2011 Spätburgunder Réserve trocken "Collection Royal", Baden, Germany

Clearly mature, smoky, oaky and somewhat ashy nose, black and red fruit, tobacco and earthy vegetal aromas, some aubergine, soy sauce and bread crust. Ripe, developed, slightly preserved and slightly sweetish fruit, crumbly-sandy, ripe tannins, smoky, spicy, tobacco and bitter chocolate wood spice, some coffee grounds and leather, earthy-vegetable flavours and some ash in the background, persistent, lots of power, burnt-nutty tones, very good, sweetish-jammy, yet firm finish, again with lots of spice. Perhaps it lacks the subtleties and real depth required for the highest honours, but the wine is excellently made and appears almost indestructible.

Best to drink: Bis 2028+. What our ratings mean