2019 Dr Loosen Zacharias Bergweiler-Prüm Erben Wehlener Sonnenuhr Vieilles Vignes Riesling Auslese

the Dr. Loosen winery

Dr. Loosen is among Germany's absolute top wines and is considered a global benchmark for top-class Riesling. The family-run winery on the Mosel has existed for over 200 years and has been led by Ernst "Erni" Loosen since the 1980s. His philosophy is clear: great wine is only achieved through respect for tradition, old vines, and minimal intervention. Dr. Loosen's style is timeless – wines with tension, elegance, and an almost transparent expression of their terroir.

The estate boasts some of the Mosel's most prestigious vineyards, including Erdener Prälat, Ürziger Würzgarten, and, of course, Wehlener Sonnenuhr. Here, Loosen crafts wines that can age for decades, only becoming more complex and refined with age. The Zacharias Bergweiler-Prüm wines are the pinnacle of this endeavor: rare, handcrafted, and directly linked to the family's history.

the Zacharias Bergweiler-Prüm collection

This special collection pays tribute to Erni Loosen's great-grandfather, Zacharias Bergweiler-Prüm – a key figure in the history of Mosel wines. He married into the influential Prüm family, laying the foundation for one of the region's most respected wine lines. To honor him, Dr. Loosen is crafting a trio of wines using the historic methods of his ancestors.

The grapes come from an exceptional 2.5-hectare parcel in the Grosse Lage Wehlener Sonnenuhr, where ungrafted vines over 130 years old grow. Vinification takes place in Zacharias's original family cellar, using a restored basket press from 1910. The wines are spontaneously fermented in traditional 1,000-liter Fuder barrels and then matured on their full lees for 24 months, followed by a further four years of bottle rest. The result is a range consisting of three expressions: a dry Riesling Grosses Gewächs, a refined Kabinett, and this exceptionally concentrated Auslese.

Zacharias Bergweiler-Prüm wines are sold exclusively through La Place de Bordeaux, the renowned distribution network normally reserved for the world's most exclusive wines. Only a select few wineries, including Grand Crus, have direct access to this collection. This makes these bottles not only rare but also a unique opportunity to acquire a piece of Mosel history.

the Wehlener Sonnenuhr vineyard

The Wehlener Sonnenuhr is one of the Mosel's iconic wines, producing wines known for their finesse, freshness, and mineral depth. The south-facing slope is composed of blue-gray slate, which stores and slowly releases heat. This allows the grapes to ripen optimally while retaining their vibrant acidity. The proximity of the river also creates morning mist, which contributes to the slow, aromatic ripening of the grapes.

The old vines in this parcel are deeply rooted in the slate soil, resulting in intensely concentrated grapes with unparalleled minerality. Their limited yield contributes to a wine with great tension and aromatic complexity – a perfect starting point for this Auslese of rare precision.

the wine: concentration, tension and balance

The 2019 Dr. Loosen Zacharias Bergweiler-Prüm Erben Wehlener Sonnenuhr Vieilles Vignes Riesling Auslese is made from carefully selected, overripe grapes harvested in multiple harvests. The grapes were gently pressed using the 1910 basket press, after which fermentation began spontaneously with indigenous yeasts in traditional Fuder barrels. The wine then aged for two years on its lees, which gave it its velvety texture and complexity.

The style is classic yet incredibly precise: a wine with rich concentration, yet also a transparent, mineral freshness. The residual sweetness is refined and perfectly balanced with the vibrant acidity, ensuring the wine remains powerful yet elegant. The 2019 combines the rich character of Auslese with a crystal-clear structure – a wine that retains its energy despite its intensity.

color, smell and taste

The wine displays a brilliant golden yellow color with subtle copper reflections. The aroma immediately reveals aromas of ripe peach, dried lemon peel, and honey, complemented by floral notes of chamomile and spicy nuances of yarrow. With aeration, a mineral accent of slate emerges, giving the wine freshness and depth.

On the palate, the 2019 Auslese is concentrated and silky smooth, with a lovely tension between the ripe fruit and the vibrant acidity. Flavors of peach, candied lemon, apricot, and a hint of almond are framed by a subtle bitterness reminiscent of dried lime. The finish is endlessly long, clean, and refreshing. According to Vinous's 96-point rating, "this Auslese charms with herbal lift and remarkable precision, where supple sweetness is perfectly countered by a deep-seated zestiness." This interplay of sweet and fresh makes this wine exceptionally refined and exciting.

The 2019 is concentrated but never heavy. It showcases the power of old vines, the minerality of the slate soil, and the perfection of a balanced vintage. This is a wine that is already captivating, but one that will continue to refine and deepen in the coming decades.

storage potential and drinking window

The 2019 Zacharias Bergweiler-Prüm Erben Wehlener Sonnenuhr Auslese boasts impressive aging potential. According to international reviews, its optimal drinking window is 2025 to 2060. The wine combines energetic youth with a structure that allows for excellent aging. Young, it offers vibrant fruitiness and tension, while developing more complex aromas of honey, dried fruit, and spices with age. It is a wine that rewards patience – a living reminder of just how great Riesling can be.

Would you like to order Dr. Loosen wines online?

If available, you'll find the official fact sheet and additional information about this fine wine in the "Attachments" tab. We'll automatically send you these when you order this wine. The wine is stored in our climate-controlled Wine Warehouse, and if you pick it up, you'll often receive a nice discount. You'll see your discount immediately when you select "Pick up" at the checkout page. We're located in Dordrecht, just off the A16 motorway with ample parking. Click here for our address. You can read full wine reviews from publications like Parker, Suckling, Vinous, and Wine Spectator.
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wine and food pairings

• Foie gras with apple compote – the light residual sweetness and the freshness of the wine balance the rich structure of the foie gras.
• Roast duck breast with orange and star anise – the fruity notes of the wine complement the spicy sauce perfectly.
• Langoustines with saffron sauce – the salty minerality of the wine harmonises with the sweetness of the crustaceans.
• Pumpkin, sage, and butter ravioli – the wine accentuates the earthy softness of the pumpkin with its refreshing acidity.
• Blue cheese with honey and walnuts – the wine softens the intensity of the cheese and provides a perfect contrast of sweet and salty.
• Tarte tatin with vanilla and lemon – the fresh-sweet finish of the wine keeps the dessert elegant and lively.