Domane Wachau Riesling Smaragd Ried Achleiten 2020

Achleiten is a legendary vineyard in the Wachau village of Weissenkirchen with Smaragd designation—the top category in the ripeness classification of white wines in Austria's Wachau Valley. Smaragd-designated wines are made from the ripest grapes in the Wachau and have a mandated minimum alcohol level of 12.5 per cent, which is difficult to reach in such colder regions. It is famous for wines with an inimitable mineral character. Dry stone walls dating back to the 12th century, which mount the steep slopes with silicate-rich soil, dominate this vineyard's landscape. Gneiss is the prevailing subsoil in the upper terraces, and dark, schistous amphibolites dominate the lower terraces.

Scores such as 94Falstaff and 93 Decanter are adequately high; other reviews are to publish shortly. Falstaff wrote, 'Fine nuances of fresh tropical fruit, delicate passion fruit and mango, mineral-lemon notes, and a hint of orange zest. Juicy, light white fruit, soft blossom honey, fresh acidity, light-footed, sticks well, delicately salty finish, and has excellent ageing potential.' Edited.