The 1994 Gewurztraminer Quintessence de Grains Nobles is the ultimate dessert nectar for Gewurztraminer freaks. This smoky, bacon fat-scented wine boasts enormously rich, thick, sweet flavors. In spite of its massive size, it avoids heaviness and cloyingness because of the wine's crisp, zesty acidity. An infant in terms of development, this is the quintessential dessert-styled Gewurztraminer - hence the name. How long will it last? How about 30+ years! Readers can be assured that the micro-quantities produced will fetch well in excess of $100 for a 375 ml bottle.Domaine Weinbach's 1994 Gewurztraminers are all intense, spicy wines. Knowing that readers have either a love or hate relationship with this varietal, I recommend these Gewurztraminers only for those readers who are fond of ostentatious, in-your-face styles of wine.There has been no shortage of great vintages for Domaine Weinbach. 1989 and 1990 are the finest recent vintages prior to 1994, and this estate turned out extremely strong 1992s and 1993s. The 1994s offer a dazzling combination of power, high extraction, and vibrant, well-integrated acidity, making them strikingly intense, beautifully structured wines. This domaine consistently has conservative crop yields. For example, in 1994 the French government permitted 80 hectoliters per hectare, but Domaine Weinbach averaged 45 hectoliters per hectare. The estate's harvest began on September 20th and finished on November 18th. Kudos to the Fallers, who once again have turned out exquisite wines.The 1994 wines reviewed in this issue were tasted in December, 1995.Domaine Weinbach is imported by Vineyard Brands, Inc. (Robert Haas Selections), Chester, VT; tel. (802) 875-2139