2014 Weinhaus Meyer-Nakel, Rose of Pinot Noir (Spatburgunder) AHR Germany.
Werner Nakel along with his daughters Meike and Dorte make some of Germany’s most acclaimed Pinot Noir or Spatburgunder from their estate in the AHR region in one of Germany’s most northerly river wine area grown on ancient slate soils and steep vineyards. Werner, know as the Red Baron, for his world class and Grand Cru Pinot Noir is letting his Daughter have a bit more influence these days and the wines which are amazing across the range are getting a more feminine touch and the power and oak treatment are being tamed a little, this dial back is not taking away anything from the glorious complexity and detail, but folding the wines into a fresher style. While their slate driven Pinots catch most of the attention, their Rose is one of Germany’s best too, along with Schossgut Diel of the Nahe, this Rose of Pinot Noir is bursting with vibrant energy and flavors with a smoky/spicy intensity along with tangy strawberry and sour cherry fruits. The mineral tones really make this bright pinkish/orange Rose and it starts with wilted roses, pepper and raspberry leading to a zesty palate of red citrus, watermelon, strawberry, plum and tart cherry along with wet stones and smoky flint spice plus exotic herbs and floral tea elements. There is a good fruity detail, but this is a dry and an acid vivid Rose with a great play of sweet and savory that lingers on the finish and is tangy refreshing. The aftertaste brings you back to true Pinot fruit a hint of tannin and a dried currant and blueberry note along with a crisp citrusy tanginess, this is wonderful stuff, can’t wait to enjoy it over the coming year, it should be available in May of 2015 in the USA, imported by Rudi Wiest, drink from 2015 to 2017.
($29 Est.) 92 Points, grapelive
