Weingut Leiner Spätburgunder Réserve 2009

Weingut Leiner Spätburgunder Réserve 2009 is a rare, long‑matured German Pinot Noir from the sun‑drenched vineyards of southern Pfalz, released only in winter 2023 after more than a decade of patient cellaring. Crafted from carefully selected parcels on Buntsandstein and limestone soils, this Réserve shows just how profound and age‑worthy Spätburgunder from Pfalz can be. A 1st place finish at Meininger’s Red Wine Award in its release year underlines its standing as one of Germany’s standout mature Pinot Noirs.

Tasting Notes
In the glass, the 2009 Réserve presents a medium to deep garnet hue with brick‑tinged edges, reflecting its extended maturation and graceful evolution. The nose is complex and layered: ripe red cherry and wild strawberry are interwoven with dried cranberry, rose petal, forest floor, fine leather, and subtle gamey notes, all framed by delicate spice from long barrel aging—think clove, cedar and a touch of sweet tobacco. On the palate, this is a refined, Burgundy‑inspired style of Spätburgunder with remarkable harmony. The fruit leans toward red berries and preserved cherry, supported by savory, earthy undertones and nuances of black tea, cocoa nib and dried herbs. Silky yet persistent tannins and a vibrant, still‑lively acidity give the wine both elegance and structure, while the long barrel and bottle aging have polished the texture to a near‑weightless finesse. The wine is fully ready to drink now, showing beautifully evolved tertiary notes, but well‑stored bottles should continue to hold and offer pleasure over the next few years, rewarding those who appreciate mature, nuanced Pinot Noir.

Production
The grapes for this Réserve come from various Buntsandstein (colored sandstone) and limestone parcels in the southern Pfalz, a relatively warm, dry region that delivers optimal ripeness while retaining freshness. 2009 was an exceptional vintage, and the fruit was hand‑harvested at perfect maturity to allow for a concentrated yet balanced style. Fermentation took place spontaneously on the skins with native yeasts, reflecting Weingut Leiner’s minimal‑intervention philosophy and the character of each site. The young wine then spent four years maturing in a mix of used and new barriques, gaining depth, texture and aromatic complexity. Afterwards, the individual lots were blended and transferred to large, neutral wooden casks for further refinement until bottling in 2014, without fining or filtration and with only minimal sulphur—an unforced, artisanal approach that preserves purity and terroir expression.

Food & Serving
This mature Spätburgunder Réserve is a superb partner for refined, savory dishes: think roast duck or goose, saddle of venison, veal chops with wild mushrooms, braised rabbit, or truffle‑accented pasta. It also complements aged semi‑hard cheeses, mushroom risotto, and delicately spiced game terrines. Serve at 15–17 °C to highlight its aromatic complexity and silky texture. Decanting for 30–60 minutes is recommended to let the wine fully open and to gently separate any natural sediment that may have formed during its long aging.

Producer
Weingut Jürgen Leiner, today driven by the vision of Sven Leiner, is regarded as one of the quality‑focused estates of the southern Pfalz, known for its expressive, terroir‑driven wines and commitment to meticulous vineyard work. Located in a region long associated with generous, fruit‑forward wines, the estate has helped redefine what Pfalz can deliver in terms of precision, elegance and authenticity—especially with varieties like Spätburgunder. Through selective hand‑harvesting, spontaneous fermentations and a gentle, low‑intervention approach in the cellar, the Leiner family has built a reputation for purity and depth of style. The success of this 2009 Spätburgunder Réserve, crowned with 1st place at Meininger’s Rotweinpreis in its release year, underscores the estate’s role as a benchmark producer for serious, age‑worthy red wines from Pfalz.

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.