Gewurztraminer Vendanges Tardives

Gewurztraminer 100% 'late-picked' from a site called Weissengrund ('white ground') next to the Grand Cru Sporen in Riquewihr. The vines are 25 years old. The grapes were picked by hand on 9 October 2003 at nearly 16% potential alcohol. The fruit was pressed without crushing, and the juice subjected to a slow temperature-controlled fermentation. The wine was then matured for 14 months on the fine lees in old oak casks.

TASTING NOTE

Brilliant yellow-gold in colour; the bouquet is open and rich, with candied fruit and lichee; the palate is fat, full-bodied and has very ripe pear and apricot flavours; the sweetness is well balanced by fresh acidity, and it finishes long and clean.