KAMANIMA
Markus Schneider & André Macionga
THE PROJECT KAMANIMA
For me, Markus Schneider is one of Germany’s special winegrowers. In the last two decades Markus has built up a winery which has developed into the German wine elite and produces top class wines. It’s been ten years since we had the pleasure of meeting. Through this meeting, many years of experience and passion, the extraordinary cuvee “Kamanima”; was born. A wine mixed from the best barrels of the estate, which gives out sharp and pointed tones and is nevertheless enormously round. If you want to enjoy this rare, limited edition bottle, you will definitely want to join Tim Raue. He serves this wine exclusively in his restaurant. There’s nothing you can do – except enjoy more “Kamanima”.
KAMANIMA 2016
THE OPTIMAL WINE GLASS
The wine glass plays the decisive role in the perfect development of aroma. For the wine Kamanima 2016 I recommend the following wine glass:
Syrah glass
THE TASTE PICTURES
FIRST TASTE PICTURE – AFTER A FRESHLY DRAWN BOTTLE
The journey with KAMANIMA 2016 begins extremely fast and reminds aromatically of a roller coaster ride, which passes by so fast that it is difficult to reproduce the characteristic trains. The wine presents itself already now clearly more animated, than still in the previous year. A young bull who is not afraid to let his muscles play; even now, not in his youth. In its structure and concentration, the wine is freshly uncorked, yet rather closed, almost stall-typical for powerful and spicy wines. In the nose the wine screams for more and has incredible potential. Light roasted aromas, reminiscent of those of a sharply roasted T-bone steak, are noticeable. With every second the wine becomes more animalistic, bundles its power and unleashes.
SECOND TASTE PICTURE – WITH SOME OXYGEN
Now the wine opens more to me. The stall-like impression present in the first aroma picture changes strongly. The gates seem to be open, the bull dares the first step out of the stable. Its unity has become calmer in the meantime. The roasted aromas in the nose are now also reflected on the palate. In combination with full-bodied notes of blackcurrant, leather and light plum tones, the result is an excitingly dancing aromatic play. In the nose the image of a smokehouse emerges, interspersed with Szechuan pepper notes, which immediately reminds me of the small but fine meat counter of my mother. The smokiness also continues on the palate. Notes of salami are spreading. In addition, there are clear tones in the smell of burnt tent wood, but also subtle iron-containing aromas are noticeable.
THIRD TASTE PICTURE – WITH A LOT OF OXYGEN
Even with advanced oxidation, the wine retains its previously perceived smoked aromas, with spicy tones of rosemary, marjoram and light nuances of Provencal herbs. In a harmonious interplay with dark berry fruits, the initially untamed, restless young man has now grown into an adult man, so that the wine gradually becomes more closed, more cascaded, almost dignified and a little romantic. Due to the youth of this cuvée, the palate still experiences a crisp tannin structure, which is much more balanced in this third stage and reflects the incredible shelf life of the wine. It is wonderful to see how even with just a small sip, the feeling on the palate is extremely full of mouth without appearing oily or over-extracted. With such a selected and limited edition, my recommendation is clear: give the wine the time and respect it needs to be more intense and multi-faceted in the not too distant future.
KAMANIMA 2015
THE OPTIMAL WINE GLASS
The wine glass plays the decisive role in the perfect development of aroma. For the wine Kamanima 2015 I recommend the following wine glass:
Syrah glass
THE TASTE PICTURES
FIRST TASTE PICTURE – AFTER A FRESHLY DRAWN BOTTLE
At the beginning there are aromas that leave a leathery impression. Characterised by fine red berries, this cuvée already shows great character. Despite its youthful age, this wine is full-bodied, spicy and masculine. You can feel the longevity: Kamanima will continue to be an impressive pleasure in the future. A delicate tannic acid is present on the palate right from the beginning and the bouquet is characterised by notes of red beet, rosemary and tobacco.
SECOND TASTE PICTURE – WITH SOME OXYGEN
After a few minutes of oxidation, the taste spreads. Nuances of finely ground black pepper, dense concentrated cherry and aromas that are spicy, fleshy and powerful expand the taste. In the nose the aromas seem to become more dominant. The combination of wild berries and herbs results in an exciting aroma picture. Many herbs and the ethereal smell of spruce needles give the wine a pleasant depth. Paired with the tannic acid, which is now becoming more elegant, the result is a cool, fine-grained texture. It is a complex, gripping concentration of aromas. The tangible tension of the tastes raises this cuvée to an extremely high level.
THIRD TASTE PICTURE – WITH A LOT OF OXYGEN
Next to the wild side of this cuvée, a soft, subtle plain gradually emerges. It is noticeable by notes of Madagascar pepper, dark chocolate and Amarena – Italian pickled sour cherries. Due to this delicate acidity, a subtle sweetness and minimally concentrated astringency, the wine now becomes wonderfully full-bodied. The striking, earthy and fleshy accents run like a red thread through the entire taste picture and remain until the end. A wonderful, complex aroma. Kamanima is an absolute rarity. Fifteen years from now, you will be delighted to discover that the flowering period of this cuvée will not pass.