Reichsrat von Buhl has been a family-owned winery for more than 150 years, and has belonged to the circle of the most prestigious wineries in Germany for just as long. Since it was founded in 1849, Reichsrat von Buhl has made its wines in a terroir-dominated style, focusing on using the best vineyard sites around Deidesheim and Forst.

Reichsrat von Buhl is also certified organic, and is an active ambassador of both natural, sustainable viticulture. Since 2013, it has been led by a new team including managing director Richard Grosche and technical director Mathieu Kauffmann. Long term viticultural manager Werner Sebastian remains responsible for the vineyards.

The 2015 Vintage

The region had already experienced a comparatively dry end-of-year 2014 in the vineyards of the Mittelhaardt. Then slightly above average rainfall in January 2015 brought some relief, but unfortunately was followed by seven straight months of very little rain.

Looking at long term averages, the region should have been experiencing a good 120mm of rainfall during the same period. Plenty of sunshine, warm temperatures and no rain – winegrowers could easily react to this trio of conditions with impatience. Finally, on the 18th of June a much hoped for downpour brought a good 10mm of rain, with subsequent showers on both the 22nd and the 27th of June, each delivering another 10mm of rain. Harvesting commenced on the 31st of August in one of the cleanest, highest quality, disease free vintages in recent memory.

Reichstrat Von Buhl Spatburgunder Trocken 2015, Pfalz, 13 Abv.

Vibrant ruby red colour, the nose of this serious 2015 is deep, broad, aromatically expressive and plush showing plenty of earthy black berry and red currant fruit, strawberry confit and subtle hints of pomegranate and ruby grapefruit citrus. The palate possesses all the seamless rich depth and textural weight of fruit you’d expect from a prestigious vintage like 2015, but impressively, remains quite defined, focused, elegantly balanced and deliciously pure with a subtle mineral lick. The oak is very much a backing melody, supporting fleshy red and black berry fruit concentration and a long, plush, layered raisined cranberry and caramelised red cherry finish. Powdery tannins, sublime harmony and thoroughly seductive. This is what top quality German Pinot Noir is all about. Drink now to 2028+.

(Wine Safari Score: 93+/00 Greg Sherwood MW)