TN: Navarro GWT ClusterSlct LateHrvst Sweet '02...(short/boring)

WINE TALK
1

We had this dessert wine last night at Pig+Fig:

  1. NavarroVnyds GWT AndersonVlly/MendoCnty ClusterSelect LateHrvst Sweet (10.2%; SaH: 37.5%; RS: 20.0%) 2002: Quite dark/rather brown/PX color; very intense botrytis/apricotty/peachy very slight GWT/floral slight earthy very complex nose; rather tart quite sweet very intense botrytis/apricotty/peachy slight earthy complex flavor; very long/lingering very sweet intense botrytis/apricotty/honeyed/raisened somewhat tart bit earthy very complex finish that goes on & on.

A wee BloodyPulpit:

  1. This is a pretty classic example of a heavy botrytis TBA-leveldessert wine. It’s all about botrytis & nothing else. It will probably just continue on this trajectory, not develop a whole lot more complexity, and just get darker/browner in color until it’s black. This could just as easily be a Reisling or a ThompsonSeedless. Such heavy botrytis levels pretty much obscures any varietal character is my experience. That said, this is a delicious dessert wine.
    Tom
1 Like
2

Opened an 06 Riesling a week ago.

3

And?? Much like this GWT??
Tom

4

Navarro’s stickies are unique

5

Haven’t had one in years but I always loved the rieslings and found them superior to the also-outstanding gewurtz.

6

Managed a couple last year from auction (1989 and 1998), both the non-botrytis version Late Harvest Riesling. They were really excellent and had loads of character. A cluster select Riesling from the late 90s also showed very well a couple years ago, but had much more botrytis character. None of the three showed the dark brownish color. All were light to medium amber in color. I have found their dry Riesling to drink very nicely after 5-7 years too.

7

Not quite as aromatic as GWT, but still botrytis dominated. I could still guess Riesling. I have some of their Muscat as well. That’s harder to pick out.