2013 Franz Hirtzberger Riesling Singerriedel Smaragd

Ripe, prominently pit-tinged apricot is as usual the most obvious element to this bottling. Palpable density is allied to oily richness and surprising plushness on an expansive palate. But lest anyone imagine that this wine lacks potential energy, it practically explodes on a finish that adds smoky black tea, pungent lemon oil, juicy apple and fascinatingly crystalline stony matter to the dominant apricot and apricot kernel flavors. As usual, look to the corresponding Hochrain if clarity and interactive complexity is your thing--or, in my experience, if you're after a longer-aging Riesling. But for richness, layered complexity and sheer force, Singerriedel is as usual formidable.