2020 Gewürztraminer Grand Cru Furstentum Weinbach

Sink into the dark side of gewurz with this spectacularly smoky and succulent example, which has gigantic depth and fabulous balance, in spite of the exotic-fruit extravagance on the mid-palate. Some weight at the finish, but also enormous power. Needs time in the bottle. From biodynamically grown grapes. Drink or hold.

93P+: The 2020 Grand Cru Furstentum Gewurztraminer opens with clear, fresh and pure, even minty scents on the nose that displays bright rather than dark fruit. Round and sweetish and initially with good freshness but not the depth complexity of the Altenbourg, this is an intense but also sweetish Gewurz with candied fruit aromas and a rather linear finish that doesn't open as much as the Altenbourg, although it is sweeter and maybe finer. 13.5% stated alcohol. Natural cork.

From the limestones of this grand cru, the 2020 Gewurztraminer Furstentum Grand Cru is not heady at all; on the contrary, there is a subtle hint of honeysuckle and pink peach. This was made from vines that are about 90 years old. The concentration is spectacular; the supple generosity is utterly juicy. The peachy juiciness combines with bitter almond and orange zest, creating a mouth-watering mid-palate. The 35 g/L of residual sugar is accommodated with aplomb. The finish speaks of orange peel freshness.