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.
Almost 2 years later the level of volatility is started to become more pronounced and too much for some consumers. Yet at the same time, the complexity and richness are even more fetching.
Unfortunately the bottled tasted on April 10 2010 was corked. Mis en bouteille in Kaysersberg 14% $34.49 at Bottle Barn Weinbach