Uwe Schiefer Traminer M Trocken Burgenland Austria 2015 (14% ABV) – 91
AK | The deep amber color and a slightly more viscous swirl promise richness. The nose then immediately points to a highly aromatic grape variety, with rich notes of orange peel, dried peach, barley sugar, and caramel. The palate then cuts in with the most welcome dryness and real structure. This has layers of richness, all wonderfully tamed by a sturdy and fine phenolic frame, referencing bitter citrus pith as well as that lovely, mouthwatering bitterness you encounter in radicchio leaves. The opulent aromatics on the nose seem channelled into lovely texture. The lasting finish and fine freshness makes you long for another sip. 92
FP | A deep mahogany color, with exotic tropical aromatics. High-toned and walking the line on hygiene, but the acetic lift gives focus: this is ripe and punchy. The tannin here is quite pronounced and vigorous; it is really quite chewy. The totality of the experience is balanced and long. 94
DW | Rich amber tone to the color; toffee or oolong tea. Powerful nose of toffee-apple and rich, macerated orange—almost Grand Marnier-liqueur-esque; certainly forceful, although not extracted or forced (the tannins are almost unobtrusively grippy), with an arrestingly bitter-sweet edge to the intense, spicy swirl on the finish. 88