Tonight Glenys and I opened the bottle of 2011 Reserve Gewurztraminer sent by Geoff & Nicola Wright of Wrights Gisborne Vineyard & Winery to review, and what a stunner it is!

Wrights are certified organic so grow their grapes & handcraft their wines using ethical and environmentally friendly, biodynamic techniques. The 2011 Gewurtraminer was made in two batches with the second left on the vines and picked later producing some botrytised fruit. This was barrel-aged for 6 months then blended together to result in this amazing Gertz!

On pouring it showed bright & deep gold in colour, and on the nose “Intoxicating & heady” said Glenys. There is rose petal, Turkish delight & a hint of burnt toffee leading into intense marmalade and stone fruit, ginger and more toffee on the palate with great length & moreish finish.

This really is a complex and textured wine which is drinking beautifully even at such an early age but with a little more time I’d expect that it can only get better. Although we tasted (i.e. drank) this without food it has such depth and concentration that it would be a perfect match for Thai or other similar spicy foods.

Thanks Geoff and Nicola – we really enjoyed reviewing your wine – Next week I’ll open the Wrights Entity Methode Traditionnelle 2010 – if I can wait that long…