2018 Spatburgunder Trocken "S"

S stands for selection, and this already becomes evident from the considerable depth of colour. Ripe plums and cherries on the nose are expertly complemented by a delightful notion of smoky bacon and a gentle scent of wood spice. Probably the greatest asset of the S is its mouth-filling juicy quality, with the sweet fruit of plums and cherries. Tannins exert a moderate astringency, acidity is unobtrusive. Elegance triumphs over opulence. (MS)

Their e arliest harvest ever: started end of August, finished mid September. They had to pick like crazy, without stopping. Cold maceration for five days at 8–10 °C (46–50 °F), then the juice warms up and fermentation starts spontaneously (for most of their wines she does a mix of natural and inoculated fermentation). Aged in 50% new oak for 12 months. Meike Näkel uses only French oak. They s aw that there was no water in summer, so they reduced yields in order to reduce stress on the vines. Clear as a bell on the nose. Such a fruit-forward Pinot nose! No sign of oak – it's melted into the deep intensity and sweetness of the ripe strawberry and raspberry fruit. Tannin structure is beginning to creep in here, firm but still slender and polished. Delicious peppery spice on the mid palate. Cool finish. Seriously classy Spätburgunder. Glides. (TC)