BLACK FRIDAY & NO RESERVE PRICE! A Trilogy of Timeless Elegance: 2004 Künstler Hochheimer Hölle Riesling Auslese Trocken. A truly remarkable offering for the discerning collector: a pristine trio of 2004 Künstler Hochheimer Hölle Riesling Auslese Trocken from one of the Rheingau's most celebrated producers. This is an exemplary representation of a classic vintage, showcasing the extraordinary aging potential of German wine and a crucial point in its historical classification. An Outlier with Grand Cru Pedigree: This wine is a fascinating and important outlier. The term "Auslese Trocken" signifies a wine made from selected, late-harvested grapes, but fermented to a dry (trocken) style. While this classification was common at the time, it is the direct precursor to what we know today as VDP.Grosse Lage (Grand Cru) and Grosses Gewächs (GG). The Hochheimer Hölle vineyard itself is one of the Rheingau's most celebrated sites, and today, Künstler's top dry Rieslings from this vineyard are classified as GG wines. This 2004 bottling is a historical snapshot, a truly excellent example of what was already, in all but name, a Grand Cru wine. Unimpeachable Provenance: The provenance of these bottles is flawless, ensuring their impeccable condition. As with all our top-tier lots, these bottles were acquired directly from the winery's cellar and have been stored continuously in our professional, climate-controlled OHMS Quality Cellar, which maintains optimal humidity and temperature. The clear labels and excellent fill levels are a visual testament to this careful storage and direct-from-the-winery chain of custody, a crucial factor for a wine of this age. Vintage and Producer Excellence: The 2004 vintage in the Rheingau was a triumph, characterized by a long, cool ripening season that produced wines with exceptional freshness, crystalline fruit, and vibrant acidity. This is a vintage that has truly blossomed with age, revealing complex layers that were only hinted at in its youth. Weingut Künstler, a member of the prestigious VDP (Verband Deutscher Prädikatsweingüter) since 1994, is a powerhouse in the Rheingau. The VDP's commitment to quality—from vineyard classification to sustainable practices—is a mark of distinction, and Gunter Künstler's relentless focus on intense, elegant, and long-lasting Rieslings is on full display in this bottle. Critical Acclaim and Tasting Notes: The 2004 vintage has been celebrated by critics for its balance and aging potential. While specific scores for this bottling can be difficult to find, the wine has received praise for its classic Rheingau profile. Falstaff rated a similar bottling from the same year with 90 points, describing it as "balanced, with a fine extractive sweetness and a mineral structure." The wine has also been rated 91 points by Aperitif.no. Reviewers of aged dry Rieslings from this period note a complex blend of citrus, stone fruit, and evolving tertiary notes of honey and beeswax. The wine's vibrant acidity and mineral-driven character remain a strong presence, providing a sense of liveliness and a very long, focused finish. The wine is still in pristine condition, a direct result of being very well-sealed and stored. Drinking Window and Food Pairings: This wine is a delightful surprise, still in a pristine state and a prime example of a German Riesling with a huge potential to age in the bottle. It can be enjoyed now or cellared for many more years to come. * Drinking Window: Now through 2030+. * Suggested Pairings: The wine's complexity and acidity make it incredibly versatile. It would be a stunning match for a variety of cuisines, including classic German fare like roast pork or sausages with sauerkraut, as well as more modern dishes such as roasted duck, a rich fish in a creamy sauce, or seared scallops with a citrus beurre blanc. For a more adventurous pairing, consider spicy Asian cuisines like Thai or Vietnamese, where the wine's inherent structure and acidity beautifully balance the heat and bold flavors. Shipping and Buyer Confidence. We ship quickly, securely, and fully insured. Please refer to our customer feedback and ratings on our Catawiki.com profile for assurance of quality and service. OHMS Connoisseurs' Choice – Bid with confidence. This lot is offered with no reserve, providing a rare opportunity to acquire a true classic with impeccable provenance and a historical significance that places it at the very heart of the modern VDP classification.