1999 trocken Parzival, Franconia/Franken, Germany

Deep, brilliant purple red, only slightly lighter at rim. Impetuous, youthful aromas of pumpernickel, heavily toasted oak, black berries, sour cherries, herbs and minerals. Quite juicy fruit, tart tannins, smoky, spicy wood, a touch rustic in style, has power and structure, persistent on the palate, as yet wild and untamed, smoke and dark fruit on the finish. Needs time.

Best to drink: 2002-2007. What our ratings mean