F.X. Pichler Riesling Loibner Ried Loibenberg - 2022 (750ml)

Loibenberg is known for its rich, bold and elegant wines. The Riesling is a dense and full-bodied, with noteworthy mineral and stone-like notes, a fruity texture of tropical fruits over peach and apricot flavours.

Wines from the Loibenberg are usually approachable and animated in their youth and continue to evolve exceptionally with cellar aging. The results are rewarding after many years or even decades of bottle aging.

The Loibenberg is one of the steepest and most barren terraced vineyards in Loiben. This site is also one of the largest continuous individual vineyard sites in the Wachau, almost entirely south-facing, sun-blessed and warm. During the day the sun warms up the dry-stone terraces, and this retained heat is gradually released during the evening hours back into the vineyards.

The high-grade bedrock soil is geologically dominated by Gföhler gneiss, a transformation rock that consists of acidic, granite-like protoliths. The sandy-stony soils naturally provide ample water drainage, thus encouraging root growth. The soil also warms up rapidly during springtime and ensures early budding.

Erosion on the inclines has resulted in a beneficial mixture of calcareous loess sediment from the Ice Age, that in turn promotes progressive soil development by natural decalcification, which explains a minimal amount of carbonate present in the topsoil.

The name Loibenberg can be traced back to the year 1381, when the name “leub_n perig” was recorded.

97 points James Suckling

What a staggering nose of yellow peach, mandarin orange, pineapple, star fruit and a slew of wild herbs this dry riesling has, yet this is not a jot loud or extravagant. Ripe and creamy yet so vibrant and precise this squares the riesling circle. Breathtakingly fresh and intense at the super-long finish. Enormous aging potential. From organically grown grapes. Vegan. Drink or hold. - Stuart Pigott Oct '23

97-99 points Falstaff

Light yellow-green, silver reflections. Delicate yellow tropical fruit, nuances of pineapple and passion fruit, a hint of tangerine zest, inviting, fine floral note. Substantial, complex, delicate mineral savouriness, discreet, well-integrated acidity, as if from a single mold, long lasting, a multi-faceted food companion, great certain ageing potential. - Peter Moser

96 points Vinous Media

The 2022 Riesling Loibenberg has an intriguing mix of yellow pear overlaid by fragrant, fresh and bright green and orange citrus as well as yellow peach flesh. The palate is smooth, with supple yeast and ripe juiciness on its medium body, yet the citrus flavors perfume and guide this forward. The finish, however, belongs to zesty, tingling bright and ripe citrus. This is a concentrated and linear wine. (Bone-dry) - Anne Krebiehl MW on November 2023