J.J Prüms Goldkapsel bottlings are special selections that represent the very pinnacle of the estates wines. The Graacher Himmelreich Auslese Goldkapsel lives up to its name; incredibly intense and multi-layered it shows superlative balance, vibrancy and power with a unique energy and tension in the best years that is utterly awe inspiring. It has the concentration and structure to age gracefully for decades.

J.J Prüms Goldkapsel bottlings are special selections that represent the very pinnacle of the estates wines. Named of the sundial erected in the vineyard in 1842, Wehlener Sonnenuhr is the most famous vineyard in the Mosel. The Auslese Goldkapsel is at once ethereal and refined with superlative intensity and richness and multi-faceted complexity. Vivid and vibrant with profound depth, it has the structure and concentration to age gracefully over half a century.

Biodynamic. Dry. In Alsace, the term Pinot Blanc is used to describe varietal wines or blends containing any percentage of Auxerrois. Weinbach’s Pinot Blanc is a blend of 70% Auxerrois and 30% Pinot Blanc. For fellow nerds, recent DNA studies indicate Auxerrois is a cross between Gouais Blanc and Pinot Noir. Weinbach’s blend comes from Clos des Capucins (with 45-year-old vines) and a plot from the limestone/clay soils at the foot of the Altenbourg vineyard. As with the dry Rieslings, the Pinot Blanc was pressed as whole bunches and raised over eight months in large-format wood (previous vintages were raised in tank). It's a far more layered and complex wine than you might expect from these varieties. It’s fleshy and mouth-filling with orchard fruits, white blossom and chamomile flavours and a textural core threaded through with punchy freshness. As with all these 2022s, it’s very hard to drink slowly!

Biodynamic. Eddy Faller explains that his Altenbourg Pinot Noir exhibits a more velvety structure than the Schlossberg-raised wine (below). To highlight each wine’s origins, the winemaking is almost identical, with a 10-day cold soak, followed by up to two weeks on skins, partial whole-bunch fermentation and extended aging in predominantly old oak. Plantings are 10,000 vines per hectare using mass selections from the Clos des Epeneaux in Pommard. To recycle Pigott’s line for the 2020 release, ‘In a blind tasting you could easily mistake this for a top 1er Cru wine from Beaune in Burgundy!’

The Korrell Paradies Beerenauslese 1500ml 2019 from Nahe, Germany is a truly exceptional wine that captures the essence of the region. This vintage, produced by the renowned Korrell winery, is a testament to their commitment to quality and craftsmanship. The wine offers a vibrant golden hue, exuding aromas of ripe apricot, honeycomb, and candied orange peel, with hints of vanilla and spice. On the palate, it delivers a rich and luscious experience, with a perfect balance of sweetness and acidity. The intense flavors of apricot and honey are complemented by notes of tropical fruits, and a touch of minerality adds depth and complexity. The finish is long and satisfying, leaving a lingering sweetness on the tongue. This Beerenauslese is a true gem that is best enjoyed as a dessert wine or paired with a creamy blue cheese.

MAX FERD RICHTER Wehlener Sonnenuhr Riesling-Beerenauslese, Mosel-Saar-Ruwer

FRITZ HAAG Brauneberger Juffer-Sonnenuhr Riesling-Beerenauslese, Mosel-Saar-Ruwer