Weingut Stadt Krems 2012 Krems Gelber Traminer 375ml

In another of this year's surprises, Miesbauer sprang a 2012 Gelber Traminer on me. It seems he'd forgotten to inform me that he planted these vines seven years ago in the original Sandgrube east of town, prompted not just by this grape's distinctive success at the Salomon's Undhof and at Knoll, but by the fact that the oldest wines in the Stadt Krems library cellar - from vintages 1960-1975 - are from this cepage and site. Peony and rose petal waft from the glass; then re-emerge on a glossy, full (14.5% alcohol) palate that nonetheless displays not only succulence but brightness and bounce. A hint of white pepper adds stimulation to a sustained finish. This grape has been known to display even more primary juiciness not to mention complexity than in the present instance, but the results here are delightful and promising. I would tentatively plan on enjoying them by 2020. (The inaugural bottling of Stadt Krems' Gelber Traminer was from vintage 2011, but because there were exactly 250 liters, they vinified it in a barrique, which results that Miesbauer describes as "not quite right.")

Score: 89 points -- David Schildknecht, Robertparker.com, Apr 2014

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Ever since 1452, a unique and special expression of Austrian wine culture has flourished at the centre of Krems an der Donau – Weingut Stadt Krems. Thus, we are among the oldest wine estates in the world that remain in operation. What makes us even more unique is the fact that the city of Krems is its sole proprietor. As a member of the Österreichische Traditionsweingüter (ÖTW), we are in the fortunate position of cultivating some of Austria’s finest vineyard sites. Among our forty-three hectares under vines – all completely located within the city limits of Krems – are such historically significant appellations such as Schreck, Wachtberg & Grillenparz. We are delighted to bring the full potential of these noted terroirs into the bottle each year. For the team at Weingut Stadt Krems, under the direction of Fritz Miesbauer, it’s all about Grüner Veltliner & Riesling. Our wines tell the story in all its complexity: the origin of the grapes, the character of the region and the individuality of the varieties. First and foremost is authenticity; each wine has its individual expression.