The first time we found our 'little heaven' Gasthof Rebstock in Kappelrodeck-Waldulm......in October 2006..we spent 2 days..then in March it was 3...we decided on 4 this time..and after every visit we wanted to stay longer.Unfortunately, as before, our room was already booked.The only solution is to book for four weeks..and cancel when we have had enough..or untilI have tried the whole wine-list.
'Rebstock' is run by Karl Hodapp...able assisted by his wife Sandra Stark..who gave birth to a baby boy on Thursday 18th October (Sebastian)..so she was not 'available' for our visit this time. The staff is excellent..and are having to work longer hours until she returns. The 'Gasthof' is open 6 days a week...also for lunch.. and throughout the day for tea, coffee or snacks. They have 11 rooms...our room number 11 has a view of the vineyards. Karl also 'oversees' his own vineyard..makes his own 'Brantwein'..but spends most of his time in the kitchen presenting top quality food at a fair price for the restaurant. On our last visit he kindly showed me his wine cellar.. and gave me a 'present'.. so I returned the favour after arriving.
October 23rd 2007
Waldulm Pfarrberg Spätburgunder
'Alte Reben' Spätlese trocken 2003
Co-Operative Kappelrodeck-Waldulm
Baden, Germany
As to be expected, no real difference in style to the younger brother..but the vintage showing it's class.. Medium deep, brown rim; smoky, perfumed, fuller, a touch more fruit, dark cherries, still some tannin...what an excellent wine for a co-op...the old vines(Alte Reben) being around 30 years old.
Points 17+
The vintage 2003 finally helped bring
the Spätburgunder wines in Germany up
alongside the top Pinot Noirs in the world.
October 24th 2007
Next day my wife & I walked for 3 hours along the forest ..then back and forth through the vineyards....the sun breaking up the clouds which had been hanging in the mountains. We sat and had lunch on a bench..with the 'Spätburgunder' grapes in full view... a gorgeous day....
Karl informed me the 'Spätlese' would be
picked in about a week.
My wife kept asking me 'technical' questions..
which I manged to just about answer..I think..
She knows all about herbs ands wild growths tho..
I tried to remember it all...
The wine-list had a few additions..some 2003 Red Burgundy( as in Baden..a great vintage)
but maybe still too young..so I decided on the 1999
Domaine des Lambrays Clos des Lambrays 1999
Morey-Saint-Denis, Burgundy, France
A 'very good' vintage in Burgundy.
Medium deep, purple-rimmed.
Strong smoky aroma, not especially refined.
Sweetish opening on the palate..
but then some dry, if quite soft, tannins...
slightly rustic briary characteristics made me
think about its potential. Disjointed...will it
harmonise or is this it? Plenty of structure,
but not very generous at this moment.
Points 16.5
Our waiter for the evening is
learning his trade..
he tried a glass..
and was not over enthusiastic either.
Dusk..and dinner awaits
October 25th 2007
We wanted to visit one of the many seas in the mountains...but on arriving the mist was too thick..and it was pretty cold..so we descended..and found some more vineyards to wander through..(there are plenty)..
After the slight disapointment of the previous evening.. I decided it was 'Back to Baden'..for this evening's wine...good decision Barry...
Dr. Heger Ihringer Winklerberg Spätburgunder
Spätlese trocken Barrique 2003
Baden, Germany
This is considered the best vineyard in the Kaiserstuhl which is where Ihringen is. This is a unique area in Germany in that the soils are mostly volcanic and Ihringen actually has the highest average temperature in all of Germany which makes it perfect for the ripening of Pinot Noir.
Soft, so enticing bouquet, real Pinot class; quite full flavoured (14.5 %), but so delicately balanced..that you just don't notice the alcohol..jam & cream..this is superb..
Points 18
I finished off the whole bottle...
and was disappointed there was
not just a drop more..
always a good sign that I have
had a great wine.
October 26th 2007
Last 'full' day...and I had found a wine shop to visit..usually a bore for my wife..but luckily she found a few 'extras' which they stocked...
I purchased a mixed case of 6 bottles
Joseph Matrot Meursault-Blagny 1er Cru 1995,
Meursault, Burgundy, France
I love Meursault..and with some age..this is maybe worth the risk
Wassmer Spätburgunder 'R' trocken Barrique 2004,
Baden, Germany
One of the 'newcomers' in Baden..with a good reputation
Dr. Bürklin-Wolf Deidesheimer Hohenmorgen
Riesling Spätlese trocken 1999, Rheinland Pfalz, Germany
I like my Riesling RIPE..so hopefully this fulfills my needs.
Mattmann Pinot Noir 2004, Zizers, Switzerland,
Along with Gantenbein..one of the top producers in Switzerland..not cheap...don't ask.
Esporão Reserva 1999, Herade do Esporão
Alentejo, Portugal
Always reliable..been a while since I last tasted this...
Domaine Cuilleron Saint Joseph Rouge 'Pierres Seches' 2001,
Rhône, France
'THE' Condrieu producer..but I have heard from friends that his 'Joseph Rouge' is well worth trying.
Above..OUR table....
What to drink on the last evening?..in the afternoon I was down in the cellar again...discussing with Karl Hodapp...we have similar opinions about wine...
As the wine list is so extensive..I try not to repeat-drink...and therefore decided to 'betray' the home wines.
Château La Nerthe,
"Cuvée des Cadettes" 2001
Châteauneuf-du-Pape
Rhône Valley, France
Decanted. 14% Alcohol.
Fairly deep ruby red colour. 'Fat' peppery nose..plenty of oak thrown into the mix...very good..explodes from the glass; quite velvety on the palate, soft tannins, fleshy & full, excellent concentration ....modern style..a crowd-pleaser..still youthful but quite drinkable.
Points 18
October 27th 2007
The usual good breakfast..then time to say goodbye..Karl kindly gave me a bottle of his own wine..vintage 2005 to try at home...we hate leaving..but the sooner you leave..the sooner you can return. I can't wait....
If my descriptions are not
good enough, check out
the video below.
