Hirsch Riesling 'Ried Gaisberg OTW' Austria (Vertical 4 Pack '14 '15 '16' 17') 750ml each

Weingut Hirsch, a biodynamic estate in Kamptal, Austria, produces one of the region's benchmark Rieslings from the Ried Gaisberg vineyard, classified as a 1ÖTW (Erste Lage, or premier cru) site by the Österreichische Traditionsweingüter. This steep, terraced vineyard features mica schist bedrock topped with loess and some gneiss, yielding Rieslings known for precision, minerality, vibrant acidity, and excellent aging potential.

Library releases of older vintages like these (held back by the winery and released later) allow the wines to develop secondary complexity while retaining freshness. 

2014 Bright, lively, and precise with dominant fresh lemon and zest notes. The palate is slender and focused, with high acidity, subtle stone fruit, and a tart, piquant finish. Shows verve and minerality typical of cooler vintages (Wine Enthusiast, CellarTracker notes).

2015 Juicy and expressive, with yellow stone fruit (apricot, peach), tropical passion fruit hints, blossom honey, and orange zest on the nose. The palate balances ripe citrus (lemon, Seville orange) with fresh herbs, crisp acidity, and elegant minerality. Textured yet persistent (Winery, Wine Enthusiast, Falstaff).

2016 Elegant and flinty, featuring concentrated white stone fruit (pear, apricot), meadow blossoms, subtle tropical touches, and reduction notes. Bright lemon and pear freshness on the palate, with earthy minerality and lively acidity. Precise and evolving beautifully (Winery PDF, Wine Enthusiast, K&L Wines, Wineanorak).

2017 Riper and more opulent, showing juicy Mirabelle plum/mango, peach, apple, and creamy yeast on the nose, with green herb oil, spice (saffron, chamomile), and subtle olive/basil hints. The palate is streaming and elegant, with integrated acidity, blossom honey, and good length/aging potential (Falstaff, Wine Enthusiast, Perrine's Wine, Skurnik/Wine Spectator).