Vinoptima

Vinoptima—New Zealand’s first world-class Gewurztraminer—was created by renowned winemaker Nick Nobilo. Nobilo, whose family winemaking pedigree stretches back three centuries, has always been convinced that New Zealand could produce a Gewurztraminer that would stand up to the world’s finest. In fact, he pioneered the variety in New Zealand in 1972, and Vinoptima (www.vinoptima.co.nz) represents the result of his vision and years of experience working with the varietal. It’s the first vineyard and winery in New Zealand dedicated to a single wine variety, and each bottling honors the personality of its vintage rather than adhering to a pre-determined brand style. All the grapes are estate grown, and the wine is made with a combination of time-honored methods and innovative techniques.

The results have been impressive:  the 2003 vintage was awarded 91 points by The Wine Spectator, and the 2004 has been praised as “youthful, immaculate, and richly scented.” Decanter called the inaugural 2003 Vinoptima “the best new world white. . .as good as top Alsace grand crus."