2012 Domaine Zind Humbrecht Clos Saint Urbain Gewurztraminer Rangen De Thann Grand Cru

The Gewurztraminer grape variety is planted on two small vineyards, right above the Thur river that runs at the bottom of the steep Grand Cru. Despite an appearance of warmth and intense sun exposure, the Rangen actually is quite high in altitude and the cold winds running down the narrow valley make it difficult for this grape to achieve perfect ripeness. The influence of the water (sun reflexion and heat storage) does help a lot. Gewurztraminer is often at its best on limestone vineyard, mostly for the structure (acidity) and more complex aromatics (less floral) achieved on richer soil, but the volcanic soil of the Rangen shows how this extravagant grape can be dominated by the vineyard.

2/2012: wet stones, light smoke, the fruity citrusy aromas so typical of 2012 are here minimized to just a brief whiff. Powerful and intense, the nose is the true signature of this forceful vineyard, capable to convey to the palate a vibrant energy. This wine should taste big and powerful with obvious sweetness, but in this late ripening vintage, there is an elegance and charm that makes this wine precociously enjoyable. The finish shows tannins and mouthwatering structure. It begs to age or at least to breathe a really long time before service.