WTN: Strub GV '07

2007 Strub Grüner Veltliner Kabinett Trocken

I have enjoyed tasting this wine over the past few vintages if only for the educational value. It continues to get better with each attempt, but it doesn’t yet make one forget about Austria despite reports to the contrary. Though unmistakably Grüner Veltliner, it is also cut from a completely different cloth than anything I’ve tasted. It seems to have both underdeveloped flavors and overripe ones at once. It is not the light, carefree and quaffable Heurige style of the entry-tier GV’s produced in the classic areas and the Weinviertel, but it doesn’t have the balance or nuance of the riper wines either. Perhaps this can be explained by the relative youth of the vines. It is conspicuous in its overdose of white pepper and brazen pommelo and pink grapefruit flavors, but it’s no criminal! It is however juicy, full of character and very enjoyable. It might be a little loud and unshapely, but it’s really fun to drink. 12% alc

I had to do a google search to find out where Strub is: California? Finger Lakes?

So the estate is in Rheinhessen, good to know.

I had to do a google search to find out where Strub is: California? Finger Lakes?

So the estate is in Rheinhessen, good to know.

I should have included that Michael. Especially since Grüner hasn't travelled much from Austria -though like I said, Austria still seems to have a monopoly on the finest wines. I have seen it growing in Oregon, but I'd be interested in Finger Lakes GV. Anyone?

I think there may be some Finger Lakes GV in the future. IIRC, Mark Wagner may be growing some at Lamoreaux Landing.

[David M. Bueker]

The first commercial vintage of this wine was in 2005, and the juxtaposition of undeveloped yet ripe fruit is a good description for all the vintages to date. I agree that the young vines would be the likely "culprit". It is a fun wine though. I plowed through most of a case of the '05 pretty quickly in 2006-2007.