2015 Weingut Nigl, Gruner Veltliner “Freiheit” Niederösterreich, Austria.
Nigel’s 2015 Freiheit Gruner is bright, fresh and steely crisp with light body and mineral charms, while not as exotic or extract filled like the 2013, it certainly surpasses the 2014 in pure quality and is a damn good drinker. Followers of Austrian wines are all trying to find the magic again after the highs of the amazing 2013 vintage, and while 2014 was terrible, it was a big let down in comparison, so the pressure was on when it was time to taste the 2015 wines, and expectations were sky high, so look for first reviews to be a bit flat, though the offerings are very good, it is a vintage to buy and enjoy, the wines have solid flavors and concentration with nice ripe tones, they should make for short and mid term agers as well, in some cases they get close to 2013’s, but there is nothing to hold you back from being very happy with them, especially Nigl’s base Gruner Veltliner Freiheit, this is a wonderfully focused and clear style with brisk acidity and zesty citrus layers, perfect for summer and everyday pleasures. The Nigl 2015 starts with lemon, white flowers almond oil and liquid mineral leading to a transparent palate of lime, white peach, light green apple and wet stones. This dry white come alive with food, while feeling slightly severe on it’s own with austere tangy character and traces of earthy loam. Not overly complex in it’s make up, it still holds your attention and does everything asked of it, drink over the next year or two, it has potential to gain a point with a little bottle time, but it is not supposed to be that serious, enjoy and quaff it up young.
($18 Est.) 90 Points, grapelive