The Prager 2006 Gruner Veltliner Smaragd Achleiten is also possessed of very high-toned esters and ripe fruit aromatics, but displays more purity, refinement, brightness, and cut than the corresponding Zwerithaler, along with the predictably dynamic inner-mouth exchange of fruit, flower, and mineral elements that is part and parcel of Achleiten. Plum, peach, and buddleia notes, along with relatively strong, ripe acidity, somewhat suggest Riesling. Beet root and coffee low tones can only mean “Gruner Veltliner.” And myraid characteristics here can only be described with variations on “mineral.” Their diversity testifies to the nature of this great site. This may be worth holding for as long as 8-10 years, but it will be mighty hard to resist the temptation to drink it much sooner – and why indeed resist? Importer: Vin Divino, Chicago, IL; tel. (773) 334-6700

A wonderful, fresh wine, packed with ripe green fruits and pepper. The mineral character is very evident, a product of the gneiss soil of the Achleiten vineyard. On the finish there is a great, balanced fusion of fruit and structure.——R.V.(5/1/2008)—— 93