1994 F.X. Pichler Riesling Loibner Steinertal Smaragd

The 1994 Riesling Smaragd Steinertal is a dry Trocken-styled wine that reached 13% natural alcohol. Production was minuscule as only 25 cases are available in the United States. The wine is unquestionably expensive, but given Pichler's tiny yields of 25-30 hectoliters per hectare, and his minimal interventionalistic wine making philosophy, it is not surprising that he is considered to be a genius. The wine displays intense, cherry-like fruit, combined with distinctive terroir characteristics. Full, powerful, and intense, with a dry finish, this is a spectacular expression of Riesling that should age effortlessly for a decade. (P,*)Pichler is one of Austria's most renowned wine makers and it is easy to understand the esteem in which he is held. Amazingly, importer Theise claims he still does not have enough leverage to buy Pichler's "best" cuvees. Importer: a Terry Theise Selection, Milton S. Kronheim & Co., Jessup, MD; tel. (410) 724-3369