Wairau River Reserve Gewurztraminer 2024

Wairau River Reserve Gewürztraminer is a richly aromatic Marlborough white with rose petal, elderflower and lychee leading into candied mandarin, gingerbread and gentle spice. There is a silky, softly off-dry feel to the palate, balanced by enough freshness to keep every mouthful lively. The fruit comes from Wairau River's Rapaura vineyard surrounding the winery, giving this expressive variety a distinctly local home. A fine choice for drinkers who enjoy generous texture and fragrant flavour, especially alongside Thai curries, aromatic Vietnamese dishes or mildly spiced pork.

What the winery says:

The fruit was harvested in the cool early morning on 24 March from the Rapaura vineyard surrounding the winery. After destemming, it remained on skins in the press for 24 hours to build flavour and phenolic character. Free-run juice and light pressings were settled separately, then recombined for fermentation in small-format stainless-steel tanks. Fermentation was stopped early to retain 10g/L residual sugar, and the wine spent an extended period on light lees for added texture and aromatic complexity. It has 12.5% alcohol, with a silky mouthfeel and lingering finish.

What the experts say:

David Walker Bell, WineFolio, 92 points (2024)
“Rich and textural, the contrast between ripe fruit and brisk acidity gives energy and flow in the palate.”