Selbach Oster Zeltinger Sonnenuhr Riesling "Rotlay" 2020
(Mosel, Germany) - [WA 96] [WE 93] [WS 93]

About the Winery:
Since 1661 the Selbach family has owned vineyards in the Mosel region. Their main treasure is simply what nature presents us with: excellent vineyard-sites, and old, ungrafted vines on steep, south-facing slopes planted on heat-retaining, mineral-rich, rocky slate soil. Their philosophy of winemaking is "hands-on" in the vineyards and "hands-off" in the cellar. Most of Selbach Oster wines are still fermented and matured in the traditional oak "Fuder"-barrels supplemented by a small number of stainless-steel vats. They do not use new oak for Rieslings to preserve the delicate structure of subtle fruit and crisp acidity as purely as possible

About the Vineyard:
Rotlay, a South facing parcel, is the single best parcel within the Sonnenuhr vineyard.  On the sides it is open and flows into the other local parcels called “Kakert” and “Lehnschaft” though there some large outcroppings of rock in the border areas, creating a unique geographic scenario, similar to a “clos” in France, with a rather unique microclimate. The slope that comprises “Rotlay” faces straight south here and the soil is very stony, covered with big chunks of “blue Devonian” slate. The slate is the compressed silt of the seabed of the giant ocean that once covered most of the earth some 450 million years ago alongside the single continent Pangea.

Ratings & Reviews

96 Points - Wine Advocate:
"The 2020 Zeltinger Sonnenuhr Auslese Rotlay is deep and flinty on the darker-toned and complex, finely phenolic nose. Round and refined on the elegant but sweet palate, this is a well-balanced and charming Riesling with a long and complex, saline and finely grippy finish, yet it does not have the stimulating brightness and finesse of Schmitt and Anrecht. 8% stated alcohol. Natural cork. Tasted at the domaine in July 2022." - Stephan Reinhardt (Aug 2022)

93 Points - Wine Enthusiast:
"Clean and precise, this wine has a well-defined profile. Wet stone, fresh sage and guava fruit are wrapped around the core of juicy acidity. The wine is balanced, but it should have even greater harmony in several years, when time tames its acidity and sweetness, bringing them to an equilibrium." - Aleks Zecevic (Oct 2023)

93 Points - Wine Spectator:
"Shows serious power, both from the ripe fruit and savory energy, with impressive depth to orchard fruit, persimmon, melon and green plum notes on a juicy, supple palate. Reveals a bitter tannic edge and acidic verve, which bring terrific balance and form. Stunning. Drink now through 2035. 50 cases imported." - Kristen Bieler (June 2023)