2013 Weingut Selbach-Oster, Riesling, Anrecht, Zeltinger Himmelreich, Mosel Germany.
This is a fabulous white wine, I rank it up there with the great wines of the world, and it sells at a ridiculously undervalued price for the sublime experience on offer, the 2013 Anrecht by Selbach-Oster is a masterpiece. Johannes Selbach crafts a few single block Rieslings each vintage, they belong to no classification system, they are single block wines that come of unique and old vines above the Mosel, these wines stand out with density, depth and striking mineral intensity. I put them up there with Chave or Chapoutier Hermitage, or the Grand Crus of Laflaive, but still with pure Riesling character and expression, these are big and powerful examples, coming in at Auslese must weights, and while not dry, they deliver an amazing balanced feel, especially the Anrecht, which feels lush and hedonistic on the palate without cloying sugar. Once you free your mind of perceptions, you’ll discover a whole new world of pleasure, the layers of detail found in the Selbach-Oster Anrecht are mind-blowing, this certainly is a white wine for red wine lovers, I must thank Johannes Selbach for making such a glorious outside the box wine and Terry Theise for the inspiration and passion for Riesling, they both introduced me to the joyous world of German wines and Riesling in particular. The 2013 Anrecht starts with white roses, salty stones, light honey notes and tropical essences, leading to a full-bodied palate of liquid mineral, yellow peach, green apple, apricot, lime and mango along with savory, cured meat/bacon, asian tea, smoky flinty spice and brine. The texture is creamy, lavish and flowing, but there is ever present acidity and lift, a deep focus that leaves a tangerine and honey play for control, the sugar takes away any shrill or bitterness, while the mineral tones and vibrancy keep everything tight and precise. This wine has blossomed and is a stunning Riesling, for now or for cellaring up to 15 years or more, absolutely gorgeous, drink from 2015 to 2028.
($40 Est.) 95 Points, grapelive
