2006 Presidio Gewürztraminer, Viento Vineyard, Monterey County.

SENSORY ASSESSMENT:

This wine is straw colored with a light green tinge. The nose starts with intense, unctuous aromas of warm Asian spices (ginger and nutmeg). Medium intensity aromas of gardenias and honeysuckle follow. Candied orange rind, tropical fruit (lychee and passion fruit) and stone fruits are replete. On the palate, medium intensity ripe, effervescent grapefruit is paired with stone fruit and framed by a lightly mineral edge. The mouthfeel is luscious and plush, combining nicely balanced mineral and acid components. Lightly sweet and with well proportioned alcohol, this Gewürztraminer is medium bodied. A straight forward finish is grapefruit-dominant and laced with mineral notes.

OPINION: 

This 2006 Presidio Gewürztraminer goes beyond where the 2005 offering left off with its beckoning tentacles of aroma that snake out of the glass and pass, languidly, across the nose. Curvy and seductive and powerful but longer lasting than a summer love. Best served chilled and paired with Asian foods, tropical fruit salads, on vanilla ice cream or lighter cakes over the next 3 to 5 years.

BOTTOM LINE:

Very good.

Highly recommended.