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:
All older vintage wines have been purchased from a single collectors cellar. Pictures can be requested before shipment.
Halter Ranch Vineyard Ancestor Estate Reserve is made from 60% Cabernet Sauvignon, 23% Malbec, 17% Petit Verdot,
Their flagship wine, Ancestor is their Bordeaux-style reserve blend, and an homage to the Ancestor Tree, the largest Coast Live Oak on record. The 2019 Ancestor showcases aromas of red currant and dark chocolate along with subtle hints of cinnamon and clove. The entry is soft and rich with layered flavors of blueberry, blackberry, and dark cherry. The mid- palate is thick and mouth coating with balanced acid. The finish is framed by integrated tannins and delicate flavors of caramel and truffle.
Pair with roasted meats, reduction sauces, and hearty stews.
Review:
Cabernet is more than half of this wine, with Petit Verdot and Malbec making up the rest. Rich and ripe with deep black plums and plenty of Christmas spice with just a touch of evergreen tips freshness. The palate is lushly fruited, rich with blackberry jam, chocolate and cherries and a touch of smoky cedar to finish. Rich, redolent fruits and dusty cocoa powder mark the finish deep and long-lasting. (CP)
-Decanter 91 Points