Egon Müller zu Scharzhof - Scharzhofberger Riesling Eiswein Goldkapsel 2016

Egon Müller zu Scharzhof – Scharzhofberger Riesling Ice Wine Gold Cap 2016

1. Introduction

The Scharzhofberger Riesling Eiswein Goldkapsel 2016 from the Egon Müller zu Scharzhof winery is one of the most prestigious sweet wines in the world. The winery, founded in 1797 and based in the Saar Valley on the Moselle, is regarded as one of the most renowned wineries in the world and produces the most famous and most expensive noble sweet Rieslings from the Scharzhofberg grand cru.

The 2016 vintage was the estate’s first ice wine since 2012 and – unlike many of the estate’s top wines – was not sold at auction but marketed directly to private customers and the trade.

2. Basic wine information

3. Tasting notes

Colour

The winepresents a pale yellow colour with amber highlights, indicating its exceptional concentration.

Nose

The nose is remarkably clear and precise. Concentrated pineapple aromas dominate , complemented by notes of passion fruit, pear, elderflower, apricot, aromatic herbs and delicate spices. An exotic hint of durian rounds off the complex bouquet . A smoky note on the nose is also described.

Palate

On the palate, the wine is lush, round and lively, with a creamy texture and remarkable depth. The fruit aromas (particularly apricot) blend with a juicy, never intrusive acidity. An excellent salinity and a mineral dimension, reminiscent of lime, grapefruit and crushed slate, lend the wine an almost electric tension . The interplay of sweetness and acidity is described as particularly elegant – without the sharpness often found in young ice wines.

Finish

The exceptionally long finish lasts for several minutes, leaving behind recurring citrus notes. Its phenomenal persistence is highlighted by critics.

4. Critics’ reviews

The wine has received outstanding ratings from leading wine critics:

5. Price and availability

Prices for this rare wine vary considerably depending on bottle size and retailer:

Note: Prices are subject to fluctuation and may vary depending on the retailer and availability.

6. Serving recommendations & ageing potential

• Ready to drink now: The wine is already ‘delicious’ and ready to enjoy.

• Optimal drinking window: Most critics see its best potential over the next five to ten years, although it cancontinue to maturefor many decades beyond that .

• Long-term potential: The wine is predicted to remain drinkable until at least 2070.

Serving temperature: Well chilled, after one to two hours in the fridge.

7. Food pairings

This ice wine pairs superbly with:

• Blue-veined cheeses: Gorgonzola, Roquefort, Stilton

• Creamy cheeses: Brie, Camembert

• Fruit desserts: apple, pear or apricot tart

• Creamy desserts: white chocolate crème brûlée, panna cotta

• Savoury dishes: foie gras, roast duck, spicy Asian cuisine, scallops with butter and bacon

8. Conclusion

Egon Müller’s 2016 Scharzhofberger Riesling Eiswein Goldkapsel is an exceptional wine that has been unanimously acclaimed by critics. With ratings of up to 98 Parker points, it ranks among the best ice wines of the decade. Its precise fruit, lively acidity, mineral depth and seemingly endless finish make it a benchmark wine for the genre.

Due to limited availabilityand high demand, the wine is now difficult to come by and is traded at prices in the four-figure euro range – a collector’s item and a treat for special occasions.