Artisan Wines, Zweigelt, Neusiedlersee DAC Reserve, Burgenland, Austria 2018

Hand-picked from 50-year-old vines planted on gravel, the 'reserve' Zweigelt was fermented in open vats, then matured in new and used barriques for 23 months. A spiced nose of nutmeg, star anise, cocoa and vanilla, backed by sour cherry and prunes. The palate is concentrated, rich in sour cherry and blueberry fruits, spiced by black coffee and dark chocolate, with tea-like austerity.