Hook & Ladder Estate Bottled Gewürztraminer 2022, Severson Ranch, Sonoma County, Russian River Valley, California

“Our off-dry Gewürztraminer is made from grapes grown in a cool climate, which allows the distinctive flavors and aromas to mature and develop. Hook & Ladder’s estate vineyards in the southern reaches of the Russian River Valley produce just such conditions. Cooling ocean breezes, summer fog that gives way to warm days in combination with unique soils create optimum growing conditions for this grape.” – Winery. Once these hand-harvested grapes are crushed and de-stemmed, this juice was cold-fermented slowly in stainless steel tanks. This ensures the fresh, fruit-forward flavors and inherent spicy and floral aromas remain prominent. This pale, golden-straw colored Gewürztraminer delivers vibrant aromas of pineapple, melon, honeysuckle and light grapefruit that arae reminiscent of the tropics. On the palate an elegant mix of citrus, lychee, pear and pineapple flavors pair up with faint notes of melon, soft lemon zest and a spicy finish that is the perfect complement to a touch of sweetness.