Koehler-Ruprecht Pfalz Pinot Noir Spätlese Trocken 2021

94+ POINTS: Heiner Lobenberg 
94 POINTS: Wine Direct Tasting Team

"The wine comes mostly from the Kallstadter Steinacker, located east of the wine route, with loess and sandstone. The fermentation is, of course, as always spontaneous in open inox fermentation racks. The wine is aged in second to fourth barriques and to a small extent in new barrels. Typical Palatinate fruit intensity, black-red fruit of juicy wild berries, blackberry, plum, black cherry, accompanied by a dark spice, lots of clove pepper. Overall incredibly beautiful, expressive fruit. Suggesting a nice ripeness in the mouth, along with a brilliant, almost salty acidity, raspberry, cherry and lush blueberry. The dark, toasty character is further fueled by allspice, clove and almost a slight herbaceous spice. The finish has a smoky undercurrent, overall very dark berry, spicy and also decidedly vital and fresh thanks to the present acid structure. A great Pinot Noir, but clearly remains a Palatinate Pinot Noir at its core. Juicy, balanced, cool and punchy, it does not need to hide from an excellent Bourgogne Rouge."
- Heiner Lobenberg