1999 Grande Cuvée Nouvelle Vague TBA (Nummer 6)

Even if they are less numerous than his 15 alreadyx000D legendary 1995 TBAs, or the baker's dozen from 1998, Alois Kracher's 1999s neverthelessx000D represent another formidable achievement. Two thousand presented a greater winemaking challenge due to thex000D desiccated fruit, low acidity and a relative paucity of botrytis. Nevertheless, it is clear even beforex000D bottling - and the wines will receive a longer than usual elevage - thatx000D Kracher will have yet again turned in an impressive performance. An early taste of his 2001s suggestsx000D elegant, forward, very agreeable wines with an excellent balance of botrytizedx000D and fresh fruit elements, particularly for those lots that were picked soonx000D after the rapid onset of noble rot. These 2001s will not rival Kracher's TBAs of '95, '98 or '99 for sheerx000D concentration, but as for either charm or complexity, I would not wish to countx000D them out. Kracher's sweet winesx000D vinified in barrel are designated Nouvelle Vague, while those rendered entirelyx000D in tank are labelled Zwischen den Seen (between the lakes). (Vin Divino) Also recommended: 1999 #1 Zweigelt-Pinot Noir TBA Nouvelle Vague, 1999 #2 Traminer TBA Nouvelle Vague.