2016 Gewurztraminer Rangen de Thann Clos St Urbain
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Tasting notes
Volcanic soils. RS 2 g/l. Sumptuously smouldering on the nose, while being extremely varietal with macerated rose petals in abundance. Slight bitterness on the end. Lots of tingle. But quite a lot of alcohol – pretty well hidden. No oiliness. (JR)
Critic scores
Average Score
Stephan Reinhardt, Wine Advocate
Jancis Robinson MW
More reviews and scores
Vivid golden-yellow. Aromatic, beautiful nose of remarkable finesse (lemon verbena, jasmine, lychee, rose, grapefruit). Then joltingly dry and piercing, delivering a unique combination of ripe fruit, almost shrill acidity and Rangen-typical smokiness. Absolutely bone-dry (0.6 g/l r.s.), it is also characterized by truly surprising acidity, probably resulting from the association of a slightly higher-than-usual total acidity and really amazing salinity. Finishes lemony and extremely long. Try this with crispy duck and smoked salmon. A truly remarkable taste experience, this is a wine of memorable purity and incredible salinity – and I’m not even an especially huge fan of Gewürz from the Rangen Grand Cru, a cru I think is much better suited to Riesling and Pinot Gris. (ID) 96+
The 2016 Alsace Grand Cru Rangen de Thann Gewurztraminer Clos Saint Urbain is a bone-dry wine with lots of structure and bitters. I find it lean and pretty uncharming at the moment, but it is tight, mineral and fresh. For me it lacks the juiciness and generosity I love about this grape, but I am looking forward to being surprised in a couple of years.
Smoky and floral with mango peel and candied oranges, making this an extremely unusual gewurztraminer and an amazing dry white. The long mineral finish gets an extra kick from the generous tannins and ends salty and savory. Better from 2019 but there is absolutely no hurry to drink this! Made from biodynamically grown grapes.
About the producer
Widely acknowledged as one of the legendary wineries in Alsace, the wines of Domaine Zind-Humbrecht are nothing short of magical. Certified organic and biodynamic, the estate crafts an extensive range of wines, including many Grand Cru and single-vineyard bottlings.