Sebastian Fürst, like his father Paul before him, works primarily with older vines in classified grand cru sites, keeping yields almost comically low (around 25-30 hl/ha, on par with Burgundian grand crus) and aging wines in French oak for extended periods. Franken's continental climate and iron-rich sandstone soils create wines with striking acidity and mineral depth. Author and critic Jancis Robinson called Weingut Rudolf Fürst “an acknowledged Pinot magician in Germany.” After tasting these wines, we’re quite certain you’ll agree.

From 30-year-old vines planted on sloping Triassic red sandstone, this wine is 100% whole cluster fermented before aging 13-18 months in 228-liter barrels. The cooler 2021 vintage yielded elegant, precise wines and this is no exception. Notes of ripe cherry, cassis, and tangerine zest, juxtaposed with a brooding, stony minerality. A hint of spearmint throughout the lengthy finish, plus abundant fine tannin. James Suckling gave this 94 points.