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Selbach-Oster

The Mosel estate of Selbach-Oster has been in the hands of the Selbach family since 1661. Currently at the helm is Johannes Selbach, who had worked with his father, Hans, until he passed away in early 2005. The close-knit family, based in Zeltingen, own a total of 16 ha of vines, with plots in this and some neighbouring villages; they include some of Germany's finest vineyards, including Zeltinger Sonnenuhr, Wehlener Sonnenuhr and Graacher Domprobst.

The vineyards themselves are mostly slate, like most of the Mosel vineyards, although unusually there are some areas of loamy soil. Unsurprisingly they are planted entirely with Riesling, although incredulously these are ancient, ungrafted vines (unlike most of Europe, which uses vines grafted onto American rootstock which are resistant to the vine louse Phylloxera). (8/4/02, updated 23/11/05)

Contact details:
Address: Uferalle 23, 54492 Zeltingen
Telephone: +49 6532 2081
Fax: +49 6532 4014
Internet: www.selbach-oster.de

Selbach-Oster - Tasting Notes

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Selbach-Oster Zeltinger Sonnenuhr Spätlese (Mosel-Saar-Ruwer) 1998: A classically pale, lemon yellow hue with a green tinge. Glacier-like freshness on the nose, with plenty of lime fruit, but with just a hint of a buttery edge. Delicious texture on the palate, with good weight as well. The lime and pear fruit has a tasty, tropical fruit accompaniment, flavours which linger delightfully on the length. Fresh, well-balanced yet tingling acidity completes the picture. 17/20 (April 2002) AP number: 2 606 319 021 99 Label

Selbach-Oster Graacher Domprobst Auslese (Mosel-Saar-Ruwer) 1995: Pale golden with the usual hint of green. Sweet lime fruit on the nose, with background mineral nuances, and hints of green, fresh weediness. Fat and richly textured on the palate, but with fine balancing, sparkling acidity. Fresh tropical and lime flavours on the palate. The maturity shows through as a mealy, honeyed edge which persists on the length. Delicious. 17/20 (April 2002) AP number: 2 606 319 011 96 Label