Eichberg Oberrotweil Spätburgunder GG 2021

In 1994, Fritz Keller planted this parcel in the Oberrotweiler Eichberg with Burgundian clonal material. The parcel tends to be in the lower part of the site. The exposure is predominantly to the south, but also partly to the south-east and south-west. The tephrite, a dark volcanic rock that is mostly found near craters due to outpourings, makes for a distinctive type of Pinot Noir.

 All Pinot Noirs at Weingut Franz Keller are matured in barriques. For the Erste Lage Oberbergen Bassgeige, the proportion of new wood is low at 10-20%, but even in the GG area this quota rarely exceeds 35%. In Eichberg, it was even 45% in 2021. The Pinot Noir matures in the barrels for 18 months. 

Dark, bright cherry red with delicate violet reflections

Deep and dark in colour. Blueberry, elderberry and some black cherry slowly build up. These are joined, as if on cue, by preserved morello cherries and a hint of raspberry and blackberry. After a few moments, the fruit is overlaid by the floral notes that build up. Lilac, violet and pansy now characterise it. Fennel and artichoke can be recognised in the background and provide a vegetal freshness. Coriander seed and caraway hit this nerve and bring additional ethereal spice into play. A hint of roasted coffee alongside Darjeeling and chai ensures an intense, long-lasting encounter.

2021 Oberrotweil Eichberg Spätburgunder GG immediately fills the mouth. Its fruit is dense and expansive. But it always retains the character of the cool 2021 vintage, hitting the palate like a fine jet with plenty of pressure. The fruit is now much more compartmentalised and is clearly characterised by a good acidic pressure. It is compact and also much brighter than the nose would suggest. The floral flavours combine wonderfully with the ethereal side. It fills the mouth with a full and enormously velvety flavour. The coolness and elegance are enormously animating and immediately demand the next sip.