I’m not sure why exactly, but Finger Lakes gewurztraminer doesn’t get nearly the attention that it should. It sits firmly in riesling’s racy, trendy shadow, but the category consistently impresses with varietal character and depth — all with the kind of acidity that makes Finger Lakes whites so appealing.
Dr. Konstantin Frank 2012 Gewurztraminer ($15) delivers what can be great about Finger Lakes gewurz at a great price point.
Big lychee-meets-rose pedal aromas dominate the nose with underlying notes of candied lemon peel, pear and just a bit of peach pit.
Broad and mouth-filling, but with nice focus, the palate turns a bit tropical as the wine warms, showing pineapple and peach fruit to go along with those intense floral and lychee notes. There is some apparent sweetness on the mid-palate, but there is enough acidity to bring balance and stretch out the floral-tinged finish.
Producer: Dr. Konstantin Frank Vinifera Wine Cellars
AVA: Finger Lakes
ABV: 13.2 %
RS: 1.1%
TA: 7 g/L
pH: 3.1
Production: 1,211 cases
Price: $15*
(3.5 out of 5 | Very Good, Recommended to Outstanding and Delicious, Highly Recommended)