Selbach-Oster
Zeltinger Sonnenuhr 'Rotlay' Riesling Auslese
Zeltinger Sonnenuhr 'Rotlay' Riesling Auslese
Variety: Riesling • Region: Mosel • Vineyard: Zeltinger Sonnenuhr – single parcel Rotlay • Soil Type: Blue Devonian slate • Fermentation & Élevage: Spontaneous fermentation and aging in old Mosel Fuder
Zeltinger Sonnenuhr – Rotlay:
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.
Info
Producer:
Vintage:
2023
Country:
Germany
Region:
Mosel
Appellation:
Mosel
Variety:
Riesling
Color:
White
Farming Practice:
Sustainable
Sizes Available
| Full Bottle | DE-SOS-59-23 | 6/750ml |
Resources
Press & Reviews
James Suckling
Score
98
Date
2024-09-05
"What fragrance! The peak of white peach blossoms. This is super-concentrated, but so uplifting and filigreed on the barely off-dry, medium-bodied palate. The super-long finish is extremely delicate and you study all its myriad details for hours. Anyone who likes white wine but doesn™t get excited by this great Mosel masterpiece might want to seek professional help. Drink or hold."
Vinous
Score
97
Date
2024-12-17
"The 2023 Riesling Zeltinger Sonnenuhr Auslese Rotlay comes from the warm parcel of ungrafted 100-year-old vines. A touch of petrichor hovers above candied kumquat. The palate offers pure, aromatic peachiness with absolute delineation, framed and heightened by zestiness that makes the mouth water with grapefruit intensity. Such exquisite balance, cut and exactitude is wonderful and gives this incredible harmony."
Wine Advocate
Score
96
Date
2026-02-19
"The clearly defined 2023 Zeltinger Sonnenuhr Riesling Auslese Rotlay is deep and generous yet also refined and elegant on the nuanced nose. Rich and smooth yet refined and elegant on the palate, with very delicate, filigreed acidity and a long, mouthwatering and finely tannic finish, this is a superb and age-worthy Rotlay and a highlight of the vintage for Selbach-Oster. 8% stated alcohol. Natural cork. Tasted at the domaine in January 2026."
REVIEWS FROM PAST VINTAGES
2024
Vinous
Score
96
Date
2025-10-16
"The 2024 Riesling Zeltinger Sonnenuhr Auslese Rotlay was made from a single parcel of own-rooted, ancient vines at the bottom of the slope. The gentlest reduction, chervil, creaminess, lemon and pale yellow plum on the nose already spell complexity. The palate also shimmers in these myriad tones that reference citrus, especially a highlight of grapefruit peel, along with herbs, stone fruit, stone and more of that candied lemon-tinged brightness. The 2024 is compact and svelte, but so beguiling and bright. It is simply lovely with its merely medium-sweet finish and citric length. Medium"
2022
James Suckling
Score
97
Date
2023-08-10
2022
Vinous
Score
95
Date
2023-10-26
2022
Wine Advocate
Score
95+
Date
2023-11-09
"From vines up to 100 years old that were trained on single poles adjacent to the Mosel and picked at 97 Oechsle, the golden-yellow colored 2022 Zeltinger Sonnenuhr Riesling Auslese Rotlay opens with a delicate yet also intense nose of fully ripe and overripe fruits intermingled with delicate notes of crushed slate. Supple, lush and intense yet also refined and with salivating salinity on the finish, this is a rich but very delicate and balanced Auslese in the richer, sweeter botrytis style. In fact, this wine is based on a higher percentage of botrytis grapes every year, including 2022. The finish is stimulating, savory and crisp. 7.5% stated alcohol plus 101.7 grams per liter of residual sugar. Natural cork. Tasted at the domaine in November 2023."
2019
Wine Advocate
Score
97
Date
2023-01-01
James Suckling
Score
98
Date
2021-07-28
Wine Advocate
Score
97
Date
2020-11-01
Score
96
Date
2020-11-01
Wine Spectator
Score
94
Date
2019-01-08
Vinous
Score
93
Date
2012-01-01
Wine Spectator
Score
93
Date
2023-03-22
Wine and Spirits
Score
91
Date
2023-12-06
"Lemon zest, ginger spice and ginger-cookie scents last through this Auslese, tightly focused if a little simple in its youth. Cellar it."
James Suckling
Score
Date