2K5 April's Pick

Reds

Marlborough Pinot Noir, Kim Crawford, New Zealand ‘03:

A moderate depth of colour for this flavourful Pinot Noir. Lots of berries on the nose such as raspberries, strawberries and fresh cherries, a hints of rhubarb and a touch of undergrowth aromas are beginning to appear also. On the palate this medium bodied wine shows ripe berries followed by very soft tannins and a silky texture. Touch of oak, good weight and persistence are completed its characteristics. Drink now up to 3 years. Enjoy it with pasta, lighter red meat or fish. 87 Points Wine Spectator.

Franciscan Oakville Estate Zinfandel, California ‘01:

Nice ruby red color for this blended Zinfandel ( 85 % Zin. & 15% Petite Syrah) which spent 12 month in oak.
Mixed aromas of raspberries, blueberries and blackberries followed by black liquorice aromas for the spiciness and a light toasty oak. Medium bodied Zin. Showing good length in the palate with concentrated flavors of ripe cherries, touch of cinnamon, soft tannins and a smoky long finish. Drink now up to 5 years. Perfect match barbequed red meat or spicy pasta dishes.

Columbia Valley Cabernet Sauvignon‘00, Columbia Winery, Washington State:

A deep dark 100% Cabernet Sauvignon aged 16 month in oak. The result is a wine breathing out spices, herbs and berries. The palate is overwhelmed by ripe blueberries, plums and raspberries with a nice black pepper touch and smooth tannins. A very round and well balanced wine with a good length of flavors. Drink now up to 2 years. Pair it with pasta dishes, lighter red meat or even on its own.

Whites

Columbia Valley Cellarmaster’s Riesling’04, Columbia Winery, Washington State:

A bright and quite refreshing Riesling with a low alcohol content. This wine shows equally a flowery and fruity nose with lots of acacia, honey but also apricot and pear. A rich palate repealing its nose, full of sweet fruits followed by a hint of honey and allspice in the mid-palate, and well balanced by crisp and clean acidity. Drink now up to 4 years. A good sipping wine to enjoy on its own as an aperitive, to match with rich seafood dishes or spicy Asian dishes or with dessert.

Drylands Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc’04, New Zealand:

This Sauvignon Blanc shows a silvery yellow color with light green hues. Nicely crisp it displays the typical Marlborough characters of rich concentrated tropical fruits and herbal aromas and flavors. Powerful but well balanced and not fat, it shows a luscious palate with ripe passion fruits, grapefruits and lime, followed in the mid – palate by grassy and flinty characters and a creamy banana aftertaste. Intense dry lingering finish focused on herbal flavors. Drink now up to 4 years. This is a food friendly wine, perfect match with seafood, fat fish or spicy dishes.

Boschendal Sauvignon Blanc’04, South Africa:

This unoaked full bodied Sauvignon Blanc shows a yellow gold color. It displays opulent, tropical fruits and ripe pear aromas on the nose. The palate is full of richness and complexity, with ripe guava, pear, citrus and a unique herbaceous undertones resulting from growth in vineyards high on mountain slopes. Drink now up to 4 years. An excellent accompaniment to chicken, fish, and veal dishes.