2011 J. Heinrich, Blaufrankisch, Deutschkreutz Burgenland, Austria.
Heinrich’s fresh and delightful Blaufrankisch from Burgenland is a winner for quality and price and is a good starting point to explore this varietal, especially as this wine shows the grape in such a pure style without oak or any funk. The last few vintages of J. Heinrich Blaufrankisch have been fun and easy wines and the 2011 is much the same, but with a bit more acidity and zest, though it should mellow and fill out a touch in the coming months, but it is a wine that should be enjoyed young with vibrant fruit and spice showing now. The nose has hints of flowers, spice and olive notes with dark fruits and a hint of bell pepper, it reminds me a little of a Loire Cab Franc, but darker and smoother without being heavy. The palate has silky black cherry, plum and loganberry, touches of earth, mineral and herbs add a bit of interest as well. This wine is not the most complex of Blaufrankisch examples, but is very nice and drinks well. Austria’s signature red grape is getting a fair amount of attention these days, but it still remains somewhat of a fetish wine and has not gained a mainstream following in the States as of yet, though it is worth checking out.
($16 Est.) 90 Points, grapelive