1999 Randersacker Sonnenstuhl Spätburgunder Spätlese trocken, Franconia/Franken, Germany

Deep, matt cherry to ruby red, slightly lighter at the rim. On the nose, still quite unfinished, initially quite unclean notes (rotten eggs), this disappears after aeration, and gives way to aromas of cherry preserves, as well as red and black berries, and elegant, spicy oak. Juicy, full-bodied fruit, dense and concentrated, relatively fine-grained tannins, powerful and firmly structured, notes of bacon and toast on the palate, very persistent, long finish. Needs time, quite untouchable at this stage. Rating is conservative.

Best to drink: 2003-2008. What our ratings mean