California Gewürztraminer Wine Index
• Wine should be as much fun as government
regulations allow.
• Great wine starts in the vineyard.
• We should champion the strange, esoteric, ugly-duckling grape varieties of
the world. Source: Bonny Doon
Vineyard
Updated 04/06/2007
What does Robert M. Parker, Jr. think of California Gewürztraminers in 1989, page 602 - "Highly promoted and encouraged by the California wine press, this varietal, made in the dry, slightly sweet, and late-harvest (very sweet) style, has to my palate a watery, vague resemblance to the spicy, exotic, flamboyant Gewürztraminers made in Alsace, France. While it is hard to understand the appeal of this grape in California, a few wineries such as St. Francis and Navarro have captured some of its magic." He further states on page 739 that, "I'm not a great believer in California's ability to translate the elusive character of the Gewürztraminer into interesting dry wines, but Navarro certainly does a good a job (in a dry style) as anybody with this particular grape variety."
Source: Parker's Wine Buyer's Guide, 1989 - 1990 Edition, by Robert M. Parker, Jr., A Fireside Book, © 1989
Wines
And Vines Of California, by Frona Eunice Wait. Reprint of 1889 edition.
Berkeley, Ca.: Howell-North, 1973. Illustrations. 215 pages. $8.50. or
"Wines & vines of California;: Or, A treatise on the ethics of wine
drinking" at Amazon.com
Reviewed by Rodney D. Strong, Chairman of the Board, Sonoma
Vineyards, Windsor, California, whose "wines and vines" are popular
with the book review editor of this Journal.
"California was going through a wine boom in 1889 very
much as we are experiencing now. Wait states again and again that the California
wineries must be more concerned with quality than quantity. This is also true
today. She lists twenty-five thousand acres of grapes in Sonoma County, which is
about seven thousand more than exists today. Possibly there is something to be
learned from all this. She also discusses such grapes as Traminer, Cabernet
Sauvignon and Merlot in existence in vineyards in 1886. These grapes had
some acceptance then in the California vineyards, but were unfortunately ignored
during the next fifty years despite the recognition they deserved in the premium
wine field. She also lists Tokay and Muscatel grown in Sonoma and Napa counties.
This has proven to be wrong and has been corrected by practice over the years in
the industry so there would seem to be some hope for us."
California's preliminary grape crush report came out Feb. 10th.; for Gewürztraminer. Source: California Agriculture
| Year | Total Tons Crushed | Avg. Degrees Brix Crushed | Total Tons Purchased | Avg. Degrees Brix Purchased | Weighted Avg. Dollars/Ton |
| 2004 | 7,672.9 | 24.0 | 5,340.6 | 4,554.7 | 877.32 |
| 2003 | 6,528.4 | 23.5 | 4,554.7 | 23.6 | 906.30 |
Editor's comment: Though the number of acres of Gewürztraminer grown weren't published with the Crush report, it would appear that it had similarly increased as did the total tons crushed. Reports from leading wine tasters noted a decline in crop; it their information is correct, is the larger 2004 Gewürztraminer crush due to existing growth with higher yields ? See individual Crush reporting districts below.
Rating sources:
BTI = Beverage Tasting Institute, Chicago
JL = James Laube (Wine Spectator)
RP = Robert M. Parker, Jr.
WE = Wine Enthusiast
WS = Wine Spectator
If you have additions/corrections/comments to the information, please contact me with your information
Below are some of the only California Gewürztraminer listed in Parker's Wine Buyer's Guide, 1989 - 1990 Edition, by Robert M. Parker, Jr., A Fireside Book, © 1989. I hope to show a comparison of critiques and rating in his different editions to demonstrate if his words above are found to be true.
| Rating | Brand / Vintage |
| 55RP |
Adler Fels Mélange à Deux 1985, Sonoma; RP called this a "...bizarre sparkling wine Mélange à Deux is an unattractive attempt at combining Gewürztraminer and Riesling in a bubbling format. Unless higher quality is forthcoming, this is not a winery to seek out." |
| Bargetto Winery | |
| Bonny Doon Gewürztraminer 1997, Price: $7.99. (Editor's note: Dear Michael, Thank you for your inquiry regarding gewürztraminer. We have not produced a gewurz since 1997, if I recall correctly. We currently have no plans for resuming production, however I wish you the best of luck with your project. Cheers, John J. Locke, Senior Creative Director, Bonny Doon Vineyard. Sent: Monday, February 07, 2005 8:13 PM) | |
| Bonny Doon Gewürztraminer '95, $14.99 ? | |
| Bonny Doon Gewürztraminer Late Harvest, Vin de Glacier 1989, (VSLC) | |
| 93RP | Bonny Doon Vineyard Gewürztraminer Vin de Glacière 1987, Santa Cruz, an early pioneering of the cyroextraction, or freezing grapes by winemaker Randall Grahm. |
| 67RP | Davis Bynum Winery Gewürztraminer Reserve 1986, Sonoma (RP thought the wine bottle labels weren't of good taste either.) Originally founded in 1965, Davis Bynum moved the winery to the Russian River Valley in 1973. The ranch, located on Westside Road eight miles southwest of Healdsburg in Sonoma County, includes 61 acres plus a former hop kiln which was transformed into the present day winery and tasting room. The winery and immediate grounds are nestled in the hills on the north side of the Russian River Valley. Davis Bynum annually crafts around 15,000 cases of Pinot Noir, Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon, Eclipse (a blended red wine in the style of the great wines from Bordeaux), Chardonnay, Sauvignon Blanc (a.k.a. Fumé Blanc), and Gewürztraminer. |
| 73RP | Fetzer Gewürztraminer California 1987, Mendocino |
| Thomas Fogarty | |
| Gundlach Bundschu Winery Gewürztraminer Rhinefarm Vineyard 2003 the aromas of this Alsatian-style Gewurztraminer are reminiscent of allspice, quince and citrus blossom, leading to full-flavored lychee and tangerine notes on the palate. Full-bodied, dry and spicy, this wine contains enough bright acidity for many dishes. The Rhinefarm Vineyard vines were planted in 1969. Alc. 13.5%; $22.00 | |
| Gundlach Bundschu Winery Gewürztraminer Rhinefarm Vineyard 2002 | |
| 86BTI | Gundlach Bundschu Winery Gewürztraminer Rhinefarm Vineyard 2001 |
| 72RP | Gundlach Bundschu Winery Gewürztraminer 1986, Sonoma |
| Kendall-Jackson | |
| NRRP | Monticello Vineyards (Cellars) Gewürztraminer, Napa. RP doesn't mention a vintage year (1985-87) but says it's "a watery, bland Gewürztraminer.." |
| Navarro | |
| Nevada City Winery Gewürztraminer Nevada County Sonoma County 2002 $13 | |
| 72RP | Nevada City Winery Gewürztraminer Nevada County 1987, Nevada County, $14; produced 1989, $16, 1992, $25, 1993, $20, 1994, $16, 1995, $20, and 1996, $20. |
| 72RP | Parducci Wine Cellars Gewürztraminer Mendocino 1987, Mendocino |
| 55RP | Pat Paulsen Vineyards Gewürztraminer Alexander Valley 1986, Sonoma. Ed Note: Laugh In comedian, Pat Paulsen was great as a presidential candidate on the show but his Gewürztraminer unfortunately followed his comic ability. Winery sold in 1988. |
| NRRP | Rosenblum Cellars Gewürztraminer Sparkling, vintage ?, Alameda |
| 72RP | Rutherford Hill Gewürztraminer Napa 1987, Napa |
| 84RP | St. Francis Vineyard Gewürztraminer Sonoma 1987, Sonoma |
| NRRP | Chateau St. Jean Gewürztraminer, Sonoma. (RP referring to '85-'87 vintages: "The Gewürztraminers, while winning raves from the California media, have rarely impressed me, but then my teeth were cut on the real stuff from Alsace.", page 771-2.) |
| NRRP | Stony Hill Vineyards Gewürztraminer, Napa. (RP laments the fact that he hadn't tasted the winery's vintages ('85-'87) because of the quality of their Chardonnays, page 794.) |
Below are some vintages tasted and rated by James Laube, in his book California Wines - a Comprehensive Guide to the Wineries, Wines, Vintages and Vineyards of America's Premier Winegrowing State; Wine Spectator Press, Second Printing, September, 1996.
| Rating | Brand / Vintage |
| Adler Fels Gewürztraminer 1999, Nice spicy flavor, not too sweet. | |
| 84JL | Adler Fels Gewürztraminer Sonoma County 1992, P (?) |
| 80JL | Alexander Valley Vineyards Gewürztraminer 1992, ?A |
| Babcock Vineyards, Santa Ynez Valley, 3A | |
| 77JL | Bayview Cellars Gewürztraminer Napa Valley 1993, ?A |
| Beringer California Gewürztraminer 1995, $6.59 | |
| Blue Heron Lake Winery, Napa Valley, 1A, sells all? | |
| 85JL | Bouchaine Vineyards Gewürztraminer Russian River Valley Dry 1993, Carneros, ?A |
| 80JL | Buena Vista Winery Gewürztraminer Carneros 1993, 36A |
| 74JL | Davis Bynum Winery Gewürztraminer Russian River Valley 1992, ?A |
| Maurice Carrie Vineyards and Winery, Temecula, P (Napa, Sonoma) | |
| Chateau Bianca Gewürztraminer 1997 | |
| Chateau Julien Winery, Carmel Valley, P (Monterey) | |
| Chateau St. Jean Sonoma County Gewürztraminer 1999, Full-bodied, spicy and dry. Long, warm finish. $9.00 | |
| Chateau St. Jean Sonoma County Gewürztraminer 1994, $8.99 | |
| 82JL | Chateau St. Jean Gewürztraminer Sonoma County 1992, ?A |
| Claiborne & Churchill Vintners 1998 Dry Gewürztraminer, Origin: Central Coast, Tasting Notes: The winery’s flagship, this Dry Gewürztraminer is one of the most food-friendly Californian whites we’ve found. With .03% residual sugar, a tinge of sweetness makes the flavors more approachable to the American palate than a traditional Alsatian style. Try this well-balanced wine with Asian spice, German sausage, Cajun cooking or let it stand alone. At $12 a bottle, this is a bargain to be enjoyed any way it can! (Date tasted: 03/03/00) | |
| 85JL | Claiborne & Churchill Gewürztraminer Central Coast 1993, P (Central Coast) |
| 82JL | Claiborne & Churchill Gewürztraminer Central Coast 1991, P (Central Coast) |
| 79JL | Clos Du Bois Gewürztraminer Alexander Valley Early Harvest 1993, ?A |
| De Loach Vineyards Gewürztraminer 1998 | |
| 88JL | De Loach Vineyards Gewürztraminer Russian River Valley Late Harvest 1992, 13A |
| 86JL | De Loach Vineyards Gewürztraminer Russian River Valley Late Harvest 1991, 13A |
| Edmeades Winery, P (Anderson Valley) | |
| Estancia, Rutherford, Napa Valley, 25A | |
| Evensen Vineyards & Winery, Oakdale, Napa Valley, 5A | |
| 81JL | Fetzer Vineyards Gewürztraminer California 1992, ?A |
| 81JL | Field Stone Gewürztraminer Sonoma County 1992, P (Sonoma County) |
| Field Stone Gewürztraminer 1980 | |
| 84JL | Firestone Vineyard Gewürztraminer California 1992, P (Santa Barbara County) |
| Fremont Creek Winery, St. Helena, Napa Valley, 95A | |
| 81JL | Gan Eden Gewürztraminer Monterey County Late Harvest 1993, P? |
| 80JL | Geyser Peak Winery Gewürztraminer Sonoma County 1992, P? |
| Grand Cru Vineyards Gewürztraminer California Premium Selection, P? | |
| 77JL | Gundlach Bundschu Winery Gewürztraminer Sonoma Valley, Rhinefarm Vineyards 1992, 1st vintage bet 1973-83. |
| Hallcrest Vineyards, P (Mendocino County), Santa Cruz Mountains | |
| Handley Cellars, P (Anderson Valley), 1st vintage aft 1982 | |
| 82JL | Hop Kiln Winery Gewürztraminer Russian River Valley, M. Griffin Vineyards 1993, 4A |
| 87JL | Husch Vineyards Anderson Valley Late Harvest 1993, 12A |
| Lazy Creek Vineyards, 4A, Anderson Valley | |
| Madrona Vineyards. 0.5 A, Camino, El Dorado County | |
| Mark West Vineyards Gewürztraminer , 15A, Russian River Valley, 1st vintage abt 1976 | |
| Louis M. Martini Gewurztraminer 1998 , Russian River Valley | |
| Louis M. Martini 1996 Gewurztraminer, Russian River Valley | |
| Louis M. Martini 1995 Gewurztraminer, Russian River Valley | |
| 85JL | Louis M. Martini Winery Gewürztraminer Russian river Valley 1992, 23A, St. Helena, Napa Valley. |
| Martinelli Winery Gewurztraminer Russian River Valley 1997, 12A, Russian River Valley | |
| Meridian Vineyards, 150A, Paso Robles. | |
| 84JL | Mill Creek Vineyards Gewürztraminer Dry Creek Valley 1993, ?G |
| 82JL | Mill Creek Vineyards Gewürztraminer Dry Creek Valley 1992 |
| 89JL | Z Moore Winery Gewürztraminer Russian River Valley Barrel Fermented 1991 |
| 82JL | Z Moore Winery Gewürztraminer Russian River Valley McIlroy/Martinelli Barrel Fermented Puncheon Select 1991, P (Russian River Valley) |
| Mosby Winery, ?A, Santa Barbara County | |
| Murphy-Goode Estate Winery, 15A, Alexander Valley | |
| Rutherford Hill Gewürztraminer 1997, Napa Valley |
The table below represents tons of Gewürztraminer grapes crushed by California processors in 2004 by reporting district where grown, not where actually crushed. Source: California Agriculture Statistics Table 2. The District No. corresponds to the area below which is further defined by the map below. The *'s indicate the top three growing district as determined by tons crushed.
| District No. | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | 8 | 9 | 10 | 11 | 12 | 13 | 14 | 15 | 16 | 17 | 2003 Total | 2003 Total |
| Tons Crushed | 671.1 | 364.2 | 424.9 | 21.1 | 0.0 | 337.4 | 3,988.7 | 1,226.8 | 10.5 | 13.6 | 35.4 | 345.6 | 0.2 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 17.9 | 215.5 | 7,672.9 | 6,528.4 |
*District 1: Mendocino
County
District 2: Lake County
District 3: Sonoma and Marin Counties
District 4: Napa County
District 5: Solano County
District 6: Alameda, Contra Costa, Santa Clara, San
Francisco, San Mateo, and Santa Cruz Counties
***District 7: Monterey and San Benito Counties
**District 8: San Luis Obispo, Santa Barbara and Ventura
Counties
District 9: Yolo County north of Interstate 80 to the
junction of Interstate 80 and U.S. 50 and north
of
U.S. 50; Sacramento County north of U.S. 50; Del Norte, Siskiyou, Modoc,
Humboldt,
Trinity,
Shasta, Lassen, Tehama, Plumas, Glenn, Butte, Colusa, Sutter, Yuba, and Sierra
Counties
District 10: Nevada, Placer, El Dorado, Amador, Calaveras,
Tuolumne and Mariposa Counties
District 11: San Joaquin County north of State Highway 4; and
Sacramento County south of U.S. 50 and
east
of Interstate 5
District 12: San Joaquin County south of State Highway 4;
Stanislaus and Merced Counties
District 13: Madera, Fresno, Alpine, Mono, Inyo Counties; and
Kings and Tulare Counties north of
Nevada
Avenue (Avenue 192)
District 14: Kings and Tulare Counties south of Nevada Avenue
(Avenue 192); and Kern County
District 15: Los Angeles and San Bernardino Counties
District 16: Orange, Riverside, San Diego, and Imperial
Counties
District 17: Yolo County south of Interstate 80 from the Solano
County line to the Junction of Interstate 80
and
U.S. 50 and south of U.S. 50 and Sacramento County south of U.S. 50 and west of
Interstate 5
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