Winemaking
Varietal: 100% fortified Gewürztraminer
Cellared 7 months in neutral French oak barrels, then unfermented Gewürztraminer juice added.
Harvest Date: 10/1/2012
Harvest Brix: 22.6°
Residual Sugar: 18.5%
Alcohol: 19.0%
Total Acidity: 2.85 g/L
pH: 3.57
Bottling Date: 6/25/2013
Cases Produced: 230
Unfined & Unfiltered
Viticulture & Vineyard Site
Sunrise Hill Vineyard, a picturesque landscape located on the western side of Cayuga Lake, is owned and operated by Bob and Kathy Ruis. Here, 12 acres of eastern-facing vinifera grapes are grown. The combination of soil, location and climate produce grapes that are packed with bright, fruit-focused flavors with just a hint of mineral and spice.
Tasting Notes & Food Pairing
Drink - 2028+. Serving Temp: 47 - 50° f
Full and bold mouthfeel with intense aromatics of lychee and white pepper. Rose petals, cinnamon and orange zest mingle on the palate leading to a generous and spicy finish. This Gewürztraminer plays well with mussels in a Thai curry sauce, prosciutto and whole grain mustard, or spicy stir-fried vegetable dishes.
Vintage Notes
With the perfect balance of warm temperatures and occasional rainfall, the 2012 season turned into an exceptional vintage. Bud break occurred during mid-March, about five weeks earlier than usual, and set the tone for the rest of the season. Rivaling the impeccable 2010 vintage, 2012 also saw a large number of growing degree days, ideal for fully-ripened grapes and bold wines. Due to the below average rainfall throughout the summer months, disease pressure remained low, allowing fruit to thrive with little intervention. These wines from the 2012 vintage are beautifully balanced with bright acidity and fresh fruit flavors.