Cuvee Komplex19

THE OPTIMAL WINE GLASS

The wine glass plays the decisive role in the perfect development of aroma. For the wine Komplex19 2017 I recommend the following wine glass:

Burgundy glass

THE TASTE PICTURES

FIRST TASTE PICTURE – AFTER A FRESHLY DRAWN BOTTLE

With the uncorking of the bottle, this wine opens the gates of the nose to its multi-layered complex nature, which is full of intimate and powerful concentration. Exploring the innumerable rooms here on the first floor already turns out to be a multifaceted expedition. Some rooms tell of berry structures, pine needle-like spices and excellent tannin structures, others of eucalyptus tones, deep red cherries with their delicate bitter and acid notes. And in spite of the many different rooms, all of them are connected with each other by a dense spice. The result is a width with a lot of pressure – a very modern complex, which I enter here. It recalls the previous vintage, which in retrospect appears a little more delicate, a little more charming. In 2017, the game becomes more challenging – you have to make an effort to get involved with this cuvée, but this creates a lot of tension and curiosity. As with a good book, one longs for the second part of the wine with even more pleasure.

SECOND TASTE PICTURE – WITH SOME OXYGEN

After the wine has started to oxidize and I lift my glass again, it becomes more differentiated, finer and elegant. While the spice becomes more delicate and subtle, the wine develops almost light notes of juniper berries and lemon thyme. In the nose the eucalyptus continues to unfold. The initial Burgundy tones become more reserved, the aroma becomes broader. It carries an incredibly animating acidity and a great play with cherry notes, which come again and again and are now reminiscent of those of sour cherries. The fullness and concentration becomes softer and silkier on the one hand, but also more racy and spicier on the other – the wine is very uplifting. The colour alone has become so self-contained and concentrated that it is reminiscent of a painting, a work of art to marvel at. It has a beautiful shine, which is produced by the ever softening tannic acid and makes the drinking flow so animating.

THIRD TASTE PICTURE – WITH A LOT OF OXYGEN

The racy tannin structure, which became milder in the second part, now allows the always present cherry notes on the sweet side to change into marzipan tones and has become completely dry. It is unbelievably exciting and interesting that the cuvée gains in facet richness and dimension with every breath and sip. The result is a dense and complex, angular and racy olfactory picture, characterised by oriental tones and a slight caraway odour. Camomile tones can be felt both in the nose and on the palate, where, despite its exciting olfactory profile, it is silky, soft and anything but a fruit bomb. In combination with the spice from fir needles from the first taste picture and the filigree nature of the light juniper blossoms, this third stage results in a balanced image of all three oxygen levels, which comes from different directions and now find each other at a common place. Drinking this complexity is extremely exciting. But for those who want to experience this more quickly, it is recommended to leave enough time and air for the wine. Like last year, the name says it all: highly complex with extreme authenticity and the dramaturgy of a good book.

THE OPTIMAL WINE GLASS

The wine glass plays the decisive role in the perfect development of aroma. For the wine Komplex19 2016 I recommend the following wine glass:

Burgundy glass

THE TASTE PICTURES

FIRST TASTE PICTURE – AFTER A FRESHLY DRAWN BOTTLE

Immediately after opening the bottle, the wine appears filigree, soft and quiet. A spicy smoky smell with a subtle note of clove penetrates into the nose. On the palate I taste ripe sour cherry, juicy plum and sweet forest raspberry. The cuvée reminds me of an elegant Amarone. This aroma picture calls classical music into my mind. A thrilling symphony of red fruits. The addition of violets and some blackberry to the taste creates a fusion that gives rise to a hint of sulphur. A real firework of aromas.

SECOND TASTE PICTURE – WITH SOME OXYGEN

This is followed by the dominant smell of berry juice in spicy heaviness and a minimal note of laurel and violet. With the addition of air, the development noticeably goes in an excitingly refined direction. The note of black truffle, which reminds me of the tuber from the southwestern Périgord in France, appears. Fine nuances of raisins – underlined by the scent of rose petals – give the truffle note exciting accents. New facets such as the sweetness of dates, a freshness reminiscent of menthol and delicate tannins give the wine an enormous depth. The aroma picture of Komplex19 develops more and more into an artistic painting.

THIRD TASTE PICTURE – WITH A LOT OF OXYGEN

The oxygen-supported complexity brings with it the smells of dates, sloes and a hint of rose hips. The note of roasted coffee spreads over the palate and the softly furry tannins consolidate in the finish. The cuvée, which initially seemed filigree, has now developed into a strong, intense wine. Its bouquet is able to enchant with a complex melody. Nineteen musicians playing, one conductor united – the symphony is complete.