Ravines Ravines Gewurztraminer 2023 750ml

According to Ravines owner-winemaker Morten Hallgren, this variety produces especially variable yields, depending on the severity of the winter. The 2023 Gewürztraminer received as much as 24 hours of skin contact in the press, imbuing it with expressive aromas of white pepper, lychee fruit and pineapple. It's medium- to full-bodied on the palate, weighing in at 13% alcohol and with eight grams per liter of residual sugar. It's silky-textured and just barely off-dry, with a plush, easygoing finish.

All the heady grandma's perfume scents of this ultra aromatic variety are on display here: lychee, pineapple, rose water, orange peel. The palate, therefore, feels almost bracingly dry and somewhat muted in comparison. Thankfully it steers well clear of confection, and the slippery texture and crunch of acidity make this a food friendly drop for spicy tacos and southeast Asian cuisine. Just don't drink it too cold.

This has a youthful nose of yellow grapefruit zest and yellow roses. Medium-bodied, quite creamy palate, but there’s a slight touch of bitterness at the finish. Good depth and this clearly needs some time in bottle to open up. Drink or hold. (James Suckling)