2016 F.X. Pichler Grüner Veltliner M Smaragd
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Tasting notes
Sourced half from Loibenberg along with fruit from Kellerberg and Liebenberg picked a week later, this is even more lush and forwardly fruity than the Pichlers’ other Grüner Veltliner Smaragde of its vintage. Muskmelon, mango and papaya are tinged with dark tobacco and Szechuan peppercorn for a luscious as well as smoky and faintly sizzling impression on the full, glossy palate. There is scant heat from the 14.2% alcohol, though the clinging finish is less multifaceted than that of the corresponding Steinertal or Kellerberg bottlings.
Critic scores
Stephan Reinhardt, Wine Advocate
Richard Hemming MW, jancisrobinson.com
More reviews and scores
Lovely fennel character on the palate, as well as fresh citrus and a touch of something riper too – pineapple, mango. Lovely smooth texture. (RH)
The 2016 Grüner Veltliner Smaragd M is sourced in the Loibenberg (50%), Kellerberg and Liebenberg and was picked very late, with ripe and over-ripe berries that give intense and concentrated fruit aromas. The M tries to extract the "Maximum" from Grüner Veltliner and was macerated for 24 hours before the juice was fermented in a newer 5,000-liter barrel from Franz Stockinger. On the palate, this is a full-bodied, ripe, rich, elegant, rather smooth and powerful but still piquant and salty Grüner Veltliner with firm but fine tannins and lingering fruit. This is a very different style compared to the crus from Lucas Pichler.
The 2016 Gruner Veltliner Smaragd M is sourced in the Loibenberg (50%), Kellerberg and Liebenberg and was picked very late, with ripe and over-ripe berries that give intense and concentrated fruit aromas. The M tries to extract the "Maximum" from Gruner Veltliner and was macerated for 24 hours before the juice was fermented in a newer 5,000-liter barrel from Franz Stockinger. On the palate, this is a full-bodied, ripe, rich, elegant, rather smooth and powerful but still piquant and salty Gruner Veltliner with firm but fine tannins and lingering fruit. This is a very different style compared to the crus from Lucas Pichler. Aug 2017, www.robertparker.com