TN: 1997 Joh. Jos. Prüm Wehlener Sonnenuhr Riesling Spätlese

  • 1997 Joh. Jos. Prüm Wehlener Sonnenuhr Riesling Spätlese - Germany, Mosel Saar Ruwer (7/14/2021)
    Two years on from my last bottle, this remains on a plateau of maturity, and will likely remain there longer than the actuaries believe I have left. Orange creamsicle, lemon tart, key lime pie, really all the citrus desserts play a role, riding along a saline river. There’s a little of the petrol thing going on, but it’s a nuance, and mostly in the mid-palate. The finish is all citrus sorbet. Back when it was released 1997 was thought of as a lower acid year, and at the time, sandwiched between 1996 and 1998 it was, but now it’s more classical, even a harbinger of the new normal. The big thing is the drinkability. It’s so easy to power through a glass, reveling in the flavors, and just going immediately back for more. Before you know it, 3/4 of the bottle is gone, and it’s like “whoa, I have barely tasted it, but it’s so good.” Hard to slow down. Should have bought magnums.

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Great note thanks David. These Prüm Spätlese are such consistent beauties. I have a 2005 teed up for some time soon.

I was about to say “so soon” when I realized that 2005 was sixteen years ago. Oof.

I have had a few 97s recently and they are showing really well. Mostly recently a 97 Karthäuserhof Eitelsbach Auslese at the Rieslingstudy at Pizza Beddia. It was showing extremely well.

In general 1997 has been in a nice place for a few years. Seems like it will also hold well. Of course that will mean my next bottle from the vintage will either be young/closed or dead. :wink: