Decanterberry Tales - A Willamette Valley Wine Blog - alsace tag

Trimbach, Gewurztraminer, 2005

Sat, 30 May 2009 15:01:39 GMT

Lately, I started to really get into Gewurztraminer. I've been dappling in whites as the days get a little hotter, and while many varietals can be cool and refreshing, there's just something intriguing to me about the favors and aromas of Gewurztraminer. And recently on a business trip, I had this Grand Cru Alsacian Geurztraminer that really was incredible. Unfortunately, I was jet-lagged and forgot to write down details on the bottle -- let alone blog about it (too bad).

Now, it's worth noting that Karen MacNeil -- of The Wine Bible fame -- says this about the grape:

"Like Lucille Ball or Goldie Hawn, gewurztraminer is a little eccentric in a loveable way ... it's something you either really like or can't stand ... [and] average quality gewurztraminerss, like average quality anchovies, are not easy to fall in love with, although some people manage to."

So you have been warned; this isn't necesarily a widely liked grape. And like everything else on this site, this is just one person's opinion.

The nose just jumps with all kinds of aromas: apricot, peaches, parsley, cilantro, lemon, strawberries and even rose. Yeah, lots of floral elements -- like a field of wild flowers. Oh, and burnt toast. It has an almost oily mouthfeel. Not saying it's bad, but it is oily compared to a Pinot Gris.

In the first instant, it tastes like it might be sweet. Then you swallow, and it's totally not sweet. It's not sour, instead it's really floral -- pink rose.

Cost:

Rating: 7.5

Trimbach, Pinot Blanc, 2005

Fri, 15 Aug 2008 04:58:24 GMT

The nose is oregano, lemon, peas, bay leaf, with hints of sage and thyme. The taste is lime and herbs. And it finishes with ... lime! The wine has some weight in the mouth (equivalent to a 2% milk) -- more weight that I expected. Another way to describe this wine is: a mojito made with oregano instead of mint! Critics tend to poo-poo Pinot Blanc, but I generally like it. And on a hot day (like it's been lately in the NW), this wine was quite tasty.

Cost:

Rating: 7.0

Trimbach, Reserve, Pinot Gris, 2003

Mon, 28 Apr 2008 03:51:00 GMT

Smell: Peach, apricot.

Taste: Sweet snap peas, like a fresh crisp romaine salad. Peach, nectarine, and apricot again (though subtle). A hint of vanilla.

Finish: Sweet (not sour) lime.

Cost:

Rating: 8.0

Trimbach, Pinot Blanc, 2004

Sun, 28 Oct 2007 19:00:00 GMT

Smell: Wet cedar and rubber. Sweet but not in a cloying kind of way--its like your nice neighbor rather than your sticky sweet aunt.

Taste: Tangerine and unripened pineapple. Feels cleansing. Very coiffable--easy to drink, not complicated. Kind of like a champagne without the bubbles. We'd drink it again.

Finish: Dissolves on the tongue. Lingering fruit taste like subtle grapefruit peels.

Cost:

Rating: 7.0