"Kern" is named after the 19th century industrialist that cleared this more-western part of the Kupp. The 2020er “Kern” N°9, as it is referred to in the central part of the label, comes from the complete cross section (bottom to top) of a prime southwest-facing old-vine parcel (called Kern) situated well into the side valley on the original Ayler Kupp hill, and was fermented down to fully off-dry levels of residual sugar (37 g/l). It proves quite reduced and smoky at first, and needs quite a moment to reveal creamy notes of almond, ripe vineyard peach, greengage, lemon, herbs, and spices. The wine is light-weighted on the palate, and while the acidity feeling is on the low side, there no excessive sense of smoothness and the wine proves nicely balanced, so that the residual sugar is already well integrated and seems far lower than the analytic numbers would suggest. The finish is long, sappy, and superbly refreshing, with even great tension and freshness despite all the elements at play. 2027-2045
