August Anheuser Winery - Kreuznacher Narrenkappe Riesling feine Auslese 1967

August Anheuser Winery - Kreuznacher Narrenkappe Riesling feine Auslese 1967, Nahe, Germany

Introduction: A forgotten Prädikat level from a great era

The August Anheuserwinery in Bad Kreuznach was one of the traditional names on the Nahe before it ceased operations over the years. The Kreuznacher Narrenkappesite is one of the most renowned steep slopes in the region, known for its weathered slate and quartzite soil, which gives Rieslings of enormous mineral tension and elegance. The designation "feine Auslese" is a historical predicate level, no longer official today, which was categorised between Auslese and Beerenauslese- a wine of great sweetness and concentration, but which did not reach the full botrytis potential of a BA. The 1967 vintagewas a good, classic vintage on the Nahe with sufficient acidity. Such a bottle is an extremely rare rarity today.

Sensory prognosis (with perfect storage)

The following description describes the best-case scenario of a bottle stored perfectly for 55 years. The risk of an over-oxidised or tired wine is high.

Colour

• A deep, brilliant golden yellow with amber to orange reflections. The colour shows the intense concentration and long maturation.

Nose

The bouquet is intense, complex and characterised by a fascinating blend of noble sweetness, mature notes and the typical Nahe minerality.

• Concentrated, mature fruit: Apricot jam, preserved peaches, mirabelle plum purée, honeydew melon, a hint of sultana.

• Noble mature notes: Honeycomb, beeswax, roasted almonds, an elegant petrol note.

• The minerality of the fool's cap: A pronounced, slatey-salty note with hints of damp rock and herbal spice.

• Fine botrytis: Light, noble mushroomy notes, which are, however, less dominant than in a full BA.

Palate

• Texture: Oily, silky and medium to full-bodied. The residual sweetness is considerable, but the acidity makes it bouncy and not heavy.

• Acidity: Still lively and precise, the characteristic acidity of the Nahe and the vintage is a lifesaver. It cuts through the sweetness, adds tension and length.

• Flavour: A harmonious fusion of honey, ripe stone fruit, mineral spice and a fine petrol note.

• Finish: Long, clean and with a salty, mineral aftertaste.

Historical classification

1967 vintage on the Nahe

• A good, classic vintagewith sufficient sunshine and a good acid structure. The wines were more accessible than the austere 1968s, but still had ageing potential. Ideal for a "fine Auslese".

The Kreuznacher Narrenkappe site

• One of the top sites on the Nahe with extremely steep slopes and a soil of weathered slate, quartzite and gravel. It gives the Rieslings a smoky-salty minerality, fine flavour and taut elegance.

The meaning of "Feine Auslese"

• This label was used in the 1960s and 70s to characterise an Auslese of exceptional concentration and selection - often from special, particularly noble rotten lots. In terms of quality, it stands between a normal Auslese and a Beerenauslese.

August Anheuser Winery

• A once prestigious winery that no longer exists. Bottles from this source are sought-after collector's items.

Drinking maturity & risk

Current drinking maturity

The wine has reachedits optimum drinking window many years ago and is now on a plateau of maturity. Immediate consumption is recommended.

Risk factors

1. Provenance: Decisive. Only perfectly stored bottles have a chance.

2. Fill level & cork: A low fill level is a warning sign.

3. Oxidation: The greatest risk at this age.

Rating & recommendations

Rating (for an intact bottle): 94-96/100 points

A rarity of great beauty and historical significance. It shows the finesse of the Nahe and the quality of a forgotten predicate level.

Recommendations:

1. Do not decant. Pour carefully, separate from the deposit if necessary.

2. Serving temperature: 10-12°C.

3. Glass: A large white wine glass.

4. Accompaniment: On its own as a meditation or with foie gras, blue cheese, nut desserts.

Conclusion

The August Anheuser Kreuznacher Narrenkappe feine Auslese 1967 is a liquid contemporary documentof Nahe wine culture. It combines the mineral power of its origin with the now rare classification "feine Auslese" and the signature of a now forgotten estate. Opening a bottle like this is a privilege - a glimpse into the past of German winegrowing, when predicates were still defined differently and wines like this were the highest honour for connoisseurs. A jewel for collectors and lovers of historic Rieslings.