2003 Frühburgunder Auslese trocken, Ahr, Germany

Very firm mineral nose with cherries, plums, ripe red berries, cloves, some undergrowth and smoky notes. Quite juicy fruit with fairly prominent, fine tannins, smoky notes on the palate, prominent cool mineral notes, very full bodied, alcohol initially very obvious, but becomes better integrated with aeration, light bitter notes, still young, initially has a closed, cool, smoky finish, opulent fruit only noticeable long after the bottle was opened. Totally underrated on the first day. Definitely needs time to mature.

Best to drink: 2005-2012. What our ratings mean