2018 Assmannshausen Höllenberg Pinot Noir Grosses Gewächs trocken, Rheingau, Germany

Firm and deep, tart, more black than red berry, a little reminiscent of cassis with notes of salt, a little dried flowers, Mediterranean spice and pepper as well as a hint of malt, tar and dried fruit. Quite tight, concentrated, ripe, dark, very juicy fruit, partly seeming preserved, but also with increasing freshness, tobacco wood notes, very fine, crumbly, yet youthful tannin, again cassis notes on the palate, sage and other herbal tones, a hint of malt and liquorice, deep and complex, intense minerality, still young, clearly showing origin, very good to long, dense, complex finish with persistence. Increases steadily over 2 days.

Best to drink: 2022-2032+. What our ratings mean