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

These wines display exceptional clarity, minerality and elegance...the Rieslings are lean and sappy, with enticing salinity, over animated lime, pink grapefruit and white peach characters.

This unique site is situated at the most eastern end of the Wachau, between the Loibenberg and the Pfaffenberg. The old vineyard name is “Steingraben”, as its form depicts a rift, which broadens into an amphitheatre as it reaches down towards the vineyard landscape in Unterloiben. The site is clearly characterized by its proximity to the nearby forest, from which nocturnal northerly breezes cool the vineyard as they pass through on their current towards the Danube. This makes Steinertal the cool, slow ripening single-vineyard site within the Loibner vineyards, which is unique in its ideal harvest picking time and mineral character.

The geological subsoil of the Ried Steinertal consists entirely of lime-free, acidic molten Gföhler gneiss (orthogneiss). The ancient loess topsoil from the Ice Age has long since disappeared, and the vineyard ground is now sandy, barren and with sparce humus layer. The Gföhler gneiss outcrop is notably marked by weathering and the frequent fissures and crevices are filled with fallen and finely grained primary rock sand, through which the vine roots delve deeply into the bedrock.

98 points James Suckling

Captivating and very cool nose of white peach and a whole garden of fresh herbs. Then comes the incredibly tense and racy medium-bodied palate that has a mind-blowing crystalline minerality and super-fine white peach fruit. Off the scale concentration for a dry white with 12.5% alcohol. Extremely long, diamond bright finish. Enormous aging potential. From organically grown grapes. Vegan. Drink or hold. - Stuart Pigott Oct '23

96-98 points Falstaff

Light yellow-green, silver reflections. Very fine white peach fruit, floral nuances, a touch of orange blossom, subtle blossom honey in the background, very attractive bouquet. Complex, juicy, nuances of white pome fruit, fine acidity, mineral and citrus touch, salty on the finish, very finesse, good persistency, delicate, light-footed style. - Peter Moser

95 points Vinous Media

The 2022 Riesling Steinertal was picked from two parcels on the higher reaches of the Steinertal, close to the forest edge. Crushed citrus foliage and green Seville orange are subtle but distinct on the nose. The palate is compact and bright—a wonderfully brisk Riesling with rounded fluidity on its linear, driven body. What a pure and bright expression of stone and citrus. Aromatic, taut, and so enticingly fragrant, this is a fine-boned and slender yet notably concentrated Riesling. (Bone-dry) - Anne Krebiehl MW on November 2023