2007 Schloss Johannisberger Auslese Rosalack

The grapes for potential B.A. and T.B.A. were selected into separate little containers as part of the same wide-ranging and prolonged pickings. the 2007 Schloss Johannisberg Riesling Auslese A.P.#10 – nick-named “Rosalack, Ex Bibliotheca subterranean” and destined to be in part auctioned and in part archived in the estate’s cellars – smells hauntingly of chamomile, quinine, roses, mint, and pit fruit distillates. Creamy and amazingly viscous for Auslese, it proves to be very understated, but remarkably long and refined, not gripping, but soothing – a luxurious bath in essence of fruits, herbs and flowers. This should be fascinating to follow for three decades or more. The affable and astute Christian Witte continues to implement wide-ranging quality initiatives at this venerable property as well as at its sister estate, G.H. Mumm (whose wines do not, however – at least yet – meet the same stringent quality standards). Whether all of these wines are worth paying their traditionally high asking prices is another matter, but every indication is that price is not an impediment, or at least, not at the high end or in the home market. Witte reports that all three vintages thus far of his Erstes Gewachs bottling have sold out quickly, and in 2007 there were 13,000 bottles, an amount almost as large as that of Kabinett trocken and feinherb combined. Importer: P. J. Valckenberg International, Tulsa, OK; tel. 918 622 0424