From a recently planted parcel in the upper part of the Herrenberg, the Pinot Blanc is bright and fresh, with all of the verve you would expect from a cooler, higher-elevation site. This new bottling is produced in old Fuder casks, with no malolactic fermentation, which also helps keep the fruit lively and brisk.
Manually harvested, crushed grapes undergo spontaneous fermentation with native yeasts in old Fuder casks.
TECHNICAL INFORMATION
Grape Variety: 100% Pinot Blanc
Vineyard Source: Maximin Grünhäuser Herrenberg
Soil Type: Red Devonian slate
Age of Vines: 8 years, on average
Vineyard Management: Practicing organic, but not certified
Average Yield: 40 hl/ha
Harvest Method: Selective hand picking
Harvest Date: October, 2016
Must Weight: 80 Oechsle (19.3 Brix)
Alcohol: 11.0%
Total Acidity: 6.4 grams/liter
Residual Sweetness: 8.4 grams/liter
Total Production: 730 cases
Reviews of the 2018 vintage:
[91] JamesSuckling.com
A pretty pinot blanc with elderflower, chamomile and almond-blossom character. Soft and easygoing with a supple core of stone fruit and a medium finish.
Drink now. September 2019
[88] Wine Spectator
An elegant white, featuring notes of apple and dandelion, with lighthints of salted butter. Shows fine balance and length, revealing a crunchy texture and focused acidity. Moderate length. Drink now. 2020
[88] Mosel Fine Wines
Comes from fruit harvested in the Herrenberg and was fermented in traditional (used) Fuder casks. It offers a nicely aromatic and direct nose of William’s pear, apple jelly, grapefruit, white flowers and dill.Ripe and clean flavors of sweet yellow fruits (peach, pineapple, and pear) make for a smooth feel on the palate, yet there are good spicy notes which add freshness to this rather ripe and round expression of un-oaked Pinot Blanc. June 2019
[87] Wine Advocate
Vinified in stainless steel, the 2018 Maximin Grünhaus Pinot Blanc i sterribly ripe and evolved on the oxidative nose, with sweet and over-ripe honeydew melon aromas. Fermented in stainless steel, this wine is very powerful and rich on the palate but lacks transparency and freshness; I find it pretty oxidative and powerful. August 2019
Reviews of the 2016 vintage:
[89] Wine Advocate
From the Herrenberg and fermented and aged for six months in stainless steel and a classic oak fuder, the 2016 Maximin Grünhaus Pinot Blanc has a clear and delicate bouquet of ripe white fruits. Medium-bodied, fresh and aromatic on the palate, this is an elegant and well-balanced, fruity-piquant and mineral Pinot Blanc with a crystalline and refreshingly salty palate. This should be excellent with fish.
April 2018 – Issue 236
[89] Wine Enthusiast
Savory hints of pollen and earth juxtapose bright tangerine, lemon and apple in this dry Pinot Blanc. Light bodied and zesty in style, it’s a rejuvenating sip with wide appeal. Drink now through 2019.
February 2018
[89] Wine Spectator
An initial note of sourdough bread quickly turns into flavors of ripe pear and oregano in this well-rounded white. Balanced throughout,
ending with a saline-infused finish. Drink now.
January 2018
[89] Stuart Pigott (JamesSuckling.com)
A very fresh and lively pinot blanc with a delicate herbal character and a hint of wood tannin supporting the finish.
June 2017
[89] Mosel Fine Wines
Made in traditional used Fuder casks. It offers a great inviting nose of conference pear, white flowers and minty herbs. The wine proves nicely smooth and soft on the palate and leaves a round and comforting feel of herbs in the long and playful finish. This very stylish effort proves a great success.
June 2017