2020 Ayler Kupp Spatlese Fass 23 2 Star Auktion 23 21

The auctioned 2020 Riesling Ayler Kupp Spätlese No. 23 is the counterpart, source-wise, to Lauer’s auction Kabinett. It’s exotically ripe and tropical, but that manifests itself very differently than in the Spätlese No. 7. Papaya, lychee and coconut are wreathed in mint that takes on a candied inner-mouth aspect. The overall impression, reinforced by a glossy, creamy texture, is very lush. The finish is caressing and imposingly long, but, just as with Lauer’s auction Kabinett, there isn’t quite the clarity or appealing juiciness of the corresponding non-auction wine, and the sheer sense of sweetness is more obvious. Again, too, if one gives this time in bottle, it might well reveal what is ostensibly its superiority.