2016 Saarburger Rausch Riesling Spätlese Versteigerung Geltz Zilliken, Mosel-Saar-Ruwer

Mosel Fine Wines: A hugely complex, rich and ripe nose of rhubarb, candied fruits, orange and mango gives way to a fresher side underpinned by gooseberry and anise as the wine develops in the glass. The wine is very smooth and delicate on the palate, where juicy fruits, honey and luscious cream are wrapped into a mild expression of acidity. The acidity does however come through in the very and delicate finish and brings depth and intensity to this Auslese GK styled expression of Riesling. 2026-2046 - Aug. 2017

Vinous: This auctioned Spätlese is exceptionally clear and buoyant, with a much more northerly and less tropical fruit presence than I had anticipated. Suggestions of white currant put me in mind of the Ruwer and add to the tang and brightness already conveyed by coolingly mint-tinged lime, grapefruit, quince and white peach. Subtle creaminess of feel is allied to animation and refreshment, palpable density to utmost levity. Zilliken points to suggestions of dried fruits here that reflect lightly desiccated but healthy berries (which the picking crew was asked to favor and place in a separate bucket from fruit for the “regular” Spätlese), but I must say I find at most hints of that on the nose, whereas infectious juiciness conveys a luscious, compelling impression of freshness on the palate. The vibrantly sustained finish is strikingly transparent to stony, smoky, saline and bittersweetly floral nuances. - David Schildknecht, März 2018