Rudi Pichler Riesling Achleiten Smaragd 2005

Poured from magnum, this 2005 Achleiten Smaragd has aged beautifully. The nose is arrestingly clean — no small feat in a botrytis year — with chamomile and a bright citrus lift that keep expanding in the glass. On the palate, the wine has made its textural transition gracefully: balm-like and richly concentrated, yet utterly straight, with just a trace of beeswax folded into the core. The finish is crisp and zesty, grapefruit pith shining through with impressive length and persistence. A standout from a tricky vintage.