Old Coach Road Nelson Gewürztraminer 2020

Wine Analysis

Vineyard: Seifried Redwood Valley and Brightwater Vineyards
Sugar at Harvest: 21.8° Brix
Date of Harvest: Mid March 2020
pH of Wine: 3.50
T.A of Wine: 5.2g/L
Residual Sugar of Wine: 14g/L
Suitable for Vegetarians and Vegans: Yes

The Vineyards

The 2020 Old Coach Road Gewürztraminer is a blend of our two vineyard sites growing Gewürztraminer.

The unirrigated Redwood Valley vineyard is situated on a gently sloping, north-facing clay site; the vines range in age from 10 to 30 years. Vertical shoot positioning helps to expose the berries to sunlight, thus getting maximum intensity and optimal ripeness.

Our Brightwater Vineyard is situated 15 km from the coast and is sheltered from the south by the Richmond ranges. The ‘soil’ is a combination of rocks and boulders, which is very hard on the farm equipment but vital for holding the warmth of Nelson’s sun and for ripening grapes.

Winemakers Note

Gewürztraminer is an early ripening variety with an aromatic, fragrant bouquet. It is naturally a low yielding vine which can produce wonderful concentration and flavour.  After harvest, the grapes were de-stemmed and left for a period of skin contact before pressing. The clear juice was inoculated with a pure yeast strain and then a cool, temperature-controlled fermentation began. The fermentation was stopped prematurely to allow slight residual sweetness in the wine.  Post ferment the wine spent a brief period on light lees, before being stabilised and bottled in late May 2020.

Tasting Note

The 2020 Old Coach Road Nelson Gewürztraminer is bright and varietal thanks to another wonderful growing season and ripening period. The wine is floral, showing candied ginger and hints of Turkish delight. The palate is off-dry with lovely fruit weight and lasting flavours.

"Bright and elegantly perfumed, the wine shows mango, lychee, Turkish Delight and white floral aromas on the nose, leading to a beautifully rounded palate that's juicy and fleshy. It's well supported by silky texture and mellow acidity, making it delightfully drinkable. At its best: now to 2023."

91 Points - Sam Kim, Wine Orbit, June 2020