The Minges 2006 Gewurztraminer Auslese smells intensely and sweetly of lychee, lily, rose petal, and honey. Creamy in texture, quite sweet as well as delicate on the palate, it finishes rich and honeyed, but at least for now, sheer sweetness keeps one from perceiving the complexity or lift and deriving the satisfaction offered by the corresponding Spatlese.Theo Minges certainly proved his viticultural mastery this year, because you would never guess you were tasting wines from such a challenging vintage. “Yes,” he says, “we began picking really rapidly at first. But after a while, once we saw that things had stabilized in the vineyard, we could adopt a completely normal pace.”Importer: Terry Theise Estate Selections, imported by Michael Skurnik Wines, Inc., Syosset, NY; tel (516) 677-9300