Alzinger’s 2005 Gruner Veltliner Smaragd Steinertal offers pungent Szechuan and chili pepper notes as well as a carpet of sweetly aromatic herbs on the nose. The pepper and herbs mingle in a rich, melony matrix on the palate, along with bright lemony high tones and roasted lentil low notes. Juicy and sappy with a palpably dense impression of extract and mineral mass, this finishes with a rapier long line of herb and floral essences, a whiff of smoke, and a peppery sizzle. Importer: Terry Theise Estate Selections, imported by Michael Skurnik Wines, Inc., Syosset, NY; tel. (516) 677-9300