2022 Franz Hirtzberger Rotes Tor Gruner Veltliner Smaragd [D94][JS94][V92]

Producer: Franz Hirtzberger 
Region: Wachau, Austria  
Varietal: Gruner Veltliner 
Year: 2022 

Decanter, 94 Points 

"A benchmark smargard Grüner with outstanding mineral structure supporting expressive ripe pear, clementine jam, white peach and honey flavours, finely lined with iodine and peppery notes. With a robust elegance, this is drinking so well now but will age beautifully for two decades." 

James Suckling, 94 Points 

"Generous tropical fruit aromas - plenty of King Alphonso mango and ripe pineapple - fill out this rich, creamy and full-bodied gruner veltliner. With a little aeration the white pepper character expands considerably. The acidity isn’t prominent in this picture, but it is there, and together with the fine tannins, keeps this straight and balanced." 

Vinous, 92 Points 

"The 2022 Grüner Veltliner Rotes Tor Smaragd was picked from sites across Spitz on weathered gneiss soils, without any loess. On the nose, it mixes white miso with ripe pear and a vestige of green citrus. The palate is immediately taut, despite the smooth, fluid ripeness, yet this citrus edge tingles slightly, adding prickle to the generous, rounded flow. Finishing with bright freshness, this possesses beautiful depth, concentration and definition—high ripeness channeled into a tight package." 

Alcohol: 13% 

*Price and availability in store may vary. Vintage date may differ from pictured.