2001 Selbach-Oster Zeltinger Schlossberg Riesling Auslese*

Resin, cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves can be discerned in the nose of the 2001 Riesling Auslese Zeltinger Schlossberg. Candied red cherries, currants, and raspberries are interspersed with smoky slate, mint, and white chocolate in this muscular, highly-expressive wine's personality. Broad, boisterous, and exotic, it explodes on the palate demanding the taster's full attention. Medium-bodied and rich, this is not a delicate, lace-like wine, but one that bowls you over with richness, a flavorful core of fruit, and enormous length. Projected maturity: 2005-2020+. Johannes Selbach, this estate's winemaker and director (as well as Terry Theise's man-on-the-ground in Germany) is on fire. His wines are top flight and yet his winemaking appears to be improving with each vintage. Readers should note that Selbach's wines typically appear substantially better after a few years of cellaring. I've tried to compensate for that by inserting plus (+) signs by those wines that have the most chance of improving significantly over time. Importer: Terry Theise Estate Selections, imported by Michael Skurnik Wines, Inc., Syosset, NY; tel. (516) 677-9300