Ahr First Growth # 2

Owned now by Wolfgang Hehle...The new winery was commissioned in 1980. It was decided to call the new wine estate „Deutzerhof“, making it independent of any family succession. The vineyard area totals nine hectares, with holdings in the following sites: Berg (Laach), Daubhaus and Forstberg (Ahrweil), Eck (Altenahr), Burgberg and Mönchberg (Mayschoß), Herrenberg (Rech), Kirchtürmchen (Neuenahr), as well as Landskrone (Heimersheim). Only some of these are mentioned on the labels, for example the Altenahrer Eck and Mayschoßer Mönchberg. Pinot Noir represents 75% of all grapes planted. He is now making wines that needs some laying down.

Deutzerhof Altenahrer Eck
Spätburgunder 2004

"Grosses Gewächs" trocken

Ahr, Germany
This 2004 is a wine with potential....completely different to the Kreuzberg. No pale rimmed colour here..but a medium deep red; nose in the glass..one sniff..another and another..each time a sweet smell of classy Pinot...blackberries and cream came to mind; flavour showed some dry tannins..the fruit struggling at the moment..this is simmering..holding back...very good indeed..subtle and with backbone...filled out...so airing next time.

Points 17.5 + and will probably be worth more with a year or two in bottle.