Gewurztraminer Hengst Vendange Tardive 2006 - Domaine Zind-Humbrecht

"Whereas 2007 was the first vintage in Zind-Humbrecht’s history when botrytis selection was possible in the Hengst, it is also seldom that a block harvest there reaches the level of botrytis and concentration of the 2006 Gewurztraminer Hengst Vendange Tardive. Following aromas of thyme, mint, citrus oils, and gardenia, this comes to the palate glossy and viscous, with an impression of liquid floral perfume and of herbal, licorice, and citrus lozenges, delivering cooling, soothing, yet subtly pungent length, in which more predictable ennobled tones of honey and caramel collaborate. This tastes like it stepped in from some different vintage or place, and I supposed Olivier Humbrecht is correct in saying that it indeed underscores the unusual character of Hengst and the effect this site can have on ennobled Gewurztraminer grapes, on rare occasions like this when they are plentiful there. Here’s one of those few 2006s certainly worth cellaring, at least with a ten year plan for starters – though of course it is glorious already today."

Source: David Schildknecht, www.erobertparker.com