Kubler’s 2005 Gewurztraminer Zinnkoepfle retained 34 grams of residual sugar, posing at least for me the by now familiar question “what to drink it with?” But drink it – if only on its own – I happily would, as this is a honeyed, lusciously-ripe exploration of its variety from a top-flight terroir, the nose and palate generously showered in rose petals, fennel pollen, and brown spices. A juicy citricity keeps it lively, refreshing, and never cloying, while chalk and salt suggestions of minerality add long-finishing interest.After earning his oenology degree from Bordeaux, and a stage at Cloudy Bay, young Philippe Kluber – whom I did not have occasion to visit – took over at his family’s domaine beginning with the 2004 vintage. Based on the several samples that reached me while in Alsace from his second harvest, this is a vigneron to watch.Importer: Chateau St. Martin, Bellevue, WA; tel. (425) 462 1717