Egon Müller's iconic 2019 Scharzhofberger Kabinett Alte Reben (Auction) opens with a clear, intense and fascinating aromatic bouquet of perfectly ripe mangos intertwined with the delicate flinty notes of the old-vines plot in the Scharzhofberg, which you can see from the library of the domain. On the palate, this is a crystalline, finessed and super elegant yet mouth-filling and fruity Kabinett with a very long, complex, tight and sustainably salty as well as tensioned finish with a crystalline, quartzite-like nerviness and energy. It is almost impossible to put the wine glass back onto the table, but it should be clear that the 2019 is made to be cellared for many, many years, no matter how sexy it is today. 9.5% alcohol. To be auctioned in Trier in September this year. Tasted from AP 4-20 in June 2020.

The 2016 Scharzhofberger Kabinett Alte Reben (Versteigerung) is sourced from two different spots: Breiter Weinberg at the Scharzhof and the Knipp at the top of the Scharzhofberg. Made from just-ripe grapes and opening with dusty/stony and spicy-bright Riesling aromas, this is a medium-bodied, pretty intense and lush Scharzhofberger with bright fruit and good phenolic grip from crisp skins. It is a serious, tightly woven Kabinett with a good finish. The wine (AP #3) doesn’t taste sweet at all but racy and fruity. 1,200 bottles were auctioned in Trier in September 2017 and fetched 180 euros without VAT and fees.