Helfrich "Noble Varieties" Gewurztraminer 2008

Helfrich "Noble Varieties" Gewurztraminer 2008
Origin: Alsace, France
Blend: Gewurztraminer (100%)
Alcohol Content: 12.5%
Bottle Closure: Screw Cap
Purchase Date: October 2010
Suggested Retail Price: $14.99

Our review: A light lemon yellow in color, this wine has aromas of pineapple, melon, and honey … and maybe just a touch of spice. The spice character comes through more on the palate, complimenting the sweetish fruit flavors, which overall have a good balancing acidity. The finish is very fruity.

Our rating: This is a good brunch wine, one to serve with a buffet featuring a wide variety of foods. We also think it would work well with spicy Asian cuisines, those meals that are typically hard to pair with wine. We're generally not fans of this varietal, but this is a well-rounded example that we rate Above Average.

Taste profile from the winemaker: "Replete with many intriguing aromas of flowers, fruits and spices. It follows with a rich palate and vivid fruit flavors which are complimented by a full body that transitions into a long and pleasant finish."

Winery website: None found.

Starling Castle Gewurztraminer 2008

Starling Castle Gewurztraminer 2008
Origin: Germany
Blend: Gewurztraminer (100%)
Alcohol Content: 11.0%
Bottle Closure: Screw Cap
Purchase Date: September 2010
Purchase Price: $7.99

Our review: Medium yellow gold in color with aromas of tropical fruit and floral notes with honey. The flavors on the palate are rather sweet and rich -- melon, banana, and blood orange -- with a full finish that adds a touch of spicy bitterness.

Our rating: We don't typically purchase this varietal, but occasionally we try to remember why that is. This particular bottle has some interesting complexity to it, but it almost seems overwhelming. The finish here is also a bit discordant. We rate it just Below Average, but admit, we may not fully appreciate what it brings to the table.

Taste profile from the winemaker: "A soft, golden hue with fresh aromas of rose petals and apricots. It is semi sweet with a hint of spice and mild acidity."

Winery website: None found.

Courtney Benham Gewurztraminer 2007

Courtney Benham Gewurztraminer 2007
Origin: Mendocino County, California
Blend: Gewurztraminer (100%)
Alcohol Content: 13.0%
Bottle Closure: Screw Cap
Purchase Date: June 2009
Purchase Price: $7.99

Our review: This wine exhibits a bouquet of tree fruit and apricot aromas with significant floral and spice notes. The fruit flavors are full on the palate, decidedly sweet but tempered with some citric acidity. The finish has a smoked honey, distinctly spicy character to it, marred only slightly by some residual chalkiness.

Our rating: We'd recommend pairing this wine with a scoop of chicken salad on a bed fresh garden greens, or with a cold buffet of sliced meats and cheeses. This is a nicely refined example of this varietal; we rate it Above Average.

No taste profile from the winemaker found.

Winery website: Martin Ray Winery.

Steel Creek Gewurztraminer 2006

Wine: Steel Creek Gewürztraminer 2006
Origin: Central Coast, California
Blend: 100% Gewurztraminer
Alcohol content: 13.0%
Bottle closure: Synthetic Cork
Purchase Date: September 2008
Purchase Price: $8.99

Taste profile from the winemaker: None found.

ABC Wines review: This wine has aromas of dried tropical fruit. Initially semi-dry on the palate, the flavors slightly increase in sweetness into the finish which itself has a somewhat scorched honey character and little acidity for balance. Try this wine with spicy Asian cuisines. Our score: There are better choices. Below Average.

Winery website: None found. No image of the bottle could be found.

Chateau Ste. Michelle Gewurztraminer 2006

Chateau Ste. Michelle Gewurztraminer 2006
Origin: Columbia Valley, Washington
Blend: 91% Gewürztraminer, 9% Muscat Canelli
Alcohol content: 12.5%
Bottle closure: Natural cork
Purchase date: January 2008
Purchase price: $7.99

Taste profile from the winemaker: "A bright, refreshing medium-dry wine with inviting aromas of lychee nuts, nutmeg and clove spice. This Gewürztraminer is nicely balanced between fruit and the grape’s natural crisp character, while still being lush. Try this rich wine with Thai food."

ABC Wines review: Very fragrant, this wine has aromas of spiced fruit and herbs. The initial taste is semi-dry and reminiscent of tart citrus with just a hint of effervescence. The mineral characteristics blend nicely with the fruit flavors. The finish is relatively dry, crisp and clean. Rated 87 points by Wine Spectator and designated a "Best Value" (June 2007). Our score: Above Average.