The 2004 Blaufrankisch Spitzerberg offers a brine-like suggestion of minerals already in the nose, along with bitter-sweet blackberry, wood smoke, and a Franc-like hint of machine oil. Rich and soothing on the palate, with an almost liqueur-like richness of fruit yet avoiding superficial sweetness, this finishes with a slightly splintery dryness from its 30% new wood, which Trapl agrees proved to be excessive. I would enjoy this anytime over the next couple of years.Young Johannes Trapl – who took over his family’s property (supplemented by rental acreage) and constructed a winery in 2000 – is one of four growers serious about Blaufrankisch in the Spitzerberg (for more about which, see my reports on Muhr-Niepoort in this issue and in issue 177). On my first visit, I did not attempt to canvass Trapl’s entire line, which includes also St. Laurent, Zweigelt, and even a bit of the Bordelaise varieties. Clearly, he is on a steep learning curve. Early in its evolution, a basic 2007 Blaufrankisch from young vines in the Spitzerberg and nearer the winery tasted promising, even if tartness of fruit and notes from barrel were somewhat at odds, and a dedicated 2007 bottling from some impressive Blaufrankisch grown in Stixneusiedel was also envisioned.No U.S. importer yet.