21-Jul-2017
Aromatic whites are the forte of Warwick Foley and Edel Everling at Johanneshof Cellars at Koromiko, in Marlborough. If one were to compile a list of the best Gewurztraminers from New Zealand, the Johanneshof Cellars wine would be sure to appear on it. Having completed over 25 vintages in New Zealand, they have a strong understanding of making wines to represent the best of each vintage. In coming to understand and know the wines better over time, I realise I can underestimate how well the Gewurztraminer can develop in bottle. I’ve tasted the new release wines, which I’ve scored very well, but most of these wines have gone on to win multiple gold medals and many of them trophy awards. Maybe it’s Warwick’s modesty and influence in saying "the wine’s a little lighter than usual” that sets me off on viewing the wines as being more elegant than they really are! For the 2016 and 2017 vintages, Warwick has stated that these were indeed lighter years for their Gewurztraminer, but he and Edel worked hard on attaining balance. Thus the 2016 has a little less sweetness than other years. Here, I review the 2016 Gewurztraminer. I find it has no shortage of varietal character and in fact is a classical expression of this notoriously difficult variety to get right. Bravo! www.johanneshof.co.nz
