Weingut Maximin Grünhaus lies at the foot of a steep southern-facing cliff that extends along the left bank of the Ruwer River, roughly 2 km away from its junction with the Mosel. The vineyards of the Maximin Grünhaus estate are contiguous and enclosed. These three monopole sites (ABTSBERG, HERRENBERG and BRUDERBERG) produce grand wines that beautifully express their singular origins. A 'monopole' is a vineyard site owned and cultivated by a single estate. Although such sites are extremely rare, Maximin Grünhaus is fortunate enough to hold claim to three of them.
A Year of Precise Rhythms Our estate's cellar was built to make the grapes’ journey from vineyard to press as short as possible — usually little more than a few minutes. Following pressing and filtration, the musts are brought to their ideal fermentation temperature and readied for wild yeast fermentation in traditional oak fuder and small stainless steel tanks. In Riesling, this process encourages the herbal minerality for which the Ruwer is renowned. Each Year's Finest We send only each vintage's finest barrels for auction — no more, no less. While we typically blend multiple casks within a single quality classification, such as ABTSBERG Kabinett, we make an exception for barrels we feel best encapsulate a wine's ideal. They are instead left unblended and reserved for auction under their specific cask numbers.
Carl von Schubert Maximin Grunhaus Pinot Noir is made from 100 percent Pinot Noir.
A concentrated yet elegantly refined Pinot Noir grown in the blue slate soils of the Grosse Lage (grand cru) Abtsberg vineyard.
Review:
Our DuMOL Estate Vineyard is our original high-density vine planting from 2004. It’s organically farmed without irrigation – these vines work hard each season. We make a strict selection for this bottling, one of our flagship wines, so that only three acres of its nine total comprise this bottling; the balance forms the core of Highland Divide. This is the best of the best. The high vine density and exclusively Calera Selection produce a wine with a significant level of both tannin and acidity. This structure is buffered by a deep core of fruit extract, the product of the ripe grape skins themselves, and the essence of the wine. Each vintage can age for many years, and it gradually deepens into a woodsy, truffley, and enveloping wine with grand scale complexity while never relinquishing its inherent brightness.
The wine’s aromas and flavors are akin to black cherry, boysenberry, hibiscus, anise, moss, and juniper. The palate is simultaneously bright yet dark, with mineral drive, violet floral lift, and bay laurel freshness. Tannins and acidity fuse to lengthen these flavors, and the wine finishes with dried herbs and orange zest lift. Great aging potential. Drink between 2025 and 2034 and decant for an hour in its youth to hasten the development.
Review:
Medium to deep ruby-purple in color, the 2022 Pinot Noir Estate Vineyard comes barreling out with bold notes of fresh blackberries and black cherries opening out to suggestions of anise, garrigue, and lilacs. The medium-bodied palate reveals impactful black berry flavors with wonderfully spicy accents supported by grainy tannins and great tension, finishing long with a minerally lift. This is an all Calera vineyard. (LPB)
-The Wine Independent 97 Points
The first kosher Amarone! Amarone undergoes a very unique process prior to fermentation. In late October, grapes are harvested and allowed to dry for around 120 days. Known as the “appassimento” technique, the drying process traditionally occurs on straw mats or in temperature controlled drying chambers. This process helps concentrate the juices and increases skin contact, giving the wine a very ripe, full-bodied flavor. There is no other wine like it! The unique flavors of Amarone, including dark chocolate, coffee, dark fruit and light notes of cherry, pair beautifully with steak, stews, and bold cheeses.
The color is deep bright, ruby red with a violet edge. Powerful bouquet and intense aromas of cherry, ripe plum, toasted almond, and vanilla. A full bodied wine with round and rich flavor.