Bacchus's Ambrosia: The Egon Müller Scharzhofberger TBA 2017
How a mythic conflict with the frost goddess forged a 99-point masterpiece and an investment fit for the gods.
The Myth of the 2017 Vintage
I remember the night Khione, the frost-goddess, swept into the Saar valley. She sought to freeze the precious Riesling berries of the Scharzhofberger vineyard, turning my sacred nectar into barren ice. I, Bacchus, was there. I slammed my staff into the hallowed blue-slate, and a geyser of molten gold light erupted, clashing with Khione's icy shards. We fought until the sun rose, and while she fled, her touch had lingered. The surviving grapes were few, but they pulsed with a concentrated magic - a story of fire and ice investors now clamor for.
A Tale of Supply and Demand
This is no mere wine; it is a whisper from the heavens, a testament to time and terroir, and - for you shrewd mortals - a potential titan in your investment portfolio. The Egon Müller Scharzhofberger Riesling Trockenbeerenauslese 2017 currently commands an average market price of $11,881 USD, with a range stretching from $10,196 to over $16,451. Yes, a king's ransom, but consider the tale of scarcity! Just as my true followers are few but fiercely devoted, so too are the bottles of this nectar. Production is microscopic, yielded only from botrytis-affected grapes in exceptional vintages. With an estimated fewer than 500 bottles produced worldwide, this extreme scarcity ensures that, like the mythical golden fleece, it is sought after by collectors globally as the ultimate German wine.
Investment Analysis: Why This TBA is a Titan
The fierce demand stems from the wine's flawless credentials and critical acclaim. Egon Müller is the undisputed emperor of German Riesling, a name that echoes Montrachet and Romanée-Conti in cellars from Hong Kong to New York. His Scharzhofberger vineyard is a Grosse Lage - Germany's Grand Cru - and his wines consistently dominate the high-end secondary market. The 2017 vintage, a part of Germany's exceptional run of vintages, possesses an extraordinary complexity and an enveloping dried-fruit character that promises decades of evolution.
The Power of Perfect Scores
Critics have lauded this nectar. The venerable James Suckling bestowed an astounding 99-point score upon this TBA, a rare pronouncement from the earthly gods of wine, solidifying its position as a top-tier collectible. The Wine-Searcher score of 99/100 from aggregated critic reviews further validates its exceptional quality.
Market Performance and Investment Potential
While not tracked with a unique LWIN on the Liv-ex exchange, this wine’s value is visible in the market, with prices consistently appreciating due to its ultra-premium positioning and extreme scarcity. For the wise investor, this isn't just a bottle - it's a liquid artifact from a divine vintage, with returns that burn as brightly as my golden light.
Bacchus's Counsel: The Modern Investor's Playbook
For those seeking to acquire this divine nectar, the wisdom lies in securing bottles with a verifiable chain of custody. Focus on provenance, and only purchase from reputable merchants like Zachys, where the wine has been stored since release in bonded storage facilities. This guarantees optimal cellaring and enhances future resale value. If you can find a case in its Original Wood Case (OWC), it will command a significant premium.
A Long-Term Investment Strategy
This is a wine for the long-term - for those with the patience of a god. While its limited liquidity and extreme pricing make it unsuitable for a quick flip, its potential for appreciation is vast. The wine’s historical performance shows strong gains, making it a valuable addition for portfolio diversification. Acquire this treasure on any dip. Cellar it deep, and watch its value glitter like the first rays of dawn on a vineyard mist. This is a perfect addition for a wine investment portfolio focused on scarcity and quality.
