2010 R. Pichler Weissenkirchner Achleithen Riesling Smaragd

2010 Rudi Pichler Weissenkirchner Achleithen Riesling Smaragd
Harvested from vineyard terraces with south-west exposure. Barren soil dominated by gneiss (emerged from granite) with very low calcium content. These are the roots of a puristic Riesling with great depth and a unique soil character which sustains across vintages in its core parts.
Rudi Pichler stands for authenticity. This is why his wines show vintage characteristics more clearly than others do.
Highly complex, refreshing and polarizing nose: cool aromatics reminiscent of lemons, grapefruit, wet rock, rain and snow contrasting warm notes of white tropical fruits, etheral smokiness and herbs. Extraordinary precision, tension, depth and concentration on the palate without being heavy at all.
Close your eyes and this wine will make you perceive a rock in 3D right in front of you. The super-complex acidity remains for minutes in your mouth delicately finishing with notes of lemons, pineapples and light oranges. I find this wine spectacular in its own right, you might love it even if you don't drink typical Wachau wines (normally being softer and heavier). - My personal rating: 94+/100.

Thank you for the note Rainer, I have some of these in the cellar - along with the Stenriegl, my only Austrian wines!

What are your thoughts about cellaring?

thanks

Andrew

Thank you for the note Rainer, I have some of these in the cellar - along with the Stenriegl, my only Austrian wines!

What are your thoughts about cellaring?

thanks

Andrew

Hi Andrew, you've obviously bought some of the most interesting whites from Austria.
Wines from Rudi Pichler do improve with cellaring. (if stored at cool temperatures, e.g. at +12°C/+54°F)
Based on my (limited) experience I'd expect bottles from great vintages (like 2010) to provide best enjoyment between 8 years and 18 years after bottling.
"Steinriegel" is from a soil dominated by calcium hence warmer in style and earlier approachable than "Achleithen".
I hope this helps

Best regards,
Rainer

Thanks Rainer,

I have tried the Steinriegl, it was more approachable and tropical than your description of the Achleithen. It sounds like I should expect that. Austrian sites and terroir are still foreign to me!

Thanks

Andrew