2003 Merlot trocken Reserve vom Schloss, Lower Austria/Niederösterreich, Austria

Very ripe black berries, plums and cherries on the nose, roasted and smoky notes, spicy oak. More roasted notes on the palate, lots of dry, still fairly prominent tannins, becomes better integrated with aeration, fruit rather pushed into the background, but comes to the fore after some time in the glass, initial brittle character softens, creamy on the palate, medium-bodied, slightly astringent, otherwise attractive to good finish.

Best to drink: Bis 2008. What our ratings mean