2022 Domaine Zind Humbrecht Riesling Hengst Grand Cru

Modern day Domaine Zind Humbrecht started with the 1959 amalgamation of the Humbrecht family vineyards in Gueberschwihr and the Zind family vineyards in Wintzenheim. However current custodian Olivier Humbrecht MW is the latest generation of Humbrecht winemakers dating back to 1620. Olivier is a legend among modern French winemakers, becoming France’s first Master of Wine at the age of 29, before returning to the family Domaine and beginning a journey to revitalise the vineyards after years of chemical treatment common at the time. Today the Domaine comprises 41.1 hectares of vines spread throughout a range of Grand Cru and single-vineyard sites, all cultivated organically and according to biodynamic principles. These are the pinnacle of aromatic whites from Alsace.

Other Reviews....
From a cooler, higher part of the grand cru that is facing east-southeast on rocky, reddish soils, the 2022 Hengst Wintzenheim Riesling opens with a very deep and coolish, intense and complex yet refined and elegant, terroir-driven bouquet with fresh apple puree and spicy and saline terroir notes. Full-bodied, very elegant and not all too rich, this is a dense and well balanced, less racy Riesling than the Clos Häuserer but with a long, intense and finely tannic finish. After 500 liters in the inaugural 2021 vintage, 3,200 bottles plus 170 magnums of the 2022 vintage were filled in January 2024. The vineyard was planted in 2016 with the winery's own selections at a density of 9,000 vines per hectare, which yielded 28 hectoliters per hectare in 2022. 12.83% stated alcohol. Natural cork. Tasted at the domaine in April 2024. Drink 2025-2045.
95 points
Stephan Reinhardt - Wine Advocate (Feb 07, 2025)

The 2022 Riesling Grand Cru Hengst is picked on the eastern side of the Hengst. The parcel was planted in 2016 with high density, and the first vintage of the wine was the 2021. Gorgeously smoky flint precedes subtle floral and tangerine peel notes. The juiciness on the palate is all-encompassing, spreading wonderfully ripe, fresh Mirabelle fruit pervaded by fine, tangerine-like ripe citrus. The 2022 is serene, bright and sunny, with a long, zesty aftertaste. (Bone-Dry). Drink 2026-2050.
94 points
Anne Krebiehl MW - Vinous

Dense nose of papayas, persimmons and gunpowder. Huge concentration on the medium- to full-bodied palate, but it is as fresh as it is lush. Terrific energy at the bold and clean finish. There is a touch of sweetness in there somewhere, but you barely notice it. From biodynamically grown grapes. Drink or hold.
96 points
Stuart Pigott - JamesSuckling.com