The extraordinary 2004 Gewurztraminer Noble Late Harvest is a legend in the making. Produced from six rows which Nick Nobilo left on until June, when the vines had shed their leaves, coming in at 12.8% alcohol and 117 grams residual sugar. A limpid golden color. A seductive nose of honey, fig, a touch of marmalade: more Sauternes than Alsatian in style. A viscous palate, very good acidity, a lovely melange of orange zest, honey and figs. Very harmonious, a really outstanding botrytis-affected wine that would compare with the very best Sauternes could offer! Exceptional. Having steered his family company to one of New Zealand’s successful producers, Nick Nobilo could have enjoyed a peaceful retirement after the company was sold to BRL Hardy. But instead he has dedicated his life to producing New Zealand’s finest Gewurztraminer from his 9.7-hectare estate in Gisborne, split into two blocks, the first planted in 2000 and the second in 2007 using budwood that Nick had been propagating for over 25 years. The winery is so clean you could eat your breakfast off it, the 1,200L oak German oval foudres playing a key role in extracting the best out of this aromatic grape. The good news is that Nick is well on his way to achieving his dream because this was a stunning expression of Gewurztraminer, the wine adopting an Alsatian style rather than anything from the New World. Importer: Folio Fine Wine Partners, Napa, CA; tel. (707) 256-2700; fax (707) 256-2701