Vinous (91)

Golden yellow. Aromas of ripe peach, guava and dates, with a hint of spicy botrytis. A cool minerality gives a refreshing quality to the luscious citrus fruit flavors. The finish is dominated by a spicy elegance rather than an impression of weight.

The Fritz Haag Brauneberger Juffer Sonnenuhr Riesling Auslese 2004 is a majestic exemplar of German Riesling craftsmanship. Produced in the esteemed Fritz Haag estate, nestled within the Mosel's Brauneberger Juffer vineyard, this wine is bracingly fresh yet exhibits incredible ageing potential.

Considered an 'Auslese,' it's crafted using selectively handpicked overripe grapes, ensuring a high concentration of natural sugars. This 2004 vintage from the 'Sonnenuhr' site, known for its sundial landmark and south-facing slate soils, captures sunlight, providing optimal ripeness.

The resulting wine is a masterful balance of honeyed sweetness and racy acidity, adorned with notes of ripe summer fruits, underpinned by filigreed minerality. Fritz Haag, a seven-generation family business, continues to receive critical acclaim for their deft touch in crafting such orchestrating wines, their winemaking prowess embodied in the Fritz Haag Brauneberger Juffer Sonnenuhr Riesling Auslese 2004.

Afficionados of fine Rieslings will delight in the Georg Breuer Rauenthaler Nonnenberg Riesling 2004. Produced in the historical vineyards of Germany's Rheingau region, this esteemed vintage captures the true essence of its pristine terroir. Master winemaker Georg Breuer used traditional Riesling vinification methods - hand-picking, spontaneous fermentation and protracted settling - to create a wine of intense complexity.

The Rauenthaler Nonnenberg vineyard's unique south-facing slopes enhance growth, furnishing the grapes with optimal ripeness and imparting the wine with its distinct character. The 2004 vintage is evocative of ripe yellow fruits, underpinned by minerality, resulting from the vineyard's quartzite soils.

Georg Breuer, a stalwart of German viticulture, ensures the sustainable cultivation of these beautiful vineyards, continuing his commitment to the quality synonymous with his name. Each bottle of Georg Breuer Rauenthaler Nonnenberg Riesling 2004 is a testament to the harmony of tradition, terroir, and meticulous winemaking.

Emanating from the grandiose terraces of Dalsheim, the Keller Dalsheimer Hubacker Riesling Auslese 2004 is a splendid vintage from the esteemed Keller Winery. Famed for their mastery of Riesling production, Keller combines time-honoured techniques with the unique terroir of Rheinhessen. This Auslese is carefully selected from late harvest, noble rot grapes, and legislature mandates a minimum 120° Oechsle – guaranteeing truly magnificent concentration and complexity.

This captivating 2004 expression is a kaleidoscope of honeyed peach, invigorating lime zest, and subtle undercurrents of botrytis. The balance between intense fruitiness and vital acidity is masterful, providing an enduring finish that is both dreamy and refreshing. Aging from Hubacker's distinctive loess, loam and limestone soils further distinguishes the Keller Dalsheimer Hubacker Riesling Auslese 2004, making it a sought-after choice among discerning oenophiles. The harmony of depth, elegance, and vibrancy offered by this wine is a testament to Keller's virtuosity and the exceptional terroir of Rheinhessen.