2016 FX Pichler Loibenberg Riesling Smaragd Wachau

It is easy to write about this wine again because the memory is still vivid: powerful; rich; edging; crunchy, fresh and ripe fruit; total and intense; lots of minerality, structure and texture. Setting-wise, the area is terraced, direct South facing and acclaimed as the Cru with the most diverse soil, hence the vast and wild taste. Nevertheless, this wine is unmistakably a Wanchau Smaragd (ripeness)and an FX Pichler(full expression). ABV balanced at 12.5%. About right to crack one bottle now.

High scores and consistent tastings, such as:

JS 96. Welcome to the riesling desert island! Super-ripe with a wealth of orange, a hint of mango aromas and a lot of power. Lovely freshness at the long, full finish. Better than 2018, but there's no hurry to drink this. (10/2017). Edited.

WE96. A faint, flinty touch of reduction still informs this wine's lifted citrus scents. A taut, textured structure on the palate sends zesty lemon flavours darting across the tongue. This still needs to open up, but all the ingredients for an explosive citrus party are here. It has concentration, freshness, fruit and potential. This may become smoother but will remain beautifully slender. Drink 2020–2035. (AK) (3/2018). Edited

WS94. A floral style, exhibiting lavender, passion fruit and apricot flavours, while the acidity cuts through the midpalate, making this firm and focused, leaving a minerally impression before the dry, mouthwatering finish takes over. A bit tight at the moment, but the components are there. Give this a few years. (Edited)

RP94. The 2016 Ried Loibenberg Riesling Smaragd is stunningly precise, cool and fresh on the nose, displaying mango, passion fruit and yellow nectarine flavours. On the palate, this is a full-bodied, piquant and concentrated Riesling with a tight structure, lovely grip and tension from healthy, crisp skins. This is a great Loibenberg that needs 5-7 years to shine. (SR) (8/2017). Edited.