Dautel, Wurttemberg (Germany) Pinot Noir Estate 2022 ($28, Skurnik Wines)

Father and son, Ernst and Christian Dautel farm 20 hectares of grapes using biodynamic methods in what seems to me to be the little known region of Wurttemberg, located north of Stuttgart. Christian is making the wines these days and has a wide range of experience, from winemaking education in Germany to production in Oregon, Australia, South Africa, and Austria prior to returning to the family estate. This estate-level Pinot Noir will give any equally priced American Pinot a run for its money. It is made from two sites featuring red sandstone soils and was aged only in large, neutral oak vats, so all of the notes of baking spice and chocolate here come from the grapes themselves. Besides those dark notes there is a deep, rich plum note and a dry, higher acid palate feel which lends a fresh, snappy, driving impression.
93 Andrew Holod