2022 Villa Wolf Pinot Noir, Pfalz, Germany (Alcohol 12%, Residual Sugar 6 g/l) LCBO Vintages $18.95 (750ml glass bottle)
The term “good value” and the word “Pinot” rarely appear in the same sentence, but this example from Germany’s Pfalz region is just that: a good value Pinot. Scratch that, it’s actually a very good value Pinot, and I’d highly recommend you grab a few bottles as soon as you can.
Known as Spätburgunder, Pinot Noir is pretty widely planted in Pfalz, with this 2022 vintage showing just what the grape is capable of there, and at an extremely wallet-friendly pricepoint too.
Although this wine exhibits punnets of ultra-ripe red berry fruit on both the bouquet and palate, it still shows remarkable elegance and never falls into that clumsy New World Pinot Noir mould. As well as all that red berry fruit, one can also find rhubarb, earthy, herbal and smokey notes that are most appealing.
There’s a very pleasant juiciness on the palate that becomes more apparent served with a little chill on it. It’s light-to-medium-bodied with soft, supple, ripe tannins and some decidedly frisky acidity.
This one is an absolute cracker, and I’d be happy to drink this all by itself or alongside some Bayonne ham for lunch.
(Four out of a possible five apples)
