Intensely golden in color, the 2014 Haardter Herzog Rieslaner Beerenauslese shows a very intense, super ripe, concentrated, spicy aroma with iodine and caramel aromas, as well as some herbal flavors. Rich and velvety in its concentrated texture, this is very sweet but subtle, piquant and finesse-full BA with a straight, refreshingly and racy acidity. "In contrast to Riesling, the acidity in Rieslaner is not reduced with more maturity," says Martin Franzen, who picked the 2007 Herzog TBA with 20 grams per liter of total acidity. The elegant 2014 has almost 14 grams of total acidity and is too nervous and young to be enjoyed today. It should be cellared for at least another decade. Caramel and smoky aromas in the long finish. A very delicate Beerenauslese that goes well with dark chocolate and orange dishes. - Stephan Reinhardt