Egon Müller zu Scharzhof - Scharzhofberger Riesling Auslese 1921

Report: Egon Müller zu Scharzhof - Scharzhofberger Riesling Auslese 1921

"The untouchable icon of German viticulture"

Introduction 1: A myth in bottles

The Egon Müller Scharzhofberger Riesling Auslese 1921 is not a wine - it is thesacred cult object of German viticulture. Embedded in the collective memory as one of the greatest white wines of all time, it embodies the perfect symbiosis of a century-old vintage, an incomparable terroir and over 200 years of expertise from the Müller family. This wine not only stands for unrivalled complexity, but also for the magical longevity of great Rieslings.

2. the winery: Egon Müller - guardian of the Scharzhofberg

• Location: Scharzhof, Wiltingen (Saar).

• History: Family-owned since 1797; epitome of aristocratic winegrowing culture.

• Philosophy: Absolute minimum intervention, emphasis on the Devonian slate terroir, latest possible harvest, natural spontaneous fermentation.

• Reputation: Synonymous worldwide with ultimate Riesling elegance and timeless finesse.

3. the site: Scharzhofberg - the sanctuary

• Soil: Pure, blue-grey Devonian slate with quartzite veins.

• Microclimate: Steep south-facing slope (55-70%) on the Saarschleife; cool night temperatures, high humidity, morning mist.

• Effect: Gives the wine electric acidity, smoky-salty minerality and an unmistakable filigree structure.

4 The 1921 vintage: The "year of the century"

• Climate: Extremely warm, dry summer with an ideal ripening period.

• Special feature: Winegrowers spoke of"sun cargo" - grapes with concentrated sugar and high acidity due to cool autumn nights.

• Result: Wines of unparalleled concentration, balance and ageing potential.

5 The Auslese: Perfection in selection

• Harvest: Hand-picked, noble rotten berries (Botrytis cinerea) in several passes.

• Must weight: Estimated 150-160° Oechsle - exceptional for the time.

• Vinification: Traditional wooden barrel fermentation, long yeast contact time.

6. sensory analysis: The legend brought to life

(Based on historical auction tastings, including Christie's 1988 & 2018)

• Colour: Deep amber with golden green reflections - a sign of noble ageing.

• Nose:

  • Primary: Honeycomb, overripe apricot, candied pineapple, mirabelle plum jam.

  • Secondary: Petrol, pine resin, damp slate, truffle, wax.

  • Tertiary: Tea leaf, ginger, cardamom, forest floor.

• Palate:

  • Texture: oily-dense, yet with a floating lightness.

  • Fruit: Quince jam, dried mango, caramelised pear.

  • Minerality: Salty sharpness, smoky flint, cool-fresh slate line.

  • Acidity: Lively, tangy acidity (apple and citric acid) - the skeleton for 100+ years.

• Finish: Minutes long; develops from exotic fruit to smoky-mineral depth.

"A wine that doesn't age - it transforms. Every sip is a dialogue with history."
- Michael Broadbent after a tasting in 1995

7 Historical significance & market value

• Rarity: Only a few original bottles exist (estimated < 10 worldwide)

• 2022: Private sale for over €45,000

• Cult status: Traded like Romanée-Conti 1945 or Lafite 1869.

• Contemporary testimony: Survived inflation, world wars, economic miracle - and shines unbroken.

8th drinking window & stock forecast

• Current condition: At its peak - but indestructible with an intact cork layer.

• Potential: At least 2050+ - acidity and extract seem inexhaustible.

• Risk: High risk of counterfeiting; provenance is everything.

9. tasting protocol: A sacred act

1. Temperature: 10-12°C (too cold kills the nuances).

2. Glass: Large Burgundy (e.g. Zalto Burgundy).

3. Decant: 2 hours before - needs air to awaken.

4. Accompaniment: Pure respect - no food, no conversation. Focus only.

10. conclusion: The inexplicable in its purest form

The Scharzhofberger Auslese 1921 is not a drink, but a liquid universe. It unites apparent opposites:

• Theelemental force of the slate and the grace of the Saar.

• Thesweetness of the sun and the sharpness of the north.

• Thetransience of fruit and the eternity of stone.

Anyone who ever has the privilege of tasting this wine not only touches the essence of Riesling - it touches the soul of viticulture itself. A monument that transcends all rating scales. 100 points? More like 100 lives.

"There are wines that you drink. And there is the Müller 1921 - you experience it."
- Unknown collector at an auction in Trier