95-97

Stephan Reinhardt

Robert Parker/Wine Advocate

Tasted as a barrel sample in March this year, the 2023 Pinot Noir Malans Unique is a representative wine of the vintage, and it is of a highly promising class. Although the final barrel selection is still to be made, the sample is concentrated and deep as well as fine and elegant on the finely spicy and even coolish nose that reveals red berry aromas and is somehow reminiscent of Garnacha from higher altitudes in the Priorat. At this stage, the bouquet intertwines super ripe and stewed warm-climate fruit with spicy notes of a rather coolish terroir. Generous, supple and juicy on the palate, this is a full-bodied, warm or even fiery, rich and dense Pinot with licorice flavors and fine, elegant tannins. Unlike any other Pinot I have had from Donatsch, this is a fascinating rich and powerful selection that is a self-confident interpretation of the warm vintage. I will re-taste it in spring next year, soon before or after the bottling. 06/2024