2004 TBA No. 1 Zweigelt

Mittleres Ziegelrot, zarter Ockertouch,. In der Nase feine Zitrus- und Orangenzesten, feine rotbeerige Anklänge, zarter tabakiger Touch. Insgesamt eher zurückhaltendes Bukett. Am Gaumen frisch, sehr lebendig strukturiert, frische Herzkirschen, zarte Lebkuchennoten nach Piement und Anis, komplex, weiche, seidige Tannine, bereits gut antrinkbar, im Nachhall nach frischen Zwetschken.

At 13% alcohol, and with Riesling-like acidity, it’s no wonder that despite 168 grams of residual sugar, Kracher’s 2004 #1 Zweigelt Trockenbeerenauslese Nouvelle Vague is notable for how little sweetness it displays. This tawny-colored libation drinks like a liqueur of candied blood orange and tangerine rind, cinnamon, and dried cherries. For all of its lushness of texture and its alcohol, it gives a light and very frisky account of itself, and the clean meatiness and leathery notes that emerge with increasing prominence the longer the wine warms in its glass, hold a fascination akin to that of red Burgundy. The liqueur-like finish is nonetheless refreshing, and rendered more so by a subtly saline streak.

92/100 The Wine Advocate David Schildknecht