Müller/Egon Riesling Auslese Scharzhofberger 2011

98+ points Mosel Fine Wines: "AP: 06 12. Made from “only” 40% botrytized fruit (this figure is actually on the low side for an Auslese by Egon Müller standards), this immediately signals that one is facing a masterpiece in the making. The aromatics are ripe, rich, with great flavors of pineapple, apricot, herbs and spices. The length and utter balance of this wine are simply difficult to put in words. The wine is soft and elegant on the palate and offers a long Auslese GK feel in the finish. There is however no point in opening this potentially perfect Saar wine at an early stage. It really needs 20 or 30 years of bottle aging and could then become a different but no less fascinating alternative to the legendary 1959 or 1953 wines. It is that impressive and great! 2031-2061. (Oct 2012)"

97 points John Gilman (View From the Cellar): "There is only one Auslese from this vineyard in 2011, but, oh what an Auslese! I love the very clean and pure effect of the botrytis to be found on the Scharzhofberger Auslese in 2011, as it serves to concentrate all the lovely elements in this wine without blurring or obscuring any of them. The gloriously complex bouquet delivers a magical mélange of lime zest, tangerine, hints of white cherries, honeycomb, kaleidoscopic minerality, white grape, candied lilacs, a touch of petrol and a floral topnote redolent of orange and lime blossoms. On the palate the wine is deep, full-bodied, pure and electric, with a great core, stunning focus and mineral drive and a very, very long, snappy and very pure finish. The botrytis here provides a lovely glazing that seems to crystalize each element in the wine, adding vibrancy and precision. Great, great juice. 2022-2075. (Mar/Apr 2012)"

96 points Stephan Reinhardt (Wine Advocate): "Muller’s 2011 Scharzhofberger Riesling Auslese delivers a penetrating and multifarious nose of heliotrope, lily, candied lime rind, quince preserves, white peach preserves, distilled herbal essences, marzipan and brown spices. Almost weightlessly delicate yet simultaneously expansive and creamy, this both caresses and stimulates the palate with a kaleidoscopically interactive array of those diverse and exotic elements that on the nose signaled its ripeness and botrytis ennoblement. An almost syrupy sense of white peach – along with hints of white raisin that emerge in that prodigious finish – fails to tip the scales in too-confectionary a direction thanks to a vibratory sense of energy and refreshing rivulet of juicy fresh peach and lime that is threaded throughout. (Oct 2013)"

95 points Joel B. Payne (International Wine Cellar): "Golden yellow. Enthralling aroma of candied peach, lemon oil and acacia honey, with a hint of brown spice botrytis. The lusciously sweet tropical fruit palate maintains a remarkable delicacy in spite of its richness and depth. The impressively long, glossy finish is underscored by slate and a refined spiciness. One of the great ausleses of the vintage. (Jan/Feb 2013)"