The 2007 Envoy Gewurztraminer has a well-defined nose with old roses, peach and a touch of passion fruit, the palate well-balanced and cohesive with a nice waxy texture towards the finish, displaying good persistency. Bryan and Jan Johnson planted their 380 acres of vine in the southern side of Marlborough’s Wairau and until 2000 sold their fruit on a contract basis. Thereafter they established their “Spy Valley” brand and since 2003 have began vinifying fruit at their own winery that came into full-production in 2007. Their “Envoy” range is a special selection from particular vineyard sites deemed exceptional in quality. I found their regular range of wines a little inconsistent Importer, Broadbent Selections, Inc., San Francisco, CA; tel. (415) 931-1725; fax: (415) 921-0596

Spy Valley’s 2007 Envoy Gewurztraminer is a lush, slightly sweet rendering of the variety, filled with peach, melon and spice. Finishes soft, with a touch of white pepper. Drink now. ——J.C.(6/1/2010)—— 87