WTN: 2002 Selbach-Oster Zeltinger Sonnenuhr Kabinett Riesling (10 03)

2002 Selbach-Oster Zeltinger Sonnenuhr Kabinett M-S-R Riesling (10 03)
I opened this as a starter wine for consumption during meal prep and that was probably a big mistake. Would have been a better accompaniment with desert. I was immediately struck by the sugar levels and only then did I look at the label and see the 9% abv.. I'm no expert of German wine but this seems to scream for a few more years in the cellar for the fruit to emerge and the sugar to back off/integrate a bit. Plenty of minerality and slately stuff overlaying the subdued fruit. Patience on this one should be rewarded.
Bill

I'm almost completely a newbie wrt german wine. I have a bottle of Leitz Kabinett that was recommended to me, and the abv was only 8%. Wait five years, you think?

I'm almost completely a newbie wrt german wine...Wait five years, you think?

If you are really a complete newbie with German wine (i.e. you don't know your German wine preferences) then I would advise you not to sit on anything for five years but rather drink as much as possible as soon as possible!

Seriously, while some people may enjoy the reduction in sweetness and the emergence of secondary and tertiary flavors in aged German riesling, other people prefer the succulent juiciness of young versions. Who's to say who is right?

So, if you're not sure which age-level you prefer (or whether you enjoy both equally) I would encourage you to drink up and see what you like. There will always be more wine to cellar in the future.

Although, if the Leitz is a 2002 as the SO in this post, you might consider getting ahold of an 05 or an 06 from the same vineyard when they are released, as just comparing a recent release to something from 2002 will already give you an initial impression of how age treats these wines.

I enjoyed reading Rahsaan`s reply and nodded in agreement. Know what though...have a case of mixed German whites, some dating back 10 years or so. I hope my experience pulls me through! LOL.