The 2009 Alto Adige Lagrein Riserva Castel Ringberg shows the inky blackness of the variety with a beautifully bold and generous quality of black fruit. Blackberry, Maraschino cherry, tar, espresso bean, dark earth and sweet chewing tobacco define the shapely bouquet. It shows solid grip and determination in the mouth without being astringent in any way. Castel Ringberg is a vineyard cru located at 350 meters above sea level with southern exposures, clay and limestone soils. The wine will gain complexity as it sheds some of its baby fat over the next five years.