The 2007 Burrweiler Schlossgarten Rieslaner Auslese effusively exudes ripe pineapple, mango, pink grapefruit, and candied herbal elixir. Add to this a honeyed slick and strong sweetness on the palate and – as Minges grants – one has in some ways more of a Beerenauslese than Auslese character. But while coming close to syrupy, this is certainly not at all heavy, and its attractive diversity of fruit and herbal essences are well-preserved in a finish of striking purity (free of any coarse manifestations of botrytis) and genuine lift. It isn’t as though high residual sugar was his decision, Minges points out. This was only in desperation filtered and bottled in September, after it clearly was not going to ferment any further. It might well be worth following for 20 or more years, although I would want to revisit it within 8-10 years. For the most part, Theo Minges achieved admirable results in 2007, a vintage he saw as playing into his hand by promoting inherent clarity, nuance, and “energy, so that all you had to do in the cellar was direct it.”Importer: Terry Theise Estate Selections, imported by Michael Skurnik Wines, Inc., Syosset, NY; tel. (516) 677-9300