WTN: Booze Wine - Martinelli Vineyard Gewurztraminer

2004 Martinelli “Martinelli Vineyard” Gewurztraminer
Aromatics of apple pie, oak, pears, dried basil and over-ripe peaches. More of the same on the palate with the addition of intense bitter grapefruit pith and strong alcohol. Odd “wine”. 16.0% ABV. And people drink this stuff? By choice??

[Jenise]

I've wondered that about almost every Martinelli wine I've had. Admirably idiosyncratic, though.

I have said it here before and I am sure I will say it again. The Martinelli wines are not for everyone. Even those of us who can appreciate the Martinelli style, are often disapointed or left shaking our heads. I have probably dumped out more Martinelli wine than from any other producer. However, when it hits on all cylinders it can be amazing. I have had a few amazing wines from them over the years and one was a true epiphany wine. That being said, I have never cared for the Gewurtz.

Martinelli Charles Ranch Chardonnay is considered top-shelf stuff. (Helen Turley is the winemaker, it must be good, right? )

2004 Martinelli “Martinelli Vineyard” Gewurztraminer
Aromatics of apple pie, oak, pears, dried basil and over-ripe peaches. More of the same on the palate with the addition of intense bitter grapefruit pith and strong alcohol. Odd “wine”. 16.0% ABV. And people drink this stuff? By choice??

Pretty much my take on this GWT as well, Dave. Way/way over the top and any GWT character pretty much obliterated by the growing & winemaking. One of the hotest/fumiest wines I ever done had.
Tom