2006 Rudi Pichler Riesling Weissenkirchner Achleiten Smaragd

The Pichler 2006 Riesling Smaragd Achleiten – picked November 5, which was near the end of his harvest – reveals the diversity and layering of floral, pit fruits, berries, herbal, floral, and mineral flavors that one expects of this great site. Cassis, peach, peach pit, and iris are especially prominent. Glossy, faintly oily, and rich, this still keeps its refreshment intact right through to a finish of tactile stoniness and bitter iodine, herbs and flowers. It has 13.5% alcohol and Pichler opines that he is very happy he didn’t push his luck and harvest it any later. Plan on enjoying it anytime over the next 7-9 years. Rudi Pichler picked and vinified with his usual sensitivity, thereby achieving a surprisingly broad stylistic range, even though the total length of harvest was unusually short. Flowering here just escaped the period of intense June heat that led to a reduced crop at most Wachau addresses. Importer: Vin Divino, Chicago, IL; tel. (773) 334-6700