1983 Joh. Jos. Prüm Wehlener Sonnenuhr Riesling Auslese
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Tasting notes
J J Prüm’s wines are known to be long-distance runners which can often be wild with nose-tickling aromas of spontaneous fermentation in their youth but, like this 1983 Auslese, develop finesse, complexity and elegance when most competitors’ wines are already well down the slippery slope of oxidation. An exhilarating fragrance invites one just to dwell on the nose for a while. Dried fruit is served to the palate on a rich texture, the generous sweetness of youth may have mellowed but has always been able to rely on the dedicated support of animating acidity as a congenial partner. (MS)
Critic scores
Jancis Robinson MW
Neal Martin
More reviews and scores
Slightly burnished in hue, the 1983 Riesling Wehlener Sonnenuhr Auslese nevertheless appears youthful, especially considering it is now over four decades old. The bouquet is Riesling in excelsis! Honeysuckle intermixed with lemon verbena, hints of melted wax and pressed white flowers are all delivered with exquisite delineation and focus. The palate follows suit with a killer line of acidity that imbues this Riesling with so much tension and vitality. The 1983 is a more textural Auslese than one with obvious fruit flavours. There is weight in the mouth and a slightly resinous texture. Hints of peach skin and desiccated apricot emerge with aeration. Perhaps with age, this comes across as an Auslese on the lower side of residual sugar for the category. It feels so effortless, exuding everything great about Riesling, about the Mosel, about JJ Prüm.
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.