2015 Weingut Nigl, Gruner Veltliner, Senftenberger Piri, Kremstal Auistria.
The warm vintage shines through here without taking anything away from the electric energy and bright mineral character in Nigl’s lovely and stony Gruner Senftenberger from Kremstal not far from the Danube west of Vienna. These slopes provide for some of the best values in dry white wines in Europe as well as some of the most intriguing, I have always been a big fan of Nigl and usually opt for the basic light entry level offering, but this Senftenberger is so good and almost exotic in nature that I could not resist. After an amazing year in 2013, Austria had a slight slump with the 2014 vintage with wines that just didn’t reach the expected highs, but wow, you got to love the juicy and forward qualities of these 2015’s that have an extra depth and density that really sets them apart. This 2015 Nigl Senftenberger starts with vibrant citrus and white flowers, tropical notes, salty stones and a hint of minty Asian herbs as well and a touch of almond oil. This vital and vigorous white unloads a forceful rush of flavors on the palate with nice intensity and medium body, a bit richer and less severe than the sublime 2013’s, but more pleasing and generous in profile with white peach, lemon/lime, a hint of quince and mango with tangy crispness and subtle tart finish that is mouth filling, but mouth wateringly dry and refreshing. This steely Gruner is really impressive and should be explored with cuisine, drink this over the next 3 to 5 years, though there is no reason to wait!
($30 Est.) 93 Points, grapelive