The 2016 Weingut Leo Alzinger Riesling Smaragd Ried Loibenberg is a standout white wine from Austria, characterized by its vibrant and refreshing qualities. This Riesling, produced by Weingut Leo Alzinger, has garnered praise from various wine critics for its distinct profile and excellent craftsmanship.
Robert Parker's Wine Advocate awarded this wine a score of 92, with Stephan Reinhardt highlighting its "warm, ripe and intense Riesling fruit" that mingles with "coolish, smoky-mineral flavors." Reinhardt notes the wine's purity, freshness, and mineral qualities, describing it as "beautifully linear and finessed." He emphasizes that it reflects the cooler part of the Loibenberg vineyard, with a finish that remains fresh, showing "nice grip and salinity."
Wine Enthusiast gave this Riesling an even higher score of 94, praising its "heady, tropical touch of passion fruit" alongside forward citrus notes such as lemon and tangerine. Anne Krebiehl MW describes the palate as "svelte, linear," and "totally refreshing and enlivening," with an "almost electric lemon verve." Krebiehl anticipates the wine's potential for further development, recommending it for drinking from 2018 through 2030.
James Suckling also commended this wine, rating it 93 points. He notes its "sliced lemon and green apple character with papaya," describing it as full-bodied yet "agile and energetic." Suckling appreciates the "vivid fruit at the finish" and suggests enjoying it now.
Overall, the 2016 Weingut Leo Alzinger Riesling Smaragd Ried Loibenberg is a wine that delivers a blend of ripe fruit, vibrant citrus, and mineral complexity. Its ability to balance freshness with depth makes it a compelling choice for Riesling enthusiasts.