Velich Chardonnay Darscho 2020

- 95 Punkte FALSTAFF, Peter Moser: „Helles Grüngelb, Silberreflexe. Zart rauchig-würzig unterlegte Kräuternoten, feine gelbe Apfelfrucht, Mango und kandierte Mandarinenzesten, einladendes, mineralisches Bukett. Komplex, saftig, feine Fruchtsüße, gut integrierte feine Säurestruktur, ein Hauch von Limetten im Abgang, balanciert und gut anhaftend, ein ausgewogener, eleganter Begleiter bei Tisch.“

- 94 Punkte JAMES SUCKLING: „Smoky and dusty nose with a wide spectrum of candied citrus fruit aromas. Rich and concentrated with impressive textural complexity. Serious chalky minerality underlines all this beautifully. Still a bit closed. From organically grown grapes. Drinkable now, but best from 2024.“

- 93 Punkte Robert Parkers WINE ADVOCATE, Stephan Reinhardt: „Heinz Velich's 2020 Darscho is a pure Chardonnay (?) that opens almost like a dry white from Jerez or even a Retsina, with white (seed) fruit aromas intermingled with resinous and leafy notes as well as an oxidative hint. Chalks and salt have to be associated, but there is a bridge indeed. On the palate, you receive the power and fruit intensity a Jerez or Retsina rarely (rather never) have. The wine is elegant, round and fruity, with bitter and tart finish. This full-bodied Chardonnay couldn't be any further from Burgundy and is somehow closer to Velich's Welschrieslings or, to name the elephant in the room, to the wines from the Pannonian lowlands. Many years ago, this wine (as well as the Tiglat) was praised as Austria's answer to Burgundy. Today, the variety is not even mentioned on their label (and I would wonder if its not a pure Chardonnay anymore). 14% stated alcohol. Diam cork. Tasted in July 2023.“