Hessische Staatsweingüter Kloster Eberbach - Assmanshäuser Höllenberg Pinot Noir Spätlese dry dry 2010

Hessische Staatsweingüter Kloster Eberbach - Assmannshäuser Höllenberg Pinot Noir Spätlese dry 2010

1. Wine description & origin

This single-varietal Pinot Noir comes from the renowned Assmannshäuser Höllenbergvineyard in the German wine-growing region of Rheingau. The wine is classified as "Spätlese trocken", which indicates a fully matured but dry style. The term "Spätlese" refers to the time of harvest and the must ripeness achieved, not to residual sweetness.

It is produced by the Hessische Staatsweingüter Kloster Eberbach, one of the largest and most traditional wineries in Germany.

2. The winery: Hessische Staatsweingüter Kloster Eberbach

The winery is located in the historic Eberbach Monastery, which was founded by Cistercian monks in 1136. Today, the vineyards cover around 200 hectares, mainly planted with Riesling, but also Pinot Noir and other varieties. The estate is a member of the VDP (Association of German Prädikat Wine Estates).

Domäne Assmannshausen is the part of the estate that specialises in red wine production. It is located above the Rhine on one of the steepest slopes in the Rheingau.

3. The location: Assmannshäuser Höllenberg

The Höllenberg near Assmannshausen is considered one of the most famous and best red wine sites in Germany and is classified as a VDP.GROSSE LAGE (Grand Cru).

The name is presumably derived from the Old High German "Hölle" (for steep slope or hillside), not from hell in the modern sense.

The site is characterised by its violet-slate soil. The southern exposure ensures plenty of sunshine, while the nights cool down due to the proximity to the Taunus mountains - ideal conditions for the development of the Pinot Noir's aromas and acidity structure.

4. Grape variety & ageing

• Grape variety: 100% Pinot Noir (Spätburgunder)

• Ageing: The wine is traditionally aged in large oak barrels(1,200 litre double barrels), which shape the wine without overburdening it with too much wood. This type of ageing, combined with the slate terroir, gives the wine a long ageing potential. Since the 2008 vintage, the wine has been sealed with a screw cap to prevent cork taint.

5. 2010 vintage in the Rheingau

The 2010 vintage was a classic, rather cool vintagein the Rheingau , which is particularly appreciated for its precise wines that emphasise structure and acidity. For red wines such as Pinot Noir, this meant a comparatively late harvest, concentrated fruit and a cool, elegant flavour rather than lush richness. Wines from this vintage are characterised by their clarity and often considerable ageing potential - a profile that is ideal for a dry late harvest red wine.

6. Tasting note

• Colour: Bright ruby red with garnet reflections.

• Nose: The bouquet opens with a ripe, partly preserved fruit of cherries, blackberries and sour cherries. There are also spicy notes of liquorice, smoked meat, black pepper and a hint of cinnamon. A cool minerality characterised by slate and subtle herbal notes (thyme) round off the complex aroma.

• Palate: The wine is medium-bodied with present but integrated acidity, which lends a refreshing tension and length. The sour cherry and blackberry fruit is juicy and precise. The tannins are ripe, fine and silky. The wood notes (vanilla, toast, cocoa) are well integrated and do not interfere with the clear fruit. The finish is long and characterised by mineral notes and dark berries.

• Alcohol content: The sources vary: Values between 12.5% and 13% have been quoted for the regular "dry" line or 14% in the online shop. Over time, wines tend to have a higher alcohol content due to evaporation; the original value was probably in the range of 12.5 % to 13 % vol.

• Stage of development: 2010 Pinot Noirs from this site are fully developed today, but by no means at the end. The fruit has lost its primary freshness and has become more complex. With good storage, it should keep its drinking window open for a few more years. Decanting (approx. 1 hour) before drinking is recommended to aerate the wine.

7. Ratings & ageing recommendation

• Wein.plus: 89 WP (wine points) - rated "very good".

• Tastingbook: An exceptional rating of 96 TB points is awarded for the (more expensive) Beerenauslese of the same vintage and producer , with a recommended drinking window of 2020 to 2035, underlining the overall potential of the 2010 Höllenberg Pinot Noir.

• Average consumer rating: Over 86 points, often described by private tasters as very good and elegant, with a noticeable "shot of cherry liqueur" in the flavour profile.

8. Pairing suggestions

The wine goes excellently with:

• Braised dishes of beef, lamb or game (e.g. venison ragout, saddle of venison)

• Grilled dark meat

• Mature hard cheese

9. Conclusion

The Assmannshäuser Höllenberg Spätburgunder Spätlese trocken 2010 from Hessische Staatsweingüter Kloster Eberbach is a mature, complexPinot Noir from one of Germany's most renowned wineries. It combines the typical elegance and fruit of Pinot Noir with the characteristic slate terroir of the Höllenberg to create a medium-bodied, multi-layered and structured wine with a long finish. It is at the peak of its drinking maturity and is an outstanding example of the class of German Pinot Noir from great vineyards.