Weingut Keller - Dalsheimer Bürgel Pinot Noir 'FELIX' GG Grosses Gewächs dry 2001

Weingut Keller - Dalsheimer Bürgel Pinot Noir Grosses Gewächs 2001

Summary:
The Weingut Keller - Dalsheimer Bürgel Spätburgunder Grosses Gewächs 2001 is a rare and legendary phenomenon in the German wine world. It represents not only an outstanding vintage, but also the pioneering work of the Keller family in recognising Pinot Noir in Rheinhessen. This wine is at the end of its drinking maturity, but offers an exceptional experience for lovers of mature, complex red wines.

1. historical context & significance

• Weingut Keller:The Keller vineyard in Flörsheim-Dalsheim is now recognised as one of Germany's absolute world-class vineyards, known above all for its superb Rieslings. However, the estate has a long tradition of working with Pinot Noir, which was founded by Klaus Keller and perfected by his son Klaus-Peter Keller.

• Vintage 2001:An excellent vintage, categorised as "classic" in Germany. It produced ripe, healthy grapes with a good acid structure and balance. For red wines, this meant the opportunity to develop plenty of fruit and complexity with an elegant texture.

• Pioneering spirit: In 2001, the official classification of Grosses Gewächs vineyards(GG) by the VDP was still in its infancy (officially introduced in 2002). At the time, a Pinot Noir GG from Rheinhessen was an absolute rarity and a bold statement. This wine was proof that Pinot Noir of the highest quality could grow on the chalky soils of Rheinhessen.

2. the site: Dalsheimer Bürgel

• Soil: Dalsheimer Bürgel is characterised by limestone, marly and clayey soils. These cool, mineral soils are ideal for Pinot Noir, as they give the wine structure, freshness and a salty minerality rather than mere fruitiness.

• Climate:The site benefits from a comparatively cool microclimate, which allows the grapes to ripen slowly over a long period. This is essential for the development of complex flavours while retaining lively acidity.

3. sensory description (tasting note)

(Note: For a 2001 wine, the condition of the individual bottle is crucial. Storage is everything).

• Colour: Medium to delicate garnet red, already with clear signs of ageing (brick red, orange tones) on the rim.

• Nose: The original primary fruit (red cherries, raspberries) has largely receded in favour of tertiary aromas. The bouquet is complex and multi-layered with notes of:

  • Matured leather

  • Damp forest earth and truffle

  • Dried mushrooms (cèpes)

  • A light smoky note

  • Restrained flavours of preserved cranberry and plum jam

  • A subtle chalky-mineral underlay

• Palate:As expected, the texture is soft and silky, almost melt-in-the-mouth. The tannins are fully integrated and barely perceptible as astringent. The acidity has decreased, but still gives the wine tangible support and length. The flavour profile repeats the wet earth, truffle and dried spices. The finish is long, elegant and persistent, dominated by earthy and undergrowth nuances.

4. ageing potential & drinking recommendation

• Current state: This wine has reached its peak and is on a plateau. It should be drunk as soon as possible. It is unlikely to gain further complexity; the risk of the remaining fruit and acidity dwindling outweighs this.

• Decanting: A gentle decanting (approx. 30 minutes before serving) can help to allow any reduction notes (a sign of long bottle ageing) to evaporate and open up the wine. However, decanting for too long could "kill" the already delicate wine.

• Serving temperature: 14-16°C.

• Food pairing: This wine is a perfect companion for earthy, elegant dishes such as:

  • Game (saddle of venison, pheasant)

  • Mushroom dishes (risotto with porcini mushrooms)

  • Soft, mature cheeses (e.g. Comté, mountain cheese)

5. conclusion

The Weingut Keller - Dalsheimer Bürgel Pinot Noir Grosses Gewächs 2001 is more than just a wine; it is a piece of German wine history. It shows the incredible ageing potential of first-class German Pinot Noirs and the visionary work of the Keller estate.

Today it is a wine for connoisseurs and purists who appreciate the complex elegance of a fully mature Pinot Noir. It does not offer the powerful fruit of a young wine, but the nuanced depth and "umami" flavour of full maturity. Opening a bottle today is a journey into the past and a pleasure for the refined palate.

Rating (in retrospect): ★★★★☆ (94/100 points) - An outstanding achievement for its time that should be savoured today with the utmost appreciation.