Domäne Wachau Smaragd Ried Achleiten Riesling 2019

Achleiten is a legendary vineyard in the Wachau village of Weissenkirchen. It is famous for wines with inimitable mineral character. Dry stone walls dating back to the 12th century, which mount the steep slopes with their silicate-rich soil, dominate this vineyard’s landscape. In the upper terraces, gneiss is the prevailing subsoil, the lower terraces are dominated by dark, schistous amphibolites. Tasting Note: A gentle hint of ripe tangerine peel immediately hits the nose. With more air, this unfolds to include notions of ripe blood orange and Mandarin, too. The palate comes in with steely concentration that speaks as much of absolute freshness as of glorious ripeness. The flavors are pristine, contoured by immense raciness. There is something steely and stony at the very core that radiates utter freshness. Drink by 2050. ANNE KREBIEHL MW Wine Enthusiast