Zilliken also slated his 2007 Saarburger Rausch Riesling Auslese Long Gold Capsule A.P. #1 for auction, and this result of extreme selection across numerous parcels is noteworthy, even at a glance, for its surprisingly pale green-gold color. A huge concentration on nose as well as palate of lemon, grapefruit, and distilled-strength herbal essences seems entirely consistent with that appearance. That said, white raisin, sultana, fig and caramelized peaches – all reflecting the presence of botrytis – also abound here. More than 200 grams of sugar seem somehow to have been spirited away from one’s taste buds, and one result is clear access of a multitude of flavor nuances as well as retention of elegance and refreshment. This finishes with a tsunami of citrus concentrates, honey, caramel, and black tea, bearing diverse dried fruits, lavender, licorice, spices, and crushed stone. This kaleidoscopic, penetrating, and nearly endlessly finishing beauty should remain marvelous for 40 years.It might seem hard to believe that Hanno Zilliken could once again out-performed a vintage in the way that he did 2005 and 2006. But his having designated an unprecedented four different wines of the 2007 vintage as auction offerings certainly speaks to his confidence – well-founded, I would say – in the quality of this collection’s top end. The vintage’s “Riesling Butterfly” – stemming largely from Saarburg’s Antoniousbrunnen and Bergschlosschen vineyards (behind the Rausch, and overlooking a tiny Saar tributary) and in only small measure from the Rausch and Bockstein – was reviewed in issue 184 and remains lovely, if at present less generous than there-described. No off-dry generic estate Riesling was bottled this vintage, and with 2008 Zilliken will be seen to have made other changes in the lower half of his price list.Importer: Rudi Wiest, Cellars International, Carlsbad, CA 800 596 9463