2011 Grüner Veltliner Scheiben

Founded more than 50 years ago, this estate is not only one of the oldest but also one of the largest in Wagram. Beyond their own 45 hectares of vineyards, Franz and Erich Leth buy fruit from another 15 in order to produce about a million bottles a year, which is considerable by Austrian standards. However, that size has had no negative impact on quality. Roughly two-thirds of their production is grüner veltliner, the majority of which is exported, but the two also make a substantial amount of red wine, including a zweigelt that is often one of the country's best. They consider their finest site to be Scheiben, which sports some of their oldest grüner veltliner vines. These are harvested late, by hand, in as many three passes, and are matured in large oak casks, making them often quite opulent in style. Another specialty is their roter veltliner, one of the genetically oldest varieties in Austria. In certain vintages such as 2009 it can often be my favorite wine. (www.leth.at) Also recommended: 2012 Gruner Veltliner Klassik (85), 2012 Gruner Veltliner Steinagrund (86), 2012 Roter Veltliner Hofweingarten (87), 2012 Riesling Felser Weinberge (86), 2011 Pinot Noir Reserve (88), 2007 Pinot Noir Reserve (89).