WTN: Delicious Pinot Blanc

I helped to set up a tasting last month of 144 Pinot Blancs (Weißburgunder) from the Pfalz (where incidentally I got to meet Hans Gunter Schwarz, who was one of the judges.) Many of my favorite PBs were entered, and none of them reached the finals leading me to believe that the group of judges as a whole (the scoring was ludicrously simple) prefer a more luscious, rich, creamy Weißburgunder than the dense, solid, angular, rock-quarry Pinot Blanc that I love. Anyway, here is a tasting note from one of my favorites among the contestants, though from last weekend:

2010 Müller-Catoir Haardt Weißburgunder –Pfalz, Germany 12,5% alc.
Firm, almost crunchy in texture, Pear, fava bean, cold steel, and stoniness. Lots of extract, and lots of corners, definitely attributes that I need to see in Weißburgunder. Good acidity. Delicious as always.

Cheers,
Bill

[David M. Bueker]

I like my fair share of Pinot Blanc, but 144? That's gross.

Were there any ringers from other regions for comparison?

David, you are right. That is indeed A gross!

I like my fair share of Pinot Blanc, but 144? That's gross.

Were there any ringers from other regions for comparison?

Indeed it was! No, it was one of those little gold-medal sticker tastings and limited to the Pfalz, but a bunch of my favorites entered (like multiple M-Cs, Multiple Minges, Meßmer, Kranz, Rebholz, Kühn.) A strong field. The Pfalz has really started to rock with Weißburgunder, though I like Friuli, Alto Adige and Austria too.

Cheers,
Bill