Domaine Zind-Humbrecht 's Gewurztraminer Clos Windsbuhl Vendanges Tardives comes from one ofAlsace's most singular terroirs, set on the limestone hillside overlooking the village of Hunawihr. The Clos Windsbuhl, with its Muschelkalk soils interspersed with pebbles, benefits from a naturally late-ripening climate due to its altitude and South to South-East exposure. This configuration offers slow ripening, but is only conducive to the formation of noble rot in the most favorable years. In 2005, a slightly damp end of September followed by a warm month of October enabled botrytis to develop with exceptional homogeneity on the old Gewurztraminer vines, a rare gems on this terroir not usually prone to late harvests. The biodynamic care provided by Domaine Zind Humbrecht throughout the year enabled the entire vineyard to be harvested at once. The perfectly ripe grapes were then fermented with their indigenous yeasts, before prolonged ageing on total lees to produce a wine with a remarkable balance between concentrated nectar, chalky structure and aromatic purity.
Philippe Mischler, sommelier at Mundovin: Domaine Zind Humbrecht 's Gewurztraminer Clos Windsbuhl Vendanges Tardives is born of exceptional conditions and is one of the wine estate's most exclusive gems. Hunawihr 's Clos Windsbuhl is one of a handful of sites in Alsace capable of producing Vendanges Tardives of such singular depth as to surpass the varietal opulence of Gewurztraminer. This rare vintage is one of the most eloquent expressions of this: the natural richness of the grape here marries the verticality of the limestone to produce a full-bodied wine, expressive from its youth and devoid of any heaviness. With its perfect balance and perfectly integrated sweetness, this cuvée has an aging capacity that borders on the timeless.
The nose opens with very ripe aromas of apricot, peach and candied citrus. Aromas of acacia honey and beeswax add gentle complexity, while floral nuances and a palette of sweet spices, from vanilla to cardamom and fresh ginger, add depth. The Windsbuhl limestone terroir imparts a discreet tension that balances the bouquet and lends it a certain freshness despite the vintage's concentration.
On the palate, the generous body unfolds with delicious smoothness. The palate is imbued with complex aromatic strata evoking candied citrus, roasted exotic fruit, honey and sweet spices, balanced brilliantly by the vibrant minerality of the acid framework. Botrytis sculpts a suave texture that enhances complexity without overpowering terroir, and it's simply prodigious. The persistence of spices on retro-olfaction sculpts a characterful finish that is enjoyed for a very long time.
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