2015 Bernkasteler Lay Auslese GK
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Tasting notes
Imagine a mingling of honeydew melon and green herbal liqueurs with a bit of caramel. The results are both rich in faintly spirituous and torrefactive ways, yet at the same time cooling. At only seven percent alcohol, this harbors correspondingly high residual sugar and its sweetness is probably concealing some finer points of flavor. Expansive, luscious and buoyant, it finishes with memorable sheer length, if not for now the complexity, clarity or elegance exhibited by most of the wines in this superb Prüm collection. But give it some time. (It’s uncertain whether there will be dedicated Lay bottlings from this estate. For now, the acreage is headed into that wholesale communal reorganization and replanting known as Flurbereinigung.)
Critic scores
Average Score
Stephan Reinhardt, Wine Advocate
David Schildknecht, Vinous
More reviews and scores
The 2015 Bernkasteler Lay Auslese Gold Capsule (AP 19) is super clear and intense, with floral/herbal, flinty and perfectly ripe, but still subtle fruit aromas. Round, generous and lush on the palate, with a great finesse and clarity, this is a gorgeously balanced and refined Auslese that is made from perfectly ripe berries. The acidity is super fine but vital, and the mineral structure carries this beauty into a perfectly round and balanced finish. This Riesling is light and filigreed.
About the producer
Joh. Jos. Prüm is the benchmark estate of the Middle Mosel, renowned for Rieslings of exceptional delicacy, precision, and longevity. From the legendary slopes of Wehlener Sonnenuhr to Graacher Himmelreich, their wines capture a singular balance of lightness, tension and mineral purity.