Joh. Jos. Prüm Graacher Himmelreich Riesling Auslese 2020

Alcohol: 7.5%

Grape(s): Riesling

Localization: Mosel, Germany

Tasting notes: Graacher Himmelreich directly borders the southern edge of the Wehlener Sonnenuhr vineyard. The wines from this site often rival the quality of those from its more famous neighbor, especially in hot, dry years. Graacher wines attract with their racy acidity, a pronounced minerality (that reminds of crushed rock) and slightly different fruit aromas and flavors (more citrus). Often, the wines become accessible slightly earlier than the Wehlener Sonnenuhr and are deliciously mouth-watering when young. The vineyard has a south-west exposure and it is a little less steep with deeper soils that act as excellent water reservoirs.

96 points - James Suckling: Still very youthful, but with a little aeration in the glass, aromas of honeysuckle, peach and apricot emerge. Concentrated and juicy on the palate, yet the overall impression is of restraint and delicacy. Very long and stunningly filigree finish that pulls you inexorably back for more of this almost metaphysical elixir. Drinkable now, but best from 2023.

The Domain: For centuries the Prüm family has called the village of Wehlen home. The 33.5 acre estate consists of nearly 70% ungrafted vines. Holdings are in the best parts of the top Middle-Mosel sites: Wehlener Sonnenuhr, Zeltinger Sonnenuhr, Graacher Himmelreich, Graacher Domprobst, Bernkasteler Lay, Bernkasteler Badstube, and Bernkasteler Bratenhöfchen. Average annual production is 13,000 cases. The harvest at J.J. Prüm is always extremely late, and the wines are very long-lived.