The 2009 Gewurztraminer is soft, simple and pleasant, but reveals less varietal character and personality than the other wines in the entry-level range. Anticipated maturity: 2010-2012. This is the finest set of wines I have tasted from Alois Lageder. The Alois Lageder line is made from purchased fruit, while the winery has introduced a new label, Tenutae Lageder, to identify the estate wines, many of which are made from biodynamically farmed vineyards. I will report on Lageder’s higher-end bottlings later this year. Importer: Dalla Terra, Napa, CA; tel. (707) 259-5405

The 2002 Gewurztraminer is fragrant, varietal in its floral and lightly tropical scents, and nicely round in flavor.