Winzer Krems Grüner Veltliner Sandgrube 13 Orange

This wine is a medium amber. On the nose, tomato leaf, iodine, and saline. On the palate, some of that same herbasiciousness that goes with the tomato leaf, with some bell pepper, a little nectarine, and ginger. The mouthfeel is oily, silky and full bodied. The finish is long. I have to admit, this is my first orange wine. I usually adore Gruners, but I am having a hard time with this one... too herbaceous. Too... not what I have …

I had to buy this after discovering it was my highest-rated wine of the year - albeit just a retailer tasting sample, and it was the previous vintage. Was I being overgenerous? Warm gold colour. Complex aroma, tangy and creamy, with sweet pear. Good acidity, nice weight, juicy and slightly nutty. It drinks really well; it isn't too challenging nor is it boring; I'm not well acquainted with Austrian wine, this variety, or orange wine in general, but this is …