Joh Jos Prüm Bernkasteler Lay Riesling Spatlese 2021

Joh Jos Prüm is a family-owned winery located in the heart of the Mosel region of Germany, known for producing some of the finest Riesling wines in the world. The history of the estate can be traced back to the early 20th century when Johann Josef Prüm established his winery. Today, the estate is under the direction of Katharina Prüm, who has continued the family legacy of producing stunning Riesling wines. The vineyards are situated on slopes with steep inclines that allow for optimal sun exposure, and the slate soil provides a unique minerality that is a signature characteristic of Joh Jos Prüm wines. The wines produced by Joh Jos Prüm are known for their balance, complexity and exceptional aging potential. The Kabinett wines are light and elegant, with notes of citrus, apricot and mineral.

The Mosel wine region is situated along the Mosel River in Germany. This region is renowned for producing some of the best Riesling wines in the world. The steep slopes of its vineyards, which rise from the riverbank, provide ideal conditions for grape cultivation. The unique terroir of the region, which consists of a combination of climate, soil, and vineyard sites, produces wines with a distinct flavour profile.

Joh. Jos. Prüm's vineyards are a hallmark of the estate's success. The winery maintains a total of 14 hectares of holdings in several vineyards, including 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. Prüm. Of these sites, Wehlener Sonnenuhr and Graacher Himmelreich are the most essential for the winery, both in terms of quantity and quality. Seventy percent of the vines across these vineyards are ungrafted, indicating that the winery holds true to traditional winemaking practices. Depending on the specific vintage, the average annual production of wine is typically between 10,000 to 13,000 cases. Prüm's vineyards are dedicated solely to Riesling production, with the Wehlener Sonnenuhr and Graacher Himmelreich vineyards being the most important.

Spätlese Riesling refers to a specific style of German Riesling wine that is made from fully ripe grapes that have been left on the vine longer to achieve a late harvest. The term "Spätlese" translates to "late harvest" in German, indicating that the grapes are picked later than usual, allowing them to develop more sugar and flavors. Spätlese is one of the Prädikat levels in the German wine classification system. One of the distinguishing features of Spätlese wines is their delightful balance between sweetness and acidity. The extended hang time on the vine allows the grapes to accumulate more natural sugars while still retaining a vibrant acidity. This delicate equilibrium creates a wine that is both lusciously sweet and refreshingly crisp, offering a truly harmonious drinking experience. Spätlese Riesling wines are typically characterized by their sweetness level and balance of acidity. While they are sweet, they also retain a vibrant acidity, creating a harmonious taste experience. These wines often exhibit fruity flavors, such as apple, pear, and peach, along with floral and honey notes. The sweetness of Spätlese Riesling can vary depending on the specific wine. However, they generally have a moderate level of sweetness compared to other German Riesling categories like Auslese or Beerenauslese. With aging, the flavors of Spätlese Riesling can develop further complexity, offering a more nuanced and mature taste profile. This luxurious mouthfeel, combined with their vibrant acidity, contributes to their exceptional aging potential. Over time, these wines continue to develop complexity, offering an evolving bouquet and a more nuanced flavour profile.

The Joh Jos Prüm Bernkasteler Lay Riesling Spätlese 2021 is a testament to the exceptional winemaking prowess of one of Germany's top producers. While the Bernkasteler Lay vineyard may not be as widely recognized as some others on the Moselle, it has yielded a true masterpiece in the 2021 vintage. This wine showcases the signature style of Joh Jos Prüm, with its impressive concentration, beautifully integrated fruit sweetness and the perfect balance created by swift acidity and the distinct minerality of slate-driven soils. As with many wines from Prüm, this Bernkasteler Lay Riesling Spätlese is another jewel in their brilliant collection. The steep slope of the vineyard, known for its ungrafted Riesling vines, adds to the wine's excellence. The name "Bernkasteler Lay" harks back to its origin from the Gaulish term "Leie," meaning slate rock. This late harvest offering boasts a well-structured palate, where exotic aromas of yellow stone fruit, lychee and star fruit captivate the senses. The wine's harmonious character is further accentuated by a concentrated slate flavour, pristine acidity and an invigorating finish. This is undoubtedly a classically exquisite Mosel Spätlese. Upon tasting, one is met with a superbly refined and delicate experience. The nose envelops the senses with the enticing scents of pear, acacia flowers, Fuji apple and a hint of rosemary, creating a captivating bouquet. The palate reveals the wine's true beauty, with notes of candied apple, dried apricot, honeycomb and a subtle flinty undertone. The flawless balance of fruit, herbs and floral elements elevates the overall tasting experience, leaving a lasting impression of finesse. This Joh Jos Prüm Bernkasteler Lay Riesling Spätlese 2021 is an ideal choice for wine enthusiasts seeking an exceptional Riesling from a renowned German producer. With its broad range of flavors and remarkable complexity, it pairs wonderfully with a variety of dishes. It can beautifully complement spicy dishes, Asian cuisine, creamy cheeses, foie gras, and desserts featuring fruits or light pastries. Indulge in the harmonious symphony of flavors and textures that this wine offers, and savour the impeccable craftsmanship of Prüm.

The 2021er Graacher Himmelreich Riesling Spätlese has a beautifully complex and pure nose of lime tree, verbena, orange blossom, anise, smoke, cassis, jasmine, and white peach. The wine coats the palate with very pure and fresh fruits and leaves a vibrating and hugely long finish. This splendidly pure Spätlese has great energy! 2031-2051 - Jean Fisch and David Rayer, Mosel Fine Wines, 95 points

The Finer Details
Style - White Wine
Varietal - Riesling
Country - Germany
Region - Mosel
Vintage - 2021
Bottle Size - 750ml
ABV - 7%