Vinous (94+)

Golden yellow. Scents of apple blossom, white raisin and quince complicated by a hint of honeyed botrytis. Luscious, candied papaya fruit shows a velvety texture, but mouthwatering acidity keeps the palate fresh. At once dense and light, with mineral salts pervading the elegant, very long finish. A superb auslese and one of the best of the vintage.

The Dr Thanisch Bernkasteler Doctor Riesling Spatlese Auktion 2011 is a quintessence of premium Mosel winemaking techniques. Exquisitely hailing from the prestigious Doctor vineyard in Bernkastel, it epitomises Dr. Thanisch's commitment to capturing the essence of terroir in every bottle. The distinct slate soil imbues the grapes with a remarkable mineral complexity, whilst the 'Spatlese' denomination illustrates a late harvest selection, emphasising the enticing balance of intensity and delicate sweetness.

The riesling grapes undergo meticulous hand-picking, followed by a gentle pressing process, ensuring only the highest quality juices are fermented in traditional century old Fuder barrels. One is assailed by charming notes of ripe apricot, apple, and exotic fruits harmoniously melded with a sophisticated minerality and riveting acidity. The Dr Thanisch Bernkasteler Doctor Riesling Spatlese Auktion 2011 exemplifies an unrivalled vintage, enabling wine connoisseurs to indulge in a sensory journey of Mosel grandeur.

Wine Advocate (92)

Crushed stone, sage, green tea, as well as black tea smokiness envelop the fresh apple, cherry and lime aromas of a Prum 2011 Bernkasteler Badstube Riesling Kabinett, but fruit comes to the fore on an infectiously juicy, buoyant, and satin-textured palate, with smoky, herbal, alkaline and crushed stone elements setting-up a positively shimmering sense of dynamic interactivity that persists into a bracing and succulently-sustained finish. The residual sugar here is impeccably-integrated, as was the case with the corresponding generic Kabinett (and in fact, at just over 30 grams, it’s analytically only a tad higher), and even at 9.5% alcohol this positively dances across your tongue. Look to be charmed for at least the better part of two decades by this excellent value.

Revered for its captivating expression of terroir, the Markus Molitor Wehlener Sonnenuhr Auslese 3* White Capsule 2011 is a genuine marvel from Germany's renowned Mosel wine region. Markus Molitor, a revered artisanal vintner who assumes a minimalist approach in the vineyard and winery, meticulously crafts this Riesling from the esteemed Sonnenuhr vineyard, famed for its blue Devon slate soil. Hand-picked at perfect ripeness, the grapes undergo spontaneous fermentation before a veritable slumber in large oak foudres, allowing for a harmonious fusion of fruit, acidity and mineral nuances.

The Markus Molitor Wehlener Sonnenuhr Auslese 3* White Capsule 2011 radiates opulence through its expansive, multi-layered profile. Laden with tropical fruit, honeyed notes and a thread of profound minerality, this Auslese culminates in a prodigious finish. Beverage connoisseurs can anticipate decadent sipping, particularly when paired with dishes of piquant complexities.

Experience the transcendent ethos embodied by the Markus Molitor Wehlener Sonnenuhr Auslese 3* White Capsule 2011, a testament to the grandeur of German Riesling.

Vinous (92)

Pale golden-yellow. Succulent aromas of candied pineapple, baked apple and muskmelon. Delicately rich and creamy in texture, with flavors of peach, cinnamon and vanilla. More elegant than dense on the subtle finish. A classically styled auslese.