Ribeauville Vin de l'A. Grand Reserve 2004 Bergheim wine review by Billy

Nose: Spicy, steely with Honeyed tropical fruit, lemon grass
Palate: supple and rich with a delicate structure but a feel that spreads throughout the mouth for a delightful summer time refreshment.
Finish: beautiful and lingering stoney textures, creamed honey and melon, sweet grass and sugar cane.
Overall: This special bottle was given to me by a friend in Europe recently. It is a blend of Riesling, Pinot Gris and Gewurztraminer from Alsace but the Bergheim region specifically which sets the bottle apart from other Alsacians. It is a pretty gold gilt in the glass. Gorgeous.

A beautiful bottle shared with my parents enjoyed with gratitude and fond memories of my friends.

Columbia Crest 2005 Gewurztraminer wine review by Billy

Nose: honeydew melon, soft nutmeg, charming.
Palate: short on acids this feels flabby in the mouth leaving more than a little to be desired. Some brightness exists on the back of the palate but not enough to make up for the initial lack.
Finish: honey and green stem finish that sticks to the palate.

Overall, the nose is elegant and charming. The body leaves more than a little to be desired. I paid about $7 for this wine. At $5 or even $6 I'd say it's fairly priced. At $7 it's ok but not great. If you're looking for a Gewurztraminer then look for one from France or Germany but pass by the Columbia River Valley this time around. PB reviewed the 2002 vintage here and also found the acids a bit lacking. But he liked the wine better overall. As he is something of a Gewurztraminer junky, I'll let it pass but I need a bit *more* from this wine to call it good.

Either way, Raise a Glass!