#ExclusiveSelection2025WINE NO RESERVE PRICE for Künstler 2003 Hochheimer Hölle Riesling Auslese = A Golden Treasure from the VDP Elite. A Pristine Set of 3 Bottles from a Founding VDP Member. We are honored to present a truly exceptional set of three bottles of 2003 Künstler Hochheimer Hölle Riesling Auslese. This is not just a collection of fine wine; it is a piece of German winemaking history, hailing from a producer at the very pinnacle of the country's quality pyramid. Provenance of the Highest Order These bottles are of indisputable provenance, acquired directly from the Weingut Franz Künstler estate in February 2006. They were immediately transported to the professionally managed, temperature- and humidity-controlled cellars of OHMS – Connoisseurs' Choice, where they have been meticulously stored for nearly two decades. The labels are in impeccable condition, and as the images show, the gold capsules are pristine, a testament to the exemplary storage conditions and the care taken with these rare bottles. The VDP: Germany's Elite Winemakers Weingut Künstler is a founding member of the prestigious Verband Deutscher Prädikats- und Qualitätsweingüter (VDP), the world's oldest association of top-tier wine estates. The VDP's iconic eagle and grapes logo, prominently featured on the bottle capsules, signifies a commitment to the highest quality standards, far exceeding national regulations. The VDP classification system is modeled on the famous Burgundian system, categorizing vineyards based on quality potential. The hierarchy is as follows: * VDP.Grosse Lage: The highest classification, akin to Grand Cru. These are the finest sites with unique characteristics, producing wines with exceptional aging potential. * VDP.Erste Lage: Comparable to Premier Cru, these vineyards are characterized by distinct terroir and produce wines of great character. * VDP.Ortswein: Village wines sourced from the best parcels within a village's boundaries. * VDP.Gutswein: Estate wines representing a winery's entry-level quality, sourced from their own holdings. The 2003 Hochheimer Hölle Riesling Auslese comes from a site that has since been classified as a VDP.Grosse Lage, confirming its status as one of Germany's most exceptional terroirs. Critically Acclaimed: A Vintage of Power and Finesse. The 2003 vintage in Germany was defined by an intensely hot summer, a period of climatic extremes that separated the good producers from the truly great. Gunter Künstler, an internationally recognized master of Riesling, navigated these conditions with remarkable skill, crafting wines of astonishing concentration, balance, and longevity. * 94/100 – Wine Spectator (Tasted April 2005): "Rich, ripe, and honeyed, with a core of candied citrus and a fine seam of acidity. A powerful and concentrated Auslese that will age beautifully." * 92/100 – Robert Parker’s Wine Advocate (Tasted in 2005): "The 2003 Auslese Hölle shows great purity and concentration, with notes of apricot, honey, and a beautiful mineral core. It is a stunning example of what was possible in this challenging year." * 98/100 – Prague Wine Trophy 2024: This prestigious, state-backed, triple-blind tasting competition in the Czech Republic awarded this wine a rare top score, confirming its exceptional quality and aging potential two decades after bottling. Historical Connections to the Former Czechoslovakia The history of Weingut Künstler holds a unique and poignant connection to the territory of the former Czechoslovakia. The Künstler family, originally from the German-speaking town of Buchau (Bochov) in the Sudetenland, was expelled after World War II. They found a new home and a new beginning in Hochheim am Main, where they re-established their winemaking tradition. Gunter Künstler's father, Franz, rebuilt the winery from the ground up, and today, the estate stands as a testament to the family's resilience and dedication to crafting world-class wines. This historical narrative adds a layer of depth and significance to every bottle. A Collector's Opportunity This is an unparalleled opportunity to acquire a perfectly preserved set of three Auslese Rieslings from a founding member of the VDP. The 2003 Hochheimer Hölle is a monumental wine, a golden, opulent, and yet remarkably vibrant Riesling that continues to evolve. There is no reserve price for this lot! Do not miss the chance to own this rare and award-winning set, a true testament to the artistry of Gunter Künstler and the extraordinary aging potential of top-tier German sweet wines. Place your bid now and add a golden gem of German winemaking to your collection. Exclusively on Catawiki.