Wines Coonawarra Rymill - Botrytis Gewurztraminer - 2005

Rymill’s Cuvée Botrytis Gewurztraminer 2005 hails from the renowned Coonawarra region in South Australia and is presented here as a luscious sweet white wine, typical of those made from botrytised grapes. The wine is likely crafted in a late harvest style, where noble rot (botrytis cinerea) concentrates the Gewurztraminer grapes’ sugars and flavours, resulting in an opulent, richly textured wine. In the glass, you can expect a deep golden hue, while the aromatic profile tends to be intensely expressive—often displaying notes of lychee, rose petal, exotic spices and tropical fruit, alongside honey, marmalade, and hints of ginger. The palate is characteristically unctuous, yet a keen sense of acidity lends balance to the wine’s natural sweetness, ensuring a finish that is both lingering and refreshing.

Coonawarra is famed primarily for its red wines, especially Cabernet Sauvignon, grown on the celebrated terra rossa soils—distinct layers of red clay over limestone, which impart a unique mineral nuance. The cool maritime climate, with significant diurnal temperature variation, aids in preserving the grapes’ natural acidity even in later harvests, making it a suitable region for the production of both robust reds and balanced dessert wines like this one. Though less common, white varieties benefit from these conditions, and carefully managed vineyards occasionally yield exceptional botrytised wines when conditions are right.

Pairing this wine with food can be a delightful experience. Its pronounced sweetness and aromatic complexity make it a natural companion to rich, creamy cheeses like Roquefort or Stilton, as well as classic foie gras. It also complements fruit-based desserts—think tarte tatin or a spiced poached pear—and, staying local, pavlova dressed with fresh tropical fruit would resonate beautifully with the wine’s aromatic profile. For the adventurous, Asian-inspired dishes with gentle spice and a touch of sweetness can also make for memorable matches.

For optimal enjoyment, serve this wine well-chilled, between 6 and 8°C. This temperature accentuates its freshness and prevents the sweetness from overwhelming the palate, while allowing the wine’s intricate aromatics to reveal themselves gradually. Given the age of this vintage, consider pouring gently to avoid disturbing any sediment that may have formed. Enjoy your Coonawarra botrytised Gewurztraminer as a contemplative after-dinner treat or as the centrepiece of a dessert course.