Bob Parsons Alberta. wrote:`03 Franz Hirtzberger Rotes Tor Federspiel GV
Have a chance to pick some up, $29 Cdn. Only 2 cases and will go fast. Any imput will be welcome.[/i]
Bob, I don't know that particular wine or producer, but a couple of thoughts: <I>Federspiel</I> is the Winea Wachau's medium-weight designation for Wachau GV, lighter than <i>Smaragd</i>, weightier than <I>Steinfeder</I>. Some authorities liken it to German <I>Kabinett</I> in terms of must weight, but that's a little misleading since GV is almost always dry.
I'd also wonder how the hot summer of '03 affected Austria and whether untypical ripeness is an issue, but can't cite chapter and verse.
Bottom line, over $20 US for a <I>Federspiel</i> from a possibly iffy vintage sounds a little spendy. But I hope someone with actual tasting experience of this specific wine will step up to the plate.