Kaltern

Lagrein Classico 2022

88

This heavily spiced Lagrein leaps out of the glass with aromas of black plum, tobacco, clove, white pepper and anise. The lush palate yields flavors of game, forest floor and macerated black cherries with a hint of cinnamon on the rounded finish.

Kaltern

Lagrein Classico 2021

89

Showing dark concentration and velvety richness, the Cantina Kaltern 2021 Alto Adige Lagrein offers a slightly more accessible interpretation of this much-beloved native grape. This wine is void of the bitterness and rawness that can sometimes characterize this grape. Instead, it offers smoothness and soft tannins with blackberry, cherry and dark plum. Aging is mostly in stainless steel with a little botte grand and barrique. It's poised for immediate drinking. This is an ample 110,000-bottle production.

Kaltern

Lagrein Classico 2019

89

The 2019 Kellerei Kaltern Lagrein coats the glass with an inky purple color. An alluring bouquet of wild berries, crushed violets, peppery herbs and black olive lifts from within. Silky textures are offset by juicy acids with saturating red and black berries infused by salty minerals and spice, leaving grippy tannins in their wake. There’s also an undeniable elegance here to match its noble structure. While the 2019 is already enjoyable today, I’m curious to see what a few years of cellaring might accomplish