2004 Gewurztraminer Cuvee Laurence

Dramatically different from its 2005 counterpart, the 2004 Gewurztraminer Cuvee Laurence is scented with celery seed, citrus rind, rose petals, and narcissus. Lacking the richness of the 2005, it partly makes up for this in sheer juiciness of fruit, and elegant length, remarkably refreshing for its grape of origin not to mention for a wine of considerable sweetness. No doubt one could enjoy this over 5-7 years. The dynamic trio of Fallers continues to bottle some of France’s (hardly just Alsace’s) richest and most flamboyant wines. Beginning with 2005, all of their vineyards are being biodynamically farmed. Laurence Faller finds their 2005s in general “more focused and clear” (this was especially true of Riesling) despite their often prominent botrytis component, and the 2004s richer. I suppose it goes without saying, but one has to carefully scrutinize each Weinbach label, so numerous are the cuvees. And as wonderful as is the distinctiveness exhibited by the vast majority of wines here, even a geek like yours truly could be forgiven for asking whether somewhat fewer different bottlings might benefit consumers as well as journalists! Importer: Vineyard Brands, Birmingham, AL; tel. (205) 980-8802