The 2014 Vintage: A Reflection of Challenges

2014 was a year of extremes. Rainy weeks in summer, the looming threat of the spotted wing drosophila, and an autumn that began cool but turned warm and dry all left their mark on the vintage. While Hans-Jörg Rebholz, recently honored with the title of Ökonomierat, recounted the tireless hours spent in the vineyards, his twin sons Hans and Valentin added technical details, punctuated by knowing smiles about the heated debates of the time. In the end, 2014 proved to be a “vintage for the skilled.”

Precision and patience were the keys to 2014. It was anything but a homogeneous year. Shifting weather patterns during the harvest transformed what started as a “cool” vintage into one with a noticeably warmer profile by the end. Many wineries, anxious about the spotted wing drosophila, began picking early. Thanks to lush ground cover, a steadfast commitment to sustainable viticulture, and meticulous pre-selection of grapes, Rebholz managed to bring home top-tier quality. “In the end, it was all worth it,” Hans remarked.

How Does 2014 Present Itself After 10 Years of Aging?

After ten years, Rebholz’s 2014 wines stand as masters of balance. They’re clear, focused, and brimming with energy. Hans-Jörg described them as possessing a “slim elegance” that remains captivating even after a decade. While many German winemakers produced acid-driven, delicate wines in 2014, Rebholz delivered something with a foundational strength.

And what were my personal highlights? Two wines stood out for me: the 2014 Kastanienbusch Riesling GG and the 2014 Spätburgunder im Sonnenschein GG.

I’ll admit, I haven’t always been the biggest fan of Rebholz’s Pinots. My impression was that they leaned too heavily on wood, coming across as rough and rooted in an “old-school” style with faded tannins and forest floor notes. But the three 2014 Pinots proved me wrong. Honestly, I was stunned by their quality and freshness.

The Rest of the Lineup

In total, Rebholz presented ten wines. The “π No. Gold” Sekt Extra Brut kicked off the evening — a creamy, yeasty sparkling wine with fine mousse and great balance, setting the tone perfectly.

I was a bit underwhelmed by the Ganz Horn Riesling GG, which lacked depth, concentration, and liveliness. But the following Im Sonnenschein Riesling GG quickly redeemed things. Cool, fresh, with a hint of exotic fruit, firm yet delicate structure, and superb balance, it was the first highlight of the evening.

The two Weißburgunders — Im Sonnenschein GG and Mandelberg GG — were light, accessible, and easy to drink but didn’t quite deliver the concentration, finesse, or complexity I expect from a GG. They felt just a touch unfinished.

The Chardonnay R, however, was creamy and marked by prominent oak notes — borderline kitschy but saved by excellent acidity, a fine-woven texture, and depth. It’s not my preferred Chardonnay style, but it’s undeniably well-crafted and balanced. Those who enjoy bold, spicy Chardonnays will find plenty to love.

As mentioned earlier, the Pinot Noirs stole the show for me, starting with the Siebeldinger Ortswein from Muschelkalk soils and later the Arzheimer Rosenberg Erste Lage. Both wines featured intense aromas of cherry and cassis, with the Ortswein standing out for its ripe fruit, fresh acidity, and fine tannins. The Arzheimer Rosenberg leaned towards a spicy, needle-like character with red fruits, forest floor notes, and precisely integrated oak. With time in the glass, it gained freshness, juiciness, and vibrancy.

An Evening of Stories

What made this evening special wasn’t just the quality of the wines but the stories that came with them. Alongside fascinating insights into the challenges of 2014 for both vines and winemakers, Hans-Jörg took us on a little time travel — a look back at the year and its most significant events beyond the wine world. It was a refreshing perspective that broadened the evening’s horizon.

2014 at Rebholz: A Vintage That Makes History

The “10 Years After” tasting at Rebholz was more than a retrospective. It was an homage to a vintage that delivered greatness under challenging conditions. A decade on, the wines still showcase remarkable freshness, paired with depth and structure. The Kastanienbusch and the Spätburgunder im Sonnenschein proved that patience is rewarded.

The Rebholz family didn’t just present their wines that evening; they shared a piece of their history. As I savored the last sip of Kastanienbusch, one thing was clear: 2014 may not have been a year for simple solutions, but it was undoubtedly one for extraordinary wines from the southern Palatinate.