A serious, diligent wine with something to tell you. Pungent terroir gets your attention, and the ripe salty mid-palate keeps it; it’s more enveloping and chromatic than Kirschheck. Here the truth lies in the whole and not in the particular configuration of the pieces. But clearly important, this dispatch from the earth. How is it to speak if not here? Wines like these are like music made into water. Terry Theise (US Importer)

Pale golden yellow. Fine bouquet of papaya, nut oil and lime. The luscious yet crisp passion fruit flavors are enlivened by a refreshingly salty minerality. Light and wonderfully drinkable. A charming riesling with a sweet, spicy finish. 91 points - Tanzer

The concept of quality as prescribed by Dr Loosen begins with the vines themselves. Dr L comes exclusively from traditionally cultivated sites with steep slopes and slate soil. This introductory, non estate wine embodies the elegant and racy style of classic Mosel Riesling. By working closely with growers on long term contract, brothers Ernst and Thomas Loosen are able to deliver the finest quality each year.

Dr Loosen produces only Riesling from traditional, slate soil vineyards in the Mosel Valley. A full range of Prädikat wines is made from six unique Grand Cru vineyards. The sites owe their excellent quality to three major factors, exceptional regional climate, the mineral rich slate and volcanic soils, and the incredible age of the estate’s ungrafted Riesling vines. These elements are the building blocks of each vineyard’s terroir and have long been recognized for their importance in producing outstanding wines. In fact, all of Dr. Loosen’s six major vineyards were designated as Erste Lage, equivalent to Grand Cru, in the 1868 Prussian classification of Mosel vineyards, which predates the system in Burgundy

Light yellow colour. On the nose Dr Loosen offers expressions of minerality, citrus and fresh cut apple. The palate is supple and generous with just a touch of sweetness to balance the crisp acidity. A great partner to spicey dishes and an excellent choice for an aperitif.

Only the "Prädikat"-wines from the Scharzhofberg and from Wiltinger braune Kupp carry vineyard designations. In almost every year it is possible to produce Kabinett wines. We have never followed the official classification according to Oechsle-levels or sugar content at harvest but for us Kabinett is made from grapes ripe enough not to need Chaptalisation and yet not overripe. These wines are unique because in the Saar’s cool climate the grapes can be fully ripe and still have very low sugar content. They can achieve physiological ripeness around 70° Oechsle in a lesser, late ripening vintage like 1987 but may need as much as 95° Oechsle in years with hot summers like 2003.

 For the consumer it is important to know that we use the term "Kabinett" merely as a guarantee that the wine is not chaptalised or "naturrein" as such wines were called by our ancestors. (Theoretically, it is possible to label these wines simply as "Scharzhofberger" Q. b. A. but by convention it is expected that Q. b. A. will be chaptalised.) Our Kabinett have only 7 to 9% alcohol and often the slaty minerality and the Saar’s acidity dominate the fruit flavours. They are off dry but can taste quite dry because of the low alcoholic strength. Kabinett wines are very refreshing when young but can age gracefully for 10 or more years. Especially Kabinett wines from the Scharzhofberg develop tremendous complexity with bottle age.

This has a full, ripe Pinot Gris spiciness in the nose, with a lovely lemon lift. It is medium weight, but with a full, stony impact on the palate, where it is long and satisfying with good acid structure. Very solidly built, with nice balance and a nimble, refreshing finish. No malolactic fermentation is allowed, so the wine retains a bright, crisp citrus acidity.

Pinot Gris has a very long tradition in the Pfalz region. In fact, it was here that the variety was first identified. Villa Wolf Pinot Gris is made in a full-bodied, dry style with refreshing, unoaked fruit and a crackling texture.

Ernst Loosen’s goal at J.L. Wolf is to make powerful, traditionally crafted Pfalz wines to complement his lighter Dr. Loosen wines from the Mosel. Made in the classic style of the Pfalz, J.L. Wolf Rieslings are drier and more full-bodied than Mosel Rieslings, with higher alcohol and ripe flavors of fruit and stone. In addition to Riesling, the Pfalz region has a long tradition with other grape varieties, allowing Ernst to expand his winemaking palette to include Pinot Blanc, Pinot Gris, Pinot Noir, Gewürztraminer and Silvaner.

The Pfalz (pronounced “faults”) lies between the Haardt Mountains and the Rhine River, directly north of France’s Alsace region. As in Alsace, the mountains protect the area from cold, wet, Atlantic weather, making it one of the warmer and drier areas of Germany. This climate makes it possible to achieve full ripeness in every vintage — the key to making wines with rich concentration, fine balance and deep character.

A very complex wine with exceptional length, which in no way diminishes the luscious richness of the mid-palate. The complexity expresses itself with the strong minerally streak which weaves its way through the wine and emerges strongly on the finish. James Halliday

Gorgeous aromas and flavors of tropical fruit salad stay vivid and etched across the finish thanks to the vibrant structure. Ethereal yet intense, with a snappy finish that makes you want more. Drink now through 2035. 94 points Wine Spectator

Pale golden yellow. Subdued aromas of passion fruit, lime oil and wild herbs. The sweet tropical fruit flavors are highlighted by a refreshing gingery acidity that keeps the palate light in spite of the wine's density. Elegant but also quite full-bodied, this auslese finishes on spice and slate. 93 Points, Stephen Tanzer’s International Wine Cellar, Jan/Feb 2009

The Bernkasteler Badstube vineyard borders on to the Graacher Himmelreich, upstream. Situated on the same slope as the latter and the Wehlener Sonnenuhr, and also having grey slate soil, the Bernkasteler Badstube is the most westwards facing and the less steep vineyard of the three mentioned. The consequence are wines that are slightly lighter, possess a higher acidity and more prominent minerality, while the fruit, floral or herbal aromas are less pronounced. This ultra delicate, nectarine scented Kabinett combines lightness and focus, and shows a very pure minerality, along with a vibrant acidity. Alc: 8.5 % by vol.

Extremely bright in aroma as well as palate impression, the Prüms’ 2008 Bernkasteler Badstube Riesling Kabinett is dominated by lemon and grapefruit, with village typical cherry and cassis manifesting themselves as an invigorating chew of fruit skin that is delightfully complimented by estate-typical impingement of CO2. Lush yet light, this finishes with not only blazing brightness but a cress-like pungency and strikingly intense salinity and suggestions of wet stone, making your palate stand to attention, wide awake! Plan on following it for a couple of decades, although, unlike many Joh. Jos. Prüm wines, I find it (and many of the estate’s 2008s) downright irresistible already. 91/100 points. David Schildknecht, Robert Parker’s Wine Advocate # 187, Feb 2010. 1 June 2010

There's good intensity, yet this comes off as a little on the light side in terms of flavor. Peach, lime and slate notes mingle on the gossamer texture, and this lingers nicely. Drink now through 2028. (04/09)  91 points Wine Spectator

Fresh bouquet of bosc pear and acacia blossom. The palate offers a delicate sweetness, with an attractive interplay of apricot and saline soil tones. This rich spatlese finishes with lip smacking elegance. 90 Points, Stephen Tanzer’s International Wine Cellar, Jan/Feb 2009

As always, this is a tremendously refined and elegant Spätlese with delicate fruit aromas and flavours and fine, fresh, mineral finish. Alc: 7.5 % by vol.

Lime, mint, and dark cherry village-typically dominate the Prüm 2008 Bernkasteler Badstube Riesling Spätlese, with impingements of orange zest, fresh ginger, and wet stone adding further interest on a palate that manages in 2008-specific fashion to both sooth and invigorate. This finishes with an intensity that goes beyond that of the corresponding Kabinett, yet preserves the same sense of uncanny buoyancy. Look for three decades of satisfying evolution here. Drink 2010- 2040. 92/100 points. David Schildknecht, Robert Parker’s Wine Advocate # 187, Feb 2010.

As always, this is a tremendously refined and elegant Spätlese with delicate fruit aromas and flavours and a fine, fresh, mineral finish. 9% alc/vol.

A cider-like sense of apple and spice already in the nose of the Prüm 2009 Bernkasteler Badstube Riesling Spätlese (along with a whiff of fermentative funkiness) carries onto a sappy, refreshing palate – joined by dark cherry and cassis – finishing with a sense of fruit skin chew, ingratiating acidity, lip-smacking salinity, and savory suggestions of browned butter and milled grain. The longer this was open, the more interesting and less resistible it became. Expect 20 or more years of delight, but this may well be harder to keep one’s hands off of early-on than is usually the case with Prüm Rieslings. 91 points, David Schildknecht, Robert Parker’s Wine Advocate #192.

Intense, yet delicate and well-sculpted, bursting with ginger, peach and touches of sarsaparilla. Very lively and saturated, delivering a long, rich finish. Loaded with mineral and smoke notes. Drink now through 2025. 93 Points. Wine Spectator, April 2011

Floral, apricot and mineral notes burst from the glass, and the wine is silky and impeccably balanced. Very concentrated, yet lightweight and elegant, with a fresh aftertaste. This wine has a remarkable amount of botrytis/noble rot. Very complex and well-structured wine. Very good interplay between floral flavors, mineral acidity and citrus aromas. Great ageing potential – will be enjoyable for many decades.

A glorious palate, with succulent tropical fruits on the mid-palate offering great richness; in the typical Prum style, the finish is clean and crisp. James Halliday

High-toned floral, citrus and red berry aromas introduce this delicate Riesling, which is marked by finesse and a gossamer frame, unveiling its citrus and peach flavors in a fleeting manner. Fine length. Drink now through 2035. 93 points Wine Spectator

This is the vineyard that is most often compared with the Wehlener Sonnenhur these days. At J.J. Prüm the tasting is typically set up as a comparative tasting between the wines of this vineyard and those of the Wehlener Sonnenuhr. The Graacher is typically finer, more mineral, with more citrus notes and it is often more open as a young wine. Like all of the J.J. Prüm 2008s, this is truly an outstanding wine. Wonderfully perfumed, very floral, with a fine, delicate, pure palate and a long, mandarin scented finish.

As this wine shows, Mosel Auslesen are not “sweet” dessert wines, but racy, attractive partners for main courses – or even appetizers. Alc: 7.5 % by vol. “The Prüm’s 2008 Graacher Himmelreich Riesling Auslese is another of their wines this vintage to emphasize floral virtues, here buddleia and rowan, allied in the nose to quince, mint, and anise. Suggestions of salted caramel, malt, white raisin, and honey on the palate point toward the subtle presence of noble botrytis (most of which was picked out for gold capsule bottlings) with hints of citrus rind offering counterpoint. This has a sappy intensity and mouth-filling presence that depart slightly from the extremely delicacy of the majority of wines in the present collection. No doubt it will be worth following for 30-40 years. 92/100 points. David Schildknecht, Robert Parker’s Wine Advocate # 187, Feb 2010.

This resonant wines has everything we look for in an Auslese. It has a sublime intensity, great depth of exotic fruit, yet somehow remains feather-light and extremely bright and fresh. The vineyard‘s minerality is palpable while the balance is remarkable. 8% alc/vol.

The Prüm 2009 Graacher Himmelreich Riesling Auslese mingles spiced apple, papaya, pink grapefruit, cassis, and white raisin in a lush, creamily-textured, pungently botrytis-tinged performance full-throated from nose through peacock’s finishing flourish, and hard to beat for sheer diversity and audacity of fruit. If you’re looking for nuance of for characteristics that might be described as in any sense “mineral,” then perhaps in a dozen years you’ll find them here, otherwise search elsewhere. But in reality this is a wine that deserves a long time in the cellar and is apt to retain and add to its present virtues over a 30 year period. 92 Points. David Schildknecht, Robert Parker’s Wine Advocate # 192.

Vivid and pure-tasting, with a well-structured array of mineral, peach, citrus and savory spice notes that are tightly wound. Still, this is quite airy, especially on the impeccable finish of lime and nectarine. Best from 2015 through 2038. 95 Points. Wine Spectator, April 2011

Golden yellow. Noble aromas of orange blossom, vanilla and lemon candy are wrapped in subdued brown-spice botrytis. Vanilla cream and mango are supported by uplifting acids, giving this wine a lush structure and elegant viscosity. Finishes with outstanding length and a refreshing spiciness. This very impressive wine is one of my three top ausleses of the vintage. 97 Points, Stephen Tanzer’s International Wine Cellar, Jan/Feb 2009

The 2007 Kabinett walks the line between ethereal and terrestrial at once sailing across your senses with pear and tangy citrus notes, then grounded by fine mineral and earth tones. Slightly tropical on the finish, this wine's acidity and structure will guide it into august old age.

Elegant and stylish, revealing floral, lime, slate and saline notes allied to a gossamer frame. There's an intensity that dissipates slowly, with a mouth-watering aftertaste. Drink now through 2022. 91 points Wine Spectator

Has great precision and focus, with notes of apple, apple skin and lime; an entrancing twist of acidity on the finish. James Halliday

Very delicate, precise and detailed. Violet, slate and peach aromas are followed by mint and peach flavors, with an ever-present back note of mineral. There's wonderful harmony and balance. Drink now through 2028.  92 points Wine Spectator

Green apple, lemon oil and clover on the nose. Light and lively yet velvety on the palate. Rose petal and saline minerality mingle on the crisp, well-balanced, lipsmacking finish, which is long and elegant. 91 Points, Stephen Tanzer’s International Wine Cellar, Jan/Feb 2009

As always, this is a tremendously refined and elegant Spätlese with a chalky, talk-powder nose and a bright tangy personality in the mouth. A long, pure finish. Classic Graacher. Alc: 8.0 % by vol. Apricot pit, lime zest and clove on the nose. The delicate nectarine fruit and creamy texture are held aloft by nutmeg and mineral salts. Finishes bright, lively and satisfying, with a spicy character provided by the slate. 91 Points, Stephen Tanzer’s International Wine Cellar, Jan/Feb 2010

An elegant white that’s packed with slate, vanilla, lime and apple aromas and flavors.  A touch reduced in aromas, but lively and intense, with a lip-smacking finish. 91/100 points, Wine Spectator.com

The Prüms’ 2008 Graacher Himmelreich Riesling Spätlese is less obviously rich but even more remarkably delicate than the corresponding Zeltinger Sonnenuhr. Here too, we have creaminess of texture allied to refreshing brightness. Iris, buddleia, apple, and pineapple are tinged with enticing salinity, and one is drawn back infectiously for the next sip, as this wine’s intrigue and understated charm work their magic. Over the next three decades, I predict that this will remain the most intimate and delicate of the vintage’s Prüm Spätlesen. Drink 2010-2040. 92/100 points. David Schildknecht, Robert Parker’s Wine Advocate # 187, Feb 2010.

Again a wonderfully refined and pure Spätlese with a chalky, talc-powder nose and a bright tangy personality in the mouth. A long, pure finish. Classic Graacher. Our notes for the wine get straight down to the point here: “incredibly bright, peach stone, fruit: beautiful pulp, purity and zing. Stunning.” 8.5% alc/vol.           

Pink grapefruit, banana, cassis and lily perfume announce the extreme ripeness of fruit that informed the Prüms’ 2009 Graacher Himmelreich Riesling Spätlese. Juicy and extroverted on the palate, it packs a sense of sassy brightness that perfectly compliments any tendency toward extravagant or over-indulgent ripeness. As to your being over-indulgent by drinking some, I’d say, “yes, you would be – fortunately.” I see no need to wait for a half dozen years to approach this. On the other hand, if you wait 25, this wine will still be waiting for you and in good shape. 92 Points. David Schildknecht, Robert Parker’s Wine Advocate #192.

Very racy and powerful, with lots of mineral and sea salt notes to the fresh and vibrant flavors of nectarine and lemon-lime. Pure and long on the finish, with hints of licorice and savory herb. Best from 2012 through 2022. Tasted twice, with consistent notes. 93 Points. Wine Spectator, April 2011.

The J.J.Prüm Estate Riesling Kabinett shows especially floral and herbal aromas. A very enjoyable wine just now – with good ageing potential.

A spotlessly clean bouquet with no SO2/reduction issues; fine, delicate, crisp and refreshing - all or any of these words will do; flavours of lime juice and a touch of green apple; immaculate balance and length, with cleansing minerality/acidity on the finish. James Halliday

Shows the characteristic pure, mineral, leesy nose of Prum wines. In the mouth, the wine is pure and fine with fantastic focus. 90 points, The Fine Wine Review

The floral, peach and chive aromas and flavors need some coaxing to emerge in this lacy, delicate Riesling. Balanced and long, but needs air if you are going to enjoy this now. 91 points, Wine Spectator

Without giving specific notes on all the Kabinett’s let us just say that 2008 is a classic Kabinett year. Also, we have more of this level than ever before which is a huge bonus. This wine, the Estate Kabinett, is a deliciously juicy and fresh introduction to the vintage while each of the site specific wines below reflects each vineyard’s personality and offers remarkable clarity and purity of Riesling fruit. All four are wonderful, racy Prüm Rieslings that will drink well young. Though not as powerful as the single vineyard wines, this juicy, floral, delicate Kabinett is of exceptional quality; a classic example of the Mosel and Riesling’s ability to combine weightlessness with intensity and focus. Alc: 8.5 % by vol.

Enlivened by a touch of spritz; stone fruit, peach and apricot notes come through strongly on the palate; like the Spatlese, demands time. James Halliday

Pungent aromas of slate and flowers give way to peach and lime in this unevolved Riesling. The texture is supersilky, with great harmony among all the elements. Terrific length. Needs time. Best from 2014 through 2040. 94 points Wine Spectator

Pale golden yellow. Classy bouquet of ripe apple, vanilla and sweet herbs. Rich on the palate, with a salty, resinous character and undeniably sweet apricot fruit. Unctuous yet vibrantly spicy, with a long, complex finish. This still needs time but will be a great auslese. 95 Points, Stephen Tanzer’s International Wine Cellar, Jan/Feb 2009

Enlivened by a touch of spritz; stone fruit, peach and apricot notes come through strongly on the palate; like the Spatlese, demands time. James Halliday

Pungent aromas of slate and flowers give way to peach and lime in this unevolved Riesling. The texture is supersilky, with great harmony among all the elements. Terrific length. Needs time. Best from 2014 through 2040. 94 points Wine Spectator

Pale golden yellow. Classy bouquet of ripe apple, vanilla and sweet herbs. Rich on the palate, with a salty, resinous character and undeniably sweet apricot fruit. Unctuous yet vibrantly spicy, with a long, complex finish. This still needs time but will be a great auslese. 95 Points, Stephen Tanzer’s International Wine Cellar, Jan/Feb 2009

Wonderfully intense and lifted aromatics of smoke, citrus peel, and small red fruits leads to a very tightly wound palate. In short, the palate starts baroque and finishes gothic. Highly complex and intense, age will of course refine this remarkable wine. Note that no Goldkap was produced from this vineyard in 2008 so this wine contains all of the parcels of the finest wine that are typically bottled separately. Alc: 7.5 % by vol. “The sense of clarity in the Joh. Jos. Prüm 2008 Wehlener Sonnenuhr Riesling Auslese extends also to an aromatic display unclouded by the sort of fermentative notes found in the corresponding Spätlese and Kabinett when I tasted those. Honeysuckle, heliotrope, distilled herbal essences, apple and quince practically explode from the glass, and lush marzipan, vanilla cream, quince preserves, and apple jelly as well as liquid floral essences inform a nevertheless refreshing palate. Savory saline as well as stony and somehow crystalline expressions of things mineral add counterpoint and complexity, and this finishes with extraordinary, saliva-inducing persistence. “The sort of further selection of botrytis grapes that we did this year in Graach,” remarks Manfred Prüm, “would not have succeeded in Wehlen” where no further Auslese was essayed, and I would not be surprised if the inclusion in this wine of parcels whose fruit might more often have been destined for auction is part of what renders it so impressive. 95/100 points. David Schildknecht, Robert Parker’s Wine Advocate # 187, Feb 2010.