NO RESERVE PRICE! The Connoisseur's Choice: A Trilogy of Elegance from the Mosel. We are honored to present for auction on Catawiki a truly remarkable and rare lot: three magnums of the 2005 Fritz Haag Brauneberger Juffer Sonnenuhr Riesling Auslese. This is not just a collection of bottles; it's a testament to the mastery of Mosel winemaking, with each magnum personally signed by the legendary Wilhelm Haag, a detail that adds immeasurable value and a unique touch of history. Prestigious Provenance: The Ultimate Assurance The authenticity and pristine condition of this lot are guaranteed by its impeccable provenance. These magnums were purchased directly from the Fritz Haag estate and were shipped to our professional wine cellar, OHMS Connoisseurs Choice, in April 2007. They have remained undisturbed and perfectly stored in our climate -controlled environment ever since. This "direct from the estate to cellar" history ensures that the wines have never been subject to the risks of poor storage or transit, a critical factor for wines of this caliber and age. The condition of the wines confirms this pristine history: the labels are intact and clear, the capsules are perfectly sealed, and the fill levels are ideally high, as can be seen in the accompanying photos. A Historic Mosel Estate: Fritz Haag The Fritz Haag estate, established in 1605, is a name synonymous with some of the finest Rieslings in the world. Located in the heart of the Mosel Valley, the estate's history is deeply intertwined with the region's most iconic vineyards. The family's lineage traces back over four centuries, with the estate achieving global recognition under the stewardship of the tireless and brilliant Wilhelm Haag. He was a driving force in establishing the Mosel's reputation and was named Germany's "Winemaker of the Year" by the Gault Millau guide in 1994. Since 2005, his son Oliver has continued this legacy, ensuring the estate's unwavering commitment to quality. The VDP and the "Grand Cru" of the Mosel As a member of the VDP (Verband Deutscher Prädikats- und Qualitätsweingüter), Fritz Haag adheres to the most stringent quality standards in Germany. The VDP's classification system, a pyramid-like structure, ranks vineyards from Gutswein (regional) to Erste Lage (Premier Cru) and, at the very pinnacle, Grosse Lage (Grand Cru). The Brauneberger Juffer Sonnenuhr is one of Germany's most celebrated and prestigious Grosse Lage sites. The name "Sonnenuhr" translates to "sundial," referencing the historic sundial built into the steep, south-facing slate slope. This unique microclimate and the region's Devonian slate soils are what give the wines their incredible finesse, mineral complexity, and brilliant acidity. The 2005 Vintage: A Benchmark of Balance and Longevity The 2005 vintage in the Mosel was a classic. It was a year that produced wines with a beautiful balance of ripe fruit and vibrant acidity, a hallmark of great Mosel Riesling. While not as opulent as some hotter vintages, 2005 provided the perfect conditions for crafting wines of filigree elegance and tremendous aging potential. The wines from this vintage have shown a remarkable ability to evolve, gaining layers of complexity while retaining their refreshing character. Critical Acclaim and the Art of Auslese The Auslese (literally "selected harvest") is a designation for wines made from individually selected, very ripe bunches of grapes. This results in a wine of great concentration and sweetness, balanced by the natural acidity of the Riesling grape. The 2005 Fritz Haag Auslese is a perfect example of this. It is a wine of great intensity, purity, and precision. This wine has received significant praise from leading critics. The Wine Spectator awarded it 94 points, describing it as "ripe and juicy, with a lively structure supporting the peach, apple and spice notes." Vinous gave it 93 points, noting its "succulent apricot fruit enlivened by a splash of salty minerality and an elegant spicy undertone." CellarTracker users and other critics have also consistently rated this vintage highly, solidifying its reputation as an exceptional wine. A Collector's Dream: The Magnum Format and Wilhelm Haag's Signature This lot is made even more special by a few key factors: * Magnum Format: Wines aged in magnum (1.5L) bottles mature more slowly and gracefully than standard bottles, allowing them to develop greater complexity and a longer life. * Wilhelm Haag's Signature: Each magnum is personally signed by Wilhelm Haag, a legend in the world of wine. This a rare and coveted detail that elevates these wines from mere bottles to authentic collector's items. This is a rare opportunity to acquire a unique and important collection of Mosel Riesling. The combination of a top-tier vineyard, a benchmark vintage, the magnum format, impeccable provenance, and the signature of a winemaking legend makes this a truly unmissable lot for any connoisseur or collector. Bid with confidence on these magnificent magnums and experience the profound beauty of aged Mosel Riesling.