Alzinger’s 2004 Gruner Veltliner Smaragd Liebenberg smells of pear nectar and lavender. A pungent, slightly bitter herbal character, notes of resin, pepper and lavender perfume suffuse the glossy, relatively full palate. Ample glycerin helps to ameliorate the firmness of flavors and hint of bitterness in the finish. This needs to be allowed time to open up and hopefully will. Importer: Terry Theise Estate Selections, imported by Michael Skurnik Wines, Inc., Syosset, NY; tel. (516) 677-9300