The finest 2020s show a depth, elegance and inner calm that is remarkable, even if not super dramatic (of course) but tensioned enough for a long life in the bottle. A few 2020s are a bit lactic and lean, but the finest are dense and concentrated as well as tensioned and structured and driven by the particular terroir rather than anything else. Katharina Tinnacher has a superb collection of 2020s, as do the Tement and Wohlmuth families…
Ried FLAMBERG Sauvignon Blanc 2020 – 95 P.
From coral limestone, the 2020 Sauvignon Blanc Ried Flamberg GSTK opens with a pure yet intense and elegant nose with perfectly ripe fruit aromas intertwined with iodine notes of crushed stones and green tea. On the palate, this is a pure, refined and dense yet tensioned and saline Flamberg with refreshing acidity and persistent mineral grip on the finish. There is nice reduction and still a certain astringency. This is a great wine that needs time to develop.
Ried FLAMBERG Morillon 2020 – 94 P.
The 2020 Morillon Ried Flamberg GSTK opens with a deep, intense and concentrated yet still somewhat reductive and untamed bouquet of ripe fruits, crushed stones and a mix of oak and yeast. On the palate, this is a pure, very elegant and saline, finely tannic, firm and crunchy structured Chardonnay with concentration, grip and saline terroir expression. This is an impressive wine that is still on the road and will define over there years in the bottle.
Ried STEINBACH Sauvignon Blanc 2020 – Score: 93 P.
Ried STEINBACH Morillon 2020 – Score: 93 P.
Ried STEINBACH Weissburgunder 2020 – Score: 92+ P.
Ried FLAMBERG Sauvignon Blanc 2020 – Score: 98 P.
Welcome to the Styrian sauvignon blanc deep end! It’s really hard to describe the nose of this adequately, because yellow grapefruit, pineapple, yellow bell pepper, licorice and dried herbs are all woven into one breathtaking tapestry of aromas. Enormous concentration, energy and precision on the expansive palate, which tips the scales at just 12.5%. Incredibly long and finely nuanced, mineral finish.
Ried FLAMBERG Morillon 2020 – Score: 97 P.
Stunning nose of the whole spectrum of citrus fruits, plus notes of flint, licorice and toasted baguette. This Styrian chardonnay has stunning concentration and vitality, the acidity at the upper end of the grape’s range, but it is so beautifully integrated. Incredibly long, intensely chalky finish. From a high-altitude vineyard in the north of the region with coral limestone soil.
GAMLITZ Sauvignon Blanc 2021 – Score: 94 P.
Very impressive depth and elegance for a village wine. I could linger over the fine lemon-blossom and spring-meadow aromas for a long time, and I love the way the fine tannins support all of this without ever being a touch dominant. That gives the wine a texture like raw silk through the long finish.
TROCKENBEERENAUSLESE Welschriesling 2017 – Score: 98 P.
Ried WELLES Reserve 2017 – Score: 96 P.
Ried STEINBACH Weissburgunder 2020 – Score: 94 P.
Ried STEINBACH Morillon 2020 – Score: 94 P.