NO RESERVE PRICE offer of regular size bottle of legendary 2003 Fritz Haag Brauneberger Juffer-Sonnenuhr Riesling Auslese Goldkapsel, Special Fuder #09 We are delighted to present the highly sought-after 2003 Fritz Haag Brauneberger Juffer-Sonnenuhr Riesling Auslese with the prestigious Goldkapsel designation. This is a rare opportunity to acquire a legendary wine from one of the Mosel's most celebrated producers and a vintage of singular character. Wine Critics' Acclaim: The 2003 vintage was a challenge for many, but the top producers in the Mosel, like Fritz Haag, were able to craft concentrated, complex wines that have earned high praise from leading critics. * 93 Points, Wine Spectator: "This is delicious. Ripe and juicy, it bursts with peach, floral and lime aromas and flavors. It's nicely balanced and, despite its richness, shows a delicate frame typical of the Mosel. Long finish." * 93 Points, Tom Cannavan: "Superb ripeness and creaminess of texture, but it is pin-sharp, with a wonderful sweetness that washes over the tongue, and develops luscious, nectarine and luscious apricot before that shimmering lime and mineral finish." * 92 Points, CellarTracker Community Average: Reflecting consistent and positive long-term reviews from a broad range of wine enthusiasts who have followed this wine's evolution. Winery & Vineyard Significance: The Fritz Haag estate, founded in 1605, is one of the Mosel's historical cornerstones, consistently producing Rieslings of unparalleled purity and elegance. As a member of the VDP (Verband Deutscher Prädikatsweingüter), the association of Germany's elite wine estates, Fritz Haag is a benchmark for quality. The estate's commitment to excellence is deeply rooted in its ownership of prime parcels within the legendary Brauneberger Juffer-Sonnenuhr vineyard. The Juffer-Sonnenuhr ("maiden's sundial") is the crown jewel of the Brauneberg hillside. With its extremely steep, south-facing slopes, and ancient Devonian slate soils, this vineyard enjoys a unique microclimate that allows for optimal ripening and the development of intense minerality. The name "Juffer" itself harks back to the 18th century, referring to the unmarried daughters of a local family who tended these prized vines. It is a site so famous that even Napoleon recognized its wines as "pearls of the Mosel." The 2003 Vintage and Goldkapsel Distinction: The 2003 vintage in the Mosel was a vintage of extremes, defined by a historic heat wave and drought across Europe. While challenging for many, the old vines in the deep slate soils of the Juffer-Sonnenuhr were able to find water and thrive, producing wines of exceptional concentration and ripe fruit. The defining characteristic of a successful 2003 Riesling is its ability to balance this opulent fruit with the nervy, slate-driven acidity that is the hallmark of the Mosel. The Goldkapsel (gold capsule) signifies a special selection of the very best Auslese grapes. These are the ripest, most perfect clusters, often with a significant proportion of botrytis, hand-selected to create a wine of extraordinary richness, complexity, and aging potential. The Special Meaning of Fuder #09: For connoisseurs, the "Fuder" number on a bottle from a top Mosel estate holds special significance. A Fuder is a traditional 1,000-liter oak cask, and the number refers to the specific barrel in which the wine was fermented and aged. At Fritz Haag, different Fuder numbers can represent different stylistic directions. Fuder #09 is typically sourced from grapes with less botrytis impact, resulting in a slightly leaner, more pristine and mineral-driven expression of Auslese. This makes it a fascinating counterpoint to Fuder #12, which is known for a greater botrytis influence and richer profile. Condition & Provenance: These bottles are in pristine, "great cellaring up to OHMS standards" condition. The labels are flawless, the capsules are intact, and the fill levels are excellent, all indicating perfect storage since bottling. This is an extremely well-preserved example of a legendary German Riesling, ready to be enjoyed or to continue its graceful evolution in the cellar. This Auslese is a testament to the longevity of fine Mosel Riesling and a true collector's item.