Willi Schaefer Graacher Domprobst Riesling Auslese A P #14 2003

Willi Schaefer’s Graacher Domprobst Riesling Auslese AP #14 2003 is one of those Mosel classics that perfectly captures the sensual side of Riesling. Sourced from the steep, slate-rich slopes of the famed Graacher Domprobst vineyard, this Auslese marries sumptuous sweetness with effortless elegance. A benchmark for the vintage and style, it’s a bottle that has been praised as “Sophia Loren in a glass” for its curves, charm, and undeniable allure.

Tasting Notes
In the glass, this 2003 Auslese shows a deep lemon-gold hue, reflecting both its ripeness and a bit of bottle age. The nose is intensely expressive: think ripe raspberry and redcurrant layered over baked apple, blossom honey, and a fine dusting of talc and slate. Classic botrytis notes—delicate spice, candied citrus peel, and a subtle hint of saffron—add further complexity. On the palate, it is lush, plush, and seductively textured, with a medium to full body that glides rather than pushes. Sweet yet beautifully balanced, it offers flavors of apple compote, ripe stone fruit, and red berry coulis, wrapped in a silky, almost creamy mouthfeel. The acidity, while gentle compared to cooler years, is still fresh enough to frame the opulence and keep the wine from ever feeling heavy. The finish is long, broad, and seamless, echoing red fruits and sweet apple for many seconds. Though already drinking beautifully, well-stored bottles from this vintage can comfortably evolve and delight through at least the late 2020s, with tertiary notes of honey, dried apricot, and caramelized citrus emerging over time.

Production
Graacher Domprobst is one of the Mosel’s great steep-slope vineyards, composed of weathered Devonian slate that stores heat, drains well, and imparts the signature smoky-mineral edge to Riesling. The vines cling to vertiginous hillsides above the Mosel River, benefiting from excellent sun exposure and reflected light from both the river and slate soils. In 2003—an especially warm year—the Schaefer family worked with meticulous hand-harvesting, selecting individual berries affected by noble rot (botrytis) at optimal ripeness. Only healthy, perfectly shriveled grapes were chosen for this Auslese. In the cellar, the juice was gently pressed and fermented with natural yeasts in traditional, neutral fuder casks, allowing the vineyard character to shine without oak influence. Fermentation was stopped at a naturally sweet Auslese level, resulting in a wine of generous residual sugar, balanced by Mosel’s hallmark acidity and minerality.

Food & Serving
This is a hedonistic yet refined Auslese that shines with richly flavored dishes and creative pairings. Try it with foie gras, blue cheeses (such as Roquefort or Stilton), or aged goat cheese to play the sweetness against salt and umami. It’s outstanding with spicy Asian cuisine—think Thai curries, Szechuan dishes, or Vietnamese duck—where the residual sugar softens the heat. For dessert, pair with fruit tarts, baked apple with spices, or a simple almond cake; avoid overly sweet chocolate dishes that might overpower the wine. Serve slightly chilled at around 9–11°C (48–52°F). Younger bottles benefit from 20–30 minutes in the glass or a gentle decant to open up their aromatics, while more mature bottles should be handled delicately and served straight from the bottle to preserve their nuance.

Producer
Willi Schaefer is one of the most revered traditional estates in the Mosel, a tiny, family-run winery based in Graach an der Mosel with a history that stretches back several generations. The domaine is known for its small production, meticulous vineyard work, and unwavering focus on expressing the nuances of Graacher Domprobst and Himmelreich through Riesling alone. In a region crowded with famous names, Schaefer stands out for purity, precision, and an uncanny ability to balance sweetness, fruit, and minerality. Their wines—from Kabinett to Auslese and beyond—are among the most sought-after in the Mosel, consistently drawing critical acclaim for their finesse, aging potential, and faithful reflection of site and vintage. The 2003 Graacher Domprobst Riesling Auslese AP #14 is a stellar example of why the Schaefer name is so cherished by serious Riesling lovers worldwide.

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