Saarburger Rausch, Riesling, Auslese, Goldkap, 2005
A wondrous mix of air-dried dried ripeness and noble botrytis, the Zillikens consider 2005 to rank amongst their best vintages – a year in which they bottled and released the full spectrum of styles, surpassing even 2010 and 2015. Dazzling with high levels of concentration and acidity, almost dangerously youthful despite it nearing 20 years old, showing a complex mix of golden fruits, hints of white truffle, grated pineapple and serious core of smoky, cool slate notes. Long, vital and brilliant.
critic reviews
Pale greenish yellow.Lively spiced apple, white raisin and toasted pine nuts on the nose, with a distinctly floral quality.Delicately creamy, subtle papaya flavor lifted by lemon peel acidity. Compact, spicy finish.
Only one wine in this years collection is labeled 2005 Saarburger Rausch Riesling Spatlese (there is no auction cuvee), and it combines fruit from later pickings with several early selections of partially shrivelled berries that greatly enhanced the wines must weight and acidity. A pungent nose of spiced apple, cherry, and white raisin leads into a palate whose creaminess adds allure, while not at all detracting from this Rieslings fundamental delicacy and duty to refresh. Pungent suggestions of apple peel, citrus rind, and slate add counterpoint to a rich yet refined finish of ravishing persistence. I would not hesitate to sock away for up to 25 years one of the roughly 670 cases made of this wine. Also recommended: 2005 Riesling ($16.00; 85+?). Importer: Rudi Wiest, Cellars International, Carlsbad, CA; tel. 800-596-9463