August 3, 2021 - better than the last time out, opening up with more Gruner character
October 17, 2017 - 375 ml bottle, very hard to get cork out. More subdued than the 2013. Good structure and weight, somewhat muted nose, slight burned rubber. Nothing wrong with it, just not exciting. Went well with fish stew and beans with chorizo. Is this wine in a dumb phase? I seldom drink wine from 375 bottles, so not sure if that plays a role. would hold and see if it opens up in a few years
August 14, 2016 - What a delicious wine. Particularly good in the Alabama heat. Sadly it's the only bottle of this in my cellar. Will look to buy more.
October 29, 2013 - Even just a little bit of time (since I last tasted it) has allowed it to open up and broaden out. This is going to be spectacular.
August 9, 2013 - Richer, with more red berry fruit than the Ax point. Delicious through and through.
February 23, 2013 - 2011 Franz Hirtzberger Dinner (Sun Wah BBQ - Chicago, IL): Despite its shy nose, the palate was unctuous and exotic. Lots of pepper and dill with peaches and melons. Nice firm structure, a very promising Gruner.
February 22, 2013 - A slew of 2011 Franz Hirtzbergers (Sun Wah BBQ, Chicago IL): Nose: There is very nice depth with really aromatic tones of white peaches, pears, green apples, herbs and a touch of pepper.
Taste: Medium/full bodied with medium acidity. This is well balanced with succulent tones of white peaches, pears, green apples, and some bits of herbs.
Overall: This was a quality gruner that is drinking great right now. It is on the slightly larger side, but shows real balance to it.
August 9, 2012 - Delicious balance of acidity and fruit. Some residual sugar present, though it should be integrated nicely with a few years of aging. Tasted at Durnstein, Austria.