Though often talked about in the same breath, these two grapes are quite dissimiliar.

Esterlina Cole Ranch Dry Riesling 2006

Concentrated stone fruit wrapped in acidity – long, great, delicious. P&B in Healdsburg 13.8% $14.99 at Bottle Barn Esterlina

Elena Walch Alto Adige Gewurztraminer DOC 2006

Lots of spicy rose, broad and with a touch of classic Gwz bitterness. P&B in Termano 14% $21.69 at Bottle Barn Elena Walch

Domaine Weinbach Alsace Reserve Personnelle Gewurztraminer 2006 Awesome in that this wine combines candied roses with honey and a rich mouthfeel with a few percent of residual sugar that is crying out for choucroute. Mis en bouteille in Kaysersberg 14% $34.49 at Bottle Barn Weinbach