Alzinger Riesling Smaragd Hollerin 2016

Hollerin shows an unexpected freshness here. The nose leads with elderflower, fresh mint and basil woven through apple, apricot and lime, aromatic and cooling, with a herb-garden lift. On the palate the texture is full and almost oily, but a firm backbone and vivid mineral salinity keep it from feeling heavy. Huckleberry and juniper add a pleasantly piquant edge on the finish, which is pithy and persistent, underpinned by a mouthwatering dose of mineral salts and plenty of primary fruit. Alzinger noted some surprise at the brightness and salinity himself, qualities not typically associated with this vineyard, and they do give the wine a distinctive, invigorating character.