Forstmeister GELTZ/ZILLIKEN (Saar) -- 2017 Tasted from Bottle

(Originally published 20 October 2018.)

In 2017, production was about 15% less than average, said Hanno Zilliken. Hervesting began on 2 October. The wines are characterized by very high dry extracts; already at the Kabinett level, there are 30 g/l dry extract. This is a most successful vintage across the board.

2017 (Saarburg) Rausch Riesling GG
Stony but also some fruitiness in the nose. Good depth and firmness in the mouth, medium weight, elegant, stony, pure, long, mineral, citric — grapefruit, lemon, also some herbs. Excellent energy along with calm. 8 g/l residual sugar here, supported by the acidity but giving some roundness.93(+)/A

2017 Butterfly Riesling
Stony, herbal nose. Medium-llight body, thyme. Firm, almost dry. 11.0%. 17 g/l residual sugar. 91/A

2017 Riesling 
Some sweetness here, pineapple fruit, light on palate. Good length. 38 g/l residual sugar. 88/A

2017 (Ockfen) Bockstein Riesling Kabinett
 Thyme and other herbs in nose. Pineapple fruit in the mouth, light in the mouth, a fair amount of sweetness. 54 g/l residual sugar, 8.6 g/l acidity. Last digits of A.P. Nr.: 08 18. 8.0% stated alcohol. 90/A

2017 (Saarburg) Rausch Riesling Kabinett
Stony lemon nose. Herbal, yellow plum fruit in mouth with some honey; sweet. Outstanding complexity.  Last digits of A.P. Nr.: 07-18. 8.0% stated alcohol.  92/A

2017 (Saarburg) Rausch Riesling Spätlese
Pineapple and a bit of honey in nose. Honey on palate, firm, penetrating, mineral, lemon drop, pineapple; good length. Finesse and calm. Dry extract is 34 g/l.; 9+ g/l acidity, 80 g/l residual sugar. Last digits of A.P. Nr.: 06 18. 7.5% stated alcohol. 93(+)/A

2017 (Saarburg) Rausch Riesling Auslese Nr. 5
Fine, vibrant, floral nose. More density and body than the Spätlese, but not appreciably sweeter. Herbs, lemon flavors, some salinity. 82 g/l residual sugar, but higher acid (about 9.5 g/l) and dry extract than Spätlese. Last digits of A.P. Nr.: 05 18. 93/A-

2017 (Saarburg) Rausch Riesling Auslese Nr. 4 (auction)
Intense, stony, herbal nose. Intense, dense, quite sweet, lemon, long, pure; touch bitterness that plays against the sugar on the finish. Last digits of A.P. Nr.: 04 18. 95/A

2017 (Saarburg) Rausch Auslese Nr. 3 Einzelbeeren Selection (auction)
Extremely stony nose honey. Ripe, round, pure, juicy concentrated, lemon, sweetness, but also acid play against it. But sweeter than previous wine. Einzelbeereen selection means that individual grapes were picked out for this wine. Great elegance. 10+ g/l acidity, 110 g/l residual sugar, dry extract is 43 g/l. 95/A

2017 (Saarburg) Rausch Riesling Auslese (gold capsule)
Quite a bit of botrytis showing in nose. Brown sugar, tropical fruits, dried apricot, raisin. Intense, sweet, penetrating, energetic. Bordering on BA in style but not as heavy. 11.5 g/l acidity. 55 g/l dry extract. 7.5% stated alcohol. Last digits of A.P. Nr.: 02 18. 96/A

2017 (Saarburg) Rausch Riesling Auslese (long gold capsule) auction
Intense, golden, honeyed nose with floral elements. Dried apricots, raisins, intense, penetrating, long, but with lightness.  178 g/l residual sugar. 12+ g/l acidity. Last digits of A.P. Nr.: 01 18. 96/A