J. J. Prüm – Wehlener-Zeltinger Sonnenuhr Riesling Auslese 1963

J. J. Prüm – Wehlener Sonnenuhr Riesling Auslese 1963

1. Introduction

The 1963 Joh. Jos. Prüm Wehlener Sonnenuhr Riesling Auslese is an outstanding example of the great Mosel Rieslings from one of the world’s most famous wineries. The designation you enquired about, ‘Wehlener-Zeltinger Sonnenuhr’, is a case of confusion – there are two distinct vineyards: the Wehlener Sonnenuhr and the Zeltinger Sonnenuhr. J. J. Prüm owns vineyards in both sites; the 1963 vintage is available on the market in both versions. This report focuses on the Wehlener Sonnenuhr, which is regarded as the estate’s more famous and more typical site.

2. The J. J. Prüm Winery

The Joh. Jos. Prüm Winery in Bernkastel-Wehlen on the Middle Moselle was founded in 1911 and is one of the world’s leading producers of Riesling. It cultivates around 22 hectares of vineyards, 100 per cent of which are planted with Riesling. The estate’s wines are prized by connoisseurs for their unique combination of zesty fruit, racy acidity, deep minerality and delicate residual sweetness.

3. The Wehlener Sonnenuhr vineyard

The Wehlener Sonnenuhr is one of the world’s most famous Riesling vineyards and is inextricably linked with the name J. J. Prüm. The sundial that gives the vineyard its name was erectedin 1842 by Jodocus Prüm; the vineyard has borne this name since the early 20th century. The vineyard is characterised by:

• Optimal south-south-west exposure

• Extreme steepness with a slope gradient of up to 70–100 per cent

• Deep, weathered grey slate soil

• Good water supply provided by the slate

These conditions lend the Rieslings a mineral, smoky note as well as great depth and length.

4. The 1963 vintage

The 1963vintage is regarded by wine connoisseurs as a classic Mosel vintage . After more than six decades, wines from this vintage display remarkable maturity and complexity. The 1963 vintage is available in various styles, including the Auslese and the Auslese Goldkapsel.

5. Tasting notes

A tasting (WineBerserkers, 2012) describes the 1963 Wehlener Sonnenuhr Auslese as follows:

Colour: Pale gold

Nose: A lovely, delicate aroma, very typical of the Mosel. With aeration, a slight musky note develops.

Palate: Despite its relatively youthful colour, the wine has almost completely lost its sweetness on the palate and tastes almost dry. Compared to other vintages , it is lighter in body but has higher acidity.

Overall impression: Absolutely delightful – albeit somewhat one-dimensional compared to other vintages.

A further tasting note (CellarTracker, 2012) adds:

Nose: Initially leaves and dust, then ripe fruit and complexity.

Palate: Not very concentrated, barely off-dry, with soft yet vigorous citrus acidity, notes of petrol and lemon. Very elegant, very lively, wonderfully fresh with a very long citrus finish.

6. The Zeltinger Sonnenuhr – an alternative

Alongside the Wehlener Sonnenuhr, the Zeltinger Sonnenuhrexists as a distinct vineyard site. J. J. Prüm also produced a Zeltinger Sonnenuhr Riesling Auslese in 1963 . This vineyard borders the Wehlener Sonnenuhr to the north and can – depending on the vintage – exhibit a slightly different character: often denser, less elegant and with slightly lower acidity.

7. Price and availability

Both 1963 Auslese wines are now extremely rare and command high prices:

Prices vary considerably depending on the classification (Auslese vs. Goldkapsel), condition (level, label, capsule) and provenance. The wine is generally only availableat auction or through specialist fine-wine merchants.

8. Conclusion

The J. J. Prüm – Wehlener Sonnenuhr Riesling Auslese 1963 is an exceptional wine of historic stature. It embodies the art of Mosel Riesling vinification in its purest form: the combination of one of the world’s finest estates, one of the most famous vineyards and a matured classic vintage makes it a highly sought-after collector’s item. With its pale golden colour, delicate aromas and remarkably lively acidity, it offers – despite waning concentration and a certain one-dimensionality – a unique tasting experience that impressively demonstrates the exceptional ageing potential of great Mosel Rieslings.