WTN: 08 Hirtzberger and 82 Produttori

Fun dinner last night with friends. Began unwinding with 2008 Hirtzberger Hochrain Riesling Smaragd. Pure elegant confident evolved riesling. Such class in a glass! (Compared to recent 08 Rotes Tor GV which gives more spunky GV funk)


At the table we moved to 1982 Produttori del Barbaresco Rabajà. Double-decanted about 7 hours prior to dinner and it was just perfect. Evolved and vibrant at the same time. Flavors and aromas not yet incredibly complex or diverse, but still plenty of action to interest our noses and mouths. And a lovely match with risotto (pumpkin and plain) accompanied by roasted chestnuts and drizzled with saba. Didn't suck with the roasted oyster mushrooms either.

A success all around!

[David M. Bueker]

Now that sounds great.

I have finally found a source for Hirtzberger again, but the current pricing is daunting.

Very nice Rahsaan. Austria used to get great shelf coverage here in AB but times are a-changing alas!

I have finally found a source for Hirtzberger again, but the current pricing is daunting.

Indeed, I happened to come across a good source of slightly-aged Hirtzberger at fair prices. So I pounced!