Do wine scores really matter?  This was one of the core questions at the foundation of First Pour Wine, and while there haven’t been any scores added yet, the answer has basically been, only if you know what you’re reading.  Personally, wine ratings have meant very little to me, because I can’t remember one rating group / individual from another.  So a wine like 2009 Pacific Rim Gewürztraminer’s rating of 91 doesn’t really impress me, Given that I like a good Gewürz, [and I still haven’t found a bottle of Firehose Gewürztraminer, much to the chagrin of my friend Brendan]  I decided to take a chance on the rating.   After all, isn’t a game where everything’s made up and the points don’t matter really entertaining?

Sight:  A crisp straw color with a hint of green.

Smell:  Lychees, lilies, and papaya all come through.  Touches of cantaloupe and honeysuckle join the party.   Very floral, fruity, and punchy smelling.

Sip:  Sweet, acidic, and very smooth / full feeling.  It is a bit on the dry side of sweet.  Predominately floral, with plenty of jasmine, rose, and honeysuckle, but it has sufficient passion fruit, lime, guava, and lychee to balance out, making for a complex flavor.  [A.B.V. 12.4%]

Savor:  Lime and guava carry on with a bit of honey.  A smooth but slightly short finish.

Overall, this wine does everything right.  It’s in balance with fruit and spice, alcohol, mouth feel, and nose.  The only slightly disappointing factor is the short aftertaste, but that’s forgivable given the complexity and depth of nose and flavor.   Pacific Rim is even specific enough to give an accurate descriptions on the back, and the alcohol to the nearest decimal.  Probably one of the best Gewürztraminer under $10 on the market.

Verdict:  Rating approved, tropical fruit and floral explosion.
Price: $9.99
Richland, WA
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