Riesling Brand Grand Cru Vendanges Tardives 2004

Wine description for Riesling Brand Grand Cru Vendanges Tardives 2004 from Domaine Zind-Humbrecht

Colour & appearance

Deep amber gold with copper and orange-coloured reflections - a visual promise of the maturity and concentration that this late harvest wine brings. The viscosity in the glass already hints at the impressive texture.

Nose

A beguiling explosion of flavours reminiscent of an oriental bazaar: Quince jelly and Quince bread dominate, accompanied by Orange blossom water, Honey and Rose petals. These are joined by pickled ginger, Beeswax and a fine note of Salted caramel. The nose is complex, multi-layered and of an elegance that is typical of Zind-Humbrecht's biodynamic approach.

Palate

This wine flows over the palate with an opulent texture - sweet at first, but immediately captured by a brilliant acidity structure. This balance is the centrepiece: the Residual sugar is never intrusive, but perfectly counteracted by the lively freshness. Ripe notes and an almost tannin-like structure lend the wine unexpected depth and complexity. The finish is long, precise and carried by an acidity that orchestrates the entire flavour spectrum like a conductor. A wine of cathedral proportions.

General information

The Brand Grand Cru is one of the most prestigious sites in Alsace, and Olivier Humbrecht, himself a Master of Wine, is a master at bringing the terroir into the bottle. The 2004 vintage has now given the wine almost two decades of bottle ageing - time in which the flavours have been able to develop into this impressive complexity. With only 11.5% alcohol, this Vendanges Tardives proves that greatness does not depend on alcohol strength.

Food pairing suggestions

This wine calls for sophisticated and refined combinations: Tartelettes with goat's cream cheese, quinces and chipotles play with the sweet and savoury duality. Pike-perch fillet wrapped in bacon on caramelized quince slaw picks up on the quince flavour. Or Crispy leg of suckling pig with honey-rosemary lacquer - the sweetness of the wine harmonises perfectly with the caramelised crust.

Special features

A wine that shows that Alsatian Spätlese wines are among the world's great sweet wines. Biodynamic cultivation, low yields and perfect timing during the harvest make this Riesling a masterpiece of balance - sweet but never heavy, complex but never overloaded.