2014 Erdener Pralat Auslese

Not picked until November 4-5, this is more advanced in ripeness than other wines in the present collection, yet, surprisingly, only faintly influenced by botrytis. Overripe Persian melon and muskmelon are mingled with candied and liqueur-like green herbal essences on an effusive nose and glycerol-rich palate whose overall impression is remarkably broad and creamy considering that this wine's analysis testifies to 9.4 grams of acidity. Where that acidity is noticeable is in a well-balanced, juicy finish that is by no means overly sweet despite 92 grams of residual sugar. "Sugar to acid one-to-ten," remarked Eymael. "That's a traditional rule for Auslese, and usually about right." This lacks the clarity or interplay of its Würzgarten Spätlese counterpart, but is still rich and satisfyingly persistent.