Hyland Estate Gewurztraminer 2011

"From vines planted in 1971 and depicted on the Hyland Estate label, their 2011 Gewurztraminer evokes classic rose petal, lychee, and celery seed. Polished and caressing in texture, it evinces a levity and sheer refreshment you won’t often obtain from this grape (and almost never in my experience outside of the Pacific Northwest or New York’s Finger Lakes). Mouthwatering salinity adds appeal to a finish surprisingly understated compared with this wine’s attention-getting nose, but scarcely less appealing for that. I have no experience with how this particular wine can age, but analogies with similar Gewurztraminers suggests that it will remain delightful for at least 3-4 years, and it certainly offers outstanding value. As with the Pinot Gris from his Solena estate, Montalieu believes in picking Gewurztraminer at a point where the seeds turn dark brown and bitterness is largely eliminated, which was possible in this instance in the final days of October, yet still a only 13.% potential alcohol. (Despite what the Umlaut on its label may lead many consumers to imagine, this is a dry wine, closely akin to an old-fashioned Alsace exemplar of its cepage.) "

90 Points

The Wine Advocate