2002 Sauvignon

Another cooperative of about 200 growers, this one is located in the small village of Tramin, which gave birth to the name gewurztraminer. Not surprisingly, this grape plays a starring role in the production of the winery. Winemaker Willi Sturtz says that gewurztraminer is a grape that best expresses the stony, loamy soil in the terrain that surround the village. (A 2003 barrel sample of the white wine Stoan, which includes some gewurztraminer (see reviews below), is every bit as impressive as its predecessor, showing razor-sharp delineation and more spicy nuances. It should rate as high as the 2002 upon its release.) As for the reds, a barrel sample of the 2002 Lagrein Riserva revealed extraordinary depth of flavor and uncommon richness; this wine has all the ingredients for a score in the low 90s.