Alzinger Riesling Smaragd Loibenberg 2016

From Rauereck, the wind-battered upper reaches of Loibenberg, this 2016 shows a cooler, more herbaceous character than most wines from the site, a direct reflection of both elevation and a slow, cold harvest that let fruit hang without tipping into excess. Crunchy apple and honeydew melon, strongly rind-inflected, are threaded with mint and fennel. The palate is polished and precise, with Szechuan pepper, sizzling lime zest and mineral salts driving a finish that stays vivid and mouthwatering to the very end. Taut, focused and genuinely refreshing for a Smaragd. Drinking well now and through 2032.