Tuesday, January 22, 2008

The Organized Crime Winery 2006 Gewurztraminer - $22.00

Back in 2007 I was on the panel of judges for Tony Aspler’s Ontario Wine Awards; we awarded at bronze medal to a new winery called Pointer’s Hill for this very Gewurztraminer made by Andrzej Lipinski ... nobody knew who or what Pointer’s Hill was, but they were a new winery helmed by a reputable winemaker. Well, as Pointer’s Hill tells it, Konrad Ejbich (a fellow wine writer – and not one to keep his opinions to himself) told them that their name was boring and would not make them standout ... so their next step was to acquire a better, catchier name; Organized Crime was born. Now there's a story here about two churches and a stolen organ which is best told by them ... there is no connection to Tony Soprano (as far as I know) – and nobody will break your leg for not buying a bottle before you leave. As for the Gewurztraminer, I finally got a chance to retry it, and yes it's very good: the nose is pure Gewurzt with full on floral, apricot, rose petal and perfume aromas. The taste is complex with good floral and spicy qualities with a touch of sweetness (1). The lengthy finish is loaded with citrus, Mac apple, and something tropical. Only 300 cases were made and they're going fast, so better get on this one quick. If sold out other good choices would be the 2006 Riesling ($17.00); Chardonnay Musque ($15.00) and/or the Unoaked Chardonnay ($18.00). Reds are due out in February 2008.

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