Very succulent and exotic with wonderful mangosteen and tropical-flower aromas. Stunning concentration, yet somehow this manages to come off as light, thanks to the breathtaking vitality and great freshness. Fabulous finish that’s not a jot too sweet. A rare example of this Botrytis-influenced style for the drought vintage. Very limited production. Drink or hold.

The 2020 Wehlener Sonnenuhr Riesling Auslese ** Fass 24 is based on extremely ripe and botrytized grapes from the ancient, 100- to 120-year-old vines. The two-starred wine, a "feine Auslese," as it was named until 1971, was fermented completely in foudre and is above all based on elegance and precision. The bouquet is precise and fresh, very fine and delicate despite its concentration. On the palate, this is a pure, refined and salty, sustainably structured Auslese with exciting tension as well as finesse and perfect balance. A gorgeous Auslese for the next 30 to 50 years. Bottled with 7% alcohol and 120 grams per liter of residual sugar, which are hardly noticeable due to the sharp but fine and titillating acidity and the pervasive mineral structure. Natural cork. Tasted from AP 1521 in November 2021. - SR