This year, there is a Knoll 2007 Gelber Muskateller Smaragd (whose existence might also explain the relative simplicity of this year’s Federspiel bottling). Aromas of lemon zest, sage, peppermint, and elder flower inform this surprisingly full and richly-textured rendition, which however incorporates the tactile invigoration one expects from this grape, and should perform well for at least 2-3 years. Like many of their neighbors, the Knolls harvested Federspiel already in late September, but then largely sat out the rains for three weeks before commencing to pick Smaragd. Botrytis-affected clusters were segregated and pressed immediately, and even the entirely healthy portion of the crop was given less skin contact than usual. A few botrytized rows or parcels were left to hang for nobly sweet wine (in a vintage where few Wachauer followed suit) although not from Riesling. I continue to long for the return of a vintage wherein the Knoll Gruner Veltliner outshines their Riesling, as has not happened for some years now. As has once again become the norm here, none of the Smaragd (save for the Muskateller) were bottled before late summer of last year, and my most recent notes are from cask (or occasionally tank).Importer: Vin Divino, Chicago, IL; tel. (773) 334-6700