2011 Weingut Knoll, Riesling, Ried Pfaffenberg Steiner, Wachau, Austria.
I was so thrilled to taste and enjoy this wine, I’ve always admired Knoll, and I haven’t had one of their wines in a long time, so I had a lot of expectations built up, and this 2011 did not disappoint, it is an absolutely gorgeous Riesling. Share over dinner, it really unfolded and showed wonderfully changing layers of complexity, this vibrant and dry white has fantastic energy and extract, and it should age great for another ten years. The 2011 Knoll Ried Pfaffenberg Steiner is a terroir driven example of top quality Austrian Riesling with poise, beautiful detail and graceful balance, there is depth, vigor and loads of intensity to enjoy and savor, there is bright citrus, spice, mineral and subtle tropical notes. The color is greenish and very pale, the nose is a mix of stones, a whiff of petrol, yellow roses and brine leading to a vivid palate of lime, white peach, apricot and melon along with hints of truffle, salt, grapefruit and wet rock. The body is medium weighted and taught, there is tangy/firm acidity and lots of sizzle, this wine still manages to feel smooth and generous in the mouth and there is a hidden depth and richness to be found when given time to open. This is very lovely, dazzling and stylish Riesling, drink from 2014 to 2026, this is all you can ask for in a dry Riesling and more!
($45 Est.) 95 Points, grapelive