97 points John Gilman (View From the Cellar): "The 2017 Auction Spätlese from the Zilliken family is a legend in the making and I hope it does not close down before auction goers in Trier have a chance to taste it in September! Hanno Zilliken observed that there are more shriveled berries used in this bottling than in the regular Spätlese, though no botrytis. The wine soars from the glass in a gorgeous blend of pear, white cherries, bee pollen, a complex base of salty slate, spring flowers, lime zest and a touch of wild yeasts. On the palate the wine is pure, medium-full and laser-like in its focus, with the cut and precision found only in the very best wines of the vintage. The finish is very, very long, snappy and filigreed. This is pure magic in a bottle. 2023-2055. (May/Jun 2018)"
96 points Stuart Pigott (JamesSuckling.com): "Another great Spätlese from Zilliken. Still quite reserved on the nose with a hint of white tea. On the palate, it marries tremendous density with stunning elegance. A very long finish that will make life very hard for whichever wine you choose to drink next. Decades of cellar life ahead of it, but irresistible now! (6/25/18)"
95-96 points Stephan Reinhardt (Wine Advocate): "The 2017 Saarburger Rausch Riesling Spätlese (Auction) is a downgraded Auslese from yellow-golden, partly dried berries. Pure and fresh but intense and concentrated on the nose, with mirabelle and dried fruit but also mineral flavors, this is a lush and piquant, highly delicate and beautifully balanced Riesling with remarkable concentration and freshness. Total production: one fuder. Tasted March 2018. Drink: 2024-2050. (Apr 2018)"
93 points Mosel Fine Wines: "AP: 04 18. The 2017er Saarburger Rausch Spätlese Auction was harvested at a full 98° Oechsle with 10-15% of botrytized fruit. The wine comes over as quite restrained and smoky at first, but is quick to reveal some superb scents of pineapple, apricot, herbs, mint, candied grapefruit and greengage with air. It proves delicately exotic on the palate and leaves a beautifully clean feel in the long finish. While not a Spätlese, this proves a remarkably subtle, intense yet impeccably balanced Auslese GK in the making. It only needs 10 years to full shine! 2027-2047. (Aug 2018)"
96 points Stuart Pigott (JamesSuckling.com): "Another great Spätlese from Zilliken. Still quite reserved on the nose with a hint of white tea. On the palate, it marries tremendous density with stunning elegance. A very long finish that will make life very hard for whichever wine you choose to drink next. Decades of cellar life ahead of it, but irresistible now! (6/25/18)"
95-96 points Stephan Reinhardt (Wine Advocate): "The 2017 Saarburger Rausch Riesling Spätlese (Auction) is a downgraded Auslese from yellow-golden, partly dried berries. Pure and fresh but intense and concentrated on the nose, with mirabelle and dried fruit but also mineral flavors, this is a lush and piquant, highly delicate and beautifully balanced Riesling with remarkable concentration and freshness. Total production: one fuder. Tasted March 2018. Drink: 2024-2050. (Apr 2018)"
93 points Mosel Fine Wines: "AP: 04 18. The 2017er Saarburger Rausch Spätlese Auction was harvested at a full 98° Oechsle with 10-15% of botrytized fruit. The wine comes over as quite restrained and smoky at first, but is quick to reveal some superb scents of pineapple, apricot, herbs, mint, candied grapefruit and greengage with air. It proves delicately exotic on the palate and leaves a beautifully clean feel in the long finish. While not a Spätlese, this proves a remarkably subtle, intense yet impeccably balanced Auslese GK in the making. It only needs 10 years to full shine! 2027-2047. (Aug 2018)"
| Product SKU | 340222 |
| Producer | Zilliken |
| Country | Germany |
| Region | Mosel |
| Varietal | Riesling |
| Designation | Spatlese |
| Vintage | 2017 |
| Size | 750ml |
| Color | White |
| Ships To |
