TN: Rangen De Thann Clos St. Urbain Pinot Gris Vendange Tardive 1998 Zind Humbrecht

Long name!

The is a very enjoyable bottle of wine that was slightly more evolved and a bit sweeter then I was anticipating.

The color is medium to dark gold and the nose has scents of honey, dried apricot, and a touch of caramel. On the palate this was between a VT and SGN in sweetness. The flavors leaned towards the apricot and caramel, and there was enough acidity to provide definition, and to brighten up the wine on the finish.

Very interesting and a fun wine to just sit with and sip.

Nice to see this TN. This evening, and yesterday evening, we opened bottles of the 98 Rangen Riesling, and I’d have to share your sense that the wine is a bit more evolved than I expected. Nice, but it has clearly moved beyond middle age. I see no reason to hold these wines any longer, myself. I will look for opportunities to drink through my 98s, which include the Muscat as well as the Gwertz and the Riesling, fairly soon.

The 1998 Zind Gewürztraminer VTs (Heimborg, Goldert) have been glorious over the last few years… I agree, no need to wait.