1999 Rech Herrenberg Spätburgunder trocken JS, Ahr, Germany

Brilliant garnet red, lighter on the rim. Sweet nose, aromas of cherries and red berries accompanied by elegant spicy oak. Full-bodied fruit, initially very dry, spicy oak, medium-grained, evident tannins, has power and good structure, still young, good balance, shows some sweet fruit after aeration, the finish is tart and dominated by wood and tannins. Currently still very closed, will probably be rated much higher in three years' time.

Best to drink: 2002-2006. What our ratings mean