Quick-Sip: Lake Erie Gewurztraminer

Estate Bottled Gewürztraminer (2007)
Hermes Vineards
Gewürztraminer
Lake Erie

Appearance: Clear, pale gold with a green tinge.

Nose: Clean, youthful aromas of yellow apple, peach, floral, stone fruit, melon, and lychee.

Palate: Off dry to medium sweet with acidity that initially feels like a lime, but quickly softens to something like apple cider - the good stuff that you can only get from an orchard. Light bodied with a moderate finish, alcohol is just slightly highaAt 13% abv. It is noticeable, but not unpleasant. Flavors of apple, white cherry, fresh peach (especially on the finish), and pineapple.

I snagged this wine at Vintage Ohio over the weekend. Had never heard of Hermes until I saw them there. I also grabbed a Sauvignon Blanc that I'll post about later. The label designates Lake Erie, so truthfully the grapes can come from any vineyard in Ohio, Pennsylvania, or New York. Because it is "Estate Bottled" those vineyards must be owned by the proprietor. Gewürtz is a cooler climate grape, so they tend to be pretty good in this area. My only criticism of this is the alcohol which seems just ever slightly too boisterous given the other components. Would be a great pairing with Thai, one of my favorite cuisines. I will definitely be out to visit next time I'm driving through.

Cheers!