2012 Bönnigheim Sonnenberg Lemberger trocken Erste Lage, ****, Württemberg, Germany

Firm, tart nose, light smoky oak and a hint of tobacco, ripe, partly dried black berries, earthy and mineral notes, dried vegetal notes and light peppery traces. Firm, tart dark fruit on the palate, light nutty, toasted, smoky oak, some dark chocolate, youthful, fine, sandy tannins, still slightly astringent, persistent and full-bodied, hint of dried meat, black pepper, good persistence and substance, hint of mint, still largely undeveloped, very good finish. Needs time to mature.

Best to drink: 2018-2025+ What our ratings mean