1995 Pinot Gris Heimbourg

I tasted six dry Tokay-Pinot Gris offerings from Zind-Humbrecht and one Vendange Tardive. As the enthusiastic notes that follow reveal, it is a toss up as to whether Riesling or Pinot Gris was the more successful varietal in 1995. It will not be easy finding any of the 1995 Tokay-Pinot Gris Heimbourg as only 6 cases were exported to the United States. The most exotic of ZH's Pinot Gris offerings, it reveals a Gewurztraminer-like honeyed peach and apricot character. Full-bodied, with a melange of tropical fruit flavors that soar from the glass and cascade over the palate, this surprisingly well-defined, rich, slightly sweet, flashy Pinot Gris should drink well for 12-15 years. The Zind-Humbrecht 1995s possess approximately 10% higher acidity than the crisp, high acid 1994s, largely because September was a very cool month. There was no need to chaptalize any of the ZH wines, and extremely long fermentations resulted in high alcohol. The reviews in this segment are from a memorable tasting held in April, 1997. Importers: Wine Markets International, Woodbury, NY; tel. (516) 364-1850, and Kermit Lynch Wine Merchant, Berkeley, CA; tel (510) 524-1524