TOP GEWÜRZTRAMINER

Mount Riley Gewürztraminer 2020 (Marlborough) - 4 $15 ★★★★★

NO STRANGER TO the Cuisine wine pages, Mount Riley Wines are back with another great wine. Founded in 1992, Mount Riley is a family affair in the true sense of the word.

The grapes for this wine were grown in the Omaka Valley vineyard in Marlborough, where 2020 delivered a dry Indian summer that returned moderate crop yields. The teams harvested at night so that the cool temperatures would preserve the aromatics essential for great gewürztraminer. After fermentation, the wine was left on dead yeast lees to assist with both the texture and complexity.

Upon first smell this wine is undeniably gewürztraminer with rose water, Turkish delight and cardamom-like spice aromas all present without overwhelming, delivering an elegant, relaxed and subtle nose. The wonderful length helps to highlight the balance in the wine, complete with grainy tannins in harmony against the ripe-fruit profile of the palate. A very smart example as a result of clearly wellhandled fruit and talented winemaking.