Gewurztraminer Clos Windsbuhl 2021
Trade Tools
France / Alsace
We purchased the Clos Windsbuhl in 1987. The vineyard is located on a beautiful hill orientated from the east to the south, on a Muschelkalk limestone geology. It is quite isolated, touching the majestic Vosges forest, and enjoys a cool late ripening climate. Back in 1987 we doubted that this grape variety would be suited to this vineyard as Gewurztraminer really needs sunshine and more heat to ripen. How wrong were we and luckily we kept the old vines and gave them a chance! Every vintage, this Clos produces amazing wines, and that include this extraordinary and refined Gewurztraminer ! This grape however suffered serious losses in spring 2021 and the crop is tiny.
95 Points
jamessuckling.com
2021 vintage
95 Points
VinousMedia.com
2021 vintage
Harvest Note
2021 was a challenging vintage which resulted in small volumes of extraordinary wines. The frost of April 6th significantly reduced the final harvest volumes. June & July saw heavy rains leading to rapid growth but unfortunately mildew also. August and September were sunny and dry, with harvest from September 15th to October 2nd. The small crop fermented quickly, alcohols were below usual levels, and all wines fermented completely dry.
Tasting Note
Intense yellow color. The Clos Windsbuhl is already very open on the nose, displaying a beautiful array of aromatic flowers and fruits: peach, pears, ancient roses, a touch of spice and discreet exotic character. The palate replicates the complexity of the nose, but comes as a big surprise as it reveals a tight and firm structure, enhanced by a great ripe acidity. The finish is dry and long, but also so elegant! This is a very bright and lively wine. The rich mineral content (Muschelkalk is rich in magnesium) brings a noble bitter mouthfeel. Achieving dry Gewurztraminer at this level isn’t easy and we do hope to be able to replicate this in the future.
Technical Data
GRAPES: 100% Gewurztraminer
APPELLATION: Alsace AOC
PH: 3.3
ACIDITY: 4.0 g/l
ABV: 13.90%
AGING: 12 months in large foudres
MALOLACTIC FERMENTATION: Yes
RESIDUAL SUGAR: 4.2 g/l
Unique Selling Points
- Certified Organic and Biodynamic
- Cooler site with limestone subsoils produces very fine and precise wines
- Unbroken winemaking lineage in Alsace since 1620
- 95 points Vinous, 95 points Suckling
Good wine is made by people who actually do everything they say they are doing.
Olivier Humbrecht M.W., Winemaker
About the Grape
Gewürztraminer
Gewürztraminer has unmistakably heady intensity of fragrance, with pungent aromas of litchis, tropical fruits and rose petals. Its flavors are ample, fruity and spicy rather than complex.
