2018 Sidebar Kerner Mokelumne River

Floral, cleansing varietal Kerner

2018 Sidebar Kerner Mokelumne River

Sidebar’s Kerner is grown in the Mokelumne Glen Vineyard’s fluvial loam on vines that are between twenty and thirty years old. The fruit was hand harvested at 22.8 degrees Brix, whole-cluster pressed, and fermented with wild yeast in stainless steel barrels. Malolactic was suppressed.

The result, as with the 2017 vintage, is palest yellow, like moonlight. Its aromas are complicated: green-sour like lime peel and wet grass, sweetly floral like lily of the valley and apple blossom, and fruity like pear and quince. The palate feels sharp and malic, while the floral elements play through to the finish, balancing the wine aesthetically. It’s also somewhat slate-y — it’s not Riesling but Riesling-esque, as Kerner can be.

This is a wine for cheese, fried snacks, or nuts; it’ll be cleansing. Or, partner it with light fish, poultry, or salad; it’ll be complementary. I want to try it with something with tarragon.

 

2018 Sidebar Cellars Kerner Mokelumne River AVA

14.1% abv | $25 (sample), 330 cases made

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2 replies on “2018 Sidebar Kerner Mokelumne River”
  1. says: David B.

    Fascinating that there is even Kerner planted in the Lodi area. Not much still survives in meaningful German regions. This takes commitment. I applaud that commitment.

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