2012 Nierstein Pettenthal Trocken

On first acquaintance you could be led to believe that the Pettenthal is the softie among KP’s Grosse Gewächse. A delightful expression of grapefruit seems to favour sweetness more than acidity, but is complemented by a perfectly measured dusting of spice. Most of us might be content with this arrangement of flavours, but at this point the Pettenthal is only half way through its performance. Juicy pear adds an extra dimension to the fruit profile, and just as the taster begins to marvel at the mellowness, a gravelly minerality brings up a surprisingly firm rear. (MS)