Joh Jos Prüm Graacher Himmelreich Riesling Kabinett 2023

Description

Product Description: Grace and precision from a Mosel classic. Joh. Jos. Prüm’s 2023 Graacher Himmelreich Riesling Kabinett captures the poised beauty of its vineyard with crystalline finesse. Situated just south of the iconic Wehlener Sonnenuhr, Graacher Himmelreich offers a gentler slope, cooler tones, and an earlier drinking window—without sacrificing depth or ageing potential. In this Kabinett expression, it’s all about balance: juicy fruit, stony acidity, and that whisper of off-dry sweetness that Prüm fans chase vintage after vintage. Harvested from steep, blue slate-covered slopes and fermented in stainless steel, the wine is delicate but not slight. The palate dances with lemon zest, green apple and ripe nectarine, underpinned by a fine mineral line and precise acidity. It’s already expressive but has the structure to develop gracefully over the next decade or more. With only 8.5% ABV and impeccable balance, this is classic Mosel Riesling at its most pure—equally suited to refined pairings or quiet contemplation. The Maker The Prüm family story in the Mosel dates back to 1156, beginning with was Johann Josef Prüm (1873 – 1944) who founded the estate in 1911. By the mid-1930s Johann Josef’s son, Sebastian, forged the distinctive style of the Prüm wines. From 1969, the imitable Dr Manfred Prüm would elevate Joh. Jos. Prüm to even greater heights, today the estate is run by Manfred’s daughter Katharina Prüm who watches over 13.5 hectares of vines on the harrowing slate-rich slopes of the Middle Mosel. In The Wines of Germany, Stephen Brook writes With the rise of so many excellent winemakers in the Mosel, one might have supposed that Joh. Jos. Prüm, with its profound conservatism, might have been overtaken and left behind. Not a bit of it. The Estate remains where it has been for decades: at the summit.” Which begs the question, what is the secret to J.J. Prüm’s continued success? How do they stand out among top Mosel producers? It’s all about their exceptional vineyards: old vines at great sites, keeping the lowest yields, daring but calculated late harvesting, and a careful selection of the finest berries. Joh. Jos. Prüm’s vineyards are at forefront of the estate’s success. Their holdings include vineyards – Wehlener Sonnenuhr, Graacher Himmelreich, Bernkasteler Lay, Bernkasteler Badstube and Zeltinger Sonnenuhr. All of these sites are exclusively dedicated to growing and harvesting Riesling grapes for Joh. Jos. Depending on the specific vintage, the average annual production of wine is typically between 10,000 to 13,000 cases. The Vineyard Prum’s four key vineyards are all located on the same continuous slope, all on a mixture of grey and blue Devonian slate soils with varying south-to-south westerly aspects. Positioned in the heart of Mosel the vineyards are named from south to north: Bernkasteler Badstube, Graacher Himmelreich, Wehlener Sonnenuhr, and Zeltinger Sonnenuhr. These vineyards have been in continuous production for some 2000 years. The major differences between the sites have to do with the variation in the aspect (from south to southwest) and the steepness and the depth of the soil. These are subtle differences, but make for wonderfully distinctive wines. Of course all the vineyards of J.J. Prüm are renowned, but the majestic Wehlener Sonnenuhr vineyard that is the most famous. The revered site lies opposite the village of Wehlen and the Estate owns seven hectares—largely planted to ungrafted wines—which has very thin topsoil over Devonian slate (in some areas of the vineyard the plants grow out of pure rock!). Wehlener Sonnenuhr has the highest pure stone content of all the Prüm vineyards, and along with neighbouring Zeltinger, the steepest of Prüm’s vineyards—with a dizzying 65-70% gradient in places. Wine writer Stuart Pigott summarises perfectly, In top vintages the Wehlener Sonnenuhr yields the richest, silkiest, most seductive wines on the Mosel. The fame of these Rieslings is inextricably linked with that of the Joh Jos Prüm estate.” Tasting Notes NOSE – Floral and mineral Wildflowers, herbs, citrus, and crushed slate with subtle stone fruit. PALATE – Light and lively Green apple, lemon zest, and nectarine on a racy, filigreed frame. FINISH – Sleek and saline Pristine, long and mineral with a clean citrus fade. Reviews & Accolades This Mosel riesling kabinett is a miniature masterpiece of delicacy. I love the aromas of wildflowers and herbs that are married to a wealth of mineral nuances on the light- to medium-bodied palate. Although a hint of sweetness is perceptible, this has quite a firm core, yet is very filigreed at the long, pristine finish. Drink or hold. – James Suckling, 2023 vintage, 95 Points The