Sage, sugar snap peas, caramelized parsnip and rhubarb soar from the glass of Schmid’s 2006 Gruner Veltliner Gebling (also a Priorissa bottling). Rich and generous on the palate with a lovely yet suspicious degree of caramelization and hint of vanilla, it turns out that 20% of this was vinified in barrique. Yet, unlike most such cases with this variety, here it doesn’t get in the way. The palate impression is lush and enveloping, yet the fruit is still clear and refreshing, the sweetness neither gummy nor superfluous. Toasted nuts and caramelized parsnips inform a luscious finish. While I did not have occasion yet to meet Josef Schmid, the samples that came my way were, to say the least, impressive. The 2006s canvassed below are no flukes: Schmid’s 2005s were also hugely successful, although for reasons of space and the context of this report, I have not published those notes.Importing, Unionville, PA; tel. (610) 932-9113