2006 Südtirol / Alto Adige DOC Riserva Rossa, Alto Adige, Italy

Fairly tart nose, prewserved blackcurrants and some dried prunes, dried herbs, hint of tobacco and bell peppers, touch of sugar candy, toasted notes. Full-bodied and tart on the palate, dark fruit, prominent vegetable and earthy notes, lots of smoky, toasted oak, persistent, some burnt green bell peppers in the background, fairly prominent, slightly astringent oak tannins, slightly brittle, noticeable alcohol, tart and astringent on an otherwise good to very good finish. Will probably last for longer than expected, but the oak is still rather too prominent.

Best to drink: Bis 2016+. What our ratings mean