2004 Gewurztraminer, Lawson's Dry Hills, Marlborough
Few New Zealand estates produce noteworthy Gewurztraminer. One of the exceptions is Lawson’s Dry Hills where Ross Lawson and his team defy the odds to regularly turn out deliciously vibrant, lychee- and rose-scented Gewurztraminer. Why ‘defy the odds'? Gewurztraminer is a notoriously low-cropping vine variety that is susceptible to rapid changes of weather. Three vintages out of four its yields are tiny and as Ross Lawson has explained on several occasions, it would make economic sense for him to ‘pull’ his Gewurz vines and replace them with Sauvignon. However we encourage him to resist the temptation and so maintain this very attractive cuvée in his and our portfolio. Gewurztraminer’s home is Alsace where, as far as the UK market is concerned, it is the region’s most high-profile variety. Lawson’s Marlborough Gewurztraminer displays similar spice, exotic and floral notes as found in Alsatian wines but with less richness and opulence. As such it partners a wider range of cuisine, although Chinese and Thai dishes are particularly suited. Try also as an aperitif and with cheeses.