WongAmat, Rosengarten 2023

Place: Rheinhessen, Germany

Grape: Pinot Noir

Vibe: Classic, New Wave

This new wave of German winemakers must have the neighbours a little scared. Burgundy comparisons obviously come to mind, but this is more than that. 50% whole bunch, exceptional use of oak, which is really something the Germans have down to a T. I usually don't care much for barrels, but a lot of recent German wines have shown them to be meticulous in their inclusion. Shaping fruit, not masking it.

South-facing slope and warm, interspersed with gravel and iron deposits! This is like liquid velvet. Smooth, glossy, fruity, serious. Everything all in one. 6 barriques total. We got three bottles. I would take them all home if I could.