Now it is time for Barolo and some Spätburgunder - both high end.

Although it is not the Riserva, the Giacomo Borgogno 1996 Barolo Classico appears incredibly youthful and fresh. The wine tastes like a classic Barolo, featuring cherry, blossom, and herbal notes, full body, good structure, medium length, phenolic nuances, and a youthful freshness. 17.8/20 points.

The Aldo Conterno 2009 Barolo Romirasco initially displays rosehip and abundant violet notes; the typical rosewood characteristics emerge only after extended aeration. The wine offers full body, density, structure, and balance, along with notes of tar; it is polished yet possesses a slight animal character. 18.5/20 points.

The Knipser 2013 Spätburgunder RdP ranks among Germany's finest Pinot Noirs. It exhibits toasted barrique and mocha notes, cherry, blossom elements, and buttery nuances, alongside medium-to-full body, perfect balance, density, and complexity. Decanting for an extended period is highly recommended. 19.5/20 points.

The Schlossgut Diel 2016 Spätburgunder Cuvée Caroline features cherry and a touch of toast, full body, and fine structure - thanks to ample tannins - as well as balance and a long finish. The wine is mineral-driven and benefits from aeration. 18.8/20 points.

For comparison with the RdP, we need a benchmark: The Friedrich Becker 2018 Heydenreich Pinot Noir displays notes of plaka, cherry, sweet cherry, tar, and a hint of animal character; it is full-bodied, structured, and long-finishing, as well as dense, complex, and balanced. 19.5/20 points. Thus, it ties with the RdP.