Ried Spitzerberg, Blaufrankisch, Erste Lage, 2018

As always, there is a big step up to the Ried Spitzerberg. A blend of the three oldest vineyards of the estate, up to 70 years old, hailing from both the east and western sides of the hill, the Ried Spitzerberg benefits hugely from a complex mix of soil types and expositions. On the western side, the soils are looser and more friable, which can stress the vines, but produces more transparent, ethereal, mineral-laced fruit. The eastern plots, by contrast, hold more water and see more even ripening. While less extravagant in profile, they bring a more measured quality, and plenty of detailed, succulent fruit to the blend. The 2018 Ried Spitzerberg offers up incredibly detailed, crisp cherry fruit with a stony, mineral backbone. With aeration it bursts with ripe summer strawberries and intense but tight fresh fruit. Long and lithe finishing on sweet tannins, a trace of salt, and aromas of mountain herbs, it is a wine of outstanding balance and complexity. Aged for 20 months in large cask.