Hot Wine Picks New Zealand - May 2006
Our New Zealand wine class at the urban element was a great warm up for the New Zealand Wine Fair May 25th at the Government Conference Centre. Have a look a the wines we poured for the class. 
Gunn Estate Rosé 2004 14.5%/alc │ Marlborough │ soon to be in Vintages
A lovely springtime wine made from Merlot grapes, this crisp yet fruity rosé has lifted floral aromas with strawberry and ripe cherry characters. Soft and fruity palate with ripe strawberry and cherry flavours. Rich mid-palate with a crisp clean finish. Pair this wine with grilled rare tuna or Mediterranean cuisine.
Nautilus Twin Islands Pinot Noir 2003 14.5%/alc │ Marlborough │ soon to be in Vintages
Dark ruby in colour with an aroma of plums and dark red fruits against a spicy oak background. The palate is full bodied with a fleshy middle and
fine ripe fruit tannins at the finish. As it ages over the next 3-5 years, more earthy and gamey aromas will develop. Pair this wine with duck breast with red cherry chutney.
Nobilo East Coast Merlot 2004 13.5%/alc │ Hawkes Bay/Gisborne │ soon to be in LCBO
Made from fruit sourced in the Hawkes Bay and Gisborne regions of New Zealand, this wine has ripe “fruit of the forest” characters, the palate is
full and soft, a seamless melding of fruit and oak. A hint of pepper combines with subtle oak nuttiness, providing depth and complexity.
Goldwater “Wood’s Hill” Merlot/Cab/Franc 13%/alc │Waiheke Island │ VINTAGES 675249 $24.95
A blend of Cabernet Sauvignon (69%), Merlot (20%), and Cabernet Franc (11%), the Wood’s
Hill is made with grapes from Goldwater’s younger vineyards. It is more fruit-forward and approachable when young than their top-end Bordeaux blend. Enjoy this with roast leg of lamb.
Mills Reef “Elspeth” Merlot Cabernet 2002 14%/alc │Hawkes Bay │ VINTAGES 670455 $36.00
The 2002 vintage, grown in the Mere Road vineyard, in the Gimblett Gravels, is a blend of 60% Merlot and 40% Cabernet Sauvignon,
French oak-aged for 16 months. It’s still very youthful, with impressively dark colour, sweet fruit characters and powerful, spicy, nutty
flavours, but needs time for its firm, almost aggressive tannins to mellow.
Te Mania Sauvignon Blanc 12.5%/alc │Nelson │ $18.35 Consignment
A crisp, refreshing wine with fresh, tangy aromas including ripe lemon, apricot, and grassy notes. On the palate it is very dry and light, with lots of
acidity and tangy, grassy, lemony flavours. Well balanced with clean and pure fruit flavours that linger on the finish. A nice accompaniment to
seafood, herbed chicken, vegetarian dishes, and smoked salmon. Available by consignment only – www.smallwinemakers.ca
Matua “Shingle Peak” Sauvignon Blanc 13.5%/alc │Marlborough │ soon to be in Vintages
A distinctive and aromatic Marlborough Sauv Blanc, delivering bright and lively gooseberry and passionfruit characters with a hint of lime.
The palate is well proportioned with refreshing tropical fruit flavours that linger on the seductive finish. A perfect match for snapper fillets served
with fresh dill sauce.
Spy Valley Dry Riesling 2004 12.5%/alc │Marlborough │ soon to be in Vintages
Pale straw in colour, this wine has aromas that highlight the mineral and citrus notes commonly exhibited from the Marlborough region. The
palate is pure and focused, showing crisp citrus notes and a slate and mineral texture. The finish is crisp and dry. Pair this wine with smoked
salmon or a salad of organic greens with grapefruit vinaigrette and toasted pecans.
Oyster Bay Chardonnay 13.5%/alc │Marlborough │ VINTAGES 326728 $17.95
Assertive and elegant, it shows varietal intensity and the distinct qualities of the Marlborough region. Aromas and flavours of melon, nectarine,
apple, pear, citrus and subtle buttery oak for balance. Clean, refreshing finish. Full-bodied enough to enjoy with rotisserie chicken or halibut
in a tarragon cream sauce.
Post Feed
