Gruner Veltliner

Nice to be able to try a Gruner with 14 years of age on it.  It was still nice if a bit past prime but shows there is some staying power.  Light gold in color.  The nose has lost its fruit but there is still some minerality and a bit of fleshiness to it.  On the palate, the crisp acidity is still there but again, no fruit.  There is some depth and minerality.  Drink up if you have any or what the heck, let it go five more and see what happens.  Better with some cheeses.  

At a recent tasting, this seemed to be love it or hate it and that is easy to understand.  Light golden in color, clear and bright.  The nose is different with a fleshy sort of barnyard note and plenty of minerality but no fruit.  On the palate, this has a really nice oily texture, but again, no real fruit, its all about minerality.  With some air, some dried tropical fruits do come out.  A hint of pepper and bitterness on the finish.  It is an interesting wine, but not what one thinks of for Gruner.  It would have been good to taste this on release as a data point.  

Light golden in color, clear and bright.  The nose has some limes, plenty of minerality and a bit of a sweaty sock note.  With air, a sweet-tart quality comes out.  On the palate, this is soft but tasty.  Limes with underlying minerality.  A bit of white pepper.  Shorter finish.  Drink over the next year or two.  This will work nicely with baked trout.  

An excellent take on Gruner but very distinct.  Light golden in color.  The nose has lots of minerality with slight granny smith apples and maybe a hint of lime.  Medium bodied with a slightly oily texture.  On the palate, the minerality comes thru with a touch of lime.  Long finish.  This should be consumed over the next three to five years.  It drinks well on its own and will work well with lighter foods.  

This is a great take on Gruner.  Very different from the Austrian versions but every bit as good.  Pale silvery green/gold in color.  The nose has apples, slight lemon peel and slight white pepper.  On the palate, this has just a hint of sweetness to it.  Nicely balanced with acidity but there is still some green apple fruit.  Nice finish.  This drinks well on its own especially outside on a hot day.  It works nicely with lighter foods.  It probably should be consumed in the next three to five years.  

This is resally drinking nicely right now.  Maybe give it just a bit of air.  Light golden in color.  The nose has peas, slight white pepper and pears.  Medium bodied.  On the palate, this has good, not intense acidity.  Nice mouthfeel.  The pears continue thru and give it some edge.  Very persistent finish.  Drinking well, it won't get better but should last for another five years.  A nice match with lighter summer foods or on its own.  

This is my favorite California Gruner Veltliner, and admittedly small sample size.  It really is an outstanding wine.  Light green/gold in color.  The nose has minerals, limes and is a bit steely.  On the palate the limes carry thru with minerals underneath.  Crisp yet a hint of viscosity.  Concentrated.  Long finish.  This does drink well on its own but is better with food.  Seafood or salads work well.  It will drink well for five to seven years most likely, but it will be interesting to watch.  

This is a basic Gruner that comes in a 1 litre bottle.  It retails for $15 which is an excellent value.  Also a crown cap for a closure.  Light green/gold in color.  Clear and bright.  The nose is nice with limes, slight asparagus and minerals.  On the palate, a lemon/lime quality.  Good acidity.  Some roundness.  Not a ton of depth but some.  This should be consumed in the next year but will be drinkable for a few more.  It should go well with lighter fare and drinks well on its own.  A nice wine to finish off summer.  

This is an interesting take on this varietal more known in Austria than Washington state.  Light green/gold in color and very pale.  The nose is nice with a lemon/lime quality but also a bit of pear and slight asparagus note.  On the palate, this has a tart lemon/lime note.  Slightly oily viscous texture.  A hint of sweetness but good acidity to work with it.  Still fresh but seems a bit rounder than on release.  It will be interesting to see how this ages though I would recommend drinking most of them in the next three years.  It will work with lighter foods or on its own.   

Always a favorite, this has a new, more attractive label.  Not as industrial as the older label.  Light green/gold in color.  The nose is nice with limes and minerals.  On the palate, this has good acidity.  Some lime.  Long finish.  $14 per 1 ltr bottle is a great price.  Perfect for large get together s.  Varietally correct.  Food friendly.  Easy to drink with a wide variety of foods or on its own.  Should last five years.