The 2015 Prager Riesling Smaragd Klaus from Austria's Wachau region stands out as a remarkable expression of the Riesling varietal. This wine, produced by Prager, is renowned for its depth and complexity, a characteristic that has been noted by several esteemed wine critics.
Robert Parker's Wine Advocate awarded it an impressive 95 points, with Stephan Reinhardt praising its "cool, precise and extremely flinty bouquet of white-fleshed stone fruits." Reinhardt notes that this Riesling is both "intense and rich on the palate," possessing an elegance that is tightly woven with concentration and grip. He emphasizes its potential to shine even more in a decade, highlighting its "great elegance and mineral expression."
James Suckling, another respected voice in the wine community, scored the wine even higher at 96 points. Suckling describes it as "even richer" compared to the 2016 vintage from the same site, emphasizing its "enormous depth and concentration." The wine's sleekness, despite its 14% alcohol content, is noteworthy, and Suckling highlights its "minty note" and "great candied lemon and mineral freshness" that characterize its long finish.
Wine Spectator also offers high praise, bestowing a 93-point rating. Their review notes the wine's dense and plush nature, with flavors of "peach, elderflower, apple, and spice" playing a prominent role. A "long, complex finish" is emphasized, and the wine's balance is highlighted as a key attribute. Wine Spectator recommends enjoying this wine now through 2023.
Overall, the 2015 Prager Riesling Smaragd Klaus is celebrated for its elegance, depth, and vibrant flavor profile, making it a noteworthy choice for those appreciating the nuanced character of fine Austrian Rieslings.