Rudi Pichler Riesling Smaragd Terrassen 2015

Tart apple and lime cut through upfront, much like the Federspiel from this estate, but the Terrassen steps up with a fuller, more succulent mid-palate and a finish that turns juicy before a pip-like bite takes over. Cooling notes of mint and pennyroyal add character, though they also underscore a trace of phenolic grip that feels slightly out of place for a 2015 Wachau Smaragd, unexpected from Pichler in a vintage that generally delivered complete ripeness.