Gewurztraminer is a love-it or hate-it sort of grape. I love it. Nena — most of the time anyway — hates it. The sometimes-overwhelming rose petal perfume that the grape exhibits turns her off.
But Sheldrake Point's 2007 Gewurztraminer ($20) is one wine that we both enjoyed during a recent tasting of New York whites.
A brilliant medium straw yellow in the glass, the nose is only lightly floral — rather than overwhelmingly so — and is spicy and gingery with classic lychee and pineapple aromas. Make sure that you don't over-chill this wine, or the beautiful aromas will be muted.
Sweet pineapple flavors are accented by light hints of white flowers, ginger, sweet spice and citrus zest. The flavors marry harmoniously on a medium-bodied, nearly dry (.3% RS) palate that shows terrific acidity and balance.
Spicy and zesty, the finish lingers with apple and apple skin on the very end.
Producer: Sheldrake Point
AVA: Finger Lakes
ABV: 13.3%
RS: .3%
Price: $20
Rating:
(3 out of 5 | Recommended)
(Ratings Guide)