If I imagine myself as Pichler’s 2007 Riesling Smaragd Loibnerberg waiting in the wings after the Riesling Steinertal’s performance, I think I would have been completely deflated. Thankfully, such anthropomorphism is foolish, and this wine acquits itself with aplomb. Linden flower, melon, mint, and honey in a gorgeous bouquet set the tone for a cool, soothing, creamily-textured yet succulently juicy, long-line palate display. Here is one of the Wachau wines that takes off – indeed, virtually detonates – the moment you have swallowed (or spit), with bitter coffee, crushed stone, white pepper, lemon zest, peach kernel bitterness, and high-toned herbal essences practically searing in their intensity. This should remain sensational for the better part of a decade. Lucas Pichler was one of the numerous growers to describe the relatively low alcohol and efficacious acidity of his 2007s as “classic,” even though at this address in particular, one can hardly consider that statistically correct. The finished wines remind me a bit of the superb Pichler 1999s which were lushly, at times even extravagantly fruity (not to mention intensely mineral) while remaining refreshing and moderate in alcohol. F.X. Pichler compares the best of this year’s Rieslings with his 1997s, and certainly in terms of sheer quality it is hard to argue with that assessment. The Pichlers have never favored hedging or leaf pulling, and think that the consequence this year was to protect the embryonic bunches from the searing heat and sun of July and to enhance ripening in the long autumn. Of course, the flip side of this could be the trapping of water and promotion of botyrtis. And Lucas Pichler relates that to achieve excellent Federspiel, it was necessary to laboriously cut out botrytized and otherwise imperfect portions from a substantial share of the clusters. For Pichlers (in contrast with Alzingers) – 2007 was more difficult in terms of botrytis and selection – than 2006, especially with Gruner Veltliner. In both Federspiel and Smaragd categories, they held off on picking Riesling, with (to say the least!) demonstrable success.Importer: Weygandt-Metzler Importing, Unionville, PA; tel. (610) 486-0800