TN - Vinoptima Gewurztraminer 2003

[Rawshack]

I'm always on the look out for a good gewurz, and this example from NZ is fantastic. Lovely scent of roses and lychees on the nose, with some spice, marzipan and fresh citrus fruit. On the palate there's a lovely texture and weight, rich and mouth filling, with classic lychees and Turkish Delight characters. The acidity is bright and balanced and the fruit still going strong. Off dry, with any sweetness being reigned in by that crisp acidity.

After drinking this I read a review by Stephen Spurrier, who said that this would stand up against an Alsace Grand Cru, and I think he's right, it's a terrific new world example of a uncommon and sometimes difficult variety.

Very good/excellent

[Craig(NZ)]

a good vintage 2003. the 2004 vintage which has been around for a while now id say the opposite about. good until lined up next to a $50 alsacian example

[Rawshack]

a good vintage 2003. the 2004 vintage which has been around for a while now id say the opposite about. good until lined up next to a $50 alsacian example

Interesting comments Craig, I had a look at the website and they rate the 04 vintage as better than the 03...

http://www.vinoptima.co.nz/index.aspx?s ... &page=1821

After the 03, I'll be on the lookout for the 04, although if any more 03 were to fall into my lap, I'd be delighted. Although, not if it literally 'fell'; I imagine that might cause me some discomfort

[Maximus]

Hey Craig/Rawshack,

I prefer the '04 to the '03. I found the '03 had a bit of heat for mine, but I haven't tasted it now probably for a couple of years. The '04 a bit more understated, balanced and fine.

Check out Johanneshof and Dry River too - probably the other two in the top three of NZ's Gewurzs IMO.

Oh and Mike Weersing's is noice too..

[Craig(NZ)]

dont get me wrong i like the 04 vinoptima (not enough to buy it though). just last time i had it it was next to some grand cru alsacian stuff and it didnt show so well then!!

[Bick]

Oh and Mike Weersing's is noice too..

Pyramid Valley? Maybe I'm half blind or something, but I can't recall ever seeing any Pyramid Valley wine on a shelf anywhere, or indeed reviewed anywhere, although I hear it mentioned frequently, in semi-hushed tones... what's that all about?

[Craig(NZ)]

Pyramid Valley? Maybe I'm half blind or something, but I can't recall ever seeing any Pyramid Valley wine on a shelf anywhere, or indeed reviewed anywhere, although I hear it mentioned frequently, in semi-hushed tones... what's that all about?

made one vintage and never to be made again?? Orton vineyard wasnt it?

[SueNZ]

Hey Craig/Rawshack,

I prefer the '04 to the '03. I found the '03 had a bit of heat for mine, but I haven't tasted it now probably for a couple of years. The '04 a bit more understated, balanced and fine.

'04 over the '03 would be my preference too - although neither tasted for a while. Vinoptima certainly makes a serious Gewurz with aging potential and it would be interesting to taste the '03 six years after vintage.

Thanks, Rawshack, for tasting and bringing to our attention again.

[Craig(NZ)]

Off the top of my head, my fav nz gw producers in approx order of glory would be

Dry River
Johanneshof
Stonecroft
Vinoptima
Villa Maria
Lawsons Dry Hills
Montana
Askerne

[Maximus]

Off the top of my head, my fav nz gw producers in approx order of glory would be

Dry River
Johanneshof
Stonecroft
Vinoptima
Villa Maria
Lawsons Dry Hills
Montana
Askerne

Nice one. I'd have a similar list actually, though I don't think I'd put Askerne on there quite yet. Black Ridge are a bit of a sleeper - their Gewurz can be super juice in the right years, a real surprise. I used to like Villa but have gone off them - I've bought the Reserve, Cellar Selection and single vineyard Gewurzs from them previously but found they age horribly (as in don't go near after 18months from release).

And good call on Montana too - I'd forgotten about their two Gewurz from Gisborne, the Patutahi and Matawhero?

[Craig(NZ)]

Nice one. I'd have a similar list actually, though I don't think I'd put Askerne on there quite yet.

Yeah, they are on and off. When they are on they make my list. Other years they don't. Current vintage is good