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F.X. Pichler - Riesling Smaragd Kellerberg RR 2018 (1.5L)

F.X. Pichler Description

The Kellerberg is an internationally critically acclaimed vineyard site par excellence. This vineyard has steep inclines and barren bedrock terraces. It faces due south to south-east and forms an outlet of a tributary valley with an exceptional microclimate. The Dürnsteiner Kellerberg is blessed with early morning sunshine, with much of the site profiting from much-needed shade from the early afternoon rays during the summer months. The latter has a huge benefit on drawing out the ripening of the grapes. At night, cool air currents from the surrounding woodlands help to retain aromatic freshness and provide complex texture and finely nuanced minerality, with tropical and seductive aromas. In autumn, diurnal temperature differences between warm days and cool nights are a significant factor during maturation process and ensure that the grapes retain their aromas.

The Kellerberg takes its name from the Baroque “Kellerschlössl”, the landmark of Dürnstein (constructed according to plans made by Jakob Prandtauer between 1714 and 1719). Hence the vineyard’s namesake is comparatively young (1787) and was allegedly introduced as a collective name for an extended number of smaller vineyards.

The Kellerberg is made up of Gföhler gneiss, a metamorphic bedrock formed from a granite-like parent rock (plutonite). Due to its southeast orientation, this prized vineyard site was historically protected from prevailing winds during the Ice Ages, resulting in deeper pockets of fine loess sediment. Erosion on the slope has naturally allowed the Ice Age sediment to integrate with Gföhler gneiss deposits, thus giving the Kellerberg its rich and bold wine styles.

James Suckling: 97 Points

 A striking wine that has such intensity, length and complexity, yet somehow manages to deliver a very elegant, pure and focused style. Aromas of ripe stone fruit, white flowers, spice and freshly picked herbs lead to a palate that has a vivid stream of minerals, swathed in ripe peaches and mangoes and coursing through the finish. Impressive in every respect. Drink or hold.

Wine Enthusiast: 96 Points

A beautifully lifted note of kumquat and Mandarin orange sets an aromatic citrus focus on the nose. This is borne out immediately on the palate that seems to drip with zesty Mandarin orange and edgier tangerine. This tingles like pared citrus peel, emanating freshness and aroma around a central seam of freshness and utter concentration. There is an underlying compactness, something very solid, driven and totally alive at its very core. You have no choice but to submit to this citric drive. Wow. Drink 2025–2045. Anne Kriebel MW

Decanter: 96 Points

The nose marries apple, apricot and tropical fruit with an impressive stoniness. It’s powerful but not overbearing, its creaminess cut by an underlying minerality. Very concentrated and imposing – enjoy now for astonishing primary fruit or, better, wait for its full potential to be realised. Firm balance and a long, stony finish. The Steinertal Smaragd is almost equally magnificent. Drinking Window 2021 - 2038 (SB)

 
WE
96
DEC
96
JS
97

Price: $195.00

In Mixed Case: $165.75

Quantity Available: 1
Producer F.X. Pichler
Country Austria
Region Wachau
Varietal Riesling
Vintage 2018
Sku 02767
Size 1.5L
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