Weingut A. Christmann Gimmeldinger Schlossel Spätburgunder 2019

Christmann has been crafting true world class Pinot  Noir, Pinot Gris and Riesling since 1798, and are one of the bastions of the Rheinpfalz. The region is slightly underrepresented in the UK market, since much of the attention is on the Mosel and Nahe. When I visited Christmann in late August 2025, I was, for want of a better phrase, gobsmacked. The purity and precision of these wines, I felt were akin to a producer like Jean-Marc Roulot. These are serious, vinous wines which will command the respect of any discerning taster, and yet, so few people know about Christmann...for now! 

The manor house Hildenbrandseck, located in the neighbourhood and formerly belonging to the Idig, gave its name to the Schlössel (Castle). The location adjoins the vineyard Meerspinne to the north. The gentle slope towards the east is slightly tilted to the north. The influence of the cold air from the Gimmeldingen Valley is clearly weakened here, but still noticeable. The soil consists of a mixture of the calcareous loess of the Meerspinne and red sandstone rubble. The vineyard was re-grafted to Pinot Noir in 2017. Two years later, the vines have had enough time to grow together, resulting in beautiful Pinot Noir grapes. 

“This has the kind of aromatic and silky beauty the world associates with Volnay premier cru, but beneath this shimmering beauty are imposing depths, and they become ever more evident as the wine flows over your palate. Super-long finish with a delicate chocolate flavor.” 

James Suckling (95 Points)