2015 Sauvignon Winkl

The 2015 Sauvignon Winkl is vivid, crystalline and absolutely beautiful. Intensely varietal aromatics scream out of the glass, yet there are no angular contours or hard edges. Bright, focused and also weightless on the palate, the 2015 Winkl is a terrific example of the green, grassy style of Sauvignon in Alto Adige.

Winkl is one of my absolute favorite Italian white wines and the current vintage is even better than most. The 2015 Alto Adige Sauvignon Winkl is a soft and creamy expression with loads of aromatic definition and depth. The bouquet peels back to reveal thick layers of stone fruit, acacia honey, toasted almond, wild sage and crushed mineral. Think of a Sauvignon descriptor, and this wine has it on full display. The beautiful quality of fruit is reinforced by the smoothness and the suppleness of the mouthfeel. I am happily impressed with the entire line of new releases offered by Cantina Terlano. Two wines stand out. The first is the 2004 Alto Adige Pinot Bianco Rarity that gives solid evidence for the excellent aging potential of this white grape. The 2013 Alto Adige Terlano I Grande Cuvée is just at the start of its evolution but offers great promise for its future aging. The price tags on these two wines are very steep as they represent special bottlings and unique productions. Jul 2016, www.erobertparker.com, Drink: 2016-2024