2016 Graacher Himmelreich Auslese Goldkapsel
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Tasting notes
What a fantastic bouquet! The 2016 Graacher Himmelreich Auslese Gold Capsule is super deep, intense and precise on the nose where flinty/stony notes and very fine (and slightly spicy) raisin and grapefruit aromas are displayed. Rich, lush and super sexy on the palate, with highly delicate but intense and persistent fruit and very fine salinity, this is a gorgeous Auslese from the winner of the 2016 vintage chez Prüm: Graacher Himmelreich. This gold-capsuled Auslese (AP 10 17) is rich, finessed and almost weightless in its intensity. The salty and piquant acidity is alive and kicking. You can hardly produce a better Auslese in this delicate and filigreed style. 8% alcohol.
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Average Score
Stephan Reinhardt, Wine Advocate
David Schildknecht, Vinous
More reviews and scores
Heady scents of ripe honeydew melon, muskmelon and quince betray enhanced ripeness and a hint of botrytis vis-à-vis the corresponding “regular” Auslese, as does a hint of caramel that emerges on the creamy, lusciously fruited palate. There is a trade-off here in that one misses the floral and brightly fresh-fruited dimensions that characterize most of this Prüm collection. A hint of pineapple serves for some finishing tang, but presents a syrupy impression on this bottling’s impressively persistent finish. (A Lange Goldkapsel Graacher Himmelreich Auslese, which I have not tasted, was auctioned.)
About the producer
Joh. Jos. Prüm is the benchmark estate of the Middle Mosel, renowned for Rieslings of exceptional delicacy, precision, and longevity. From the legendary slopes of Wehlener Sonnenuhr to Graacher Himmelreich, their wines capture a singular balance of lightness, tension and mineral purity.