The Saarburger Rausch Riesling Auslese Goldkapsel 2018 from the Forstmeister Geltz Zilliken winery is a masterpiece of noble sweet winemaking and a prime example of the perfection that the Saar region can produce in great vintages. The highly ripe grapes, harvested by hand, boast an impressive must weight of 130° Oechsle, lending the wine exceptional concentration. The nose reveals an opulent array of aromas of candied apricot, dried mango, forest honey, and raisins, framed by subtle notes of sage, eucalyptus, and delicate caramel. On the palate, an almost oily texture unfolds with impressive depth and precision, with the lively, slate-influenced acidity perfectly balancing the powerful fruit sweetness and providing vibrant freshness. The aromas of exotic fruits are complemented by a mineral saltiness and delicate spicy notes, lending the wine an elegant complexity. The finish is endless, carried by intense fruit sweetness and typical Zilliken finesse. With an alcohol content of just 8.0% vol. and an impressive residual sugar content of 143.2 g/l, this Riesling has enormous aging potential for decades. It is an excellent solo wine, but also unfolds its full potential in combination with aged blue cheese, foie gras, or fine desserts. A great wine with a perfect balance between sweetness, acidity, and minerality, it is already captivating now but will gain even more depth and complexity in the future.