2018 Graacher Himmelreich Pinot Noir (3 Star)
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Tasting notes
Wintry wood smoke and slate appear on the nose of the 2018 Pinot Noir Graacher Himmelreich ***. With more air, a flicker of licorice appears. The palate is immediately creamy with vanilla, the fruit is more hidden, but red cherry peeks through. The acidity is incredibly fresh, a marvel for 2018, yet this is not as fine as 2019, with slightly bitter mocha from the oak. (Bone-dry)
Critic scores
Stephan Reinhardt, Wine Advocate
Anne Krebiehl MW, Vinous
More reviews and scores
Like very fine perfume! The 2018 Pinot Noir Graacher Himmelreich *** opens with a beautifully fine and intense, slate-driven and very particular, highly energetic bouquet that initially shows notes of barbecue coal ashes intertwined with iodine and cherry but then becomes very delicate and utterly complex with aeration. A unique, world-class Pinot Noir again. Silky, refined and very elegant on the palate, this is a crystalline, saline, enormously intense as well as sustainable Pinot with great purity and finesse that uplifts the intensity and complexity of this vigorous beauty that will remain on your mind even longer than on the palate. No heavyweight here, but it's possibly the most energetic Himmelreich I have tasted here so far. And this, don't forget, from the very dry and hot 2018 vintage. A stunner! 13% stated alcohol. Natural cork. Tasted at the domaine from AP 126 20 in July 2022.
Like very fine perfume! The 2018 Pinot Noir Graacher Himmelreich *** opens with a beautifully fine and intense, slate-driven and very particular, highly energetic bouquet that initially shows notes of barbecue coal ashes intertwined with iodine and cherry but then becomes very delicate and utterly complex with aeration. A unique, world-class Pinot Noir again. Silky, refined and very elegant on the palate, this is a crystalline, saline, enormously intense as well as sustainable Pinot with great purity and finesse that uplifts the intensity and complexity of this vigorous beauty that will remain on your mind even longer than on the palate. No heavyweight here, but it's possibly the most energetic Himmelreich I have tasted here so far. And this, don't forget, from the very dry and hot 2018 vintage. A stunner! 13% stated alcohol. Natural cork. Tasted at the domaine from AP 126 20 in July 2022.
You could easily mistake this amazing red Mosel wine for a wine from one of the cooler sites of Chambolle-Musigny, thanks to its combination of great depth and refinement. So many delicate spice and floral notes! Rich and super-silky, this flows very gracefully over the palate and off into the distance. From one of the oldest pinot noir vineyards on the Mosel, planted in 1987. Limited production. Drink or hold.
About the producer
Markus Molitor is now among the largest privately owned wine estates in the Mosel and also one of the best. With a focus on single-vineyard expressions, the estate produces between 80 and 90 different wines each vintage.