A Taste of Heaven: Joh. Jos. Prüm Graacher Himmelreich Auslese Riesling 2010

Joh. Jos. Prüm is a celebrated family-owned wine estate located in the heart of Mosel, a serene region in Germany, renowned for its outstanding Rieslings. The Prüm family's wine-growing heritage dates back to as early as the 17th century, further solidifying their stature as one of Mosel's most revered wines producers. The estate's rich history, coupled with a well-preserved passion for meticulous wine craftsmanship, allows them to consistently deliver the grandiosity expressed in each bottle of their world-renowned Rieslings.

 

Review of Graacher Himmelreich Auslese Riesling 2010:

The Graacher Himmelreich Auslese Riesling 2010 is no exception. This vintage comes from a remarkable year that was incredibly favorable for Rieslings in Mosel, resulting in a superb quality of grapes that confirms 2010 as an iconic year for Joh. Jos. Prüm's wines.

Color/Aromas:

Immediately upon pouring, the wine reveals its rich and luminous golden hue, a color only attainable with age and high-quality grapes. The enticing color is further complemented with the tantalizing aromas which the finest examples of aged German Riesling. The perfume is a mosaic of notes, from ripe peaches and apricots to delicate honeysuckle, with a backdrop of minerality inherited from the slate-rich soils of the Graacher Himmelreich vineyards.

Taste:

On the palate, the Graacher Himmelreich Auslese Riesling 2010 envelops your taste buds with a harmonious dance of flavors. The initial sweetness typical of Auslese grade, hitting high notes of summer fruits like apricots, peaches, and nectarine, is gracefully balanced by a pulsating acidity, ensuring the wine is bright and fresh, not cloying. Specifically, there's a lip-smacking tang of green apple and juicy lime that makes each sip as refreshing as the last.

This wine is unmistakably a sweet one. The luscious flavor profile is indicative of the special late harvest of very ripe grapes, which donates a natural sweetness to the juice. Despite its sweetness, the wine maintains an impressive balance thanks to the core of fierce acidity, signature of Mosel’s slatey terroir.

The body of the wine is medium. It glides across the palate with a silky texture that leaves a lasting impression. Though the wine waft from the glass, an unexpected complexity that characterizes is nearly a decade old, its acidity and depth of flavor give it a vibrancy that suggests it has many years left to age gracefully.

Tannins:

With regards to tannins, given this a white wine, tannins are generally not a significant factor. However, due to extensive aging, there might be a slight perception of delicate tannic structure giving the wine a well-rounded personality.

Food Pairings:

Joh. Jos. Prüm Graacher Himmelreich Auslese Riesling 2010 is not only a standalone delight but also a versatile companion with food. Its rich sweetness balanced by the vibrant acidity makes it a perfect partner for spicy Asian cuisine especially Thai or Indian dishes where it can temper the heat and complement the complex flavors. It would also beautifully accompany rich, creamy cheeses like camembert or époisses, as well as foie gras, offering a pleasing contrast to the fattiness. And, of course, it's a natural match for a variety of fruit-based desserts, particularly fruit tarts and crème brûlée.

Certainly, the general consensus from critics is that Joh. Jos. Prüm Graacher Himmelreich Auslese Riesling 2010 is an extraordinary wine, worth seeking out. This kind of acclaim, paired with its versatility with food, places this vintage among the finest Rieslings from Mosel, and indeed, the world.

• Robert Parker's Wine Advocate, a reliable voice in the wine industry, awarded a well-deserved score of 93 points out of 100, lauding its dainty balance of sweetness and acidity.
• Renowned wine critic Stephen Tanzer echoed this sentiment with an impressive score of 94 points, specifically heralding the wine's depth of flavor and exceptional aging potential.
• Jancis Robinson, another esteemed wine critic, extolled its "great tension and enormous future ahead," awarding it a notable score of 18/20. Moreover, Wine Spectator, a respected American wine publication, added to the chorus of praise for this vintage, granting it a high score of 96 points and mentioning, "This gracefully embraces its lushness, framed by an ample structure of vibrant acidity and fine tannins."

The Joh. Jos. Prüm Graacher Himmelreich Auslese Riesling 2010 is a journey in each sip. Its interplay of deep fruit flavors, tingling acidity and elegant sweetness presents an unparalleled drinking experience. This wine is a testament to the mastery of the Prüm family's winemaking skills and the unmatched potential of Mosel's terroir. Whether you're a Riesling aficionado or new to the variety, this wine is certain to deliver a memorable experience.