2009 Pinot Noir Heimbourg, Zind Humbrecht Alsace

"Ultimative i vinmageriets kunst -genius" -Parker. Anses af de fleste kritikere for Alsace's nr. 1 på linie med de ypperste på Côte d'Or. Humbrecht er præsident for de biodynamiske vindyrkere i Frankrig. Vinen kommer fra stejl skråning i Grand Cru Brand, plantet med kloner fra Corton Grand Cru. 2009 er superb. Mørk, meget rig frugt. Ingen sprøjtegifte og kunstgødning. Udbytte er 50 % under andre -Sen høst, lagring sur lie i eg, ingen filtrering. Olivier om vinen: Bottling date: 9/2010; Alcohol: 12.7° alc; pH: 3.6; Yields: 25 hl/ha; Optimum drinking period: 2012-2021+; Average age of the vines: 17 years; Surface: 0.3ha. Terroir: marl-calcareous, facing west. Ultimately, only this vineyard will remain as Pinot Noir on our estate. We are convince that only great marl limestone vineyards have the capacity to produce interesting, long lasting Pinot Noirs wines. The Heimbourg was an obvious choice for us for this grape, because its location helps to ripen slowly the Pinot Noir while staying healthy (slightly higher altitude, exposed to drying winds) and keeps good acidity in the wine. The vines were planted with a high density (8500 vines/ha) and low vines (15cm) but with a traditional Alsace higher canopy (1.8m). This allows us not to summer prune the vines, increase leaf foliage but also prevent side growth. Vinification is classic: hand harvest in 15kg buckets, partial hand de-stemming, 20 days macerations, 12 months in small barriques (no new ones), bottling from the lees without fining or filtration, so, careful decantation is needed! 2/2011: dark ruby red colour. The nose is still quite closed but start to show some spicy and mineral aromas on top of the classic fruit. The palate shows great acidity, balancing tannins and giving some freshness to the wine. It will need some time before being enjoyed and aerating it will help. It should also age nicely.