Domaine Zind-Humbrecht : Riesling "Clos Windsbuhl" 2022

Picked very late in the middle of September, the 2022 Clos Windsbuhl Hunawihr Riesling offers a very deep, rich and intense, lime- and limestone-driven bouquet that is very distinctive, rich, coolish, fresh and citric. Round and generous on the palate, this is a powerful, complex, very mouthwatering Windsbuhl Riesling with the generosity and finesse (also in terms of acidity) of a grand cru and a lemon-fresh (and bitter) finish. The wine is wide and juicy but also refined and fresh in all its minerality. It is also really rich and potent yet not at all driven by alcohol. The salinity is great here and intertwined with tannins and noble bitters. 4,400 bottles. 12.46% stated alcohol. Natural cork. Tasted at the domaine in April 2024.

At once powerful and crystalline, this densely structured dry riesling is made for the long term. Extremely lemony and salty on the medium- to full-bodied palate, then so compact at the very long, driving finish, which is as pointed as a rapier. The last riesling harvested in this vintage, but with the lowest alcohol and the highest acidity. From biodynamically grown grapes. Drinkable now, but best from 2026.

The 2022 Riesling Clos Windsbuhl is a “bucolic” site, Humbrecht says, surrounded by forest and fields at altitude. It is on rocky Triassic limestone. The wine is slightly flinty and nutty on the nose. The palate is stony, too, taut and bright but flowing like clear spring water, cooling, with ever more citrus coming to the fore. Lemon zestiness and lovely brightness make this mouth-puckeringly tangy and deliciously thrilling. (Bone-Dry)

Sumptuous volume and fleshy depth in the riesling from Clos Windsbuhl, a digestible wine with radiant length, full of potential and very much in line with the great vintages of this terroir.

From Hunawihr, this Riesling shows just 12.46% alcohol and 2 g of residual sugar. Muschelkalk terroir, a limestone that is less incisive than Oligocene. The subtle bouquet reveals many facets, with nuances of mint, apricot and sweet spices, complemented by a mineral touch. Lively and saline on the palate, this Clos Windsbühl benefits from a firm backbone that ensures its straightness, yet it still shows generous, mouthwatering substance. A beautiful bottle that deserves a little patience.