2023 Willi Schaefer Graacher Domprobst Riesling Auslese #14, Mosel

The 2023er Graacher Domprobst Riesling Auslese #14 (the reference to #14 is written in small on the bottom right of the label) is a noble-sweet wine made from harvested in the Gerdsgrub. It displays a fully aromatic and captivating nose of botrytis as notes of mango, passion fruit, honeyed pineapple, orange zest, dried apricot, honeyed peach, cassis, mirabelle, acacia, flower blossom, and William pear captures one’s attention. The wine is even slightly oily on the palate, with magnificent notes of candied exotic fruits, fine honeyed elements, and citrusy fruits. The finish is very intense, superbly zesty, and hugely long. What a breathtaking expression of pure yet intense Mosel Auslese! 2033-2073

100 points Jean Fisch and David Rayer Mosel Fine Wines

Graacher Domprobst is one of the Mosel’s most revered vineyards, a steep, perfectly exposed slope of blue Devonian slate that consistently delivers wines of depth and finesse. At Willi Schaefer, this site is treated with immense care, tiny yields, selective harvesting and a patient, traditional approach in the cellar. Now led by Christoph Schaefer, the estate remains one of the purest expressions of classic Mosel Riesling, and Auslese from Domprobst sits among its most prized releases. The #14 AP number marks a specific parcel selection, often tied to fruit with particular ripeness and balance.

The 2023 vintage brings both richness and precision. Aromatics are intensely layered yet incredibly refined, ripe peach, apricot and mandarin, with a lift of lime zest that keeps everything bright. There is a beautiful floral element, honeysuckle and orange blossom, alongside a deep slate driven minerality that gives the wine its backbone. Hints of honey, spice and a touch of botrytis add further complexity.

On the palate it is luscious but never heavy, with a perfect interplay between sweetness and vibrant acidity. The fruit feels concentrated and expansive, stone fruit and citrus unfolding across the palate, while the acidity keeps everything poised and weightless. The texture is silky and seamless, finishing incredibly long with layers of mineral, honey and spice that seem to echo on and on.

Winemaking is entirely traditional, hand harvesting in multiple passes, spontaneous fermentation and slow, gentle development, allowing the wine to find its own balance. The result is a Riesling that feels both opulent and incredibly precise, a hallmark of great Auslese from this site.

This is a wine for both contemplation and the table. It pairs beautifully with foie gras, blue cheese or fruit driven desserts, but also works with dishes that play on sweet and savoury contrasts.

There is immense ageing potential here. Twenty to thirty years will see it evolve into something even more complex, with notes of dried apricot, honey, spice and a deeper mineral character emerging while the wine retains its freshness and lift.