Zind Humbrecht Riesling Roche Calcaire 2023 - 750ml

95pts James Suckling

This generous dry riesling has great structure and pronounced chalky minerality on the compact, medium-bodied palate. Intense citrus aromas and drive. Very long, energetic finish that suggests this has excellent aging potential. From biodynamically grown grapes. Drink or hold.

93pts Vinous

The 2023 Riesling Roche Calcaire was harvested across the limestone soils of the estate from vines that do not make it into the single vineyards. In 2022, this was restricted to the marl and limestone soils of the village of Gueberschwihr, mostly facing east, from cooler vineyards. Subtle smokiness hints at the delicious reduction that still weaves through the wine. This is taut, lemony, long, streamlined and tightly coiled—a wellspring of freshness. (Bone-dry)

Description:

This wine comes from a blend of small individual vineyards located on the village of Gueberschwihr, south of Colmar. Either facing east or south, they all have in common a deep marl-limestone geological soil. Gueberschwihr enjoys a mid to late ripening climate, and with a soil well provided with water reserves, this terroir behaved very well during the warm 2023 summer. The harvest is small in this vintage, mostly due to a difficult flowering (very warm weather). The limestone brings power and breadth to the wine, and with the influence of deep soils, it also guarantees a firm acidity that can make the wine austere in its youth. More than for any other wine, a long ageing on total lees will allow the wine to gain in finesse. These are also fine wines for laying down.

Tasting Notes:

Dense yellow colour. The nose gives a sensation of firmness typical of the limestone terroir, a form of reduction that fades on opening to reveal aromas of citrus fruits, lemongrass, some character typical of long lees contact, and a beautiful mineral mouthfeel. On the palate, the wine is tense, precise with a lively finish. This liveliness is supported by beautiful tannins. A very nice introduction to the limestone terroir in Riesling.