Pinot Blanc
2012
Olivier Humbrecht is one of the world's most renowned winegrowers. He is a Master of Wine and has been described by Robert Parker as the greatest white winemaker on earth. Yet he is very soft spoken, humble, and self-deprecating, which makes him perfectly suited to his assumed role as a global ambassador of wine. He is a champion of terroir, biodynamic farming principles, and non-interventionist winemaking, whose family have been winegrowers in Alsace for 12 generations (since 1620). He is...
See the ZIND-HUMBRECHT detail page for more information on this brand
Winter 2010/2011 was one of the direst in recent years; with the dry period continuing until May, meaning bud break almost a month before a classic vintage. June to August brought back normal levels of rain with September and October very dry allowing perfect harvesting conditions.
2011 was a large crop in Alsace, Olivier’s wines averaged yields of 56 ha/hl for the whole estate and 37hl/ha in the Grand Cru vineyards. 2011 is the first year that estates had to declare the yields for village and single vineyards levels separately. The yield limits are 68hl/ha for single vineyards and 72hl/ha for Village wines.
The wines of 2011 show normal acidity level, slightly higher than 2009 but lower than the recent high vintages of 2010 or 2008. 2011 will probably be considered as a good to very good vintage.
70% Auxerrois and 30% Pinot Blanc, sourced from the Herrenweg Vineyard in the village of Turckheim and the Rotenberg vineyard in the village of Wintzenheim. The average age of the vines is 36 years old and planted on Oligocene Calcareous and gravely soils. All natural fermentation, grapes were picked at ripeness level that would allow a dry finished wine. The alc% is 12.8 and it is an indice level 1.
Still on the lees, but showing a great nutty nose with a sense of white fruits. The whole wine will benefit from some extra ageing and air. The palate is technically very dry but without any unwanted bitterness or acidity. Nice medium length and smoothness. It is a great every day food wine.
Pronounced aromas of salinity, petrol and toasted oak rise up out of the glass. This wine offers a rich, dense texture accented by fresh apple notes and a slightly petrol finish. This is a wine of intensity and body, although it does carry a bit of alcohol heat on the finish. Pair it with mild pasta dishes, fish or cheese, though, and you won't even notice.
See detailed press review
Straw-yellow. Lovely fresh aromas and flavors of apple and pear, complicated by hints of white flowers and spicy honey. Finishes long and penetrating. Fresh, lovely and very Pinot Blanc-dominated in its aroma and taste profile, despite only 35% Pinot Blanc in the blend (the balance is made up by 65% Auxerrois).
See detailed press review
A bone-dry white with floral and light-apple aromas and flavors. Medium body, searing spices and a fresh finish. Made from two vineyards. Biodynamically grown grapes.
See detailed press review
Bright pale straw. Perfumed aromas of apple, orange peel and sweet herbs, plus a suggestion of dried fruits. Bright and broad but light on its feet; offers a classic combination of volume and spice (the Auxerrois) and appley-mineral lift (the Pinot Blanc). Lively acidity supports and extends the finishing flavors of fruit and herbs. Roughly 66 percent Auxerrois (from the Rotenberg site) and Pinot Blanc (all from the Herrenweg). Lower-than-usual yields in 2015 (and as at Zind-Humbrecht, they are not exactly known for producing grapes hand over fist, which means volumes were really very low) due to poor flowering because of the difficult spring weather, leading to berry shatter and millerandage. Lovely, appley Pinot Blanc.
See detailed press review
A generous dry pinot blanc with aromas of fully ripe pear and pineapple. Rich and creamy palate, with elegant acidity and melted-butter character at the long, soft finish. From the alluvial Herrenweg site of Turckheim and from vineyards with limestone soils in Wintzenheim. From biodynamically grown grapes.
See detailed press review
Aromatic, with notes of graphite, mineral and spice, this bright, well-cut white marries vibrant acidity to focused flavors of peach skin, passion fruit and candied pink grapefruit zest. Features a lip-smacking, spiced finish.
See detailed press review
Rich hints of spun honey and lemon curd accent the flavors of ripe peach, stone and spice in this well-knit, refreshing and light-bodied white.
See detailed press review