Rudi Pichler Grüner Veltliner Auslese Achleiten 2015

Born from botrytized berries selected alongside those destined for Pichler's Achleiten Smaragd, this was still aging in tank when tasted in June 2016. Pear, quince and apricot carry an enticing undercurrent of white truffle, lush and expansive, with a polished texture and a finish that trails off with the faintest sweetness. What sets it apart is the vivid, almost infectious juiciness, lifted further by smoke and white pepper accents that give the finish genuine energy. For a 2015 Auslese, that kind of animation is genuinely unexpected. Alcohol nudges toward 14.5%, yet elegance and drinkability remain fully intact.