Dönnhoff Riesling Auslese Nahe Niederhauser Hermannshöhle 2002 375ml

96 points John Gilman (View From the Cellar): "I am accustomed to the Hermannshöhle vineyard producing rather bruising styles of wines, with loads of power and complexity, but not always the nascent finesse of the Oberhäuser Brücke. The 2002 Hermannshöhle Auslese is stunningly refined, focused and finesseful, with absolutely no botrytis evident and the depth and purity that only the very best wines of the vintage can deliver. The nose offers up a compelling mélange of pink grapefruit, tangerine, rose petals, fiery minerality, lavender and nascent notes of petrol. On the palate the wine is full-bodied, deep and laser-like in its focus, with truly remarkable breed and harmony for a young Hermannshöhle Auslese. The finish is very, very long, very crisp and utterly refined, with great intensity of flavor absolutely defined by its minerality. Profound young juice and, along with the 1998 Auction Spätlese , this is unequivocally the greatest expression of the Hermannshöhle vineyard that I have ever tasted. I would bury this stunning young riesling for at least a half dozen years- it should live half a century. 2010-2050. (Jul/Aug 2006)"

94 points Pierre Rovani (Wine Advocate): "Dominated by botrytis and spices, the nose of the 2002 Riesling Auslese Niederhauser Hermannshohle leads to a broad, immensely rich core of enormous concentration. Medium-bodied, laced with spicy noble rot, it has tremendous depth, power, and length. It is rather fitting that both of the estate’s 2002 Auslesen are only available in half-bottles, a sign that Donnhoff himself realizes they are more than Auslesen, deserving to be treated (and served) as Beerenauslesen. Anticipated maturity: 2010-2030. (Feb 2004)"

93 points Mosel Fine Wines: "AP: 15 03. Still somewhat closed on the nose, this only slowly reveals ripe scents of quince, pear and star anise. The wine is rich and long on the palate, with a nice feel of tartness coming through in the powerful and intense finish. This is a great dessert wine but one which needs food to balance its richness. (Apr 2012)"

19/20 points Jancis Robinson, MW: "Very light nose at the moment but much, much sweeter and richer than any other Auslese I have tasted. Syrupy in one way yet lively and really, really exciting. Lime and lychees. Go for it! (Drink between 2006-2025. (10/23/03)"