
Independent sommelier and consultant
Adelina Estate Introspect 2022
Australia, South Australia
96/100
Overall rating
3/5
Value for money
€37,35
€47,00
€51,47/pcs.
Why shop with us?
Frank John Pinot Noir Bio 2018 is an elegant, biodynamically crafted Spätburgunder from selected limestone-rich sites in Germany’s Pfalz region. Unfiltered, spontaneously fermented and gently matured in small oak barrels, it offers a pure, authentic expression of Pinot Noir with remarkable finesse and depth. This cuvée showcases the Frank John philosophy: traditional, low‑intervention winemaking that lets the vineyard speak clearly in the glass.
Tasting Notes
In the glass, the 2018 Pinot Noir Bio shows a translucent, vibrant ruby-red core with subtle garnet reflections at the rim, hinting at its evolving complexity. The nose is generous and refined, opening with aromas of fully ripe raspberry, black heart cherry and a touch of strawberry preserve, wrapped in delicate floral nuances. Hints of watermelon rind, a trace of cold smoke and a subtle note of bacon or smoked ham linger in the background, adding savory depth without overpowering the fruit.
On the palate, the wine is supple yet tightly knit, with a core of juicy red and dark berry fruit supported by finely woven tannins and fresh, well-integrated acidity. The texture is silky but structured, offering a harmonious balance between ripe fruit, gentle spice and mineral tension from the limestone soils. The oak is expertly judged and discreet, framing rather than masking the generous fruit. While already highly enjoyable, this Pinot Noir has solid aging potential: over the next 5–8 years it should gain further complexity, with more tertiary notes of forest floor and subtle game emerging over time.
Production
The grapes for Frank John Pinot Noir Bio 2018 come from various premium sites across the Pfalz, characterized by a high proportion of limestone that lends both elegance and a fine, stony minerality to the wine. Farmed biodynamically, the vineyards are cultivated with great respect for biodiversity and soil vitality, and the grapes are carefully harvested by hand at optimal ripeness. In the cellar, fermentation took place spontaneously on the skins with native yeasts to capture as much varietal character and vineyard expression as possible, followed by a full malolactic conversion to soften the acidity and add texture. The wine was then aged for around two years in a mix of 225 L and 500 L barrels, with a restrained use of new oak so that the wood remains in the background. Finally, the Pinot Noir was bottled unfiltered, preserving its natural character, depth and subtle nuances.
Food & Serving
This refined Pfalz Pinot Noir is a versatile food companion, pairing beautifully with roast poultry (especially duck), herb-crusted lamb, veal, and delicate game dishes such as venison carpaccio or saddle of hare. It also complements mushroom-based dishes, truffled pasta, grilled salmon or tuna, and semi-soft cheeses like Taleggio or aged Brie. Serve at 14–16°C to highlight its aromatic complexity and freshness. A short decant of 30–45 minutes is recommended for younger bottles to allow the wine to open up and fully reveal its layered fruit, spice and smoky undertones.
Producer
Frank John is a respected name in German artisan winemaking, known for his uncompromising commitment to quality and minimal-intervention practices. Based in the Pfalz, the estate has built a reputation for producing terroir-driven wines—particularly Riesling and Spätburgunder—that combine traditional craftsmanship with biodynamic viticulture. By focusing on healthy, living soils, low yields and meticulous handwork in both vineyard and cellar, Frank John has become a benchmark for authentic, elegant wines in the region. His cuvées, often unfiltered and spontaneously fermented, are sought after by enthusiasts who value purity, finesse and a clear sense of place in their wines.
| Type | Red wine |
| Producer | Frank John |
| Vintage | 2018 |
| Country | Germany |
| Region | Pfalz |
| Grape | Pinot Noir |
| Alcohol | 12.50% |
| Volume | 750 ml |
| Food pairing |
We deliver within 2 - 6 business days. You can choose whether it should be to a parcel shop or home delivery. Free delivery to both parcel shops and your front door. Our store partners primarily use GLS, DPD, UPS and DHL for deliveries. We cover deliveries to the majority of countries in Europe.

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