From 48-year-old vines, Ziereisen's 2013 Spätburgunder Jaspis Alte Reben has a dark and intense ruby color and opens with a deep, perfectly ripe and toasty bouquet of dark berries (cassis, black berries) and cherries along with mocha and floral flavors. Full-bodied, silky, fresh and elegant on the palate, with fine and spicy tannins and persistent oak and nougat flavors, this is a well-balanced and nicely bitter Pinot from the Markgräflerland in southern Baden, near the border with (Basel) Switzerland. It already drinks very well but can be aged for another 7-10 years. Tasted in May 2018.

Picked very late, on 2 November, when the grapes had lost their leaves. Lots of whole bunch, which is quite rare. Mid ruby. Solid ripe fruit but just a little stodgy. Very savoury as opposed to sweet and fruity. The wines from this producer are a bit inconsistent but very interesting. (JR)