752. F. X. Pichler, Loibner Steinertal Riesling Smaragd Wachau, 2009

£23.44; 13%

A lovely, and perhaps even inspiring example of a ripe, rich Austrian Riesling from a great producer. Pale gold colour, with an initial spritz that gives life and zip to this. Medium+ intensity lime, toast and a slatey mineral tone. Hint of fennel. On the palate, some creaminess suggests lees contact, as does the medium+ body. Limey, creamy richness, with high acidity coupled with the brightness of the spritz. Touch of oiliness on the mid-palate, then some crystal lemon and mineral dryness through the long finish. More flavour ripeness than the Alsatian Grand Cru Saering drunk the following week. Very good indeed.