2001 Selbach-Oster Zeltinger Himmelreich Riesling Eiswein Junior

The white pepper, candied lemon, eucalyptus, and lime-scented 2001 Riesling Eiswein Zeltinger Himmelreich "Junior" is the most reasonably-priced Eiswein of outstanding quality I've encountered. Jellied red currants, raspberries, freshly cracked pepper, and lively limes are found in its plump, pure, zesty character. While it is concentrated and powerful it remains friendly and forward. Its acidity doesn't shock, as with many of its Eiswein brethren. Drink it between 2005 and 2030+. Johannes Selbach, this estate's winemaker and director (as well as Terry Theise's man-on-the-ground in Germany) is on fire. His wines are top flight and yet his winemaking appears to be improving with each vintage. Readers should note that Selbach's wines typically appear substantially better after a few years of cellaring. I've tried to compensate for that by inserting plus (+) signs by those wines that have the most chance of improving significantly over time. Importer: Terry Theise Estate Selections, imported by Michael Skurnik Wines, Inc., Syosset, NY; tel. (516) 677-9300