2021 Rudi Pichler Riesling Smaragd Achleithen, Wachau

Clear, bright stone-fruit spice with ripe and concentrated mirabelle aromas open Rudi Pichler's 2021 Ried Achleithen Riesling Smaragd. Very clear and classic, this is the most attractive white of the family estate this year, combining iodine rock notes with ripe fruit notes. On the palate, it's powerful, rich and intense but also salty, fine and long. A remarkable, age-worthy Riesling from Achleithen that will take its time. Tasted at Schloss Dürnstein, Wachau, in September 2022.

95 points SR robertparker.com

This Wachau dry riesling masterpiece is still extremely youthful, so it is anything but a no-brainer. But if you are patient, notes of white peach, lemon balm and a slew of wild herbs emerge. Super-precise and super-focused on the extremely concentrated palate, the enormous energy almost all held in reserve for a journey to the stars that’s just beginning. Enormously long and refined crushed-stone finish. Drink or hold.

99 points jamessuckling.com