2013 Nikolaihof Gelber Muskateller
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Tasting notes
Based entirely on Gelber Muskateller from the vineyards in the Wachau, the 2013 Muskateller opens with an intense, deep, fresh and spicy rather than super aromatic bouquet that we often have with Muscat wines. This has intense and fleshy fruit, but there is also soul and spice and most of all character. Sourced from the north/northeast-facing loess and loam soil of the Bischofpoint vineyard located in Mautern and Baumgarten, this is a ripe, elegant, juicy and matured Muscat (Gelber Muskateller) with fine tannins, substance and mineral freshness. It has good length and perfect maturity to be enjoyed alone or with food. 10.5% stated alcohol. Screw cap. Archive Release 2024. Tasted in January 2025.
Critic scores
Average Score
Stephan Reinhardt, Wine Advocate
David Schildknecht, Vinous
More reviews and scores
At just 10.5% alcohol, this can only have been picked early and can’t help but sit lightly on the tongue. But it displays pungency, pith and a sharp set of teeth. Penetrating aromas of penny royal, sage and lemon rind set the nose hairs standing on end, then migrate to a palate of bright and infectiously juicy lemon and persist with lip- if not outright face-smacking intensity and grip. The traps of hardness and insufficient juiciness into which wines from this grape so often fall are here completely avoided. The best of them often age exceptionally, but I am not sure in this instance what will eventually replace the virtues currently on such brash display.