Great Pinot Noir is often grown on limestone soils in a relatively cooler mesoclimate; no wonder that Germany is continuing to provide more exceptional examples of this iconic variety, known there as Spätburguner. While this bottle is the estate’s young vine cuvée, it was still aged for 22 months in 100% French oak barrels (no mention of the proportion of new wood) as well as being bottled unfiltered. A translucent and yet deep purple color prepare the taster for some concentrated flavors, which is confirmed by the darkly, cola/spice and dusty mineral aromas of the wine. In the mouth the wine shows a deft balance between lifted floral flavors and a richer, earthy sense, more importantly the flavors linger pleasantly and continue their intensity in the finish.
Weingut Thorle, Rheinhessen (Germany) Spätburguner 2020
By Andrew Holod