2015 Erdener Pralat Alte Reben GG QbA Trocken
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Tasting notes
Pungent sassafras and lemon peel on the nose introduce elements in the complex counterpoint that ensues on a lush, expansive palate, where piquant kumquat and incisive white pepper invigoratingly impinge. As with the other Loosen Grosse Gewächse of this vintage, the finish really grips, and there is a welcome modicum of tart primary juiciness to reinforce the wine’s tingling sense of energy. Against the background of a ripe vintage, and despite harboring 13 percent alcohol, this bottling nonetheless confirms the turn taken by Loosen and Schug after their 2003 experiences to seek a more dynamic sort of complexity and to preserve fresh fruit acidity in their wines from the Prälat, even if that means earlier picking (as it usually does). Perhaps my prognosis for ageability will prove overly conservative. But what really intrigues me is the thought of comparing this with the “Reserve” variant that will have spent two full years in cask, and my hunch is that the latter will prove not just more expressive in its early years but also longer-lived. (I last tasted this wine in mid-September 2016, shortly before it was bottled.)
Critic scores
Average Score
James Suckling
Mosel Fine Wines
More reviews and scores
The 2015 Erdener Prälat Riesling Alte Reben GG is very clear and intense on the nose, where tropical fruit flavors intertwine with smoky red slate, herbal and lemon aromas. This Riesling is full-bodied, rich and lush, but fresh and highly finessed on the palate. This is a very complex and tightly woven, pure and salty, but nevertheless aromatic Riesling; it has concentrated yellow plum and stone fruit aromas. The finish is gorgeous for intellectual wine lovers, as well as for hedonists. The Prälat, though located straight under Loosen's old vines Treppchen plot and closer to the Mosel river, seems even purer and finer than the Treppchen GG, which is more lush and creamy, showing more tannins. This is an amazing Riesling and the finest dry Prälat I have probably ever tasted. It is ready to drink, but folks, don't be foolish! Keep it for years and drink it as many times as possible. Just one fuder produced, so less than 1,000 liters.
Gentle aromas of melissa and citrus fruit mix it on the nose. There is no doubt about the extract on the palate, reflected by a rich texture, bordering onto oily. A hint of citrus peel brings a refreshing edge to a quite sweet Grosses Gewächs. (MS)
This is a very sexy wine that is extremely hard to resist. Starts with the huge nose of mango, herbs, and toasted almonds. Lots of power and depth, but the most striking things is how all the elements fit together seamlessly, the acidity discrete for a dry Mosel wine, with the very long finish silky in a way that’s rare for this region. Sep 2016, www.jamessuckling.com