Domaine Zind-Humbrecht, 'Clos Jebsal', Pinot Gris, Vendange Tardive, Alsace, France, 2006

Overview of the Wine
Winegrowing is a passion that has been passed down from father to son in the Humbrecht family since the 17th century. Domaine Zind Humbrecht today comprises of 40 hectares of vines, spread out over an array of different terroirs in the geological patchwork which is the Alsatian wine region and birthplace of our noble grape varieties.

The expression of terroir, conveyed through grape varieties of Alsace, is reinforced by cultivating the vines organically and according to biodynamic principles. Great lengths are gone to each growing season to produce the best quality grapes from each vineyard. As respect for the vine and soil life is imperative, the viticultural tasks are carried out by a team of 22 dedicated staff members. The high ratio of vineyard worker to vineyard surface enables an attention to detail and the execution of many of the viticultural tasks manually. In addition, animal traction and the use of their own compost help to reduce the impact of mechanical compaction on the soils.

Ripe, balanced and concentrated grapes enables the elimination of any vinification techniques that would modify the initial harmony of each terroir. Fermentations are very slow, and the wines spend a minimum of 6 months on the total lees. The wines are bottled between 12 and 24 months after the harvest.

"For a few years now, this wine is produced exclusively from one little parcel of vineyard located a stone throw away from the Goldert vineyard in Gueberschwihr. Proximity doesn’t of course mean identical! There is some Oolithic limestone present in the soil, but also a fair amount of sandstone and marl. The soil is more fertile and deeper, which accentuate the late ripening character. The Gewurztraminer grape grows slowly, keeps great acidity and doesn’t suffer from draught or excessive heat. Very healthy grapes produced a wine that fermented very dry, in an unusual style from this vineyard."

Organic and biodynamic viticulture: since 1997, Organic certification 1998 by Ecocert, biodynamic certification by Biodyvin / Ecocert in 2002.

Winemaker
Olivier Humbrecht

Grape / Blend
Pinot Gris

Origin
Alsace, France

Winemaker's Tasting Notes
The nose exhibits already today beautiful honeyed, botrytised aromas. The nose feels almost as rich as an SGN, showing lots of candied fruits, apricots, quince as well as the classic Jebsal minerality. The palate is unctuous and sweet, not cloying, as there is lots of acidity there to make the finish harmonious. This is great late harvest style, able to rival the best vintages

93 Points - Wine Enthusiast
Zind-Humbrecht’s 2006 Pinot Gris Clos Jebsal Vendange Tardive smells headily of nearly over-ripe musk melon, peach, and apricot, then surprises on a dense palate with surprising firmness and an extraordinary, vivid retention of fresh pit fruit and citrus acids that virtually electrify what follows. A confitured marzipan and caramel wave appears, mingling somehow serendipitously with the streams of fresh fruit, while subtle fruit pit bitterness adds counterpoint in a vibrant yet decadently rich finish. This could serve as an unusually versatile, true dessert wine, given its combination of vivid fresh fruit acid with huge (yet not in the least too much) sugar. I was thinking apricot tart, “but how about rhubarb?” suggests Humbrecht. Indeed. It should also be worth cellaring for 15-20 years. 

92 Points - Vinous
(14% alcohol, 114 g/l r.s.) Bright gold. High-toned, rot-ennobled aromas of apricot, quince and honey. Almost painfully sweet in the mouth, but with firm acidity, exhilarated botrytis tones and underlying minerality giving shape and grip to the superripe flavors of quince jelly, mirabelle and marzipan. Finishes very long and supersweet, with a strong cherry-almond element and surprising freshness. This was picked at near-SGN must weight, with impeccable honeyed botrytis. 

Product size: 750ml