Prager, Achleiten Riesling Smaragd, Wachau

Austere; Very dry; Noce but lacking depth

Medium-gold in the glass, with a beguiling and captivating (soaring even) nose of white flowers, mango, papaya, peach, and citrus, primarily lime. Broader and fatter palate presence compared to perhaps a Mosel wine, the flavors punched through but lacked a just bit of clarity; stone fruit shone through the most. The only detriment (clarity) if you can call it that, as the finish was still impressive and lengthy. Likely fully mature today but if cellared should easily last another decade …

Lighter color. The nose shows intense aromas of Lemon verbena, herbs, minerals, fresh wildflowers and hints of spice. This is medium bodied on the palate with outstanding concentration and very good class. The long finish features multidimensional fruit and a strong mineral element. A bit austere but laser focused.

Bit closed on day one. On day two there’s a lot more aromatic expression, of flowers, lavender, passionfruit, with a hint of green tea and pickled vegetables. It’s lifted, high-toned, which is what I’m trying to say with the pickled vegetables thing, there’s a slight sense of volatility giving it this sense of polish and fineness. Super mineral, flinty. Weight on the palate but it’s spread out, it’s even and coats the palate, then it’s cut by that preserved lemon/lime …

My favourite of the '17 Smaragd range, or maybe just the most ready to drink. I've been looking at Achleiten wines a lot recently, and tasting a lot of the grapes as I form a bigger picture of Prager's vineyard holdings and what makes this terroir special. Wines from this vineyard definitely have a recognisable personality unto their own which I have eluded to in previous tasting notes. This bottling perhaps best exemplifies the star-bright fruit and power in an …

Still young in color, with a fresh nose. This is more elegant than some of the other older Pragers I have had, showing a touch less fruit but overall very balanced and great first wine of the evening. Would be drinking up. A-

Light gold. This is the real deal. Herbal, sharp apple, mineral, white flowers, smoke, flint. Bright and airy. Palate has huge minerals and crushed stones - really focused. Salty, flowers. Steely line - really perfect palate. Peach pit burns into your palate. Painfully etched on finish. Nose - 5/6, Palate - 6/6, Finish - 5/6, Je Ne Sais Quoi - 1.5/2 = 17.5/20.

drinking well, but not sure there is the fruit here for the long haul based on this bottle - last one was better. B+

Fresh, clean and crisp. Has that great finish of an aged Austrian riesling, but with time to go. Really enjoyed it. A-

Awesome wine. Ready to drink, although could age for a long time, it seems. I like it now for the balance of fruit and minerals without any of the petrol tertiary characteristics.