2012 St. Michael-Eppan, Pinot Bianco “Schulthauser” Alto Adige, Italy.
The latest Kellereigonossenschaft St. Michael Weissburgunder is stunning example of this varietal, this is exceptional Pinot Blanc, and a wonderful white wine to enjoy over the next 3 to 5 years with expressive fruit, mineral and elegant drive, not often found in Pinot Blanc. St. Michael-Eppan’s latest set of wines are clearly a huge step up in terms of style, focus and commitment and should not be missed if you like Italian Dolomite wines, their Pinot Grigio and Riesling wines are lovely as well, but this Pinot Blanc really stands out in this vintage and merits a special bit of attention, it is taste of mountain heaven with lovely peach, apple and soft citrus fruits, honeyed elements, subtle roundness and good mineral notes all play key roles here along with fresh integrated acidity that drives the wine with being stark or severe making for a medium body and graceful in total. Hints of tangerine, wet stones and verbena linger in the glass and give added complexity in this wonderful effort, this is again impressive stuff from St. Michael-Eppan, it is great to see such passion and quality again in these wines.
($26 Est.) 91 Points, grapelive
avail at www.sfwtc.com