Two German legends: the 2019s from Stodden and Dönnhoff

This is a brilliant introduction to the estate, from a selection of vineyards in Bad Neuenahr-Ahrweiler, Dernau and Rech. Cherry fruit and some spice, and then a long and mineral finish. Just such a delicious Pinot Noir, with excellent potential.

From the vineyard above the winery, and a real insider’s pick. South facing slate soils craft a dark and brooding Pinot Noir, but one that retains brilliant dancing acidity. This is made from the same side as the GG Herrenberg, and shows much of the same character: it’s a baby grand cru.

Planted in the early 1980s, Alexander Stodden has cared for this vineyard since 2001. From Greywacke soils, with some clay, this is a powerful and spectacularly long wine. Notes of dark berries and some spice, and then a mineral finish. Bravo.

From Jean Stodden's most famous vineyard, this is incredible in 2019. There's so much going on here, with spice and dark fruit, and a hint of liquorice, too. The finish is mineral and so well defined, and goes on for an age. With elegance yet power, this wouldn't look our of place in a line up of Burgundy Grands Crus.

From vineyards predominantly from volcanic soils, but also with slate and quartzite, this is a brilliant introduction to the wines of the estate. Mineral, cool, and utterly delicious, don’t underestimate the potential for ageing here.

From 100-year old vines, this is a real gem. Made from noble grapes, this has loads of ripe exotic fruit, but still the incredible minerality for which this vineyard has long been prized. A genuine privilege to taste.

Southeast facing, the morning sun on this vineyard dries out any moisture, resulting in perfectly healthy grapes, while the warm slate soils creates a Kabinett that’s full of ripe fruit and tons of energy: it’s one of the most up-front, delicious wines we know. Not to be missed in a great vintage like 2019.

From a small plot of the oldest vines, this was first produced in 2017: this is just the third vintage of a GG from the Krotenpfuhl vineyard, following ten years of recultivation of the plot. This balances richness and elegance: there’s ripe exotic fruit, and then a vibrant line of acidity that continues onto the long finish. Brilliant.