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Hessische Staatsweingüter Kloster Eberbach - this Pinot Noir was made by a state owned winery in the German state of Hessen. The Staatsweingüter (state wineries) are among the largest wineries in Germany, growing wine on about 200 ha. The Domaine Assmannshausen, one of three domaines that are part of this estate, focus exclusively on red wine, something quite unique in Germany.

The bouquet of the wine from the Assmannshäuser Höllenberg vineyard is a classical Pinot Noir nose: roast bread, cherries and black pepper; plus a little bit of yeast and, fellow Wine Rambler Julian would like this, just the tiniest hint of morbid autumn leafs. In the mouth, bread and cherries again plus a little more yeast (that initially reminded me of mushroom) and cocoa powder. Despite the 13% the Pinot has a light feel to it, partly because of some fresh acidity being in the mix.

Easy to drink, the Assmannshäuser Höllenberg is a pleasant wine with some of the lovely typical characteristics of Pinot Noir. In some ways it felt a little too light though and would have profited from some more depth - not to make it more heavy, but to add that last little kick to make it truly memorable.