2020 Jean Stodden Spatburgunder Ahr German Red

If you're looking for world-class old world Pinot from outside of Burgundy, Germany is your best best. It's probably wrong to put them in the same category, but if we have to draw a comparison, this is ultimately Premier Cru Spätburgunder. It's bloody good value in context, with Stodden being one of the oldest and very, very best producers of Pinot Noir in the world.

This wine is super fragrant and wild. Black cherry and vanilla do the talking, with exotic spice and chocolate joining the party. The palate is lovely and dense with juicy fruits, smoke and a luscious oak influence. Young, certainly, but drinking superbly now with plenty of freshness and verve. Delicious. The wine is unfiltered, so is worth decanting.

Press Review:

 “Pale-medium cherry red with watery-pink rim. The fragrance is quite pronounced, with aromas of cherry and plum contributing fruit while notes of marzipan and exotic spice bring in their seductive qualities. Rich and juicy start on the palate with marinated fruit. There’s plenty of substance and viscosity, well balanced by animating acidity. Subtle smoky and spicy nuances enhance the finish.” 18/20 points

Alexander Stodden wears the immense tradition with which he has been entrusted with quiet determination and fortitude. His late father, Gerd, was one of the very first Spätburgunder producers in Germany to give his wines some serious French oak treatment, a wine making philosophy that Alexander continues today.