Cantina Terlan A. A. Terlaner “Rarity” DOC 2008

WA 98 / JS 97 pts

WA: “It’s incredible to think this wine is as old as it is. With 3,500 bottles initially released, the Cantina Terlano 2008 Alto Adige Terlaner Rarity is a rarity indeed. Pouring to a golden-yellow colour, it shows so much mineral purity and layering so huge, thick and beautiful, it’s like falling into a mountain of down comforters. There are touches of spicy almond and smoke, passion fruit, grapefruit, other citrus notes…you could go on forever. It carries a medium weight with lots of mineral crispness, and, well, it is just amazing.

JS: Nobody would mistake this for a young dry white, but it has great vitality for its age, combined with enormous depth and a harmony of rich and fresh, creamy and mineral elements that must be tasted to be believed. I love the oolong-tea aroma, but the lemon-jelly note is also enticing. Very long, subtle finish. A cuvée of pinot bianco, chardonnay and sauvignon blanc that dates back to this producer’s foundation in 1893. Bottled after almost 12 years maturation in stainless-steel cask. Drink or hold.