WTN: 2004 Hiedler Gruner Veltliner

[Jenise]

2004 Hiedler Gruner Veltliner, Kamptal, Austria
Surprisingly yellow for a gruner (do they darken quickly with age, anyone?), with rich fruit topped by a really gorgeous peppery spice on the nose. Acid's fine, but not ample, and there's the musty background aroma particular to aging minerally whites and not unlike many older chablis I've had. Very good, but to my tastes at peak and I wouldn't be tempted to hold any remaining bottles.

[David M. Bueker]

Sounds like his basic bottling & if so then I would advise drinking up as well.

[Jenise]

Paid $22, and there are no special village/vineyard designations indicated. That, I presume, equals basic?

It didn't say Loess on front? I think that's the basic bottling, though it usually is more like $10-15. There are other bottlings that tend to be $20+.

I like Hiedler, though usually only buy the Loess and drink it young (probably too young)

[David M. Bueker]

Hmm...lots of Hiedler bottlings. Well drink up is never a bad idea.

[Jenise]

It didn't say Loess on front? I think that's the basic bottling, though it usually is more like $10-15. There are other bottlings that tend to be $20+.

I like Hiedler, though usually only buy the Loess and drink it young (probably too young)

No Loess. Thal, but "Thal 2004" as if 'thal' means 'vintage'. Otherwise, nothing.

Thal is the name of the bottling (I think it's a site/vineyard, but couldn't swear to it). It's a step above the Loess, and typically sells for about $20. Thanks for note.

[David M. Bueker]

Thal is the one I usually buy. The Novemberlesse is really good, but pricier. They also do a Maximum, but I rarely see it anymore. I still have a lone bottle of the 1997 though.