The F.X. Pichler Riesling Smaragd Dürnsteiner Kellerberg 2012 is an iconic dry Riesling from Austria’s Wachau Valley, crafted from the renowned Kellerberg vineyard by the legendary F.X. Pichler estate, often hailed as the “Château Latour of the Wachau” by Robert Parker. This 2012 vintage displays a deep golden hue, reflecting its over-a-decade evolution. The nose is a captivating symphony of ripe peach, dried apricot, and lime zest, interwoven with signature Riesling petrol notes, wet stone minerality, and hints of white flowers and spice. On the palate, it is rich and concentrated, with vibrant acidity providing balance to the intense fruit core. The finish is long and elegant, with layers of honeyed complexity and a mineral-driven backbone that showcases the gneiss-rich terroir of Kellerberg, one of Wachau’s steepest and most austere primitive-rock sites. Fermented and aged in large Austrian oak casks, this Smaragd-level wine embodies Pichler’s meticulous approach, with hand-harvested, physiologically ripe grapes and minimal intervention. Perfect for pairing with lobster, truffle-infused dishes, or aged cheeses, this Riesling offers a luxurious dining experience. At its peak now, it can evolve further over the next 5-7 years, developing even richer tertiary notes. A collector’s treasure, this wine exemplifies Pichler’s reputation for crafting world-class Austrian whites with unparalleled depth and finesse, earning high praise from critics like Falstaff.