WINO 101

Hello Friends and Wine Lovers!

This week we’re visiting New Zealand! I suppose when most of us think of New Zealand these days, we automatically think of hobbits and elves, dwarves and wizards, as the country is the new official home of Middle Earth. Previously, Middle Earth was most assuredly in England, but I suppose New Zealand is the new Realm of the Undying Lands. Unfortunately, I was unable to secure any of the Old Wineyard from 1296, as it is highly allocated, but I was able to find quite a few really good gems for this particular tasting.

Middle Earth. . .ahem, New Zealand is most well known, wine-wise, for the Sauvignon Blanc. It has been made the signature grape and would be all too easy to make a full New Zealand Sauvignon Blanc tasting, since there are hundreds of them, and almost all very tasty and highly rated. There are also quite a few really good Pinot Noirs that are rivaling others throughout the world. Of course, what I am most interested in are the underdogs. Some winemakers are trying to break out of the simple Sauvignon Blanc and Pinot Noir constructs that were set up for them to produce more interesting, and somewhat eclectic varietals; to show that New Zealand is not a one-trick pony. . .a one trick pony suitably sized for a hobbit.

So Friday, May 14th, between 4:30 and 9:00 PM it’s:

New Zealand (Middle Earth)!
Omaka Springs 2003 Riesling
Jackson Estate (Peter Jackson?) 2003 Sauvignon Blanc
Vavasour 2001 Pinot Noir
Villa Maria 2001 Merlot / Cabernet Sauvignon
Okahu 2000 Ninety Mile

The Extra-Special Premium Pours:
Goldwater 2002 Sauvignon Blanc
Te Mata 2002 Syrah / Viognier

A good deal at $10 for the first 5, and $6 for the Extra 2 Premium Pours.
Hope to see you here!
Seize the Wine!

Next week is the Pinot Gris!
M