The generic Rudi Pichler 2007 Gruner Veltliner Smaragd Terrassen smells like a pot of lentils with Indian spices. On the palate, it offers a fascinating contrast of persistent spiciness with cool, juicy, melon, red currant, and lime fruit, with snap pea, white pepper, and a persistent undertone of lentil. This elegant, soothing style of Smaragd should prove highly versatile for at least 6-8 years. 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