NO RESERVE PRICE! 2003 Weingut Lothar Kettern Piesporter Goldtröpfchen Riesling Beerenauslese This is a trio of exquisite bottles of the 2003 Piesporter Goldtröpfchen Riesling Beerenauslese from the small yet progressive producer, Weingut Lothar Kettern. This family estate has a centuries-long tradition of viticulture in Piesport, a village whose winemaking history dates back to Roman times, with a reconstructed Roman wine press from the 4th century CE located at the edge of the famous Goldtröpfchen vineyard. Founded by Lothar Kettern, the estate is now managed by his son, Philipp Kettern, who took over in 2011. Philipp's dedication to quality is evident in his focus on the challenging, steep slopes of the Mosel and a near-organic approach to viticulture. The 2003 vintage was a landmark year for the Mosel Valley. A hot and dry summer, which was a challenge for many regions, proved to be an exceptional blessing for botrytis-affected wines. The unique microclimate of Piesport's Goldtröpfchen vineyard, with its famed slate soils, allowed the Riesling grapes to achieve an unprecedented level of ripeness and concentration, perfect for crafting a Beerenauslese (BA). The meticulous hand-selection of shriveled, noble rot-affected grapes yielded a wine of incredible intensity and complexity. Upon pouring, the wine presents itself as a shimmering liquid gold, a visual testament to its richness. The nose is an intoxicating bouquet of honeyed apricots, candied pineapple, and dried mango, with nuanced notes of marzipan, honeysuckle, and a distinct mineral character that speaks to its slate-rich terroir. On the palate, it delivers a powerful yet perfectly balanced experience. The unctuous texture coats the mouth, while the vibrant acidity, a hallmark of Mosel Riesling, cuts through the sweetness, providing freshness and remarkable length. This particular selection is a testament to the family's commitment to excellence and has received prestigious recognition. The bottle bears the "Goldene Kammerpreismünze" medal from the Rheinland-Pfalz regional government, a highly sought-after award won in 2011 that affirms the wine's outstanding quality and its exceptional aging potential. This wine is also a product of a remarkable international collaboration. The Kettern family's connection with the superstar winemaker Dirk Niepoort from Portugal's Douro Valley is a story of shared vision and passion. Niepoort's sons, Daniel and Marco, have spent time living and working with the Kettern family in Piesport, fostering a relationship that led to the creation of the joint venture, "Fio." This collaboration seeks to create "old-school" Mosel wines, a nod to the region's past and a shared philosophy that great wine is not rushed to market. This special trio of bottles is not just a liquid treasure from a legendary vintage; it represents a thread of history, family tradition, and global friendship woven into every drop.