Wine Spectator:  Rated as Outstanding: a wine of superior character and style.  "Powerful, with a minerally, smoky essence to the quince, currant and mango flavors. There's white chocolate mixed in too, with luscious crème brûlée notes. Finishes with mocha and spice. Best from 2012 through 2025. 340 cases imported." Apr 2011

Robert Parker, Jr. - The Wine Advocate:  Rated as An outstanding wine of exceptional complexity and character.  "Intimations of ocean breakers and peat bog on the nose of Selbachs’ 2009 Zeltinger Schlossberg Riesling Spatlese join plum, apple, and wild herbal notes that then inform a coolly refreshing yet at the same time pungently herbal and smoky palate, the brine-like and peaty themes reemerging with invigorating, intriguing, and interactive effect in a long finish. At 8.5% alcohol this outstanding value is certainly delicate, but in house-typical manner its sweetness is deftly integrated and thus not something you even think about while relishing in and reflecting on it, which you’ll be able to do over at least the next two decades.

Where many 2009 collections disappointed slightly as they reached the limits of possible vintage Oechsle, the Selbach-Oster collection proceeded from strength to profound strength.  This year’s collection continues the trend for wines from Zeltingen’s Schlossberg to shine with special complexity and elegance after the many years in which they seemed destined at this address to take a back seat to those of Sonnenuhr. Not only were the vineyards of Zeltingen among the most celebrated on the Mosel during the 19th and early 20th century, but Karl Heinrich Koch epochal survey of 1881 places the Schlossberg as among the Mosel, Saar, and Ruwer’s top 11 sites." Dec 2010

Winery:   "The 2009 is shady and balsam-like, with a panoply of inferences; quince, nutmeg, fennel, sorrel – but that is Schlossberg, the miasmic allusive spell it casts. SOMMELIER ALERT! SOS: 2 (7-23 years) The Schlossberg is located in the town of Zeltingen. This vineyard lies between the Zeltinger Sonnenuhr and Zeltinger Himmelreich. The name Schlossberg translates to Castle Mountain, because the partial ruins of the local castle still stand prominently in this vineyard. It’s a south facing slope so it gets maximum sunshine and heat. The site is 100% Devonian slate. It heats up fast, and provides extra warmth for the grapes all day long. The grade of the slope hits 70 degrees in some parts, which means everything must be hand picked."

Wired For Wine:   Guten Tag wunderschön!  These words may tumble from your lips when you first taste this outstanding Selbach-Oster Riesling Spätlese Zeltinger Schlossberg.  It is the perfect refreshing aperitif on it's own.  For those who are hungry, put out a heaping dish of spring nachos of ramps, asparagus, smoked cheddar and roast pork and stand back for the delight.  Very important to know is that the sweetness of this Spätlese is so subtle, it allows the herbal, fruit, gentle spice and smoky nuances of the wine wash over the palate like that first wave on a day at the beach, making it absolutely delightful with chicken, duck, seafood, salads, fruits and lots more.  We adore the barely-there sweetness opposite the zing of heat in a mild Thai crab curry.  Roast duck with apples is a classic, delicious pairing.  Seared scallops on wilted greens and cannelini beans will bring out the hint of earth and herbs in this Zeltinger Schlossberg.  For the final course, you will have to decide.  Bring out this righteous Riesling's mineral side with an aged chevre cheese of your choice.  If your sweet tooth is calling you, answer with apple/quince tartlets topped with vanilla yogurt ice cream.  Can I get a Jawohl!?

Size:  750ml, screw cap
Varietal:  100% Riesling
Alcohol:  8.5%
Region:   Mosel-Saar-Ruwer, Germany
Limited Production:340 dozen imported