2018 Joh. Jos. Prüm Bernkasteler Badstube Riesling Spätlese
WINEMAKER: Katharina Prüm
REGION: Mosel, GER
VARIETAL: Riesling
VITICULTURE: Sustainable
"An intensely flowery nose suggestive of honeysuckle and decadent lily also exhibits exotic ripeness of banana. Site-typical apple, Bing cherry and cassis join in on the palate for a succulent riot of fruit to accompany still-profuse inner-mouth perfume, while bittersweet, faintly smoky nut oils serve for complex counterpoint. The feel is remarkably creamy and the overall midpalate impression rich, yet the buoyantly sustained finish delivers cut, clarity and refreshment, all in spades, thanks to a generous infusion of fresh apple and lime reinforced by impeccably integrated sweetness.” - David Schildknecht, Vinous
What is behind the consistency and greatness of J.J. Prüm? There are five main reasons:
- Great sites: the four vineyards below have 2,000 years of history and are some of the most revered of the middle Mosel (Graacher Himmelreich and Wehlener Sonnenuhr in particular, are legendary).
- Old, ungrafted vines: 90% of the estate’s vines are ungrafted with an average age exceeding 60 years. There are several key parcels aged between 70 and 100 years-plus. This has all kinds of implications for yield and quality.
- Precise picking dates: every parcel is picked only when perfectly ripe (subject to Prädikat) and often with multiple passes.
- Natural yeast, unhurried fermentations and patient aging on lees: the wines are never rushed and are only bottled when ready. This extra time on natural lees means the wines absorb everything the lees have to give (this sometimes means some gentle reduction and wines that need some time to unwind).
- The Prüms are a family of perfectionists: They are interested only in producing greatness and honouring the remarkable vineyards and ancient vines they are blessed to farm.