Weingut Johannishof, Johannisberger Goldatzel Riesling Auslese, Rheingau

There is little better in the white wine world than 50-year old Rhenghau BA in perfect form.Pure perfection (almost) with that alluring dark, deep orange hue, the nose that leaps out with topical fruits galore : cumquat, orange peel, lemon, marmalade, burnt vanilla, smoky petrol scents. A wine to sip and savor.

The wonders of aged Prädikat riesling! This 1976 BA is still singing, though clearly on the upper right shoulder. With that medium deep cognac color, a nose or intense apricot, cumwuat, plenty of wood smoke, and exotic florals, the wine actually needed 10 minutes to unfurl its beautifully fused melange of deep dried apricot, pineapple, lemon, and Smokey earth with a lingering finish. And the acid balance is still perfect. 1976 Rhenighau auslesen and BAs just own a territory of …

Old German reislings don't get much better than this. Medium golden brown color with an orange hue, petrol and tangerine peel nose, with grapefruit, persimmon, Mexican brown sugar and creme soda on the palate. Exquisite balance, not overly sweet. Magnificent.