2024 TWR Gewürztraminer SV 5182

Te Whare Rā has a long-standing reputation for producing one of New Zealand’s finest Gewürztraminers, and much of the credit belongs to the vineyard itself. This wine is produced solely from 14 rows in the old block, planted in 1979, which are now the oldest producing vines in Marlborough at 45 years of age. Part of the motivation behind our conversion to organic and biodynamic farming was to rescue these old vines and coax them back to life. We saw huge potential in this block, and successfully rejuvenating it has been one of our greatest achievements. The vines are very low-cropping – not ideal for the accountant’s numbers, but entirely worthwhile for the remarkable complexity, concentration, and exceptional quality of the fruit and resultant wines.

All fruit for this wine was hand-picked and hand-sorted. The grapes were destemmed and gently crushed, then given generous skin contact time before being slowly and gently air-bag pressed. Fermentation took place entirely in stainless steel, with the juice fermented very slowly at cool temperatures to preserve aromatics. All parcels spent time on lees after fermentation to add texture and complexity. This wine has not been fined and is suitable for vegans, vegetarians, and anyone who loves authentic, hand-made wines. Alcohol 14%; RS 18g/L; pH 3.66; acidity 4.2 g/L.

Intensely perfumed, with notes of lychee, mango, ripe orange and clove. These aromas lead to luscious varietal flavours of lychee and quince, underpinned by hints of ginger and exotic spice. The palate displays intense fruit concentration and weight, with a fine, soft texture and excellent persistence of flavour. This off-dry wine continues the outstanding quality of previous vintages of Te Whare Rā Gewürztraminer, offering both immediate appeal and the potential for graceful development with time in bottle. – Anna Flowerday, TWR

Arresting perfume of rose petals, rosewater and Turkish delight announces this textbook gewürztraminer. While clearly varietal, it is a cut above, with excellent aromatic depth and density. The palate is likewise impressively concentrated with persistent flavours of crystallised ginger, beeswax, honey and cantaloupe. Decadent yet poised, it displays excellent balance and lovely powdery-soft phenolic texture. The long finish reveals a medium-dry level of sweetness which was well-hidden by its other elements. Delicious and ready to go right now, yet the structure and concentration will certainly allow for mid-term cellaring. 95 points. Stephen Wong MW, The Real Review Apr 2025