The Pfeffingen 2008 Gewurztraminer Spatlese looks very sweet on paper with its combination of 40 grams residual sugar and a mere 7.2 grams of acid, but in fact there is an admirable sense of refreshment for the variety and a vintage-typical buoyancy. Lychee, rose petal, black tea, musk, and wood smoke on the nose all follow on a subtly oily palate otherwise dominated by luscious quince preserves. This finishes with surprisingly animated, juicy generosity and at the same time some animalistic intrigue. It will remain a delight for at least the next 7-9 years, though it needs to be paired carefully due to its sweetness. In 2009, the Eymaels rendered their first dry Gewurztraminer in years, from a parcel they groomed from the beginning for that purpose. It threatened to become another 2006, said Jan Eymael of the mid-September, 2008 rain, but even in the warmest parts of the Pfalz the weather stayed relatively cool, and he did not pick the first Rieslings until September 30, then continuing off and on for three weeks. The later it got, the better the grapes became, comments Eymael. Another month on the vine allowed for the November 18 picking of two magnificent nobly sweet Scheureben.Importer: Rudi Wiest, Cellars International, Carlsbad, CA; tel. (800) 596-9463