Alexander Valley Gewurztraminer

Our 2014 Gewürz is harvested exclusively from a single small CCOF (“California Certified Organic Farmers”) vineyard about one hour north of our home estate, located in Mendocino’s cool growing region of Potter Valley. This rugged location is the key to the great acidity and balance in our Gewürz. The unprecedented drought in California was national news and everyone seemed to talk about our weather with dire predictions for much of the year. A mild winter and spring caused early bud break, but the overall length of the growing season was similar to past years. The lack of rain did not impact our fruit due to moderated temperatures throughout the growing season and the grapes had terrific concentration and superb fruit flavors. The grapes were harvested at night and at a lower brix level to maintain the acidity in this wine. We cold fermented the juice in stainless steel tanks to preserve the crisp acidity and bright aromatics. Over the years our style with this wine has evolved, along with the name. Winemaker Kevin Hall is continuing the slightly drier style to showcase the mineral qualities of the grape, and as a result the wine is more food friendly. In the glass the 2014 has the classic floral, sweet aromas of grapefruit, stone fruits, pear, rose and strong wet stone minerality. The flavors are similar to the aromas highlighted by tropical spice and grapefruit flavors.