Lauer Riesling No. 9 "Kern"

Lauer Riesling No. 9 "Kern" 2022 is a fully off-dry expression from a southwest-facing old-vine parcel high on the Ayler Kupp hill in the Saar Valley, Germany. Winemaker Florian Lauer harvested the fruit in a complete vertical cross section of the Kern vineyard, capturing grapes from the base to the crest of the slope in a single picking — a practice that yields layered structure and natural balance. The Saar's slate and steep gradients drive Riesling that reads precise and mineral-driven, and Lauer's work here exemplifies the region's tension between ripeness and acidity. This is the kind of Lincoln Park bottle that reveals more with each sip. Florian Lauer farms organically on the hillsides above Ayl, working steep parcels his family has tended for generations. The Kern site sits well into a side valley off the main Ayler Kupp slope, where old vines dig deep into weathered slate and the southwest exposure moderates ripening speed. Lauer ferments spontaneously in neutral casks, intervening as little as possible, and bottles without fining or filtration. The winemaking philosophy is hands-off by design: let the vineyard speak, preserve the wine's inherent energy, and trust that Saar acidity will carry the wine. The 2022 vintage offers wild spice, orange blossom, mint, and white pepper on the nose, with riper accents of vineyard peach, candied grapefruit, and almond. The palate is playful and elegantly zesty, finishing energetic and dryish despite the wine's technical off-dry designation. Pair this with oysters, trout almondine, or Thai green curry — the wine's mineral backbone and citrus brightness cut through richness without overwhelming delicate flavors. It's equally suited to a weekend aperitif or a weeknight pairing with roast chicken and herbs. Available for pickup at our Lincoln Park bottle shop at 1128 W Armitage Ave, local Chicago delivery, or nationwide shipping.