spectacular finish, long and zesty, lasting over a minute. Impressive aromatic intensity, mixed with the power of this incredible wine." April 1993

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Zind-Humbrecht Tokay Pinot Gris Clos Jebsal Selection de Grains Nobles 1990

Robert Parker I give it a perfect score. I'm told it's made from 3 hectoliters per hectare, which is half a glass of wine per vine. Bear in mind that Château d'Yquem is proud (and rightly so) of the fact that they produce one glass of wine per vine. One of the most unforgettable wines I've ever tasted. This is a magnificent vintage for Alsatian wines." April 1993

 

Find out more about Domaine Zind Humbrecht wines available for purchase