Saturday afternoon/night TNs: Two Austrian rieslings

WINE TALK
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So I’m flying solo today, and I needed to decide what wines go well with leftovers [wink.gif] . Plus, I had to get the taste of that crappy Hirtzberger GV out of my mouth, so I decided it was only appropriate for me to tap the same country again to make amends (and I’m thinking this might be just the ticket in case I decide on having another turkey sangweech for dinner!). First up, the:

2006 Nigl Riesling Kremsleiten

Light yellow-white in the glass, with a nose that intermingles a hint of petrol with some ripe white fruit cocktail. On the palate, medium- to full-bodied in feel, somewhat unctuous, sweet, ripe fruit front & center, with no heat at all on the lengthy finish. I hope I’m not misquoting him here, but I seem to recall David Schildknecht having some initial reservations about this wine on release due to it’s balance and alcohol (according to the label, 14.5%). That said, I’ve had this wine about six or so times since release, and the last few times I’ve tried it I find that it really has come together well. Quite tasty at this time, but I see no reason why it can’t carry on for another five or so years, although I doubt it will last that long in my cellar.

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Next up, the:

2004 Hirsch Riesling Gaisberg

Similar in color to the Nigl, maybe a touch more on the yellow/golden side of the spectrum. The first thing one notes on the nose is petrol - I know this tends to be a divisive trait for some tasters, but to me it is one of the hallmarks of fine riesling. In fact this nose is really all about non-fruit - petrol, minerals & rocks all clamoring for attention. On the palate, crisp granny smith apple, some soil, maybe a hint of pineapple - lip-smackingly good, IMO. As I mentioned last night, if in my experience 2000 is the worst vintage for Austrian wines in recent memory, then I think 2004 must be the most unheralded, as I find that the wines have aged quite nicely since release, and even those wines that were initially a tad thin & acidic have filled out quite nicely. 13% alcohol according to the label, and I should note that both wines tonight were screwcapped.