2003 Saarburger Rausch Auslese
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Recently shipped from Zilliken's cellars in Saarburg. Beautiful! Such balance! Cool and pure and with the most delicate, precise fruit. Who would believe this came from a heatwave vintage? Interesting hint of brie on the end ... (JR)
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Jancis Robinson MW
Julia Harding MW, jancisrobinson.com
More reviews and scores
Remarkably fresh on the nose with pure, almost primary, lemon and lime aromas. Then much more developed on the palate, touch of kerosene and more oily and viscous. Complex honey and lemon and just enough acidity for all that richness. Though it still leaves your mouth fresh. (JH)
This was harvested in December, which is reflected in its sharply defined and high-energy flavor profile. Apricot, tangerine and smoked meat aromas. In the mouth a creamy texture is alluringly juxtaposed with bright citricity. Plum and white peach are added to the fruit sandwich along the way, layered with white raisin, lemon, tangerine and touches of black tea and pit fruit skin bitterness. (A gold capsule Auslese based on botrytis selection was significantly less successful than this one.) 1 star.
The 2003 Riesling Auslese Saarburger Rausch appears reserved and sports a dusty finish. Its demure floral and mineral aromas lead to a retiring flavor profile of pears, salt, and slate. Drink it over the next 5-6 years. Importer: Rudi Wiest Selections by Cellars International, Inc., Carlsbad, CA; tel. (760) 566-0499