Wine Recommendation
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Wine Recommendation

Wine:Ventana Vineyards 2005 Gewurztraminer, Ventana Vineyard (Arroyo Seco)

Ventana Vineyards

2005 Gewurztraminer, Ventana Vineyard
(Arroyo Seco)



Founded by former Navy jet pilot Doug Meador in 1972, Ventana Vineyards comprises more than 400 contiguous acres of prime Monterey County wine country real estate. Doug’s wife LuAnn is Vice President, Sales and Marketing, while Reggie Hammond is Winegrower and Production Manager. Chardonnay, Sauvignon Blanc, Riesling, Gewurztraminer, Pinot Noir, Grenache, Syrah, Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon, and Orange Muscat are produced along with a Cal-Ital blend – Due Amici, and two Rhone blends. The Meadors also produce a limited release Meador Estate.

Bright yellow gold and thick in the glass, this classic Gewurztraminer is fruit forward with aromas of lychee, lemon zest, red and golden delicious apples and pine resin. Full bodied, clean, and spicy, the palate has notes of exotic fruits – starfruit and guava come to mind. As with the nose, the wine shows excellent varietal expression on the palate. Prickly underlying acidity lifts the rich, creamy texture. The finish is long and vividly fruity with pineapple notes. Enjoy with country style pate, munster cheese, lobster and avocado salad, or a grilled fish (or a la plancha) with mango salsa.

Reviewed February 15, 2007 by Catherine Fallis.

The Wine

Winery: Ventana Vineyards
Vineyard: Ventana Vineyard
Vintage: 2005
Wine: Gewurztraminer
Appellation: Arroyo Seco
Grape: Gewurztraminer
Price: 750ml $16.00

Review Date: 2/15/2007

The Reviewer

Catherine Fallis

Founder and President of Planet Grape LLC, a company committed to bringing the joy of wine, food, and good living into the lives of everyday people, Catherine is creator of the “grape goddess guides to good living,” a series of books, television presentations, seminars, and e-learning programs. The fifth woman in the world to become a Master Sommelier, grape goddess Catherine Fallis is still very much down-to-earth.