Freshly mowed grass is interspersed with minerals in the aromatic profile of the 1997 Gruner Veltliner Smaragd Ried Loibenberg. This magnificent wine is quite possibly the finest Gruner I've ever tasted. It is intense, sexy, lush, spicy, and muscular. Broad waves of spiced pears and apples can be found in its refined, harmonious core. It is just now reaching its peak of maturity and will easily hold it for another 8-10 years. Bravo! While Americans can be found knocking on the doors of Burgundian estates every day of the year, only 5-10 per year stop at Weingut Emmerich Knoll. This statistic is bound to change as Americans come to appreciate the stunning wines Austria, and this winery, produce regularly. One of Austria's finest wineries, Knoll produces ageworthy wines that are more restrained and elegant than their good friend (and competitor) F. X. Pichler.Importer: Vin Divino, Chicago, IL; tel. (773) 334-6700