Michael Schmidt from Jancis Robinson reviews GG's from Fürst
Rudolf Fürst, Bürgstadter Centgrafenberg Spätburgunder Grosses Gewächs 2018 Franken
19 Points - 13.5%, Drink 2022 - 2035
“The fragrance may be restrained and gentle but tantalises with a great diversity of aromas, from the fruit of plum and cherry to cedar, spice and smoky bacon, perfected by a gentle woodland breeze. In the mouth the wine starts tentatively but then begins expanding in fruit and spices, juicy dark cherries enhanced by subtle nuances of smoky bacon, ginger and cedar spice, a cool mineral accent providing the finishing touch. The tannins may still be a bit raucous with astringency, but they are not bitter and work well with the animating acidity. There is nothing ostentatious about the Centgrafenberg, which is probably why it’s often underrated compared with its more forward and powerful siblings. If it’s elegance you’re after, this is the one. I’d like to think that it will become as good as the great 1990. Sadly it’s unlikely that I will find out.” - Michael Schmidt Tasting Note here
Rudolf Fürst, Bürgstadter Hundsrück Spätburgunder Grosses Gewächs 2018 Franken
18.5 Points - 13%, Drink 2022 - 2035
“If the Centgrafenberg is the intellectual sibling, its Hundsrück brother has worked out in the Bürgstadt gym, developing a more pronounced fragrance, concentrated flavour and muscular body. The generous vintage of 2018 has supplied it with intense fruit, notes of cassis, blackcurrant and plum embracing the taste buds with vigour. This does not mean that it is one-dimensional, there are vegetal, spicy and smoky nuances too. But with an abundance of juice, even the strapping tannins have to work hard to get a grip. Majestic.” - Michael Schmidt Tasting Note here
Rudolf Fürst, Klingenberger Schlossberg Spätburgunder Grosses Gewächs 2018 Franken
19 Points - 13%, Drink 2022 - 2035
“I used to view the Schlossberg as a bit of an upstart in Fürst’s Spätburgunder stable, but if not before, the 2018 vintage has changed my mind. It’s a little more restrained on the nose than the Hundsrück, but turns this to its advantage with a diverse spectrum of aromas, fruits of the forest, plum, tobacco leaves, sweet pepper, ginger spice and subtle smoky notion, just the tip of the iceberg. If I have missed any out on the nose, they make an appearance on the palate with its velvety texture. Add sprinklings of mixed spice, ginger and cinnamon, dustings of cocoa and dark chocolate, cigar box and log-fire charcoal and you have a wine that’s Christmas all over.” - Michael Schmidt Tasting Note here