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Dr Bürklin-Wolf

There are just a few top-ranking estates in the Pfalz, but this is one of them, alongside well respected names such as Bassermann-Jordan, von Buhl, Müller-Catoir and Christmann. Quality has greatly improved over the past decade, although the estate has a much longer history, having been established in 1597. It remains under family control, with Fritz Knorr employed as winemaker.

The estate has over 90 hectares, with vines planted in top sites including Forster Jesuitgarten and Ungeheuer, Ruppertsberger Reiterpfad and Nußbien and Wachenheimer Rechbächer and Gerümpel. The soil and rock types underfoot are variable, in some places limestone, in others sandstone, basalt and loam. Riesling dominates, but there is also a considerable quantity of land committed to red grape varieties. (17/6/02)

Contact details:
Address: Weinstrasse 65, 67157 Wachenheim
Telephone: +49 (0) 6322 953322
Fax: +49 (0) 6322 953330
Internet: www.buerklin-wolf.de

Dr Bürklin-Wolf - Tasting Notes

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Dr Bürklin-Wolf Wachenheimer Rechbachel Riesling Spätlese Trocken 2001: Suggested by Troy Sutton of Nahm for lobster and wing bean salad. An unusual nose, strongly exhibiting notes of turpentine, before developing a more classic and quite evolved note of petrol. Decent weight on the palate, correct acidity, with a chalk and petrol character like that on the nose. A great vintage, but no great style here. It may improve with cellar time of course. From a Sommelier's Choice tasting. 14+/20 (May 2005)

Dr Bürklin-Wolf Ruppertsberger Gaisböhl Riesling Spätlese Trocken 1998: Lemon gold with a tinge of green, this wine has a floral and aromatic nose. Suggestions of spring blossom and citrus fruit mix with hints of spice and sizzling bacon fat. On the palate the 13.5% alcohol is well integrated, and gives the wine a sense of power rather than delicacy, unlike many other Germans tasted recently. It still has a rounded, off-dry stance despite the trocken designation, but certainly the driest and most full-bodied Spätlese I've tasted recently. There is a good texture, helped by that touch of residual sugar, with an appealing, creamy edge. Some citrus flavours and plenty of spice. This latter characteristic has a presence on the midpalate, but really shows itself on the finish. Fresh, tingling acidity completes the picture. Overall quite Alsatian in style. 15/20 (June 2002) AP number: 5 142 043 27 00 Label

Dr Bürklin-Wolf Wachenheimer Rechbächel Riesling Kabinett 1996: A good lemon-lime-golden colour. Immediately apparent petrol on the nose, followed up by blossom, lime fruit, paprika spice and minerals. Lots of fruit on the palate, with fine structure, based on some good underlying acidity. There's a serious, meaty, savoury edge, with a thyme and spice twist. Pleasing texture for a Kabinett. Limpid and light, fresh and acidic. 15/20 (June 2002) AP number: 5 142 043 10 97 Label

Dr Bürklin Wolf Wachenheimer Gerumpel Riesling Auslese 'R' 1990: Good depth of colour. Marked petrol aroma not noticed last time, and this quickly dissipates leaving powerful lime citrus character. Firm, upright palate, with strong acidity and plenty of lime and steel flavour. Rich, creamy, but very structured and almost austere. Sweet, citrussy, lengthy finish. This is very good, and if anything is probably a little one-dimensional; only a little development since last tasted 18 months ago, so more time in the cellar required I think. 17+/20 (June 2005)

Dr Bürklin Wolf Wachenheimer Gerumpel Riesling Auslese 'R' 1990: Quite a good depth of colour here. The nose has plenty of powerful lime aromas, with floral notes alongside. On the palate is where this wine displays a little class. Good balance on entry, developing a creamy weight through the midpalate. Plenty of lime and citrus acidity to keep it fresh, positively sizzling across the tongue. This is rich, yet with elegance and poise. A delightful fusion of texture and finesse on the finish, characteristics which persist on the palate. But it needs time to develop I think. 16.5+/20 (January 2004)