Pichler, F.X. - Grüner Veltliner Smaragd M 2019

JAMES SUCKLING: "Very full-bodied with Grand Cru Burgundy-like personality, but there’s still only a hint of exotic fruit. The tannin-mineral-acidity structure is really extraordinary, because not only does it give the wine such sharp contours, but it also provides a very clean, intense finish"

FALSTAFF: "Helles Gelbgrün, Silberreflexe. Frische Orangenzesten, Wiesenkräuter, dunkle Mineralität, ein Hauch von Blütenhonig, reife gelbe Tropenfrucht unterlegt. Saftig, feine Fruchtsüße, seidige Textur, dezenter Säurebogen, gelbe Apfelfrucht, mineralischer Nachhall, bereits gut entwickelt, ein komplexer, feinwürziger Speisenbegleiter."

THE WINE ADVOCATE: "The 2019 Grüner Veltliner Smaragd M is from Lucas Pichler's top Veltliner sites (alone, the Loibenberg makes 50% of the assemblage, but there is also fruit from the Kollmütz and the Mühlpoint), predominantly vinified in oak, but with a monthly bâtonnage to manage the higher alcohol. It has an intense citrus color and opens with a deep, intense and fresh, finely mineral and lemony, refreshingly flinty bouquet with just a very attractive hint of toast and oak. Fine and juicy on the palate, this is a full-bodied, rich, intense, dry and elegant M with a lovely roundness but also mineral tension and this fascinating crystalline acidity that lifts the candied pineapple aromas and the alcohol on the aftertaste. This is a generous but elegant M that has the body and texture of a Rhône wine but the sharp and crystalline acidity of the Wachau. A great wine to enjoy over many years. 14.5% alcohol."

WEINWISSER: "Dichte Aromen mit süßer Frucht unterlegt, Kuchen, ein Hauch Vanille und Kakao schwingen mit, offenherzig und doch mit viel innerer Spannung und Druck, mit Wärme ummantelnd und dabei immer knusprig und im langen Abgang mit ungestümer Salzigkeit. In jeder Phase eine harmonische Liaison von Delikatesse und manierlicher Opulenz. Mit beeindruckender Präsenz."