J. J. Prüm - Graacher Himmelreich Riesling very fine Auslese Eiswein Goldkapsel 1969

J. J. Prüm - Graacher Himmelreich Riesling Hochfeine Auslese Eiswein Goldkapsel 1969

1. introduction & wine profile
The 1969 Graacher Himmelreich "Hochfeine Auslese" Eiswein Goldkapsel from Joh. Jos. Prüm is an extremely rare and legendary rarity from one of the most interesting vintages of the 20th century. The year 1969 brought a rather late, cool and complicated summer to the Moselle, followed by a wet early autumn. The decisive factor was a sudden, early frost period in late October or November, which made it possible to harvest frozen berries under the special conditions of "ice wine". This predicate ("Eiswein" or "Eiswein Goldkapsel") indicates a harvest of frozen berries, resulting in a wine of extreme concentration and lively acidity. The Graacher Himmelreich vineyard, right next to the Wehlener Sonnenuhr, delivers a stronger, earthy minerality. The addition "very fine" was an exaggerated quality designation used at the time.

2. sensory description (based on historical and retrospective tasting notes)

• Colour: Intense, deep gold to amber tones. The colour indicates a high concentration and long maturity.

• Nose: A fascinating, profound and complex range of aromas. The classic Prüm elegance is overlaid with intense aromas of cooked yellow fruit (dried apricot, mirabelle plum jam), candied lemon peel, honey, caramel and a hint of smoky notes. The typical minerality of the Himmelreich presents itself more as a fine slate terrace and wet stone. Over time, notes of tea, spices and an elegant waxy flavour may develop.

• Palate:An impression of monumental concentration and sweetness, which, however - characteristic of a true ice wine - is carried and held in suspension by a cutting, electrifying acidity structure. This exciting balance is its trademark. The texture is dense and syrupy, but never heavy due to the acidity. The flavour follows the nose with aromas of dried fruit, honeycomb, a clear mineral salinity and a long-lasting, refreshing bitterness in the finish, which is typical of great old Rieslings.

• Overall impression:A wine of great power and precision at the same time. It is less delicate than a Sonnenuhr of the same age, but has a more direct, powerful intensity and an almost paradoxical freshness due to the perfectly preserved ice wine acidity.

3. ageing potential & storage
This wine has an exceptionally long ageing potential. The combination of extreme sugar concentration and high natural acidity makes it almost immortal. After more than 50 years, it is probably at its first peak, but has the potential to continue to develop for many decades if stored properly (dark, cool at 10-12°C, constant conditions). As with all wines of this age, the state of preservation (fill level, capsule, labelling, documented cellar history) is decisive for the assessment.

4. significance & rating
The 1969 Eisweine from the Mosel are among the great legends, as the vintage offered one of the rare opportunities for a perfect Eiswein harvest. A Goldkapsel-Auslese Eiswein from J. J. Prüm from this vintage is an extremely rare collector's rarity. At auctions, such a wine is traded at very high prices, if it is offered at all. It represents a specific and extreme type of Riesling that is rarely produced today in this classic form (early, natural frost) due to climate change.

5. serving recommendation & occasion

• Temperature: 10-12°C. Do not serve too cold to release the complexity.

• Glass: Large, tulip-shaped giant glass to concentrate the flavours.

• Occasion: This is a wine for a special moment, possibly as the crowning glory of a menu or at the centre of a tasting of historic sweet wines. It is a "meditation wine" par excellence, and classic accompaniments would be strong blue cheeses (such as Roquefort), foie gras or desserts with nuts and caramel. However, its own profile is so dominant that it is best enjoyed on its own.

Conclusion:
The J. J. Prüm Graacher Himmelreich Riesling Hochfeine Auslese Eiswein Goldkapsel 1969 is a monumental and historically significant wine. It combines the extreme poles of winemaking - the concentrated sweetness of the frozen berries and the life-giving acidity of the frost - into a timeless, exciting whole. It is characterised less by delicate elegance than by powerful intensity and impressive longevity. A unique experience that shows the limits of Mosel Riesling and preserves a unique vintage.