2018 Riesling Rangen de Thann Clos St Urbain
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Tasting notes
Somehow, the golden-yellow colored 2018 Riesling Clos Saint-Urbain Rangen de Thann is reminiscent of a matured Champagne on the very first nose, with ripe but also matured and slightly oxidized fruit aromas, here intermingled with lemon and herbal or minty nuances as well as the flint stone tones of the steep, south-facing volcanic clos. Elegant and even with a certain coolishness, the wine becomes a Rangen pretty soon and from a then abnormally dry and warm vintage as well. It is full-bodied, fresh and elegant rather than rich and powerful on the palate, with good mineral freshness and fine bitters on the pure and saline finish. This is an elegant and even fine Rangen Riesling with less generosity and texture than expected but also more thrill and tension. Still stringent on the long finish, this is an excellent 2018 Riesling from a cru that must have been like hell in the summer of 2018. Bottled in January 2020 with 13.4% alcohol and just 2.7 grams per liter of residual sugar. Tasted in Wachenheim as part of the Rangen vertical in November 2023 and again in March 2024.
Critic scores
Average Score
James Suckling
Antonio Galloni, Vinous
More reviews and scores
A unique dry riesling with an astonishing combination of mini banana, mirabelle, baking spice and sea salt. Super concentrated and super elegant, this has a level of poise that’s very rare in the 2018 vintage. I love the way the silky finish caresses the palate. From biodynamically grown grapes. Drink or hold.
The 2018 Riesling Clos Saint Urbain, Rangen de Thann is a gorgeous, exotic wine endowed with superb depth. Apricot, orange confit, white flowers and a whole range of tropical inflections are nicely balanced by the wine’s freshness and energy. The 2018 has quite a bit of density, but it closes down pretty quickly in the glass, which is a bit frustrating in a tasting setting, but something that won’t be an issue in time. It is a very special wine, that much is clear. (AG)
About the producer
Widely acknowledged as one of the legendary wineries in Alsace, the wines of Domaine Zind-Humbrecht are nothing short of magical. Certified organic and biodynamic, the estate crafts an extensive range of wines, including many Grand Cru and single-vineyard bottlings.