The Kopfensteiner Blaufränkisch Saybritz DAC Reserve 2011, crafted by Weingut Kopfensteiner in Eisenberg, Burgenland, showcases the finesse of the Saybritz vineyard’s green schist and loam soils. Thomas and Astrid Kopfensteiner, leading this family estate since the 1990s, focus on Blaufränkisch, Austria’s noble red grape, celebrated for its elegance and structure. The 2011 vintage benefited from Eisenberg’s warm, sunny days and cool nights, producing grapes with concentrated flavors and balanced acidity. Hand-harvested from low-yielding old vines, the grapes underwent spontaneous fermentation and extended maceration, followed by 20 months in used barriques to enhance complexity without overpowering the fruit. Pouring a vibrant ruby with garnet hues, the wine offers a bouquet of blackberry, cassis, and dark cherry, interwoven with herbal notes of rosemary, black pepper, and a distinct iron-like minerality reflective of Eisenberg’s DAC terroir. Subtle oak imparts hints of vanilla and spice. On the palate, it’s medium-bodied with refined tannins, bright acidity (around 5.6 g/L), and a concentrated fruit core. Nuances of graphite, dark chocolate, and dried herbs emerge, leading to a long, structured finish. Kopfensteiner’s minimal-intervention approach—organic farming, native yeasts—ensures a pure expression of Saybritz. Perfect with roasted meats or mature cheeses, this limited-production reserve (1,500 bottles) is at its peak but can evolve through 2026, gaining leather and truffle notes. A testament to Eisenberg’s rise as a premier Blaufränkisch region.