WTN: Three from Friedrich Becker, Pfalz

Fr. Becker seems to have a cult status for his Pinot Noirs, but I thought these whites were very good. I wasn't so keen on the Pinot, however. Does he make a Pinot that isn't heavy on the oak?

2010 Friedrich Becker Weissburgunder - Germany, Pfalz (9/2/2011)
12,5% abv. A very attractive Pinot Blanc: an aroma of white flowers, apples and minerals. Lovely, energetic palate, dry yet with crunchy fruit. Refreshing. Nice!

2007 Friedrich Becker Schweigener Sonnenberg Riesling Großes Gewächs - Germany, Pfalz (9/2/2011)
12,5% abv. I'm not usually a great fan of Trockener styles from most of Germany, but the Palatinate ones often do work. This had pure Riesling aromas of a quite ripe style; steely despite the friendly, upfront fruit (for a Trocken, that is), decently structured and energetic, though a warm year style. Very nice.

2008 Friedrich Becker Pinot Noir "B" - Germany, Pfalz (9/2/2011)
13% abv. A lovely, pure Pinosity can be seen - but, alas, not very clearly because it is encased in layers of oak. Sexy, sweet and savoury palate with plenty of acidic energy zinging about. Possibly nice in a few years once the oak lets the Pinosity out but right now it seems rather too Californicated. From this wine I'm having trouble understanding Becker's superstar status as a Pinot Noir maker.

Hi Otto,

Sometimes Becker makes a Doppelstück (2400 liter old oak barrel) Spätburgunder, which is a more traditional container in the Pfalz.
I really like the entry level Spätburgunder Qualitätswein for its honesty and un-oakiness (at 8 or 9€.)
The Spätburgunder B (for Barrique, I think?) is aged one year in new barrique -a 15€ wine that uses oak to justify its price over the basic QbA.
But where Becker really excels and what the winery is justly famous for is the Terroir Spätburgunder and the GG Spätburgunder wines. I haven't found these to be overpowering in their oakiness. On the contrary, they tend to be excellent vehicles for showcasing the differences in Terroir.

Cheers,
Bill