2003 Graacher Himmelreich Spatlese
Estimated value
Buying options
Tasting notes
Quince, vanilla and Chartreuse-like floral and herbal essences in the nose. Quite refined and subtle, with vanilla, candied lemon, quince and flowers in the mouth. Finishes very sweet but at the same time with a bright lemony note. This year, Prum bottled Himmelreich all the way up to gold capsule and long gold capsule Auslese, a multiplicity of bottlings he usually only accords to Wehlener Sonnenuhr. 1 star.
Critic scores
Pierre Rovani
More reviews and scores
About a third of this wine was poured out, then the bottle was violently shaken to help rid it of CO2 and to allow the SO2 to blow-off some. It was then allowed to rest and aerate before being tasted. My instincts suggest that those willing to wait 10-12 years will find an outstanding wine when they open the 2003 Riesling Spatlese Graacher Himmelreich yet, at present, it does not reveal the depth required to merit such an exalted score. Light to medium-bodied, it displays a broad, supple personality filled with creamy stones, slate, and smoke. Projected maturity: 2014-2024. Importers: Rudi Wiest Selections by Cellars International, Inc., Carlsbad, CA; tel. (760) 566-0499; also Chapin Cellars, imported by Billington Imports, Springfield, VA; tel. (703) 455-4700
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.