We held our 35th Virtual Wine tasting last night and it was one of the best yet. Kicking it off was this Gewurztraminer from Oregon that we tasted chilled and then at room temp. Normally, I have found more expression and wider appeal with the room temp versions of white wines, but that was not the case. Pale lemon colored with high viscosity (13.7% ABV). You could smell the aromas from a mile away- so intense! Lychee, yellow apple, nectarine, peach, red grapefruit, rosewater, apricot and honey- quite a melange. On the palate this wine was dry with medium (-) acidity and a medium (+) body. This varietal is often made in an off-dry style but this one was fully dry and slightly viscous in the mouthfeel. Notes of apricot, honey, lychee, rosewater, grapefruit and pear went on to a medium to long finish. It was delicious and got 17.5 points on our scoring sheet.
The room temp version was far less aromatic, which is counterintuitive. More lychee but less overall aromas that consisted of grapefruit, cotton candy, apricot, (Laundry detergent- in a fresh sense), crayon (not my words btw). On the palate it was fuller in body but the acidity was somewhat even less pronounced. Primarily honey and lychee driven, we also got cotton candy and some apricot. I gave it 13 points on our sheet.
Overall this wine was a success, but drink it chilled! I scored it at 91 points and for $20 it’s an excellent intro to this highly aromatic and wonderful grape. 5 stars. Drink till 2027. Salut….