Previous Releases: Gewurztraminer
2011 "Central Otago" Gewurztraminer, suggested retail is $27/bottle
Our 2011 dry Gewurztraminer has fragrant spice, in particular ginger, and intriguing floral notes. Palate richness is the highlight of this wine. Layers of ripe fruit build an impression of mouth filling richness despite the lack of residual sugars. The wine was partially tank fermented and aged to preserve its wonderful aromatics, with the remainder aged in a large oak puncheon "sur lies" to develop textural weight and complexity.
We had the good fortune to source outstanding fruit from a local vineyard - Terra Sancta's vineyard in Bannockburn - with vines that were 20+ years of age. We feel this vine age adds significantly to the complexity of this wine.
Review by Cameron Douglas, Master Sommelier:
Soft and gentle with a slow unfolding of the bouquet - this wine needs a few minutes in glass to awaken. A soft spicy edge with white pepper, nougat, apple, peach and white flower. A point of difference with this wine's aroma is the zero candy suggestion which can be a little overwhelming in some examples - not this one. On the palate, it is dry with plenty of spice impact balanced by keen fruit flavors - reflective of the bouquet. Medium to medium+ acid, length and finish, I like this wine as much as the previous release (if not more). Don't stop making this wine and style please - it's great!
2010 Gewurztraminer, suggested retail is $27/bottle
Our dry Gewurz has fragrant spice, in particular ginger, and light floral notes, with mouth filling richness despite the lack of residual sugars. The wine was partially tank fermented and aged to preserve its wonderful aromatics, with the remainder aged in a large oak puncheon "sur lies" to develop textural weight and complexity.We had the good fortune to source outstanding fruit from a local vineyard, with vines that were 19 years of age. We feel this vine age adds significantly to the complexity of this wine.Review by Cameron Douglas, Master Sommelier:There is delicacy and complexity with this wine - take your time - gentle layers of spice, baby rose, ginger and crushed apple. A hint of minerality grows with each swirl and adds delicate easily missed minerality, A swag of flavors and texture hit the palate taking a moment or two to settle. When they do - ginger and rose flavors arise first followed by apple, pear and tropical suggestions. There is warmth from the alcohol, but this adds to the experience. A moderate + to long finish with a whisper of apple crumble flavor. Dry, balanced and well made. This wine will definitely enhance a wine list. I would urge food pairing exploration.
2009 "Central Otago" Gewurztraminer, suggested retail is $27/bottle
Our dry Gewurztraminer has fragrant spice and light floral notes, with mouth filling richness despite the lack of residual sugars. The wine was partially tank fermented and aged to preserve its wonderful aromatics, with the remainder aged in a large oak puncheon "sur lies" to develop textural weight and complexity.
Review by Joelle Thompson, Wine of the Week:
When you inhale the scent of the bouquet of Ellero Central Otago Gewurztraminer 2009, the perfume of rose petals, orange water and candied violet leave you with no doubt as to what the variety is. In the mouth the slightly oily in texture gives it a smooth seamless flow across the palate - it seems luscious without being sweet. There's a delicacy to start with then the clean, bright flavours expand beautifully without ever becoming overpowering. A backbone of ginger dominates the spicy flavours and the finish comes back to the start with an impression of rose petals and candied violets.
