Chardonnay Holzfass Knewitz Pfalz 2020

Description

Tobias Knewitz took over running the family estate in Appenheim, among the rolling hills Rheinhessen, from his father in 2009 and he is one to watch! Tobias is definitely one of the rising stars of this suddenly dynamic German wine region.

This is a superbly crafted Chardonnay. The oak ageing is clearly noticeable with vanilla, cinnamon, baking spices, and a hint of brioche on the nose, all wonderfully balanced with ripe apples, peach, and other stone fruit. Palate is powerful with a medium acidity. I dare to say this could rival one or the other Meursault at a very attractive price point. Must try for lovers of white Burgundy. Pour it in a decanter or carafe, half an hour before you would like to drink it, and enjoy the ride!

'Barrel fermented and aged in a mix of barrel sizes, from barrique to 1,200-litre Stückfass, some new, some second or third use. Quite a shock after a string of unoaked Rieslings. Lots of oak spice and mealiness on the nose. Creamy and textured on the palate, with the pure citrus fruit dominating the oak. A lovely savoury, mealy creaminess on the palate. Fantastic value compared with burgundy. VGV' 17pts, Julia Harding MW, jancisrobinson.com