2022 Dernau Hardtberg Spätburgunder, Ahr, Germany

Tart, firm, somewhat smoky, bacony, nutty and vegetal to dried herbaceous nose, predominantly dark berries and a few cherries, light leathery and tobacco aromas, paprika powder, grilled meat and grilled red peppers. Polished, tart fruit with cool juice, some spicy wood notes and hints of cigar tobacco, initially still slightly drying, then increasingly fine tannins, good persistence, a hint of mint and meat juice in the background, again some paprika powder, salty and chalky tones, very good finish with fresh juice and fine tart spice.

Best to drink: 2025-2029+. What our ratings mean