I’ll be honest with you, California isn’t the first region I think of when I’m looking for a Gewürztraminer.  And Forest Glen never comes to mind as a brand I would expect to turn to for Gewürz.  But then Forest Glen has surprised me before, like when their Pinot Noir topped some other Pinot’s more than twice the price in a blind tasting.

This is a brand that’s produced by Bronco Wine Company, best known for making Two Buck Chuck of Trader Joe’s fame.  Seriously, I never expected them to produce a Gewürztraminer.  And to be honest, I was a bit biased against it and therefore tasted this wine blind alongside a few other Gewürztraminers.

Fresh cut flowers are all over the nose of this wine, which is really nice.  But there’s also a slight cabbage aroma, which is not as pleasant.  It’s a touch spicy too, which gives it another plus.  The palate has powerful lychee and a touch of honey.  It could use a touch more acidity, but I wouldn’t call it flabby. The finish has a lingering sweetness, so I would only recommend this one to those who like sweeter wines.

All told, I’m surprised again.  While I wouldn’t call this an exceptional Gewurztraminer, it’s still decent… and a bargain at $8.00.

Wine: Forest Glen Gewürztraminer
Variety: Gewürztraminer
Vintage: 2008
Alcohol: 11.8%
Rating: 84
Price: $8.00

Find Forest Glen Gewürztraminer with Snooth

Disclosure: This wine was received as a sample.