The 2004 Blaufrankisch Neckenmarkt Alte Reben has more than lived up to the billing I gave it in Issue 166. Black fruits, black tea, sandalwood, and diverse flowers make for an alluring aromatic display. Juicy black fruit intensity on the palate is allied to fine tannins, a silken texture, and terrific depth of clean, raw meat and mineral (salt, graphite, chalk) suggestions. Truly palate-staining and thought-provoking in its finishing intensity and complexity, this beauty - among the handful of finest Austrian red wines in my dozen years of experience - should reward at least 7-10 years of cellaring. Amazingly, last I checked, there were still some remaining stocks in the United States.Velich's 2006 reds look to be at least as successful as his 2004s, but I shall report on them only as a group, after all have been bottled. His 2005 Blaufrankisch collection testifies to the quality that was possible in a rain-plagued vintage, if one had well-drained and -ventilated soils, was prepared to wait on this late-ripening variety, and exercised stringent selection and impeccable vinification. All of the wines weighed in at under 13% alcohol (a few lots were lightly chaptalized) but do not taste deficient in ripeness.Importer: Winemonger, Los Angeles, CA; www.winemonger.com.