Weekly Wine Tastings April 11-12, 2008

The Wines of New Zealand

Please join us at the i.m.Wine tasting bar every Friday and Saturday from 1-7pm; this week we are tasting:

NV Lindauer Brut Methode Traditional
Price: $11.99   Special: $10.79   Case: $10.19
Lindauer is made in the traditional Champagne style from a blend of the customary Champagne varietals of Chardonnay and Pinot with a little Chenin Blanc for a more fruit forward drinkablity.   The wine shows an atrractive golden yellow color with fine, persistent bubbles and a bright citrus scent with light yeastiness. It's dry with a crisp acidity and has a medium body and flavour intensity. The mousse feels lively in the mouth. The citrus is joined by apple and fresh bread. It was a cheerfully assertive taste which finishes with crisp green apple.   Sure it’s not a vintage bottle of Salon, but at $11.99 it is absolutely spot-on perfect for entertaining or everyday sipping.

2006 Sauvignon Blanc, Catalina Sounds (Marlborough, New Zealand)
Price: $16.99   Special: $15.29   Case: $14.44
Lightly coloured with green tinges. Initially it has a moderately intense nose of lemon, lime and hint of cut grass. As it opens up in the glass, it reveals passion fruit, pineapple, honey and melon. Given the time on lees, and the influence of oak, the palate is rounded and full, with contrast and balance being provided by the minerally edge and freshness of natural acidity.

2007 Chardonnay, Craggy Range “Kidnappers Vineyard” (Hawkes Bay, New Zealand)
Price: $24.99   Special: $22.49   Case: $21.24
Craggy Ranges more restrained 'Chablis styled' Chardonnay. The shallow warm clay loam soils of the region and careful selection of clones in this environment allows the development of very pure cool Chardonnay flavours in the grapes. Hand Harvested, Whole Bunch Pressed, Stainless steel and oak fermentation are employed giving a wine of "Pale straw colour with faint green hues. Lemon, cream, floral and nut characters blend on the nose to form a complex bouquet. The palate is tightly structured with firm acidity and a grainy texture with flavours of white peach, flowers and a hint of roasted nuts. Very stylish.

2006 Pinot Noir, Catalina Sounds (Marlborough, New Zealand)
Price: $19.99   Special: $17.99   Case: $16.99
This wine is not as rich and robust as an Aussie red, nor should it be. It is a good example of how pinot noir can be powerful and yet restrained all at the same time, and therein lies its charm.  This wine has a classic linear structure, with somewhat restrained fruit and a tannin derived backbone that is subtle yet strong.  The wine shows a soft ruby red in colour, with a hint of brown earth around the edges and aromas of berry fruits and white pepper, with earth, spice and some truffle.  A medium weight body with lovely fruit upfront and flavours of earth, dark cherry, and mushrooms on the mid palate with fine, ripe, supple tannins on the finish.

2004 Te Kahu Red, Craggy Range, “Gimblett Gravels Vnyd” (Hawkes Bay, New Zealand)
Price: $29.99   Special: $26.99   Case: $25.49
The 2004 Te Kahu Proprietary Red is a blend of 77% Merlot, 11% Cabernet Sauvignon, 6% Malbec, and 6% Cabernet Franc that could easily be mistaken for a Cheval Blanc. Elegant, restrained, and nuanced, this deep ruby/purple-tinged 2004 reveals notes of menthol, tobacco leaf, black currants, and cranberries. Medium-bodied flavors linger on the palate. With good acidity, ripe tannin, and a long, nicely-layered finish, it is hard to believe this is a New World proprietary wine.

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