2016 Willi Bründlmayer Riesling Zöbinger Heiligenstein Alte Reben

The parcel of now 45-to-70-year-old vines that has supplied this separate bottling at Bründlmayer for nearly a quarter century demonstrates in this vintage an extra dimensions of floral allure, mineral intrigue and overall elegance vis-Ã -vis its two sibling Heiligenstein bottlings. Scents of buddleia and peony mingle with intimations of the apple and honeydew melon that then inform a luscious, glossy palate. The finish here introduces elusive stoniness and ore-like undertones. For now, I don?t find quite the clarity or dynamic exhibited by this vintage?s very best Austrian Rieslings, but those virtues have time and again emerged from this old-vines bottling with cellaring. Review Date: November 2015

Fermented in stainless steel but finished and aged in a 2,500-liter oak cask from Schneckenleithner, the 2016 Ried Zöbinger Heiligenstein 1ÖTW Riesling Alte Reben is from 45- to 90-year-old vines and opens with a super clear, deep and mineral nose with concentrated lemon aromas and crushed stone flavors. A bit of Wiebelsberg (Alsace) and Pechstein (Pfalz) here. On the palate, this is a rich, dense, highly complex, bone dry, piquant and mineral Riesling that is provided with very fine tannins and a very long, tension-filled finish. Tasted as a sample in late June 2017. Review Date: August 2017