Robert Parker's Wine Advocate: 95 points

Very dark-colored the 2011 Blaufränkisch Neckenmarkter Alte Reben starts somewhat untamed and reductive on the floral nose, but very concentrated and intense, with lime and crushed slate aromas giving it a purity that is rare in the warm 2011 vintage, when it was "important not to pick too overripe" (Roland Velich). With more time on the air, the wine reveals black and red currant aromas, wild black and blue berries along with juniper and leafy flavors. Also dried blossoms here and a coolish vein like in the famous 2006. The attack on the palate is quite smooth, revealing ripe and concentrated dark berry aromas (cassis, blue and black berries) along with heathy flavors, but it is also fresh and silky with lingering saltiness. The tannins are firm and structured, but absolutely fine and ripe. Its a great union of ripe tannins, a crystalline acidity and the salty/mineral taste of wet stones with the ripe and intense fruit giving the sex appeal. Very long and fresh, very stable, A great, big and massive wine again, but not heavy at all.

Review date: June 2016

Vinous: 93 points

Inky garnet with a black core. Distinctive nose hints at black cherry, wet slate, tobacco, oak spices and bitter chocolate. Extremely concentrated and high-strung, with expressive redcurrant, herbal spices and salty minerals on the palate. With a long, chalky finish, this will show much greater complexity with more time in bottle.

Review date: December 2013