2017 Franz Hirtzberger Riesling Singerriedel Smaragd

The 2017 Ried Singerriedel Riesling Smaragd is Hirtzberger's most spectacular wine this vintage in terms of power and richness. Picked October 5-26, the 2017 opens ripe and concentrated but fine and flinty on the elegant nose. Round, intense and very elegant on the palate, this is a rich, lush, powerful, well structured but refined and salty Singerriedel that hides its 14% alcohol very well. The wine does not have the purity and vibrant freshness of the Steinporz Riesling, but it is still young and has great aging potential. Tasted September 2018.