JJ Prum '04 vs. '08

JJ Prum is regarded as one of the great producers of the world, let alone German producers. The family history dates from the 11th century and the estate, while small, has a large component of ungrafted vines (phylloxera could not survive in the slate soils). The reason these wines are so highly regarded relates to fastidious fruit selection and non-interventional wine making practices, additionally, the site is a great example of the principal of terroir; with the slate terraces producing stunningly distinctive wines.

The new 2008 vintage is a classic, and comparable to the esteemed '04 vintage. I was fortunate enough to look over some '04 and '08's recently and was taken by the youthfulness and intricate characters still displayed in the 2004 range.

The 2004 Joh Jos Prum Wehlener Sonnenuhr Riesling Kabinett displayed incredible persistence and vibrant Jonathan apple freshness with stone fruit character on the back palate.

The 2004 Joh Jos Prum Wehlener Sonnenuhr Riesling Spatlese is an incredibly textural and crafted style of Spatlese, showing light aromatic fruit with beautiful minerality and incredible length on the palate.

The 2008 I was most taken with was the Joh Jos Prum Graacher Himmelreich Riesling Spatlese. At its price, it is one of the best wines to cellar and will last a lifetime for anybody who is currently reading this! I would advise that you put 3-6 in the cellar over 5, 10, 15, 30 or even 50 years and your only problem would be holding back from enjoying it as it currently is; which is a wine with refreshing brightness, a myriad of fruit, an almost tangy character, and at sub-10% alcohol, living proof that wines need not have a high alcohol level to benefit from cellaring. With a little foresight you will be able to enjoy one of the great wines of the world as it evolves and shows immense beauty and pleasure.

To enquire about these wines contact Phil on 9500 8259