237. Reiner Probst, Spätburgunder Achkarrer Schlossberg Kaiserstuhl Auslese Trocken, 2001

€21.50; 14%

When I opened this, I remembered why I’d picked up a bottle at the cave. Limpid, mid-garnet with a medium-width brick rim. Intense, bright strawberry nose, licked with coconut, milk chocolate and vanilla, and with the odd touch of herb and mushroom. Silky tannin and moderate acidity. Smooth, medium-bodied red cherry and strawberry flavours, with cocoa notes to finish. A notable touch of sweetness on the palate too – alcohol, or some residual sugar from reaching Auslese status. That a Pinot Noir should make Auslese ripeness and stay in balance is quite remarkable, since no Chaptalisation is allowed! Very nice.