Burgenland isn't exactly Riesling country, so I was a little skeptical about this one. I LOVE Höpler's Pinot Blanc(s), but find the Grüner good and refreshing if a little uncomplicated (Burgenland isn't exactly GV country either). The Riesling is done in a similar style: Fresh lemony fruit, key lime pie, apple skin, and spunky C02 and a pleasant amount of acidity. The overall mouthfeel is lean and sharp. I would've expected a little more ripeness, and intensity of fruit (especially from a property that sits on the western shores of the Neusiedlersee and is planted heavily with the likes of Syrah, Blaufränkisch and Pinot Noir (as well as Cabernet Sauvignon) It leaves me wondering how big the yields are and at what degree KMW the fruit was harvested. 2004 may be an average vintage, but the 'average' here should fully ripen Riesling. That said, it's not a bad wine and maybe I'm being a little too critical. I just found the wine a little perplexing. 12,5% alc. $16 -Artificial cork
Prost!
Bill