2004 Carnuntum Merlot trocken, Lower Austria/Niederösterreich, Austria

Initially shy nose that develops intensity with aeration, blackcurrants and preserved cherries, light vegetal notes, dark roasted notes. Clean, delicately tart and cool i nthe mouth, some acidity, prominent oak and astringent tannins, restricts the wine a little on the palate, and becomes more noticeable with aeration, smoky notes, slightly creamy, overall a fairly tart style, not particularly deep, attractive finish. Given lots of aeration, gains slightly in substance and depth.

Best to drink: Bis 2009. What our ratings mean