2016 Selbach-Oster Riesling Zeltinger Sonnenuhr Auslese
Estimated value
Buying options
Tasting notes
The 2016 Zeltinger Sonnenuhr Riesling Auslese (AP 15 17) is super ripe and almost caramelly on the intense and concentrated nose. Intense and lush on the palate, this is a dense and concentrated Auslese with fine but tight and piquant grip and lingering salinity. Still a bit closed, this Auslese will develop more finesse and transparency over the years in the bottle.
Critic scores
Average Score
Jancis Robinson MW
Jancis Robinson MW
More reviews and scores
The nose reveals apple jelly along with honey, vanilla and brown spice notes, all of which anticipate the creamy, soothing yet stimulating palate impression. As was initially the case with the corresponding Himmelreich, there is a finishing suggestion of unresolved sweet-sour tension, here accompanied by a faintly metallic note. This definitely deserves to be revisited – it seems oddly disappointing given the Selbachs’ talents and the superbly situated old vines that inform it – but probably a year or two in bottle will prove beneficial.
A generous fragrance of exotic fruit takes centre stage on the aromatic front, but does not refuse a little bit of help from the greener side of the herb garden. With mango, papaya and lychees there’s so much fruit on the palate that the Zeltinger Sonnenuhr Auslese can afford to keep residual sugar within tasteful limits and shun the cheap thrill of sticky opulence. A hint of forest honey is all it needs to present its delicious assets in the best possible taste. (MS)
A very elegant and pure auslese that has a very discreet sweetness, but a lot of depth. The finish is diamond-bright and extremely fresh. Drink any time until 2050.