Pinot Gris Clos Windsbuhl
2022
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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Pale yellow colour. He first nose shows the typical Windsbuhl ‘reduction’ and an almost austere tight aromatic profile. Clearly the longer full lees ageing of 18 months has closed the wine, but that’s only for now. A good decantation will slowly make the wine open up, first with toasty/smoky flavours and then more ripe fruits. This is potentially the wine that will take the longest to find its place of all 2018s, but what a potential! The palate is powerful, full flavoured, intense and a with a rich velvety texture on the finish.
Pinot gris has the reputation of being easygoing, but this dry pinot gris from Alsace has enormous energy and vitality. The staggering citrusy juiciness electrifies the super-concentrated, medium-bodied palate. At this stage in the wine’s very long life, the finish is a wild ride thanks to the chalky intensity. From biodynamically grown grapes. Drinkable now, but best from 2026.
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