Lucas Pichler from the legendary Austrian house F.X. Pichler will be in the store between 2 and 5 pm today. We validate for parking in the lot right in front of Weygandt Wines, so really, there’s no excuse to skip this once in a lifetime opportunity.
Lucas Pichler was one of the numerous growers to describe the relatively low alcohol and efficacious acidity of his 2007s as “classic,” even though at this address in particular, one can hardly consider that statistically correct. The finished wines remind me a bit of the superb Pichler 1999s which were lushly, at times even extravagantly fruity (not to mention intensely mineral) while remaining refreshing and moderate in alcohol. F.X. Pichler compares the best of this year’s Rieslings with his 1997s, and certainly in terms of sheer quality it is hard to argue with that assessment. The Pichlers have never favored hedging or leaf pulling, and think that the consequence this year was to protect the embryonic bunches from the searing heat and sun of July and to enhance ripening in the long autumn. Of course, the flip side of this could be the trapping of water and promotion of botyrtis. And Lucas Pichler relates that to achieve excellent Federspiel, it was necessary to laboriously cut out botrytized and otherwise imperfect portions from a substantial share of the clusters. For Pichlers (in contrast with Alzingers) – 2007 was more difficult in terms of botrytis and selection – than 2006, especially with Gruner Veltliner. In both Federspiel and Smaragd categories, they held off on picking Riesling, with (to say the least!) demonstrable success. – The Wine Advocate
Lucas will be available to discuss all of his wines and the process behind them and we will be pouring tastes of the following:
F.X. Pichler Gruner Veltliner Federspiel Loibner Frauenweingarten 2007, Austria – 100% Gruner Veltliner – “Picked at the beginning of harvest, mid-September, the 2007 Gruner Veltliner Federspiel Frauenweingarten highlights green bean and snap pea. Juicy and melony, this finishes with crisp vegetable notes, lip-smacking refreshment, and hints of chalk and crushed stone. It will be best enjoyed within the next 12-18 months.” – WA 88 points
F.X. Pichler Gruner Veltliner Federspiel Loibner Klostersatz 2007, Austria – 100% Gruner Veltliner – “The 2007 Gruner Veltliner Federspiel Klostersatz smells of lentils and lemon zest. An excellent combination of concentrated lentil and snap pea flavors and underlying extract with delicacy and lift (at 12.5% alcohol) make an excellent case for the concept of Federspiel, and this finishes with pungent herbal and fruit skin pungency and a crushed stone mineral suggestion. It should perform well for at least 2-3 years.” – WA 89 points
F.X. Pichler Riesling Federspiel Urgestein Terrassen 2007, Austria – 100% Riesling – “The Pichler 2007 Riesling Federspiel Urgestein Terrassen a bottling formerly known as “Von den Terrassen” is beautifully-scented with linden flower, mint, and lime; is refined in texture, infectiously juicy, and citric on the palate; and finishes with a vibrant, sappy amalgam of citrus, herb, pepper, and salt. A significant share of contract fruit from the Loibenberg helps give this its pronounced minerality.” – WA 90 points
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