Domaine Zind-HumbrechtRiesling Grand Cru Brand 2012

Sexy high-pitched yet delicate aromas of nectarine, lime, flint and white flowers on the captivating, almost Mosel-like nose. Then broad and inviting, offering soft, nuanced flavors of ripe peach, citrus jam, minerals and flint. Finishes long and slightly sweet (12 g/l residual sugar) but owing to its firm acidity this wine seems off-dry. The grapes were slightly affected by both noble rot and passerillage, and has an extra measure of sweetness and texture as a result. This couldn’t be any more different from the Rangen but is just as great, and still very young: don’t touch it for another ten years.

A bold white that shows a sense of finesse, with a lovely interplay between the spicy minerality and racy acidity. Shows rich flavors of honeyed almond and candied orange zest, accented by bright hints of floral, green melon and pink grapefruit pulp. Exhibits power in a sleek, exciting package. Drink now through 2029. 500 cases made.

A fascinating first maturity and accessible fruit on the nose open the brillant golden-yellow 2012 Riesling Brand Grand Cru, which was sourced only from the oldest vines in the Steinglitz and Schnekelsbourg blocks; it delivers a subtle, highly elegant and floral scented aroma of ripe lemon flavors intertwined with powdered stones, mineral notes and a hint of Mediterranean herbs. On the palate, 11 grams of residual sugar give this rich and intense but full-bodied and balanced wine a very elegant, sappy roundness which accommodates all those who can´t wait to enjoy their Brand as early as possible. The finish is juicy and piquant, and reveals a very good intensity and salty minerality that reflects the purity of the terroir. The 2013 is a very elegant, rather tender and superbly balanced Riesling that is already digestible, but can also age for 15 to 20 years. However, it has less drive and drama than a really dry Brand, but an old-school fruit intensity, and a sensual and very lush texture. Drink over the next 15 or 20 years.