Although some of these tasting notes may be found elsewhere on this site, this page brings together most of my Gewurztraminer notes, listed alphabetically by Producer. Click here for rating systems and abbreviations.

Hunter's Marlborough Gewurztraminer 2009 (sc) A more delicate style aromatically and lighter in colour with a graceful to the texture, but very intense in flavour - it's laden with ginger, ground coriander and cinnamon with honey spiced apples and lashings of lychees and Turkish Delight. 14% alc. $24.99. 18Nov2009.

Johanneshof Cellars Marlborough Gewurztraminer 2009 (D) Spicy, perfumed, bath talc aromas and then in the mouth a lovely expression of sweetness balanced by delicate spice and distinctly varietal flavours of Turkish Delight, orange honey, rose water and spice. The texture is fine, delicate and silky and the finish is clean and never cloying. 13% alc. $28.99. 23Sep2009.
Pale lemon. Delicate floral scents of honeysuckle, rose petal and violets with musky Turkish Delight. Sweetish to the taste with flavours of "pink smoker lollies" and exhilarating spices reminiscent of coriander, cumin and ginger with a backing of honeycomb, an infusion of mandarin and violets on the finish. Smooth, silky, impressive. 13% alc. $29.99. 16Dec2009.
Gorgeous floral aromas reminiscent of violets and the Cecile Brunner 'sweetheart' rose with an infusion of Middle Eastern spices. A rich heady wine with a lovely rounded mouthfeel, well balanced fruit sweetness and focused fruit and spice flavours that go on and on. With its low acidity, this can be well chilled and the label's heritage makes it a great proposition for cellaring too. 13% alc. $29.99. 2Jun2010.

Lawson’s Dry Hills "The Pioneer" Pioneer Gewurztraminer 2009 - Marlborough (sc) A texturally sublime Gewurztraminer that is aromatic and richly flavoured. It's a full, fat, smooth, creamy, spicy, musky, medium sweet wine with spiced orange peel, rose water and honey with a touch of botrytis that adds a caramel / crème brulee character. This wine had a portion of barrel fermentation with some of that oak portion naturally fermented by the action of wild yeasts. An outstanding wine that raises the Marlborough benchmark. 14.5% alc. $32.99. 3Mar2010.
At first this golden coloured wine seems dry, fat and rich with a nuance of oak and a suggestion of butter caramel then all the classic traits of fine Gewurztraminer emerge with musk, spice, orange water and rose petals galore. There's a gorgeous lightly oily texture and a lusciousness that evolves and the finish is long and fine. 14.5% alc. $32.99. 16Jun2010.

Matawhero Gisborne Gewurztraminer 2009 (sc) Floral with hints of orange blossom, becoming a little musky with time - a little restrained on the nose for Gewurztraminer but perhaps typical of the region. No Turkish Delight here, instead, sweet exotic fruit of the tropics - a touch of ginger, perhaps even a suggestion of white pepper. It starts off as a dry, lean style - very focussed, driving but builds in textural richness to a smooth rounded, full-bodied finish. 13.4% alc. $25. 1Jun2010.

Morton Estate White Label Hawkes Bay Gewurztraminer 2009 (sc) Aromatic and evocatively perfumed with musk, 'Queen of the Night' and violet scents and an intensely flavoured, lightly oily textured palate that seems on the medium side of dry. There's Turkish delight, rose water, ginger, lime and hints of apricot and linearity to the long, hot, spicy finish. A heady wine with alcohol stated as 15.2% on the Morton Estate website. The bottle states 14.5%. $15.99. 3Mar2010.

Spy Valley Marlborough Gewurztraminer 2009 (sc) A rich, fat, buttery smelling Gewurztraminer with a rich, full-bodied mouthfeel. It's spicy and musky with opulent Asian fruits and well-balanced low acidity and the refrigerator is one of its best friends. A portion of this excellent wine was aged in oak. 13.5% alc. $17.99. 3Mar2010.

TWR (Te Whare Ra) Gewurztraminer 2009 - Marlborough (sc) This medium sweet style is warm and focussed with a spicy, musky floral scent. It's a heady wine yet there is a delicacy to the powerful flavours and it doesn't seem to over power. Lightly oily with spiced orange peel, rose water and honey. 14.5% alc. $28.99. 3Mar2010.

Allan Scott Marlborough Gewürztraminer 2008 (sc) This distinctly varietal Gewurztraminer is pale in colour with a rose musk perfume and gently sweet flavours with a touch of oiliness to the lightly viscous texture. A floral style with violets, rose petal, orange blossom and subtle hints of exotic spices that dance on the tongue - the initial embrace is soft but the hold is long. 13% alc. $20.99. 11Mar2009.
Pale gold. Enticing aromas of rose petal and gingery spices. A ripe fruity style, like biting into a bunch of perfectly ripe Gewurztraminer grapes with the juicy sweetness is offset by the long, dry, finish. Flavoursome, powerful, spicy. Well-liked in the tasting. 13% alc. $21.99. 12May2010.

Anchorage Nelson Gewurztraminer 2008 (sc) Lemon gold colour, sweetly perfumed scent of rose petal and Turkish delight. Quite sweet on entry to palate - a little too sweet on its own but later absolutely perfect with spicy Thai cuisine. A medium-bodied wine, sweet and juicy, light and gentle in its attack but with a powerful lasting impression. Ginger, honey and orange zest infiltrate the sweet musky flavours with cumin and coriander spices adding an exotic flare to the long lasting finish. From Motueka in the west of the great Nelson valley. 12% alc. 13.9g/l rs. $19. 3Apr2009.

Bladen Marlborough Gewurztraminer 2008 (sc) So pale in colour, but it is brand new. It has a pretty perfume - like jasmine and ginger flower in the distance, a touch of honey suckle and lemon honey too. Concentrated flavours with sweet tropical fruit balanced by exotic spices, rose petals and crystallised violets. Just chilled for half an hour in the fridge, it gives the wine almost an icy crunchiness (does that make sense?) and enhanced the tropical fruit. All the time, the wine was never overpowering, just a beautiful taste treat. WOTW w/e 21Sep2008. 12g/l rs. 13.5% alc. $22. 12Sep2008.

Greystone Waipara Gewurztraminer 2008 (sc) Lemon yellow in colour, this has a powerful, almost pungent scent of rose oil, Turkish delight, lychee and spice. It smells big, rich and oily and it is. Served chilled, which brings out a tangy, musky, spicy sweetness, it nevertheless has a more delicate palate than the nose would suggest. Beautifully balanced and tantalising exotic with a long lasting finish, it is begging for a hot, spicy accompaniment to counteract that syrupy rose water richness. 14% alc. $23.99. 25Mar2009.

Lawson's Dry Hills Marlborough Gewurztraminer 2008 (sc) Pale lemon with a hint of oiliness to the appearance. Delicately fragrant violet lollies, rose petal, citrus and lychee juice. Quite intense in the palate, more so than the nose indicates, and perfectly spicy, as Gewurz should be. Quite dry (4.7 g/l rs) and perfectly poised with low acidity and an oily texture, the finish is lasting and a hint of ginger leaves behind a bright fresh tingle. Beautiful. 14.5% alc. $25.99. 18Mar2009.

Montana Reserve Gisborne Gewurztraminer 2008 (sc) Quite rich and deep on the nose - savoury and spicy with a hint of musk - not flamboyant as some GW can be. Just off dry in sweetness and smooth in texture, this wine has a beautiful, delicate expression of varietal character - crystallised violets, rose petal muskiness and a lovely infusion of aromatic Chinese spices that linger on the finish. There's some sweetness there - more obvious without food - and the wine can take gentle chilling. 13% alc. $23.95. 9Oct2009.

Passage Rock Gisborne Gewurztraminer 2008 (sc) Light gold coloured. Delicately perfumed but distinctly varietal scents of candied violets, candied peel and Turkish Delights. Moderately dry to the taste with a zesty bite from the spritzy, ginger-like flavours. Ginger, candied lemon peel, exotic spices and Turkish delight amalgamate beautifully and the texture is pleasing and lightly viscous. A medium-boded Gewurz and an excellent food accompaniment for mildly spiced food or to sip lightly on its own. 12% alc. $19. 15Dec2009.

Saint Clair Block 12 'Lone Gum' Marlborough Gewurztraminer 2008 (sc) Pale straw, this medium sweet wine is distinctly varietal on the nose with candied violets, rose petals and ground cumin and coriander spices. It has soft acidity in the palate and a gentle mouth feel with a light sense of oiliness to the texture. The flavours detected on the nose are much more concentrated in the palate and are joined by Turkish delight with spiced apple coming forth on the long lasting finish. 13% alc. $23.99. 11Nov2009.
Light gold in hue and a little restrained in its floral spicy scent but a full on, off-dry flavour with Turkish Delight, lychee, rose petal and spices and an abundance of perfectly ripe feijoa! 13% alc. $23.99. 16Jun2010.

Spy Valley Marlborough Gewurztraminer 2008 (sc) Lemon yellow in colour and opulently fragrant with scents of white pepper, ginger, lemon honey, violets and rose petals that lead into an off-dry, rich, weighty palate with a ginger zest infusion to the rose petal muskiness and sweet orange and lychee-like fruit. 14% alc. $19.99. 15Oct2008.
Lemon yellow coloured with a distinctive rose petal, exotic spice and Turkish Delight perfume (everyone picked the grape variety) and a peppery, Asian spice character to the soft generous flavours. Off dry to medium in sweetness level with a hint of orange water adds to its appeal. 13.5% alc. $19.99. 12Nov2008.
Moderate yellow gold in colour with a seemingly delicate perfume for the variety, perhaps because it is chilled, it is a firmer, more phenolic style with citrussy intonations and hot 'spritzy' Dutch biscuit spices. Even more attention grabbing than the Allan Scott, it impresses with flavours of violets and orange water, its lovely balance of tartness and sweetness and its rich, mouthfilling finish. 13.5% alc. $18.99. 11Mar2009.
Light creamy gold. Powerful, heady, floral scents reminiscent of violet and rose petal and full flavours of Turkish Delight, lychee and orange with a tickle of ginger that dissolves into the soft, slightly oily texture. Just off dry with a richness to the long lasting finish. 13.5% alc. $20.99. 17Jun2009.
Medium gold coloured. Fragrantly scented with varietally distinctive aromas of old fashioned roses, ginger and Turkish delight, this is just off dry to the taste with a lightly oily texture and full of exotic spice flavours and rose petals with dried orange peel coming through on the finish. Serve lightly chilled to enjoy this wine at its best. 13.5% alc. $20.99. 28Oct2009.

Torlesse Waipara Gewürztraminer 2008 (sc) This rather more luscious style is light yellow gold in colour with sugared violets and lychee aromas and a nectar-like sweetness to the flavours of Turkish Delight and Asian fruits with hints of apricot, orange water and rose water while ginger and white pepper add spicy highlights. Chilling tones down the sweetness and the finish is gentle and long. 13.5% alc. $17.99. 11Mar2009.

Waimea Nelson Gewurztraminer 2008 (sc) Light yellow gold with a gorgeous perfume of lychee juice, violets and Turkish Delight, this powerful rendition is just off dry with a richness of flavour and a deft hand of spice. An intense, full on style with a silky texture and orange water, rose petal and hints of anise all adding to the mouthfilling allure. 14.5% alc. $19.99. 23Sep2009.
Bright yellow gold, concentrated and powerful aroma of lemon oil / lemon meringue. Just off dry to the taste but distinctly varietal with concentrated flavours of orange peel, violets, smoker lollies and musk over a lightly oily texture with a seasoning of lemon pepper and ginger on the finish. 14.5% alc. $19.99. 18Nov2009.

Askerne Hawke's Bay Gewurztraminer 2007 (sc) Powerfully aromatic, so typical of Gewurztraminer, with lemon verbena, rose petal, Turkish Delight and lychee scents and a rich, almost oily palate with a concentrated flavour reminiscent of Moroccan spices, violets and orange water. Dry in style with a gently viscous honeyed sweetness. 14% alc. $19.99. 8Oct2008.

Brunton Road Gisborne Gewurztraminer 2007 (sc) Although this wine seems reasonably dry, it is actually 'off dry' with the sugar well balanced to the acidity and the phenolics. Fragrant yet not overpoweringly scented with pretty musky florals and lemony notes infused into the oily textured palate, it is a soft, spicy wine that opens its petals as it traverses across the palate to finish in full resplendent bloom. We matched to this Tandoori Chicken - a match that is recommended. 9g/l rs. 14% alc. $24. 26May2008.

Coopers Creek Gisborne Gewurztraminer 2007 (sc) Very pale lemon. Fragrantly perfumed with orange honey and flower musk - the musky florals carry through to the rich, oily palate. A flavourful gewurz with a delicate exotic spiciness reminiscent of cumin and crushed coriander seeds and a hint of sweetness to the lingering finish. 14.5% alc. 6.5g/l rs. $17. 13Oct2007.

Distant Land Gisborne Gewurztraminer 2007 (sc) Pale lemon gold coloured and a little more delicate in its attack, it has rose petal florals and pink smoker lolly scents. Seemingly drier, or perhaps simply more phenolic than the Lincoln 2006, it has a lychee fruit sweetness, a delicate lemony herbaceous - more like lemon balm than the Lincoln's lemon verbena - and a juicy, fleshy fruit finish with tropical fruit emerging. This wine definitely needs a little more time and it improved over a couple of days. Lovely flavours, just, at this stage of its life, a little 'hard' in texture. 14% alc. 11 g/l rs. $20. 10Dec2007.

Farmgate Hawkes Bay Gewurztraminer 2007 (sc) Redolent of Gewurztraminer on the nose - floral and spicy with Asian fruit infusions and a hint of coconut scented tropical fruit. With a nice touch of residual sugar in the palate, the flavours are reminiscent of rose petal, Turkish delight and Asian fruit and there's a citrussy twist to the finish with warmth as the after flavours linger. 14% alc. $25. 2May2008.

Framingham Marlborough Gewurztraminer 2007 (sc) Light gold. Delicately pungent, spicy aromatics with a hint of lemongrass to the canned Asian fruit scents. Rich to the taste, oily, exotic, full of rose oil and Asian spices. Powerful, almost to the point of overpowering without food. Its need some spicy Thai green curry to provide the contrast. 13.5% alc. $26.95. 15Jul2008.

Huia Marlborough Gewurztraminer 2007 (sc) Subtle in the aroma department for the variety, but classically spicy to the taste with a lightly oily / creamy texture. It's bright, rich and clean with a subtle power that builds to a delicately pungent, floral finish. Quite dry with a pleasing aftertaste that lasts and lasts. 14.5% alc. $24. 9Oct2007.

Huntaway Gisborne Gewurztraminer 2007 (sc) Light gold. Lovely delicately sweetish musk / orange aromas with a citrus oil nuance and exotic spice. Just off dry to the taste, the flavours are soft with a lightly oily viscous texture with flavours of five spice and orange zest pulsating through the wine, then candied violets and pink musk on the finish. Beautifully balanced with low acidity, surprising youthful still and a pleasure to drink. 14% alc. $22.95. 9Nov2009

Johanneshof Marlborough Gewurztraminer 2007 (D) Incredibly pale in colour with a hint of oiliness to its appearance, this rich aromatic wine is tantalisingly fragrant with Moroccan spices, rose musk and Turkish Delight scents that carry through to the powerful palate. It's rounded, rich and seamless in its flow with lychees, smoker lollies, vibrant ginger and hot peppery spice that lifts the finish. Perhaps a hint of candied pineapple too. It's so exotic and powerful, it really needs food. 13.5% alc. 21 g/l rs. $29. 11Dec2007.
Light gold in colour, this stunning wine is delicate and poised with gorgeous aromatics that are subtle yet varietally spicy. The juicy, lychee-filled flavours have a touch of apricot and Turkish delight with exotic coriander and cardamon spices, hints of white pepper, orange blossom honey and a fine satin sheet texture. It's rich with beautifully balanced sweetness and there's just a hint of savouriness on the long lasting finish. 13.5% alc. $26.99. 19Mar2008.

Kemblefield Hawkes Bay Gewürztraminer 2007 (sc) Richly aromatic with Moroccan spices, lychee and attar of rose scents; this is an intense expression of a drier style with violet, ground coriander and exotic Asian fruit flavours and a lovely varietal sweetness to the lingering spicy finish. Concentrated yet lively. 4% alc. $19.99. 1Oct2008.

Lawson's Dry Hills Marlborough Gewurztraminer 2007 (sc) Pale in colour, this pretty perfumed, juicy smelling wine is full of the scent of lusciously ripe Asian fruits, the perfume becoming more pungent and perfumed with time in the glass. There's lovely balance and flow in the palate with oiliness to the texture, high toned gingery spices, ground coriander exoticness, abundant fruit sweetness and it finishes dry with excellent length. 14.5% alc. $24.99. 9Jan2008.
Very pale with aromas that are nutty and phenolic at first but open up with rose petal florals and lychee scents. A dry style with a zesty, citrussy undercurrent, a lightly oily texture and a rose-scented hand cream smoothness. It opens up quite well in the glass with a long persistent finish full of Gewurztraminer's pungency - but it just takes time. 14.5% alc. $21.99.19Mar2008.

Maimai Creek Hawkes Bay Gewurztraminer 2007(sc) Lovely creamy, almoste oily textured wine with exotic spices on the nose and in the palate where there's a lovely expression of Turkish Delight, honeysuckle, rose petals and a very long, smooth finish. Very attractive, well balanced and tasty. Wine made by Rod McDonald. 14.5% alc. $25. 3Sep2007.

Mystery Creek Gisborne Gewurztraminer 2007 (sc) A light expression of GW, lacking a little on the nose and delicate in its attack but the power of the heady GW grapes build in the mouth. Ginger, white pepper and a carnation-like floral intrigue with a hint of sweetness, a rose petal muskiness and a intriguing light cherry and dried pineapple finish. The long aftertaste indicates the wine is dry. 14% alc. $29.95. 15Jun2008.

Saint Clair Pioneer Block 12 'Lone Gum' Marlborough Gewurztraminer 2007 (sc) According to the label, this is made in a 'Tardive' style. It's very pale in colour with a delicate lemon gold hue. Gorgeously aromatic on the nose with rose musk, tropical fruit and Turkish Delight - but not as powerfully fragrant and pungent as some of the Marlborough GW's can be. Lightly viscous in the seamless palate with lovely vinosity and flow and a delicate attack of spice and musk, it's not really fruity but rather more floral and as well as rose musk there is Port Wine Magnolia (bubblegum flower) in there too. It's sweetish and honeyish and seems a rather elusive style to start, but the might of the wine creeps up on you and the flavours expand on the palate and persist with great length. 13% alc, 21.8g/l rs, 4.3 g/l TA. $22.95. 11Dec2007.

Seifried Winemaker's Collection Nelson Gewurztraminer 2007 (sc) Exotic and pungently perfumed with rose petal, hand cream and ginger flower scents, this powerful Gewurztraminer is spicy and spritzy with a rich oily texture, Turkish Delight flavours and a long mouthfilling finish. 13.5% alc. $22.99. 19Sep2007.
Moderate yellow gold with a light oily veneer, the beautifully fragrant, floral and slightly confectionary spicy aroma immediately pinpoints the variety. The assumed sweetness carries through to the palate that is a little bit toasty with a herbaceous backbone to the spicy flavours and the finish is drier than expected. White pepper and ginger fill the mouth with heat while the aftertaste softens and becomes quite floral with hints of Turkish delight. 13.5% alc. $22.99. 15Apr2009.

Spy Valley Marlborough Gewurztraminer 2007 (sc) Light lemon gold with an oily, leggy appearance, it's floral and pungent with a spicy oily richness to the musk, Turkish Delight, lychee orange water and rose petal flavours. Classic Gewurztraminer with just a hint of sweetness and warmth to the lingering finish. 14.5% alc. $19.99. 17Oct2007.
In the typically kiwi upfront style, this will tantalise Gewurz-lovers with its pink smoker lolly musk and rose essence scents. Medium sweet with soft acidity but a piercing seam of pungent grapefruit adding verve and balance, this deliciously juicy wine has mouth-coating viscosity and a spicy richness with hints of anise. 13.5% alc. $20.99. 23Jan2008.
Pale gold coloured, initially quite restrained on the nose but delightfully fragrant with rose oil and Turkish Delight, it's rich and lusciously textured with moderate sweetness, exotic spices, a tickle of ginger, Asian fruits and orange marmalade. A heady wine that is mouthfilling, warm, rounded and succulent and with a dry impression to finish. 13.5% alc. $20.99.19Mar2008.

Stonecroft Hawke's Bay Gewurztraminer 2007 (D) Pale straw coloured. Perfumed with pretty, floral, talcum powder scents this makes a delicate impression on the gently sweet palate with flavours of rose petal, orange water and exotic fragrant spices. The delicacy gives way to power on the strong finish with the lingering flavours lasting for ages. 13.5% alc. Diam. $27.99. 20Aug2008.

Villa Maria Cellar Selection East Coast Gewurztraminer 2007 (sc) Lemon hued with a delicately fragrant floral bouquet and honeyed, spicy, slightly sweet flavours. Slightly oily in texture with classical florals, smoker lollies, orange honey, a touch of zest and a deep finish. Well balanced and not too overpowering. 14.5% alc. $27.99. 10Sep2008.
Typically perfumed with rose petal and spice, it's oily textured with soft acidity and a hint of honeycomb. There's an interesting savoury intonation that balances the overall lusciousness with a spicy flourish to the floral finish and a warm aftertaste from the heady alcohol. Well balanced and not too overpowering. A blend of North Island and Marlborough fruit. 14.5% alc. $27.99. 21Jan2009.

Villa Maria Reserve Gewurztraminer 2007 (sc) Pale gold in colour, the mesmerising perfume is scented with violets, Turkish Delight, lemon meringue pie and exotic spice scents and the luscious, ripe, rounded soft flavours immediately fulfil the palate. It's full of baking pie spices, lemon honey, lemon verbena and aloe vera with a delicious creamy and lightly oily texture. Refined and long. 14% alc. $21.99. 19Mar2008.
Light golden yellow in colour, this is reminiscent of pink 'smoker lollies' (musk lollies) on the nose and is just a little sweet and confectionary in the palate. It's full of musk, rose petal and exotic spices with ripe lychee fruit, a touch of candied angelica and a tickle of ginger. Juicy and luscious with a long lasting finish. 14% alc. $23.99. 1Apr2009.

Waimea Nelson Gewurztraminer 2007 (sc) Light gold and leggy in appearance, it's true to variety with its heady aroma of violet and rose musk with hints of citrus. Although quite dry, it's a big, broad, oily textured style full of spice and classic flavours of Turkish Delight and lychee fruit with a characteristically long, mouth-coating finish. 14.5% alc. $21.99. 6Feb2008.
This is so intensely varietally scented; there is no doubt to the variety. The perfume is rich, heady and oily with Asian fruit and floral scents. In the mouth the wine is oily textured with a pleasing, slippery, mouth-coating sensation. It is exotically spicy with a little honey, Asian fruit and a twist of lemon/orange providing a zesty infusion to the full-flavoured finish. A powerful wine. 14.5% alc. $21.90. 15Jun2008.

Allan Scott Marlborough Gewurztraminer 2006 (sc) Floral and pungent, full of spicy scents, it's sweetish to the taste and spicy with powerful Turkish Delight, musk and lychee Coming through for a rich Flavour sensation in the mouth. Finishes drier than it starts, with excellent length. 14.5% alc. 15g/l rs. $25.50. 18Sep2006.

Ascension 'Flotsam and Jetsam' East Coast Gewurztraminer 2006 (sc) Not so initially aromatic as the 2005 tasted alongside it, this had just been bottled. Nevertheless it's rich and luscious in the palate with a smooth silky texture, hints of rose petals and bright spicy flavours with a ginger biscuit tang. 13% alc. $29. 10Jul2007.

Askerne Hawkes Bay Gewurztraminer 2006 (D) Light yellow gold with a hint of oiliness to the appearance, this has a classic, gorgeous, spicy, rose petal aroma and a smooth, oily texture - it reminds me of the Cecile Brunner rose - the first of the season, together with exotic clove and cardamon spices and a sprinkle of white pepper. Reasonably dry with richness and weight and plenty of zesty lift to the long and deliciously pungent aftertaste. Love it. 13.5% alc. $22. 23Oct2007.

Bladen Marlborough Gewurztraminer 2006 (sc) Very fragrant, it's like sitting a garden surrounded by old English roses. A medium sweet wine, rich and oily in the palate with developing complexity of Turkish Delight, ginger spice and lemon honey. Soft acidity and a long aftertaste full of musk. 13% alc. 15g/l rs. $23. 10Oct2006.

Blackenbrook Nelson Gewurztraminer 2006 (sc) A little steely and flinty at first, perhaps suffering from the merest hint of reduction, this off dry, unoaked, fruity style is ripe and fleshy, crammed with cherimoya, peach, musk, spice and the merest suggestion of smoke. Tasted a couple of days later, the steeliness and smokiness has gone and more typical lychee flavours are to the fore. Full-bodied and slightly oily with a finish that is powerful and long. 14% alc. $25.90. 23Oct2007.

Cape Campbell Limited Edition Reserve Gewurztraminer 2006 (sc) A beautifully balanced off dry Marlborough GW. Delicately pungent, spicy and clean with lychee and orange water build to a long seamless fragrant finish and a fantastic aftertaste flushed with Turkish Delight. Just 56 cases made. 9.5g/l rs. 13% alc. $22.95. 8Oct2006.

Cloudy Bay Marlborough Gewurztraminer 2006 (sc) Light gold with well-proportioned Gewurztraminer scents, not too restrained, not too overt, this sweeter style is brimming with canned lychees, rose musk, coriander flowers and a sweet touch to the finish. Beautiful balance and screaming for a Pad Thai. 14% alc. $30.99. 23Jul2008.
Light gold in colour with watery edges. Quite restrained on the nose for the variety, the spice and musky floral aromas are released with vigorous swirling but despite the shyness of the nose, this is intensely rich and varietal to the taste. Quite sweet but with a savoury edge, it is full of lychee, orange oil and Turkish delight with a long, zesty finish. 14% alc. $34.99. 8Apr2009.
Light gold coloured. Not offering too much on the nose but in the palate a little sweet, musky and spicy with a very fine silky texture that is so reminiscent of the best from Alsace. Fleshes out beautifully and coats the mouth with its texture and vinosity with lots of ginger and exotic spice to add life to the increasingly rich finish. 14.5% alc. $34.99. 19Aug2009.

Framingham Marlborough Gewurztraminer 2006 (sc) The powerful perfume is perfect for the varietal makeup of the wine with orange water, lemon honey, canned lychee and five-spice with a waft of purple violets and aromatic-infused oils yet there is a delicacy and dancing lightness to the pretty, floral and sweetly exotic taste. Superbly balanced with a slippery texture and lasting flavours that linger for ages. Excellent with slow cooked belly of pork rubbed with five-spice, soy, honey and ctirus. 13% alc. $29.95. 9Aug2008.

Hunters Marlborough Gewurztraminer 2006 (sc) Fragrant aromas packed with Indian spices and rose petals and sweet, candied exotic fruit flavours with soft acidity and a spicy finish. Excels in displaying the best attributes this fragrant, musky grape can offer in a deliciously appealing way. 13.5% alc. $21.99. 11Oct2006.

Johanneshof Marlborough Gewurztraminer 2006 (D) Pale in colour, slightly oily in its flow, it has captivating spicy, musky, floral scents interweaved with lychee and five-spice powder and a luscious, medium sweet flavour full of spice, lychee and Turkish Delight, with an infusion of orange liqueur (the flavour not the alcohol) on the finish. Very intense, very long, oily and concentrated with great mouthfeel but because of its sweetness it is best serve slightly chilled. 13% alc. $29.99. 20Sep2006.
Very light gold with temptingly fragrant scents of flowers and spice, it's sweet to the taste with a honeyed richness, well defined flavours of musk and spice, lychee fruit, hints of raisin and an intense and opulent finish that is flushed with citrus zest and ginger-like spices. Once again the impeccable balance carries this wine. 13% alc. $29.99. 22Nov2006.
With powerful and captivating aromas of rose petals and spice, there is no doubt to the variety. There's depth to the concentrated flavours that are reminiscent of rose-flavoured Turkish Delight, lychee juice and aromatic Indian spices and the texture is honeyed and rich with beautiful balance and flow. It's quite sweet and must be served chilled. 13% alc. $29.99. 20Dec2006.
Light yellow gold with delicate florals and ripe fruit aromas, it tastes spicy and sweetish, warm and juicy with violets, rose petals and poached spice stonefruit. Weighty, oily and rich without going over the top in its pungency, simply a beautifully poised drop. 13% alc. $29.99. Diam closure. 18Apr2007.
Light buttery yellow in colour, this enchanting, floral and spice-scented Gewurztraminer tantalises the palate with it's soft, pungent flavours of violets, rose petals, Turkish delight and musk with Asian fruit, five spice and a tingle of ginger on the lasting finish. Served slightly chilled on the night, it's long and luscious and a real treat for lovers of the style. 13% alc. $29.99. 19Dec2008.

Kemblefield 'The Distinction' Hawkes Bay Gewurztraminer 2006 (sc) Pale lemon gold, this beautifully fragrant Gewurztraminer is oily and powerful with classic varietal flavours and a harmonising flow. Lychee, rose petals and violets combine with a myriad of exotic spices and Turkish Delight on the lasting finish. Just off dry and perfectly balanced with an aura of delicacy throughout. A wine that can be enjoyed with food, chill it a little and match to Duck Liver Pate. 13.5% alc. $19.99. 3Oct2007.

Lawson's Dry Hills Marlborough Gewurztraminer 2006 (sc) It smells a little of ginger ale and rose water with a fruit sweetness pushing through. It's warm and spicy with a lovely smooth, oily texture, ginger and white pepper spices and lots of floral connotations. Nicely balanced, warm and long, powerful and moreish. Concentrated throughout, it couldn't be anything other than gewurzt. 14.7% alc. 8.2g/l rs. $21.95. 5 stars. 23Jan2007.

Lincoln Heritage Gisborne Gewurztraminer 2006 (sc) Sweetish, honeyish, hints of botrytis, not overly pungent. It's honey, lemon and spice in the palate with hints of 'burnt toffee', a smooth oily texture and a spicy finish. Just lacks in concentration. 12.5% alc. 7.5g/lrs. $19. 23Jan2007.
Light yellow gold in colour, this is perfumed and floral with lychee, honey, rose water, spices and zest. Rich and clean to the taste with loads of sweet musk, it's just on the dry side of medium and quite lemony - think lemon verbena - with vibrant ginger and cumin-like spices. Nicely balanced and soft with a smooth, seamless flow, the next day it seems a little honeyed and waxy, as if there is a touch of botrytis in there, which nicely balances the bright, sherbetty zest, but the finish is just off dry. 12.5% alc. 7.4 g/l rs. $20. 10Dec2007.

Longbush Gisborne Gewurztraminer 2006 (sc) Very tight just after bottling but it has all the gorgeous spicy and delicate fruit and musky characters. Becomes clean and nicely balanced, it needs about 6 months to become totally irresistible. 12.5% alc. 6.5g/l rs. 10Oct2006.

Mahi Twin Valleys Vineyard Marlborough Gewurztraminer 2006 (sc) Aromatic, lifted and floral with a hint of toffee and a whiff of rose petal – it seems a little closed, smoky and reduced at first but it totally redeems itself in the palate with more typical floral and spice flavours. There are rose petals, loquat flowers and tangelo with ground coriander spice in the background, a sweetish style, sugary, lightly viscous and gorgeously seductive on the finish. 13.5% alc. $21. 1May2007.

Margrain Martinborough Gewurztraminer 2006 (sc) Light golden coloured with a sweet, spicy fragrance that is not too pungent and a rich, full-bodied flavour with a zesty, gingery, tongue-tickling sensation to the lightly viscous texture, a lovely seam of coriander spice and orange water and a fantastically long finish. It has a beautifully balanced sweetness with a luscious factor and a slightly grainy texture. Match to anise-flavoured marshmallow (imported from France by La Cigale in Parnell) for an utter taste sensation. Rated 4.5 stars without chilling but 5 stars when chilled - the sweetness turns to nectar. 13.5% alc. 34g/l rs. $38. 23Jan2007.

Matua Valley Judd Estate Gewurztraminer 2006 (sc) Lacks varietal character and is quite dilute with a flavour that reminds me of lemon sherbet fizz and lemon honey cough lozenges. It's quite earthy and grainy and fairly sweet. When chilled it seems a little more oily and luscious with lemon blossom and a spicy undercurrent, a nutty backbone and hints of clove, but the slightly metallic cough lolly character still detracts. 13% alc. 13.5g/l rs. $24.95. 23Jan2007.

Mills Reef Hawkes Bay Gewurztraminer 2006 (sc) A rich oily fragrance, spicy and full. There's a spicy undercurrent, a slightly viscous texture, but also a rather odd hair oil character and lemon peel and salt. There's a touch of toffee and a richness to the finish. When chilled the wine is much better, quite rich and luscious with an oily lemony backbone and a musky, floral, spicy finish. 13% alc. $16.95. 23Jan2007.

Mills Reef Reserve Hawkes Bay Gewurztraminer 2006 (sc) Light gold coloured, perfumed and sweet smelling with rose oil and exotic spices, it tastes reasonably dry, however, with a rich oily texture, citrus and dried tropical fruits and ginger and white pepper adding a kick to the powerful finish. Not too perfumed, not too strong, very good with a Moroccan-spiced chicken. 13% alc. $22.95. 331Mar2007.

Montana Reserve East Coast Gewurztraminer 2006 (sc) Spicy and nutty with warm alcohol, it's a subtle smelling wine, not flowery and overt. Quite rich in the palate, seemingly quite dry with a sherbet, fizzy fruit spritziness, ginger, a white pepper heat and a pungent finish. It's ripe and round with good focus and makes up in the palate for what it lacks on the nose. A slightly sweaty character emerges with chilling - so do not over chill. Gisborne fruit. 14% alc. 10g/l rs. $21.95. 23Jan2007.

Morton Estate Hawkes Bay Gewurztraminer 2006 (sc) Floral and sweetish smelling with honeyed spices, honeysuckle and smoker lollies. Pungent and spicy in the palate, lightly honeyed with sweet citrus tangelo tones and an Asian spice box finish. When chilled, it seems much hotter, more spicier, and just a little sweaty - like acrobatics in the rose garden. 13% alc. $18.95. 23Jan2007.

Rockburn Central Otago Gewurztraminer 2006 (sc) Aromatic in the lemony spectrum, it smells weighty , full and spicy and its tastes like that too,. Lovely Indian spices and orange water run through the backbone of the palate and the finish is bone dry. Very tight at this youthful age it needs swirling to let the delicate but beautifully defined musky rose petal characters come through. It gets richer and richer with every mouthful. 13.5% alc. $21. 11Oct2006.

Sacred Hill Hawkes Bay Gewurztraminer 2006 (sc) Straw gold coloured. Musk, lychees, Asian spice and rose petal aromas tantalise the nose and the palate delivers as it should. Sweet, but not overly sweet with a luscious oily texture and plenty of fruit, the spice that lingers on the pungent finish is definitive of the variety. 12.5% alc. $18.99. 30Nov2006.

Saint Clair Godfrey's Creek Gewurztraminer 2006 (sc) Pale in colour, the lightest in a line-up of ten wines. Diluted rose water and hints of honey on the nose, not overly powerful. Quite sweet to the taste, needs a little chilling to bring it into balance. It has an interesting chalky texture and flavours of sweet orange water and honey with a delicate infusion of sweet spices and lots of florals on the finish, which is powerful, lemony and long. When chilled, a slight botrytis character with a honey and orange marmalade character is more apparent. Overall, there's a lovely delicacy to the wine but just lacks a little in concentration. 13% alc. 6g/l rs. $24.95. 23Jan2007.
Pale in colour with a delicate perfume of rose petals and 'pink smoker lollies', it tastes quite dry and tight at first but there's an underlying juiciness to the flavours of orange zest, clove and Turkish Delight and the finish is soft and creamy with a touch of ginger and white pepper adding complexity. A more 'delicate' style of Gewurztraminer. 13% alc. $25.99. 8Aug2007.

Saints Gisborne Gewurztraminer 2006 (sc) Aromatic and fruity with abundant rose floral scents. Spicy to the taste with warm Asian spices and a hint of cayenne pepper, there's a touch of viscosity to the texture, which gives nice mouthfeel, and musky, Turkish Delight, lychee and tangelo flavours fill out the finish and the tasty aftertaste is intense and long. I like the wine but wonder why it is so peppery. 14% alc. $19.85. 23Jan2007.

Spy Valley Marlborough Gewurztraminer 2006 (sc) Subtle spice and pink smoker lollies on the nose, not overly pungent. It's gewurz through and through in the palate, very musky, full of rose essence and lychees with the spicy character of the grape coming through. It has great power and focus with a honey sweet flourish to the spritzy, orange zest finish. There's an overall delicacy to the wine which I really like. 13.5% alc. 10g/l rs. $19.95. 5 stars. 23Jan2007.

Spy Valley Envoy Marlborough Gewurztraminer 2006 (sc) Light gold coloured, aromatic and perfumed with Turkish delight and Asian spices, it tastes rich and unctuous with orange water, spiced orange zest, vibrant citrus and lemon honey spice. A powerful, mouthfilling wine with fermentation in German oak ovalsto add texture rather than taste. 12.5% alc. 30 g/L rs, 4.77 g/L TA. $33. 7May2007.

Stafford Lane Nelson Gewurztraminer 2006 (sc) Indian spices and flowers on the nose, spicy, zesty and vibrant to the taste with citrus, spiced honey and a long musky finish. Fresh and summery. 13.7% alc. 9.8g/l rs. $20. 10Oct2006.

Stonecroft Hawkes Bay Gewurztraminer 2006 (D) Delicatey floral, rich and weighty with all the delicious floral, rose petal, lychee and spice flavours I associate with this variety. The backbone is honeyed and the finish is long and focussed with Asian spices that linger with a touch of lemongrass. This is super gewurzt, and it is not even the top label. There is another called 'Old Vines' which will be released later on. 13.5% alc. 12g/l rs. $25. 18Sep2006.

Villa Maria East Coast Gewurztraminer 2006 (sc) Clean, aromatic, spice cupboard aromas with a hint of dried lemon peel make this wine smell like it will taste dry, but it actually tastes off dry. It's a low acid wine with spice-infused, musky flavours, a lightly oily, slightly grainy texture, hints of cinnamon and clove-infused lemon honey (without the overpowering sugar content), and a hot spicy finish. Very tasty. 13.5% alc. 10.5g/l rs. $17.95. 2Sep2006.

Waimea Nelson Gewurztraminer 2006 (sc) Pale gold with a rich, rose oil aroma and a spicy, concentrated, full-bodied and richly textured mouthful of juicy, tasty flavour. It's full of lychees, stonefruit, spiced apple, orange blossom, cumin and crushed coriander. with an oily richness, a touch of sweetness and a pungent finish that goes on and on. 13% alc. $20.99. 1Nov2006.
Pale light gold with an exotic and tantalising perfume of Turkish delight, smoker lollies and rose oil, it’s soft textured, mouthfilling and intensely concentrated with flavours of exotic, cumin and cardamon-like spices, apricots and rosa moschata in a beautifully balanced and slightly sweetish, luscious package. 13% alc. $20.99. 28Mar2007.

Allan Scott Marlborough Gewurztraminer 2005 (sc) Tantalising aromatic with Turkish Delight, rose petal and sweeter flavours of musk and citrus with soft acidity and a long, spicy, sweet musk finish. Varietally correct but just a little hard mid-palate - but just bottled when tasted. 13% alc. 9.5g/l rs. $25. 19Sep2005.
Fragrantly aromatic with Turkish Delight and rose petal scents and sweeter flavours of musk, rose water and citrus with soft acidity, and a long, spicy, powerful finish. Wonderful varietal definition. 13.5% alc. $15.95 special. 7Dec2005.

Ascension 'Flotsam and Jetsam' East Coast Gewurztraminer 2005 (sc) Alluring powerful aromatics of lychees, rose petals and Asian spice, the flavour is powerful too- it's smooth in its delivery and full of rose petals and Turkish delight with hints of green ginger and smoker lollies and a slightly peppery kick to the pungent finish. 13% alc. $29. 10Jul2007.

Askerne Hawkes Bay Gewurztraminer 2005 (D) Varietal, floral, musky aromas lead into a rich, flavoursome, soft textured palate full of orange zest, Asian spices, lychees and a touch of honey all building to a fantastically long and beautifully balanced, dryish, tasty finish. 13.5% alc. $20. NZIWS Gold Medal tasting. 20Sep2006.
Light gold in colour, there's Turkish Delight, rose oil and Moroccan spices on the nose and these tantalising aromas carry through to the palate. A rich, complex style with a perfect phenolic structure, the nose infers sweetness but it's actually tastes quite dry, there's something that reminds me of liquorice staples (liquorice torpedoes) and spice infused orange lingers on the finish. A tasty, serious style with a hint of Alsace character. 13.5% alc. $19.99. 21Mar2007.

Brookfields Ohiti Gewurztraminer 2005 (sc) Soft, musky and shy - still very young and needs a little more time to open up. Smoker lollies, musk, cumin and crushed coriander spices. Very delicate but with lovely mouthfeel and length. 13.5% alc. $18.95. 8Sep2005.

Clearview Hawkes Bay Gewurztraminer 2005 (sc) Bound up by sulphides in the sample tasted, it seems like it has oak as well but it is possibly the reductive character which adds a smokiness and dulls the flavours. Spritzy, hot and rather disappointing from this label. 13.5% alc. $18. 2Sep2006.

Crossroads Destination Series Hawke's Bay Gewurztraminer 2005 (sc) Pale lemon. Flinty with smoky, smoker lollies then violets and lychee on the nose. It seems quite dry and spicy at first but there's an underlying luscious sweetness with orange peel, musk and lychee flavours while hints of ginger add heat to the finish. Quite silky in texture and mouthfillingly tasty in length. Excellent drinking now. 5 Stars – Cuisine Magazine. Hawke's Bay. 12% alc. $15.99. 18Jul2007.
Served lightly chilled wine, this light straw gold-coloured wine emits freshly cut pineapple aromas that give way to more traditional gewurz scents of musk and flowers. With it's bright, clean, delicious, fresh flavour, it's so juicy, light, soft and fruity with orange blossom and exotic spices, an increasing richness, a delicate oiliness and a beautifully balanced persistent finish that leaves an aura of rose petals, hand cream and musk. When its lightly chilled like this, it is not in your face or OTT, it’s a beautifully elegant and finely poised wine and just so delicious to drink. 12% alc. $15.99. 27Feb2008.

Framingham Marlborough Gewurztraminer 2005 (sc) With perfumed Turkish Delight and lemon blossom aromas, this is a rich, fat, expressive style full of orange blossom , spiced honey, Turkish Delight and rose petals. A fine seam of lemon honey and orange zest adds edge without elevating the acids and the pungent finish is spicy and long. A beauitfully balanced wine that will be very seductive to lovers of this style. 14.5% alc. 15 g/l rs. $25.95. 2Sep2006.

Huia Marlborough Gewurztraminer 2005 (sc) Bone dry with 75% fermented in old oak and 50% wild yeasts, this is delicately aromatic with the usual suspects but what makes this wine stand out is the fantastic palate weight. Rich, concentrated, full of musk and spices, the texture is soft and the finish is long. 14% alc. 4.5g/l rs. $26. 10Oct2006.

Hunters Marlborough Gewurztraminer 2005 (sc) A sweeter style with perfumed Turkish Delight aromas and rich, intense flavours with lovely weight and balance, rose petals and lots of spice. Classic, quintessential gewurztraminer. The best from Hunters yet. 14.5% alc. 18g/l rs. $23.95. 9Nov2005.

Johanneshof Marlborough Gewurztraminer 2005 Pale coloured and delicately pungent with lemon oil, crushed coriander seed and rose Turkish Delight aromas. A much sweeter style with a silky, oily texture, a musky rose petal flavour, exotic spices with ginger and white pepper adding heat and a long fine finish. Good now, it has the potential to become rather luscious with time. 14% alc. $29.95. 18Jan2006.

Kim Crawford SP Gisborne Gewurztraminer 2005 (sc) There a citrussy, slightly phenolic character that doesn’t detract too much from the luscious Turkish Delight and lychee flavours that build on the rich spicy fin, musk-filled finish with white ginger flower nuances as it linger. From the Parklands Vineyard, and just bottled when tasted, 13.2% alc. 9g/l rs. $29.95. 8Sep2005.

Lawson's Dry Hill Marlborough Gewurztraminer 2005 (sc) Lemon gold coloured with perfumed, floral, rose Turkish Delight aromas and mouthfilling lychee-rich flavours infused with orange-rind and exotic spices on a slightly grainy, silky texture with a lusciousness evolving on the rich finish where ginger and white pepper linger on the aftertaste. It's quintessential Marlborough Gewurztraminer that will be absolutely stunning in a year or so's time. 14% alc. $22.95. 22Feb2006.
Lemon gold in colour with powerful aromas of rose petal, loquat flowers, orange zest and Asian spices, it has warming alcohol that adds to the viscosity of the spicy off-dry flavours of stonefruit, lychee juices, ginger and white pepper. A fantastic example of the Marlborough style. 14% alc. 8.6 g/l RS. $19.95. 10May2006.
Floral and spicy, perfumed and pungent, it's rounded and smooth, almost oily with sweet fruit, ginger and other exotic spices, lemon Turkish Delight and orange water. Rich, full, pungent and dry, there's even something that makes me think 'Alsace', but of course it 's Marlborough. 14% alc. $20.99. 27Sep2006.

Montana Patutahi Gewurztraminer 2005 - Gisborne (sc) Not overtly pungent, just faintly floral on the nose, but definitely a sweetie to the taste - sweet and luscious with a biscuity backbone and a creamy richness, pear jam, hints of apricot and just a sprinkle of ginger. Textural and rich with some oiliness to the texture and soft acidity, but without the flamboyant signature of the Gewurztraminer, which makes it more reminiscent of a luscious, Alsace-like Pinot Gris. 14% alc. $30.99. 6Feb2008.

Montana Reserve East Coast Gewurztraminer 2005 Lemon gold coloured with delicate musk and floral aromas and rich, oily, textured lychee flavours with a touch of apple and gingery spices. It's quite warm on the finish and the aftertaste is medium sweet. A blend of 55% Gisborne, 37% Marlborough and 8% Hawkes Bay fruit. 14% alc. $17.95. 1Mar2006.

Montana Terroir Series McLoughlin Patutahi Gisborne Gewurztraminer 2005 (sc) Delicately perfumed violet, honeysuckle and lemon blossom aromas and sweet clean flavours of honeysuckle, orange water, ginger, clove, cinnamon and allspice in a medium sweet package tending towards much sweeter toffee on the finish. The sweetness at the end is rich and makes this soft oily textured wine seem almost flabby but a touch of grapefruit races forth to rescue it. 13% alc. 23g/l rs. $24.95. 2Sep2006.

Montana Terroir Series Riverpoint Matawhero Gisborne Gewurztraminer 2005 (sc) Pale gold in colour with plenty of 'legs', the enticing aromas are reminiscent of spiced, semi-dried pears with a hint of musk and it tastes clean, balanced and focussed. The texture is perfectly oily while the flavours are delicately spicy with sweet stonefruit and ginger on the lingering luscious finish. A beautifully poised wine that Gewurztraminer addicts should not pass by. 13% alc. $22.95. 5Jul2006.
Light gold with a fragrant, floral, sweet musky perfume and a medium sweet, luscious flavour full of white pepper and ginger spices that infuse into the fleshy, lychee and stonefruits while phenolics balance the sweetness and orange water lingers on the well-rounded finish. Very classy. 13% alc. $19.99. 16Aug2006.
Light gold coloured with a delicate but beautifully fragrant aroma of lemon bread, rose petals, honeysuckle, violets and musk that prepare the palate for sweet sensation of clean, pure, lifted fruit such as red apple, tangelo and fresh lychee. The wine flows across the palate with a slightly oily texture and white pepper and ginger last for ages on the lingering finish. 13% alc. 29g/l rs. $24.95. 2Sep2006.
A delicately fragrant style with sweet spice and citrus aromas and honeysuckle flavours infused with lemon-flavoured Turkish Delight, sugar and cinnamon-coated violets, musk and candied orange peel with botrytis characters on the long, clean finish. Medium sweet, it is best served chilled. 13.5% alc. $21.99. 20Dec2006.

Saints Gisborne Gewurztraminer 2005 (sc) Toasty and ripe smelling, rich and palate-filling, with tangelo, musky spices, ripe fruit, reasonably low acidity and a long, zingy, spicy, full-boded finish with a touch of lemon grass as it lingers. 13.7% alc. $17.95. 6Dec2005.
Pale lemon with sweetish, floral, toasted honey aromas and spicy, gingery, musky flavours with a touch of tangelo peel adding a well-balanced tartness to the finish. Medium-bodied, very accessible and great for Thai takeaways. 14% alc. $15.95. 26Apr2006.

Stone Bridge Gisborne Gewurztraminer 2005 (sc) Classically varietal with delicate rose petal aromas and rich oily flavours full of lychee with musky rose water and orange blossom infusions. With an underlying crispness, a peppery warmth and lots of Asian spices, it finishes dry with an underlying lemony tinge to the aftertaste. It finishes dry because it is dry, with just 3.6 grams per litre of residual sugar that sits well with the natural sweetness of the alcohol. A subtle wine rather than one of the big, blousey, over-the-top styles. 14% alc. $18.50. 17Jul2006.

Stonecroft Old Vines Hawkes Bay Gewurztraminer 2005 Delicately honeyed with exquisite musk and spice notes that float across the palate and linger with an exotic richness. To be released Feb '05 @ $38 a bottle. 20Oct2005.

Villa Maria Cellar Selection East Coast Gewurztraminer 2005 (sc) Straw gold, quite deeply coloured for its age with rich, strong, spicy scents that hint of orange zest and warm, rich, oily flavours with exotic spices (five spice), lemon grass, orange water, musk and a long, sweetish, perfumed finish. A powerful wine. 14.5% alc. $23.95. 9Nov2005.
Light lemon gold with floral, soap-perfume aromatics and pink smoker lolly musk, it's a dryish wine with an oily texture. Flavours of five spice powder, tangelo peel and violets abound, grape phenolics add structure, warm alcohol adds lusciousness and the finish is flamboyant and powerful. 14% alc. $25.99. 18Apr2007.

Villa Maria Private Bin East Coast Gewurztraminer 2005 (sc) Lovely aromatics and a creamy textured palate-with bright apple, lychee and orange fruit and a rich, spicy backbone building to a strong finish and a long full aftertaste. 14% alc. $16.95. 6Sep2005.

Wairau River Marlborough Gewurztraminer 2005 (sc) Rich and intensely fruity with dried papayas and hints of musk on the nose and exotic tropical fruit reminiscent of papaya and lychee on a citrussy backbone with an oily texture and musky spices lingering on the long, flavoursome, slightly lemony finish. 13.5% alc. $19.95. 6Dec2005.

William Hill Central Otago Gewurztraminer 2005 (sc) A rich, leesy, almost smoky style of gewurztraminer, but it has not seen any oak and the winey, fruit forward flavours that hint of baked apple, grapes, lemon and juicy orange endorse this. Clove and cardamon spices come into play together with musk, the leesy character is dominant throughout, the texture is winey and oily and passionfruit and citrus juice lingers on the soft acid finish. 13% alc. 8.3g/l rs. $23. 2Sep2006.