This is our first offer ever from Rudi Pichler, and we are kicking it off with a fantasticGrüner Veltliner from some very steep terraced vineyards in Austria. Rudi Pichler's family has been producing wine in Austria's Wachau region since 1731, with vineyards spanning approximately 15 hectares, primarily on very steep terraced slopes, ideal for cultivating Grüner Veltliner. The fruit for this cuvee comes from an array of small sites with old vines, lending lots of extra complexity to make a very expressive mineral-driven wine with subtle fruit, spice, and wonderful energy and elegance. The 2022 vintage benefited from a warm growing season, resulting in concentrated fruit and balanced acidity, which resulted in one of the best examples of the Gruner Veltliner here ever. The winemaking style is meticulous, involving hand-harvesting and careful selection of grapes, followed by fermentation in stainless steel to preserve the varietal's characteristic freshness and minerality. The wine is classified as Smaragd, indicating its high quality and potential for aging, and this is a very dry yet fantastic example perfect for those who love this varietal but is also a great starting point for those who haven't tried much Gruner.

James Suckling 94 points! " Complex nose of wild herbs, green and white pepper with a pronounced savory note. Medium- to full-bodied with lots of structure and excellent concentration, this powers its way across the palate without any feeling of heaviness. Long, bold finish with plenty of wild herb complexity. A cuvee of seven steep terraced vineyard sites. Drink or hold."

Vinous (Anne Krebiehl) 92 points! "The 2022 Grüner Veltliner Smaragd Terrassen is a blend of top sites in Wösendorf and Joching, some sandy, and some on mica schist, with minimal loess. The nose opens with a white miso savoriness blended with fresh green pear flesh. A crushed sage and yeast notion coats the mouth and presents a lovely web of fine, veil-like phenolics, finishing super-savory, salty and peppery. (Bone-dry)"