2011 Bernkasteler Badstube Auslese GK

The 2011 Bernkasteler Badstube Auslese gold capsule, notes Katharina Prum, marks – like the estate’s other gold capsule bottlings from this vintage – the point where botrytis begins to play a significant role. The nose offers finely fungal, musky animal and white raisin confirmation of the previous statement. Behind that lie intimations of lime meringue, spiced apple jelly and creme de cassis, all of which translate into a palate impression at once subtly honeyed and vivacious, confitured yet buoyant, and ultimately downright refreshing. Nips of lime and grapefruit rind as well as apple skin and brown spices not to mention saliva-drawing salinity add to the sustained stimulation of a magnificent finish. This multi-layered, enticingly-interactive gem is going to keep its immediate siblings on their toes over the next half century.