2024 Joh Jos Prüm Wehlener Sonnenuhr Riesling Kabinett

The Wehlener Sonnenuhr vineyard has become intrinsically tied to the name of Joh. Jos. Prum. The estate owns seven hectares of this majestic site, which is largely planted with ungrafted vines and features very thin topsoil over Devonian slate (in some areas, the plants grow directly out of pure rock). Wehlener Sonnenuhr has the highest pure stone content of all the Prum vineyards and, along with neighbouring Zeltingen, is the steepest, boasting a dizzying 65 to 70 percent gradient. The forest resting above the vineyard also acts as a natural water regulator for the slope.

The 2024 Mosel harvest was a proper throwback for Katharina Prüm, forcing a late October dash that rewarded patience with a cool, classic, and entirely effortless style. If you want big, heavily extracted alcohol, look elsewhere. This vintage is all about pure charm, crystal-clear transparency, and light-footed composure.

Tasting note

The 2024 vintage delivers a graceful expression of the Kabinett style, combining delicate natural sweetness with vibrant acidity and a remarkably light presence. Aromatically, the wine reveals honeysuckle, fresh herbs, green apple, white peach and citrus fruit alongside cool slate and subtle floral nuances. The palate is light-bodied and serene, with mandarin, pale pomelo and orchard-fruit flavours supported by finely etched acidity. Its sweetness is seamlessly integrated, allowing the mineral structure and refreshing citrus character to remain clearly defined. At 8.5% alcohol, the wine possesses remarkable delicacy while retaining impressive flavour intensity and persistence. The finish is long, zesty and precise, leaving lingering notes of citrus, herbs and wet slate. Although already expressive, its acidity, balance and mineral structure suggest excellent potential for further development in bottle.

Critics' reviews

The 2024 Riesling Wehlener Sonnenuhr Kabinett opens with subtle hints of creamy woodruff, candied angelica and wet slate. The palate is lightness itself, like a veil of scented fruit referencing green apple, supple, sweet but tart citrus, like juicy, pale pomelo, rounded out with a touch of white peach. It is wonderfully serene, cooling, elegant and precise.

Anne Krebiehl MW