2016 Brauneberger Juffer Sonnenuhr Auslese GK

Pear drops, quince preserves, overripe Persian melon and candied lime on the nose signal a confitured and confectionary personality – confirmed on the glycerol-rich, lush, yet delicate palate – that sets this wine apart from its “regular” Auslese siblings. Haag says this is at least partly a function of a 15-20% share of “very fine” – i.e., dry, lightly present – botrytis. Prickly suggestions of citrus peels and raw ginger on both nose and palate further point to botrytis. The soothingly sustained, honeyed finish preserves luscious melony succulence and evokes a hint of white raisin. This is an example of the impeccable if analytically improbable balance that Haag achieves at all Prädikat levels, because despite its hugely high residual sugar, the resulting sweetness is ideally supportive but not at all blatant let alone sticky.