FX Pichler Gruner Veltliner Ried Liebenberg Smaragd 2018 (750ML)

96 WE / 94 JS / 92 WA

Dried moss, warm stone, ripe russet pear and a gorgeous pithy citrus note spell concentration on the nose already. The palate then homes in on the zesty, concentrated core of savoriness: that salty, yeasty, zesty, peppery heart from which pulsating energy emanates. This is bold, vivid, energetic and warm. The finish rounds these notions out with its generous fruit ripeness, but there is no denying that this is bold, full and daring. Drink 2030–2045. Anne Krebiehl MW – Wine Enthusiast

Tons of pear tart, mango dessert, earl-grey tea, orange marmalade, white pepper and baked Alaska here. Full-bodied and concentrated on the palate with a gyclerol-like texture and lots of ripe-fruit character. The acidity takes on a direct but subtle persona. Drink now or hold. James Suckling

From a warm, very steep, southwest-facing vineyard with some 60+-year-old vines on calcareous soil with schist elements, the 2018 Ried Liebenberg Grüner Veltliner Smaragd is dark and flinty on the coolish and stony nose. Round and elegant on the palate, this is, however, a pretty rich and fruity Liebenberg with some bitters on the finish. Quite alcoholic for my taste. Bottled in August 2019 and tasted at the domain in September.