German Wines in May

The folks at Wines of Germany sent along their quarterly pair of samples. The first is a repeat, but one that I've enjoyed every time that I've had it.

2009 Dr. Pauly Bergweiler Bernkasteler Badstube Riesling Kabinett
Mosel, Germany
100% Riesling
$22, 9% abv.

Nose has a tinge of petrol and overripe white fruit, but gives way to a light and golden, medium-dry wine. Low acidity and a round mouthfeel, with a lingering yellow apple flavor on the palate.

The second wine was a bit of a surprise. I wasn't expecting a Pinot Noir, even though it's not that rare in Germany, where it's known as Spätburgunder.

2010 Franz Anton Pinot Noir
Baden, Germany
100% Pinot Noir
$37, 13.5% abv.

Cherries and bacon fat, mild nose, light and thin body with a lingering sour cherry flavor. This is by far the best German red wine I've ever had. My first experience was with a rather disappointing Dornfelder. This pleasant Pinot Noir would be delicious with kielbasa or other dense pork sausages.

Note: These wines were provided as samples.