Friday, December 17, 2010

Sheldrake Point 2008 Finger Lakes Gewürztraminer


Sheldrake Point Winery is a beautiful winery located on scenic Cayuga Lake with 44 acres of vineyards amidst a 155-acre farm. The operation boasts a beautiful tasting room and great bistro. They were named New York Winery of the Year in 2009 by Wine & Spirits Magazine and copped the honor again this year.

During our visit there a couple years ago we really enjoyed their whites, especially their unoaked Chardonnay.

I was very pleased when I was able to score a case of their 2008 Gewürztraminer at a steal of a price during a charity online auction. Sheldrake is another reason why you should be sure to visit the Cayuga Lake Wine Trail when you are visiting the Finger Lakes wineries.

During our recent holiday party, we opened a magnum of East Dell Black Cab, a Niagara Peninsula red blend of Bacco Noir and Cabernet Sauvignon. For the white, I opened a bottle of the Sheldrake Gerwurz.

The wine is pale lemon in color and is full-bodied. This wine could crush a Pinot Grigio in a flavor battle with one vine tied behind its back. The aroma alone is worth the $18 price tag. It exudes rose petal and orange. It also has the signature spiciness of Gewürztraminer, although the floral flavor notes predominate. It is full and round in the mouth. The wine has 0.5% residual sugar, which is almost bone dry. There were 711 cases produced.

This is a wine that I find thought-provoking. A sip prompts you to try and unravel just what tastes you are experiencing.

Although this vintage has won its share of awards, is it possible it might be too flavorful? Green Dragon feels there is too much rose petal and led me to the interesting situation of trying to decant a white wine to lessen the aroma for her.

To the timid souls I say, “Long live Gewürztraminer!” Raise a glass of Sheldrake Point and hang on for the ride.

Technorati Tags: ,
Enhanced by Zemanta

No comments: