Zind-Humbrecht Pinot Gris Rangen de Thann Clos St. Urbain 2016

Intense yellow, light gold colour. Smelling this wine is equivalent to smell a rifle after it just fired! There are very powerful and strong flinty and smoky aromatics, closer to gunpowder and burnt peat. Make no mistaken this isn’t reduction, but a typical expression of the brutal volcanic terroir, enhanced by the absence of overripe flavours. The palate confirms the nose, it is powerful, long, uncompromising and full but possesses a well-bred elegance.

The high mineral content soil also brings a complex bitter and saline mouth structure. The finish goes on forever, like warm spices, but without any burning sensations. Already impressive, it will improve slowly for a very long time.