I decided to check out this Alsatian Gewurtztraminer, which sells at Whole Foods for $23.99. What I seem to find is that the $20 to $30 range can get one a Gewurtz that is anywhere from mediocre table wine to amazing Grand Cru quality (and Grand Crus usually start in the high $20s). Riefle falls somewhere in the middle. This slightly off-dry wine had a pale yellow color color, with pears and fruit cocktail initially, followed by rose petals on the finish. What I like about this wine is that the rose petals did not interfere on the palate, and while clarity of flavors is sought out in Gewurtztraminers, rose petals can sometimes ruin a flavor. Acidity and structure are decent
For just a couple dollars more you can get a stunning Alsatian Gewurtztraminer, such as the 2006 Zind Humbrect I recently reviewed. I would rate this right around average, with the belief that in this price range you can still get top quality wines. Nonetheless it is a decent food-friendly wine, and if it were priced at $17 I'd say it is fair priced. But if it's the only choice on the shelf in its price range, and you really want a Gewurtz, by all means...
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