Out of 644 wines tasted, 265 were rated “outstanding” or “extraordinary” with 90 points or higher.
For the First Time - 95 Parker Points for an Austrian Red Wine
(AWMB, March 2009) - Robert Parker’s Wine Advocate is one of the most important and influential wine rating publications in the world. Along with Robert Parker himself, a number of top wine journalists under his aegis regularly taste the wines of the world’s best known wine-growing areas. For several years, David Schildknecht, an expert on and lover of Austria, has been responsible for tasting and rating Austrian wines for Robert Parker’s Wine Advocate. He is also responsible for other countries and regions including Germany, Alsace, Burgundy, Loire and Champagne.
The overall quality level is very high! Out of more 900 tasted wines more than 640 were published in the online issue. 16 (11 whites, 4 sweets and 1 red) received the highest rating description of "extraordinary", which represents 95 points or higher (in the 100-point rating system) for the best representatives in their categories. Nearly 250 wines received top scores of between 90 and 94 points, meaning "outstanding wines of exceptional complexity and character" – in other words, absolutely terrific wines.
For the first time, an Austrian red wine – a Blaufränkisch – received a 95-point rating. Says David Schildknecht about Blaufränkisch: "If you have put off experiencing the potential of Burgenland Blaufränkisch, the 2006s should be the occasion.” Schildknecht adds that “the list of French vignerons from the Côte d’Or to Roussillon who are getting excited by these wines would surprise readers.”
For the Austrian wine ratings, which were published online at the end of February, Schildknecht had travelled to Austria in Summer 2008, visiting nearly 50 wineries. Published along with the Austria ratings are Schildknecht’s tastings and ratings from his other wine travels. Mainly wines from the 2006 and 2007 vintages are listed.
Download:
Parker Review (pdf, 136 kB)
White Wines (pdf, 105 kB)
Red Wines (pdf, 85 kB)
Sweet Wines (pdf, 83 kB)
Press information, March 2009
AWMB, Susanne Staggl
Tel.: +43 1 503 92 67
Fax: +43 1 503 92 68
E-Mail: info@winesfromaustria.com
