1986 Urziger Wurzgarten Riesling Auslese Benedict Loosen-Erben

[samf10]

Hello I recently purchased this bottle as a gift for my father in-law who is a big fan of Riesling from the Mosel region. I also just learned he enjoys wines that are sweet as well. So I am wondering if anyone can help me with tasting notes on this 1986 bottle or point me in the right direction, does this bottle age well? or has it hit its peak already? The other bottle I was considering was Wehlener Sonnenuhr Riesling Auslese, Joh. Jos. Prum 2002 which has gotten excellent reviews. thanks in advance for any help

[TheEngineer]

The answer you seek comes from ansering why you are buying the wine, instant consumption, a bit of holding, etc? There is a big disparatity between the two bottles that you are picking between and I'm not sure what that is since there are many many many of choices between those two.

Dr. Loosen is usually a pretty dependable producer and according to the http://www.erobertparker.com/info/vintagechart2.asp site, the wine is from a decent vintage and is ready for consumption (though the site as you can tell is a generalization for the region and not specific wines). You did not provide any information from who you are purchasing this from (respectable versus private) and as such, take the risk that the bottle has not been properly stored for the last 20 years, though good rieslings can certainly last that long, especially Auslese. The 2002 is a much safer purchase, though that is not necessarily the right answer. JJ Prum is an outstanding producer and their wines always come highly regarded. Great value for what they are able to bring.

Good luck

[This message has been edited by TheEngII (edited 01-02-2006).]

[samf10]

thank you for your help, that vintage chart even though it is for the entire region does provide some relief that 86 mosel's are not too old yet. I was originally looking for a older Riesling from J.J. Prum as I have read that his wines age excellently. However I did in fact purchase the 86 Loosen Auslese from a reputatble wine store who had been storing it in a cellar. This wine will be for drinking pretty soon within the next month or two. The 2002 Prum was my other option at this wine store before I made this purchase. Thanks again for your help.