WTN: Hirsch Gaisberg Riesling September 2002 -WOW!

This one has been staring at me for some time -so, instead of enduring the taunting, I've gone and opened it. It's one of the freshest Rieslings I've had in a while and there is still plenty of tongue tingling effervescence. The Gaisberg vineyard is mica and slate and behind the pineapple and lemon fruit, there is a sharp steeliness that I can only describe as drinking a chain-saw (Kettensäge! ). The acidity is marathonic. This is for me a poster-boy for Austrian Riesling. It is as mineral as most MSR you're likely to drink, but bone dry (I rather like my MSR with a little RS) and less delicate, less floral and more primal. To me, it is not unlike taking a heavier Alsatian Riesling (with exotic fruit), and running it through a pencil sharpener. I love it. 13% Alc. I don't remember what I paid, but it wasn't enough.



Prost!
Bill

[Jenise]

I don't remember what I paid, but it wasn't enough.

Great statement. And how interesting that this wine was drinking so well, I thought the 02s were shut down now.

And how interesting that this wine was drinking so well, I thought the 02s were shut down now.

I was a little concerned about that myself -'02 in Lower Austria wasn't a 'big fruit' vintage to begin with - but if anything, I'd say it has yet to close down. I hope I can find more for the longer term. Gaisberg has great ageing potential.


Happy New Year!
Bill

I don't remember what I paid, but it wasn't enough.

But Bill, do you remember where you got it? And, is there any more?

JFTMOR: Was this bottle bark cork stoppered or already screw-capped?

[David M. Bueker]

My September 2002s are screw capped. So are the Aprils.

JFTMOR: Was this bottle bark cork stoppered or already screw-capped?

It was indeed screw-capped. Is Hirsch now going over to Vino-Lok?



Prost!
Bill

[David M. Bueker]

Still screw cap for 2005. No word on any change.

Hisch will remain 100% screwcap.

Btw: 2002 September was sooo much better than 2002 April right from the beginning, because the wine had enough time to be really ready; a fact Hannes Hirsch freely admitts when you ask him.

I guess today this difference should have evened out.