Ernst Triebaumer Blaufränkisch Ried Marienthal 2008

13.5% abv. Rust, Burgenland

Magisterial. Lavish. Undaunted. A deep garnet with purple reflections. The nose is an earthy, primordial pastiche of black fruit, strawberry, blackcurrant, cloves, tobacco, and a glint of spicy cedar. At the centre is a pristine core of black cherry. Strawberry undercurrents. Ripe and gentle tannins. Medium-bodied. Remarkably fresh. This is a perhaps the benchmark Blaufränkisch from the vintage of 2008. Unfiltered. 

Is there a more glorious vineyard than Marienthal? Situated near Lake Neusiedl, characterized by calcareous sandy soil and  limestone over clay, at the zenith where cool soil meets warm Pannonian breezes - the perfect nexus where high diurnal ranges push grapes to greater phenolic ripeness while preserving acidity.  I am looking forward to seeing how this wine evolves over the next decade. A wine without peers? Time will tell.  

Rating: * * * *

Price: 60-70 EUROS