Hannes Sabathi Ried Kranachberg Sauvignon Blanc 19

Hannes Sabathi Ried Kranachberg Sauvignon Blanc 2019 Ried Kranachberg STK Grosse Lage | Sudsteiermark DAC | Austria Practicing Organic (not certified) Hannes Sabathis Ried Kranachberg Sauvignon Blanc receives the sort of stratospheric point scores from critics typically reserved for red wines; much more importantly, it was among Brian and Adrianas top wines at the Wine & Spirits Top 100 Tasting last October. At the time, the wine didnt have a US importer. We made a mental note and as soon as the wine became available in California, we snagged a few cases. You, our lucky friends, will be among the first folks in California to enjoy this limited production gem. Over the past thirty years, southern Austrias Sudsteiermark DAC has cemented itself as one of the worlds great regions for Sauvignon Blanc. The region's best examples combine the aromatic intensity of Marlborough, the structure of Sancerre and the opulence of Napa. Here, in one of Europes most charming wine landscapes, conditions are optimal for making wines of elegance and freshness. The vineyard slopes are steepmany over 45% graderivaling those of the Mosel. This wine comes from one of those incredibly steep vineyards Kranachberg. The Kranachberg vineyard, which has been part of the Sabathis familys property since the 18th century, is among the regions 53 designated Grand Crus or Grosse Lagen for Sauvignon Blanc established by Steirische Klassik (STK), a Styrian producer group modeled after Germanys VDP thats helped establish and elevate the regions reputation. On the nose, ripe melon, passionfruit, and kiwi notes balance the bright citrus (grapefruit, meyer lemon and lime), along with undertones of honeysuckle. Rich and complex on the palate, the wine finished with notes of lightly toasted herbs and sun-dried hay. For those with the patience to cellar this wine, we expect it to develop even more nuance. Of course, it's also showing beautifully today. Serve alongside roast sea bass, schnitzel, scallops escabeche, pasta with pesto, yuzu, tea leaf salad, mint, mango, sour cream & onion chips.