The Alois Lageder 2017 Alto Adige Pinot Noir Krafuss opens to a lean ruby color and luminous intensity. The Krafuss vineyard is located on the St. Michele Appiano mountain at about 450 meters above sea level. The site is characterized by calcareous clay soils shaped by glaciers, and the vines are almost 30 years old. That's a good age for showing varietal depth and complexity. What stands out most here is the glorious intensity of the wine's wild berry and rose-like aromas. This was not an easy vintage, but this Pinot Noir emerges happily unscathed. Production is limited to 6,853 bottles of various formats.

The 2016 Alto Adige Pinot Noir Krafuss is extremely pure and true to the variety, with gorgeous aromas of wild berry, rose, bitter almond, mountain herb and candied orange peel. The intensity and the purity of the aromas are really something spectacular, and each swirl of the glass reveals a new, previously undiscovered side to the bouquet. In the mouth, this northern Italian Pinot Noir is delicate, fine and ever so silky and polished. The wine is aged in barrels of various sizes (225-liter, 300-liter and 500-liter) for 18 months. Some 6,600 bottles were made. This wine absolutely hits all the sweet spots in the palate.

Blessed with a natural ability to finesse and accentuate this delicate variety, the folks at Alois Lageder have crafted a beautiful wine in the 2015 Alto Adige Pinot Noir Krafuss. This is a balanced, delicate but forthcoming expression from a warm vintage with aromas of wild berry, fresh red rose and tangy spice. Krafuss is a wine of evident pedigree and class. Some 10,000 bottles were produced.

The estate name Tenutae Lageder seemed to have been removed from the front label starting with this vintage. The 2013 Alto Adige Pinot Noir Krafuss is a smooth and extremely elegant wine with a delicate approach that engages the senses. Starting with the bouquet, the wine reveals wild berry aromas with raspberry and red currant. Floral notes of violet with mossy earth or forest floor also appear. The wine is silky and lean in texture with a soothing and relaxed temperament.

The 2008 Pinot Noir Krafuss wafts from the glass with dried cherries, sweet herbs and crushed flowers. The 2008 shows off gorgeous inner perfume and lovely sensuality to match its feminine personality. This is a hugely appealing, juicy Pinot to enjoy over the next few years. Anticipated maturity: 2012-2016. Alois Lageder now has two distinct ranges. The Alois Lageder wines are made from purchased fruit, while the Tenutae Lageder wines are made from estate-owned vineyards, many of which are farmed biodynamically. Importer: Dalla Terra, Napa, CA; tel. (707) 259-5405