WTN: 2010 Sattler St. Laurent Reserve

2010 Sattler St. Laurent Reserve, Burgenland, Austria 13.5% abv

This was very much a surprise. Much more lush than previous St. Laurent I have tried - this one made me question that it was truly Austrian. Succulent ripe fruit and silky tannins with an herbal undertone that amplifies as it opens in the glass. Like mashed berries (strawberry and blackberry) with black plums over arugula with a dusting of fresh thyme. Such a pleasant wine - so lovely with lamb, and great with spice. Can't wait to get another bottle!

[Jenise]

Joy, was it zweigelt?

St. Laurent is the grape.

[Jenise]

Thanks Rahsaan. Obviously, not one I've heard of.

Thanks Rahsaan. Obviously, not one I've heard of.

Zweigelt itself is in fact the "child" of St Laurent and Lemberger. My recollection is that St Laurent has some of the same exotic character as Zweigelt, but more tart and fresh. Apparently St Laurent is actually a distant cousin of Pinot Noir.

Thanks Rahsaan. Obviously, not one I've heard of.

Zweigelt itself is in fact the "child" of St Laurent and Lemberger. My recollection is that St Laurent has some of the same exotic character as Zweigelt, but more tart and fresh. Apparently St Laurent is actually a distant cousin of Pinot Noir.

I usually tend to get more peppery spice from Zweigelts, whereas the few St. Laurents I have tasted have been heavier on the fruit and herbs. Both delicious, though most Zweigelts I have had have been quite light and lively. This St. Laurent was a bit more lush.

I just tried the 2011 of this wine the other night, so I thought I'd post a follow up TN. The 2011 was quite intensely fruit and oak driven at first pour, to my distaste. So, I decanted and let sit for about 90 minutes while I made dinner (Ras al Hanout spiced lamb with charred kale and zucchini with harissa and sumac). Much more to my liking after sitting in the decanter, the wine showed balance and an herbal nuance came forward to help dampen the intense fruit. Overall, I liked the 2010 better, but I have one bottle of 2011 left and now know how to treat it for my enjoyment.