I found a half-bottle of this in DC for $14-ish, so I thought I'd give this a try. Sometimes when you don't want to drink a lot, it's nice having a 375mL of a quality Riesling in the fridge for quaffing.

Selbach-Oster 2002 Zeltinger Sonnenuhr Spatlese (Mosel, $14)

Clear pale yellow in color. It showed a hint of that great Riesling nose of slate, minerals, pears and peaches, but it was very tight upon opening. About 30-45 minutes after popping the cork, it started to give more, but I would say this is closed or is closing down - I also wish I had a 750mL to see how it would've further evolved. Still had that vibrant acidity, and ripe fruits, but it lacked a little balance and that ethereal quality. Still a good wine though - 88 points for now.

I really liked the spatlese* and bought a case after tasting it. I have no idea how much of a difference there is to the regular spatlese. This is the only wine that I know of where there is a spatlese*, but I'm sure Rieslingfan will point out others if there is.

All of the 2002's that I'm drinking are still going strong, but I'm sure some will start shutting down soon.

Hexamer also does a Spatlese*. Strub does a Spatlese ** or *** sometimes.

There are others, but I'm too tired to list them all.

I have an '02 Spatlese*** from Strub. Very good.

jb

They had the Spatlese * in half-bottles too. Maybe I'll pick one up the next time I'm in the store.

I suspected as such. Pretty hard to keep up with the stars.

I just rented a walk in cellar that must hold over 200 cases since I moved 36 cases from an adjacent locker and took another 30+ cases from my home cellar (I can now walk into it). It only costs $28/month more than my 36 case locker. I can't believe that I suffered with this (and my home cellar overcrowding) for a lousy $28! Now I can buy 30 cases of 2003 without any hesitation.

You are correct, RF. I have the '01 Spatlese ***. Just looked at the bottle.

jb

Von Beulwitz does a *** spatlese as well. Have had the 01 and 02.

Pear, spiced apple, red berry and smoke. Medium bodied with medium intensity. Peach, red berry, earth and pear. Acid is there, nice balance and finish but like JT said just missing something to take it to that next level.