The 2005 Pinot Nero Krafuss is a beautiful Pinot Noir from Alto Adige. The wine possesses gorgeous inner perfume in its well-articulated varietal fruit, with exceptional length on the palate and silky, refined finish. Anticipated maturity: 2009-2015. This is by far the most impressive set of wines I have tasted from Alois Lageder, one of Alto Adige’s largest and best-known producers.Importer: Dalla Terra, Napa, CA; tel. (707) 259-5405

This excellent edition of Krafuss (an oak-aged Pinot Noir from Italy’s pioneering bio-dynamic winemaker) opens with vibrant aromas of small berries and toasted nut that emerge in a vertical and immediate manner. The intensity is wonderful and it’s so much fun to follow the wine’s ever-changing evolution in the glass. ——M.L.(11/1/2011)—— 92