2020 August Kesseler, Cuvée Max Pinot Noir Qualitätswein trocken, Germany

The grapes for this wine come mainly from steep slopes in Assmannshausen where the soil is dominated by slate and quartzite. Our grapes are hand-picked and go through another selection process afterwards. Each parcel is vinified separately. Shortly before bottling we are assembling the cuvee. The 2020 vintage has been manufactured in barriques in our double stored cellar from 1792.

 

Dedicated to winemaker Max Himstedt this Pinot Noir originates from up to 70-year-old plants. With every draft the Cuvée achieves more magnificence on the palate. It is creamy and rich combined with spiciness and a juicy touch that goes along with an extraordinary aromatic highlight embedded in bitter and sweet tones of cherry and fresh herbs. A perfect Pinot Noir with its own character.

94 points, James Suckling
"What a deep, spicy nose this stunning Rheingau pinot noir has! Also aromas of blackcurrant, damson plum and cherry cake. So rich and succulent that it’s a delight right now. However, there is a serious tannin structure anchoring the extravagance on the surface. Very clean, straight finish with a wonderful mineral freshness and a positive hint of bitterness. Drinkable now, but best from 2025."

• Germany – Rheingau • August Kesseler is a Rheingau leader, known equally for world‑class Riesling and Germany’s most elegant Pinot Noir. When August Kesseler took over his family’s estate at just 19 years old, he transformed it from a small bulk‑wine operation into one of Germany’s most important modern wineries. Today the estate is recognized worldwide for its expressive Rieslings and refined Pinot Noir (Spätburgunder). The winery’s holdings include steep, slate‑ and quartzite‑based vineyards such as Assmannshausen Höllenberg, renowned for producing some of Germany’s finest Pinot Noir. Meanwhile, Rieslings from Rüdesheimer Berg Schlossberg showcase mineral precision and energy. Low yields and careful cellar work preserve the clarity of each site. The Rheingau’s south‑facing slopes, stretching along the Rhine River, enjoy long hours of sunshine tempered by cool nights. This combination allows for slow ripening, resulting in wines with depth, aromatic intensity, and bright acidity that age gracefully for decades.