2010 Weinhaus Nelles 1479 N, Ruber Spatburgunder, Ahr Germany.
It is not a secret so much anymore that some of the finest Pinot in Europe is grown near the Ahr River in Germany, as well as certain areas along the Rhein and in the Pfatz, giving Burgundy a run for their money and surpassing in some cases, with producers like Meyer-Nakel that scored a coup when it won Decanter Magazine’s best Pinot Noir in the World Prize twice. So, exploring German Pinot (Spatburgunder) is highly recommended, my own experience has found some amazing wines like Meyer-Nakel, Becker and August Kesseler which can match and or rival Grand Cru Burgundy for class and depth, and while the Nelles here is not up there, it is a fine and pretty wine that deserves attention. The 2010 Nelles Ruber Spatburgunder is a detailed and silky Pinot with good fruit density and spicy mineral essences starting with wilted roses, smoky cherry, earth and vanilla pod leading to a lively palate of plum, black cherry and cranberry with flinty/slate minerals, crushed stones, saline, red peach, apple skin and creamy wood notes. This medium weight Pinot fills out in the mouth and lingers on the finish leaving lots of dusty red currant and strawberry. The subtle earthy tones add here but never take center stage and the crisp nature adds zip while the wine remains sooth throughout making for a very pleasing and giving wine, drink now through 2018, this is a very fine effort and a great entry into the world of German Pinot Noir.
($28 Est.) 92 Points, grapelive
Avail at www.sfwtc.com ($26.95)