Joh Jos Prüm Wehlener Sonnenuhr Riesling Kabinett 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.

Kabinett is a German wine term used to describe a category of wines that are made from fully ripened grapes of the main harvest and have a light and non-chaptalized character, meaning that no additional sugar is added during the winemaking process. Kabinett wines are the lightest of all the wines in the German Prädikat system, which is used to classify wines according to the ripeness level of the grapes when they are harvested. The ripeness levels include Kabinett, Spätlese, Auslese, Beerenauslese, Eiswein and Trockenbeerenauslese. Kabinett wines can range in style from dry to off-dry and can exhibit flavors and aromas of citrus, stone fruit, floral and mineral notes and can vary in sweetness level. In the German wine classification system, Kabinett is the lowest ripeness level for wines that can be classified as Prädikatswein. Kabinett Riesling has a sweetness level that can range from dry to off-dry and can exhibit flavors and aromas of citrus, stone fruit, floral and mineral notes. It is classified as the lowest level of Prädikatswein in the German wine classification system. Kabinett Riesling is prized for its lightness, balance and for being delicious when paired with a variety of foods.

The Joh Jos Prüm Wehlener Sonnenuhr Riesling Kabinett 2021 is a wine that captivates with its intriguing complexity and refined elegance. From the very first encounter, one is greeted by a bouquet that combines elements of smoke and reduction, creating an enchanting veil that gradually reveals its true essence. As the wine unfolds on the palate, a tapestry of golden and aromatic fruit tantalizes the senses. The marriage of pink grapefruit and russet pear peel creates a harmonious balance with hints of golden Mirabelle and lime. This juxtaposition of flavors adds layers of depth and intrigue to the wine, demonstrating its remarkable complexity. The ripeness of the fruit is beautifully channelled with absolute precision. On the elegant and smooth palate, one can taste the wonderful richness of the wine, which is juxtaposed with a refined and subtle elegance. The texture is velvety and supple, enticing the senses with each sip. The fruit notes echo delicately, allowing a sense of real elegance to permeate the experience. This wine demonstrates an exceptional level of finesse and artistry, leaving a lasting impression on the palate. The nose of the Wehlener Sonnenuhr Kabinett is refined and elegant, with a deep and flinty character. It exudes brightness and clarity, revealing beautiful crushed slate aromas that add a distinctive minerality to the wine. This flinty element adds depth and complexity, elevating the overall sensory experience. On the palate, this wine showcases richness, roundness and generosity. It is incredibly lush and supple, yet maintains a crystalline purity that accentuates its Sonnenuhr character. The mouth-watering finish leaves a lasting impact, stimulating the senses and inviting another sip. The 2021 vintage exemplifies the greatness of the terroir in the cru. The Wehlener Sonnenuhr, especially in cool vintages, showcases its unique exposition that captures the sun's rays in the morning. This aspect contributes to the wine's remarkable expression of place and its ability to reflect the true essence of the terroir. The wines of the Wehlener Sonnenuhr possess excellent structure and reveal beautiful, ripe aromas and flavors. Typical stone fruits such as peach, nectarine and apricot are showcased, intertwining with a fine minerality that adds depth and complexity. The depth and length of these wines are truly remarkable, showcasing the sheer excellence of the region.

The 2021er Wehlener Sonnenuhr Riesling Kabinett offers a superbly appealing and hugely complex nose of lily flowers, lozenge, fine spices, thyme, rosemary, spearmint, almond, and cassis, all wrapped in great minty smoke. The wine is superbly playful on the palate, where there are refined flavors of vineyard peach, orange blossom, and almond cream. It proves airy and light-footed. The finish is very delicate and pure. What a great Kabinett in the making. 2029-2041 - Mosel Fine Wines, 94 Points SR 94

Smoke and reduction still cloud the nose of the 2021 Riesling Wehlener Sonnenuhr Kabinett, but golden, aromatic, textured fruit somehow combines pink grapefruit and russet pear peel, golden Mirabelle and lime. There's wonderful ripeness channeled with absolute precision on an elegant, smooth palate. Subtle fruit echoes long, real elegance. (Sweet) Drink: 2028-2050. - Anne Krebiehl, MW (Vinous), 94 points 

The Finer Details
Style - White Wine
Varietal - Riesling
Country - Germany
Region - Mosel
Vintage - 2021
Bottle Size - 750ml
ABV - 7.5%