The 2012 Alto Adige Lagrein Riserva Abtei Muri pours from the bottle with a dark, impenetrable appearance. This is a dense and inky red wine that reflects the properties of the Lagrein grape that is known for its saturated hues. The natural tannins of the fruit are soft and yielding but there are some spicy oak tannins thanks to a 15-month period of barrique aging. The bouquet opens to dark cherry and blackberry preserves with subtle tones of cinnamon and bitter chocolate. Lagrein offers modest aging potential, but this more elaborate Riserva expression should continue a longer evolution than most.