As with the Ahr, some producers have shown a disappointing reversion to past years when oak was more heavily (and clumsily) used.
Fritz ALLENDORF
2019 Assmannshausen Höllenberg Spätburgunder GG
Dense, medium-weight, dark fruits, potential for complexity, but tannins here argue for 8-12 years’ cellaring. German (as opposed to French) style of Pinot Noir. 88(+)/B
DIEFENHARDT
2019 (Martinsthal) Schlenzenberg Spätburgunder GG
Very oaky nose; some sweet impression on palate with more oak to go with red fruit. Old style. 85(+?)/D
HESSISCHE STAATSWEINGÜTER KLOSTER EBERBACH
2018 Assmannshausen Höllenberg Spätburgunder GG
Dark fruits, creamy texture, medium-weight, some tannin, some oak, overall balance — good potential. 91/A-
2019 (Rüdesheim) Berg Schlossberg Spätburgunder GG
Fresh, pure, dense, dark fruits. Needs 5-10 years to develop, but good potential. 89/B
KÜNSTLER
2018 Assmannshausen Höllenberg Spätburgunder GG
Perfumed, forest, rose nose. Medium-weight in mouth, rather heavily-charred oak, some red fruits. Score would be much higher without the char as otherwise this is an impressive wine. 87(+?)/B-
2018 (Hochheim) Reichestal Spätburgunder GG
Dense but not overly extracted in mouth, dark fruits, creamy texture, needs several years to peak. 88(+)/B
Georg MÜLLER Stiftung
2019 (Hattenheim) Hassel Spätburgunder GG
Some oak in nose. Some creamy texture, dark fruits. New World style. 87/B-