Sunce Winery & Vineyard, Gewürztraminer 2012, Dempell Vineyard, Mendocino County, California

Tasting Note: This gewürztraminer impresses beyond belief.

The nose of this wine previews the caramel and vanilla experience you’re about to enjoy on your palate.

Deep yellow with golden hues, this wine has benefited from aging in oak which has imparted complexity and body that easily makes this a red wine drinker’s wine.

There is a burnt sweet taste with notes of melon and peach. This is an oenophile’s gewürztraminer.

My partner, Johannes, gives it a B+. I give it an A.

Bottle Note: Sunce is a family winery located in the Russian River Valley appellation of Sonoma County – specializing in small artisan lots of vineyard designated varietal wine and classic blends. Flamboyant aromas of lychees, gardenias, mandarin orange and allspice, waft up from the glass followed by exotic flavors of quince, lime, and guava spiced with honey and caraway seed. The vibrant, rich palate is accentuated with fine mineral notes and crisp acidity leading into a long, clean finish. With just a hint of sweetness this gewürztraminer offsets the spice in Asian cuisine. It also goes well with clam chowder, Munster cheese, smoked salmon, lobsters, French onion soup, brie, grilles asparagus spears, and spinach salad. Only 9 barrels made.