Montinore Estates, Gewürztraminer, 2006

Sat, 25 Jul 2009 05:47:58 GMT

After having a fabulous Alsatian Gewürztraminer recently, I've been on the prowl for a decent Oregon version of the varietal. And this is one that I really liked. Even Denise liked it, and she doesn't normally like white, let along something that even hints of being sweet. Though, that's not to say this was sweet; it was not.

The nose was passion-fruit and rose — sweet fruit and floral. The taste was herbal and floral — with a great passion-fruit flavor. And honey (but not in a sweet way). The finish is floral — rose. We had this along with another Alsatian Gewürztraminer, and this one was a bit thinner, but in a good way. This is not at all syrupy (whereas the Alsatianwas just slightly syrupy) . And it's not sweet — though I think it has a subtle sweetness, but perhaps that's just the fruit flavors themselves. And helping this not be sweet, there's a bit of tangerine at the end. Not bitter, but just enough acid to give it depth and structure.

Cost:

Rating: 8.5

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

Decanterberry Tales - A Willamette Valley Wine Blog - gewurztraminer tag

Montinore Estates, Gewürztraminer, 2006

Trimbach, Gewurztraminer, 2005