J. J. Prüm - Wehlener Sonnenuhr Riesling feine Auslese 1951

J. J. Prüm - Wehlener Sonnenuhr Riesling Feine Auslese 1951

1. introduction & wine profile
The 1951 Wehlener Sonnenuhr "Feine Auslese" from Joh. Jos. Prüm is a historical rarity and a living testimony to the outstanding wine culture of the Middle Mosel. The 1951 vintage, often overshadowed by the legendary 1949 vintage and ahead of the great 1953 vintage, nevertheless produced classic, finely structured and long-lived Rieslings. From a time when the designation "Feine Auslese" was still a special hand selection and qualitatively above a "normal" Auslese, this wine represents the unadulterated, terroir-true Prüm philosophy at the highest level.

2. sensory description (based on retrospective tasting notes)

• Colour:Deep amber to old gold with possible green-gold reflections. The intense ripe colour is typical of a well-preserved Riesling from this era.

• Nose: An extremely complex, tertiary aroma palette that goes far beyond primary fruit. Nuances of ripe apple, quince jam, dried herbs (camomile), wax, delicate petrol, a distinct smoky slate minerality and an elegant nuttiness (walnut, hazelnut) are dominant. Prüm's famous finesse is clearly noticeable even after more than 70 years.

• Palate: Expecting opulence, this wine surprises with purist elegance and breathtaking vibrancy. The sweetness that was presumably once present is fully integrated into the texture of the wine and forms a perfect symbiosis with the still present, racy acidity. The result is a silky, seemingly dry (dry finish) flavour impression of enormous density and length. Flavours of dried apricots, honeycomb, slate and a salty minerality dominate the picture. The structure is slender, but of intense concentration.

• Overall impression:A wine of monumental elegance and unbroken nervousness. It does not display the exuberant fruit of a young Auslese, but rather the crystalline purity and unrivalled complexity that only the greatest Rieslings can develop through very long maturation in the cellar.

3. ageing potential & storage
A wine of this age and provenance is an absolute collector's item. Its development potential is largely exhausted; it is on a long-lasting drinking plateau. The decisive factor is the perfect state of preservation(original capsule, high fill level, immaculate labelling, documented storage). In ideal storage conditions (dark, cool (10-12°C), constant conditions, lying flat), it can keep its shape for years or even decades. Each bottle is a historical document and should be treated with the utmost care.

4. significance & evaluation
This bottle is one of the oldest premiums from J. J. Prüm that can be experienced. It symbolises a wine culture before intensification and before major legal changes in German viticulture. A wine like this is almost impossible to find today and is an extremely sought-after rarity at auctions, fetching correspondingly high prices. Its value lies not so much in its pinpoint fruit, but in its historical depth, unrivalled elegance and intellectual appeal.

5. serving recommendation & occasion

• Temperature: 12-14°C to fully develop its fine complexity.

• Glass: Large, neutral white wine glass for optimal development.

• Decanting:Not necessary, but careful pouring and brief aeration in the glass can be beneficial to dissipate any "cellar flavours".

• Occasion: This is a wine for a special, quiet moment - for example in honour of an important anniversary or as part of a vertical or historical Riesling tasting. It demands attention. Suitable accompaniments are subtle, flavoursome cheeses (e.g. old Gouda) or simple, light-coloured poultry. The wine itself is the main course.

Conclusion:
The J. J. Prüm Wehlener Sonnenuhr Riesling Feine Auslese 1951 is more than just a wine; it is a journey through time and a history lesson in the bottle. It demonstrates with impressive clarity the phenomenal ageing potential and timeless elegance of the Rieslings from the Sonnenuhr, as interpreted by J. J. Prüm. A wine of great stature, but never heavy, which deeply impresses the connoisseur with its quiet intensity and lively minerality. An absolute privilege to experience.