Pinot Gris Clos Windsbuhl 2011

ZIND-HUMBRECHT

Pinot Gris Clos Windsbuhl
2011

  • Organic
  • Biodynamic
Country
France
Regulated designation
Appellation origine controlée (AOC)
Region
Alsace
Varietal(s)
Pinot Gris 100 %
Alcohol percentage
14.4%
Colour
White
Sugar
Semi-dry
Total acidity
4.3 g/l g/l
PH
3.5
Producer's website
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About this winery

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...

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Product notes

The late-ripening Clos Windsbuhl lies on limestone soils and often promotes the development of noble rot. However, due to the early and very sunny vintage, we decided to shorten the Pinot Gris’ ripening period to avoid over-ripening. A percentage of grapes coming from younger vines were harvested earlier and declassified. Therefore, this wine comes exclusively from older vines; grapes were harvested at the end of September, with only little noble rot. Due to its highly-mineralized soil and its low yields, this vineyard imparts great richness and structure to the wines, even in a generous vintage such as 2011.

Tasting notes

The delicately fruity and mineral (wet stones, iodine) nose reveals Windsbuhl’s refinement and subtlety. The great ripeness in the grapes is nearly undetectable on the nose. The palate has a fine roundness balanced by a delicate acidity, which results in a savory, easy-drinking wine. Upon aeration, it offers long-lasting, slightly smoky aromas as well as subtle roasted notes. Windsbuhl’s limestone brought a nice harmony to this wine.

Press reviews

Vinous

- 95 points -

February 2016

Gold-tinged straw. Ginger, quince and white stone fruits on the nose and in the mouth, along with delicate smoky and sage nuances. The long finish features a note of sweet pear nectar and lingering minerality. This wine has 10 g/l residual sugar and 6.2 g/l total acidity, so it tastes dry; it reminded me a little of a Chenin Blanc. It also has a whopping 14.5% alcohol, but you’d never know it. The ability to reach this marvelous balance is the true magic of the Clos Windsbuhl and Olivier Humbrecht’s talent.

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James Suckling

- 95 points -

June 2017

Lemon pie and almond aromas. Steel undertones. Full body, dense and layered. Big and rich style yet it's dry. An oily profile yet turns dry and satisfying. Drink now. Made from organically grown grapes.

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James Suckling

- 95 points -

July 2021 (Vintage 2018)

Don’t expect a lush Alsace pinot gris, because this generous and highly structured dry pinot gris is still tightly wound and the main aromas are smoke, toast, nutty apple and fresh mint. Built to last, though the long finish is supple, it’s fully packed with chalky character. Those who are patient will be richly rewarded! From biodynamically grown grapes. Better after 2021.

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Wine Enthusiast

- 94 points -

Anne Krebiehl MW, December 2015 (Vintage 2013)

The full force of aromatic, dried pear rises from the glass, laced with dried apricot and candied peel. The pear fruit becomes exquisitely clear and pure on the palate, which is profound but slender. The wine is dry but powerful, holding at its core all the ripeness and fruit flavor from brilliant sunlight. It almost warms you from inside and goes on and on. 

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James Suckling

- 94 points -

September 2015

Lots of honey, dried mushroom and apricot character. Full body, off dry, yet remains intense and agile. Very long and beautiful. Hints of walnut and almond undertones. Drink now. Almost vendange tardive level. Made from biodynamically grown grapes. 

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James Suckling

- 94 points -

October 2020 (Vintage 2018)

The 2018 Pinot Gris Clos Windsbuhl offers lovely concentration and depth. Apricot, passion fruit, tangerine oil and dried flowers all develop nicely in the glass. I would give the 2018 a year or two in bottle to soften, as it is a bit severe today.

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Wine Enthusiast

- 94 points -

October 2020 (Vintage 2018)

The creamy juiciness of freshly cut, ripe Williams pear dances appetizingly on the nose of this wine. Fruit purity is also apparent on the palate, imbued by vivid, rounded juiciness and supported by a lovely backdrop of pithy, slightly phenolic texture. This adds grace and backbone and lets the juicy pear notes express themselves fully. The finish is wonderfully dry and lasting.

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Vinous

- 92 points -

Stephen Tanzer, November 2010 (Vintage 2008)

Bright yellow-gold. Aromas and flavors of mirabelle, quinine, powdered stone, minerals and medicinal herbs. Strong but harmonious acidity gives this very rich, slightly exotic off-dry wine a lovely sugar/acid balance. The slow fermentation no doubt contributed to the wine's tactile mouth feel. Rich, suave and very ripe wine, with a long, dusty finish. A superb showing today.

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