The wine is Rauenthaler Baiken Auslese Riesling 1971, von Simmen, A.P. Nr. 33045 007 72. It has been stored properly since release and had a good fill and cork.
The color is now medium gold. There is great complexity in bouquet and taste. Words that come to mind are: peaches, apricots, hint of mango, spice, clean mineral, hint of petrol, floral honey, creamy texture. There is enough acidity. The wine is rather sweet, but well balanced by the acidity. The finish is very long. The two word summary is "perfect balance". This wine likely will last many more years. It is about as good as a Rheingau auslese gets.
The year 1971 was one of the greatest years in Germany in the second half of the 1900s. It produced great wines all the way from Kabinett to TBA. The key to the year is perfect balance. Some of the 59's and 76's are richer than the 71s at the top levels such as TBA. Many 1971s are still holding very well and many will continue to do so. There is nothing unusual about top German wines holding this long in the best years. Some of the 49's still are holding very well, including the Rauenthaler Baiken TBA 1949 from the state holdings. Even some 1921's have been reported to be holding well.
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