Riesling Smaragd Vinothekfullung Knoll 2015 (750ML)

92-93 Points, Stephan Reinhardt, Wine Advocate: "The 2015 Loibner Riesling Smaragd Vinothekfullung was picked very late (after the rain) and with a significant portion of botrytis. Rich and elegant on the palate, this is a powerful and concentrated Riesling with a piquant acidity and a remarkable elegance and tension. The finish is long and firm. Drink: 2020-30" 06/16

89-90 Points, David Schildknecht, Vinous: "This is the one Smaragd of the vintage where some botrytis was involved," noted Knoll senior, a familiar circumstance for "Vinothek" bottlings at this address, but one that arguably renders the implications of "Vinothek" slightly misleading, since in my experience botrytis presence is more likely to speed up than to retard the bottle evolution of a dry German Riesling. The fruit came largely from Loibenberg (where botrytis had consigned a significant portion of the Pichlers' fruit to B.A. and T.B.A.), and Knoll conceded that this wine "displays a bit of Auslese character." Scents of candied lime and grapefruit peel, licorice, overripe pear, musk and mushroom make for a heady and complex aromatic display. The expansive, subtly oily palate reveals a corresponding complexity. Unfortunately, though, there is a slightly rough, drying spot to the finish and a dearth of primary juiciness, both traits I am inclined to ascribe to botrytis, and ones that reinforce the piquant impressions of citrus rind and pear seed. Still, there is certainly impressive persistence. I'll be especially interested to see how this develops after bottling. Drink: 2017-24" 02/1

98 Points, James Suckling, jamessuckling.com: "This is a very big wine for a dry riesling with some botrytis (a hint of honey and a slight oiliness on the palate) as well as massive power and concentration. Needs some time for all its riches to spread out. Enormous length at the very complex finish. Better from 2018 and has decades ahead of it." 10/17