Sumac Ridge Estate Winery 2011 Private Reserve Gewurztraminer - 85pts

Sumac Ridge Estate Winery 2011 Private Reserve Gewurztraminer (Summerland) Okanagan Valley - BC

Availability: BCLDB and BC VQA Stores
Cost: $13-15
Alcohol: 12.5%
Date Tasted: December 4th, 2012

Tasting Notes: Muted aromatics, light mineral and white pear aromas on the nose. Palate boasts a robust, yet, hollow palate with pear, lychee, honeydew and spice box flavours interrupted by lemon/lime acidity and a short, peppery finish. Decently balanced without too much residual sugar and a good match for extremely spicy fare or rich sushi dishes, but not a Goo to stand on its own. Drink 2012-2013.
 - Liam Carrier ©copyright 2012 IconWines.ca

On a side note: Look for a new, modernized label from Sumac Ridge on some bottles of the 2011 vintage (not pictured). The new look greatly improves on the current, outdated labels. Now only if they would drop the ridiculous "Private Reserve" statement from the name...

Sumac Ridge Estate Winery 2010 Private Reserve Gewurztraminer - 88pts

Sumac Ridge Estate Winery 2010 Private Reserve Gewurztraminer (Summerland) Okanagan Valley - BC

Availability: BCLDB and BC VQA Stores
Cost: $13.99
Alcohol: 12.9%
Date Tasted: August 16th, 2011
-Gold Medal winner at the 2011 Summerland Fall Fair

Tasting Notes: The best known Gewurztraminer in BC is also one of the most consistently well made with a straight-forward, classic presentation of Goo with nice candied lychee fruit aromas on the pleasant nose and just a touch of residual sugar on the satisfying palate. The 2010 version, however, is the best in years for the Vincor controlled winery due to the extra acid and long finish. The cool vintage was good to the mildly acidic Alsatian variety in BC leaving winemakers a more balanced toolbox to work with and providing a natural counterpoint to the oily, fullness Gewurztraminer often has.

Still lacks a unique identity that some of the smaller, boutique wineries are able to infuse yet probably the most classic example of Gewurztraminer available for 2010 and one that is offered with unmatched value. Drink now-2012.
 - Liam Carrier ©copyright 2012 IconWines.ca