The 2007 Gruner Veltliner Federspiel – harvested late in September – offers the nose a greenhouse-like effect of flowers and foliage. Green bean and lime inform its juicy palate and a hint of pepper and crushed stone add interest to a low-key but satisfyingly long finish. Given the track record for Rudi Pichler’s wines in this genre, I would anticipate this holding its own through at least 4-5 years in the cellar, although it is meant to enjoy young.Pichler’s 2007s differ very little in gross chemistry from his 2006s – including the high alcohol of several Gruner Veltliner – yet they have dramatically different personalities. Pichler compares them with his 1997s, and perhaps time in bottle will more clearly bear out that high praise. Rudi Pichler is a great believer in watchfully letting nature take its course and although some of his 2007s came in with pH levels many growers would consider alarmingly high he gave no thought to adjusting them, and the finished wines bear him out, displaying the vivacity and freshness typical of 2007.Importer: Vin Divino, Chicago, IL; tel. (773) 334-6700