The AP #9 Himmelreich Auslese from Christophe Schaefer is another absolutely beautiful young bottle in the making and a completely different iteration of the terroir of Himmelreich than AP #4, as this one is translated through the prism of a very clean and elegant glazing of botrytis. The gently botrytized bouquet offers up a beautiful blend of peach, tangerine, a touch of honey, lovely minerality, candied violets and a bright topnote of orange zest. On the palate the wine is pure, full-bodied and absolutely dancing, with a lovely core, zesty acidity, great focus and complexity and a very long, poised and vibrant finish that closes with a distinct note of Himmelreich minerality. Just a glorious bottle of Auslese! (Drink between 2020 - 2060)John Gilman | 95 JGDelicate and concentrated on the nose, the 2012 Graacher Himmelreich Riesling Auslese #09 displays pink and yellow grapefruit aromas along with honey flavors from the botrytis. On the palate this delicious wine is pure and very piquant and seems less sweet than it really is. The finish is thrilling, full of tension, salt and grip. An impressive though very delicate Riesling Auslese. (0.375-liter bottle)Robert Parker Wine Advocate | 94 RPPale golden yellow. Enticing aromas of raspberry, mint and sassafras mingle with a faint hint of spicy botrytis. Ripe and full yet discreet, this auslese is both dense and light on the palate. Finishes complex and long.Vinous Media | 91 VM