2011 Weingut Meyer-Nakel, Pinot Noir, Blue Slate, Ahr, Germany.
The Blue Slate Pinot Noir (Spatburgunder) 2011 is dark, rich and lavish wine with ripe fruit layers, round silky texture and a long finish, this is an extremely hedonistic Pinot Noir from one of Germany’s top Pinot Noir estates. Meyer-Nakel in the Ahr is simply a must find wine from Pinot lovers and while the top end cuvees are even more sought after and pricy than some highly respected Burgundy, the medium level wines can be found, like this wonderful entry level, in the USA, the Blue Slate, which gets it’s name from the soils and of which lends it’s unique mineral spice and flavor. The 2011 is lush with an almost full body and has plenty of density in the mouth, but still shows precision and detail, and it starts with a dark ruby/garnet hue, a seductive bouquet of violets, cherry liqueur, red pepper and vanilla leading to a palate of black cherry, plum, red currant, blueberry and wild raspberry, along with smoky char and flinty spice. There is a warm and sweet essence of oak, but it is not garish or over done, it helps frame and smooth out the impressive fruit while the slate mineral element, the earthy truffle note and acidity add complexity and vibrancy. The finish lingers on and on reflecting on all the pieces mentioned plus a hint of fig paste, saline and bitter chocolate, look for this wine to age gracefully and gain in subtlety over the next 5 to 10 years, though it is really hard to resist now and is super pleasing now, drink from 2014 to 2023. No question, the Meyer-Nakel Pinots are stunning, I’m a huge fan, these wines are absolutely world class.
($56 Est.) 93+ Points, grapelive
