Weingut Knoll Chardonnay Smaragd Loibner

Any time I open a Riesling or GV from a reputable producer, I wonder why I don’t open them more often. Great vintage, great Austrian producer. I really enjoy the differences between Alsatian Rieslings, German Rieslings and Austrian Rieslings, the latter normally being a bit more textural/full-bodied (and slightly elevated in ABV compared to the sweeter-style German Rieslings I enjoy). Pale yellow in the glass. White peach and a sweet lemon/lemongrass type of aromatic. Ripe stone fruits (more peach but …

Tasted/drank...

medium lemon colour, clear and shiny; excellent. nose: there are some smky notes plus fruit - peach, nectarine, apricot. some mineral flinty aromas; later citrus fruits - lemon and even orange; medium (+) intensity. taste: hifh acidity with a touch of R.S.; some round, ripe fruit - peach, apricot, ripe apples. Medium body. Long apricot finish - ripe. Serious but very lively riesling. Elegant and balanced.

Harmonious acid balance with a tiny tinge of citrus. Lightly floral nose. Palate has peach/stonefruit and lemon thyme. A pleasing aperitif wine with 13% alcohol. As a riesling, it is likely to please folks who normally would not gravitate toward riesling. Highly recommended as a white many will appreciate.

Typical Austrian style of Riesling, broader and fuller bodied than Mosel. But full of ripe peach, nectarines and almost a touch exotic lychee flavors. Racy acidity and some smokey notes. Slight bitterness. At first quite closed, almost tight. Three days after opening, it was best which shows how young it is. So rather for the long run, but will be lovely then.