Forrest Estate Riesling 2007

May 16th, 2008 Sean Posted in New Zealand, Riesling No Comments »

I got my hands on this after a press only tasting weeks ahead of it’s scheduled release. I was warned that it was an impressive bottle.
While this bottle just barely makes the under $20 cutoff for nosnob.com it is VERY worth it. This was one of the most impressive bottles of white wine I have had in a long time. This wine reminded me of a more mature and dry version of Conundrum (a white blend from California as the name suggests you can’t guess whats in it). The pineapple and tropical fruits explode on the tongue followed by a honey and floral finish that is clean and amazingly crisp. Let’s just say this bottle didn’t last very long. Now I have to break the bank and pick up a few of these guys. Hey, I was warned. Now you have been too.
Tip: Coming soon to a store near you.
At a Glance
Taste pineapple, honey, white flowers
Smell flowers, honey, ginger
Food tapas
Sweetness off dry
Price $18.95
LCBO# 60103
Score
Forrest Estate Riesling
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Mount Riley Chardonnay 2005

March 15th, 2008 Chuck Posted in Chardonnay, New Zealand No Comments »

My second chardonnay review from Marlborough, New Zealand ( first was Oyster Bay ) and already I’ve found a common bond, a high price tag.
This wine was quite nice and had nothing at all wrong with it, but it certainly lost points in the value area. Chardonnay is not a tough wine to make and there is plenty of it, and the majority under $18.90. You have to dress to impress to charge that much in this category.
Tip: balloon glass
At a Glance
Taste pineapple, passion fruit
Smell melon, vanilla, butterscotch
Food chicken with mushroom sauce
Sweetness off dry
Price $18.90
LCBO# 32318
Score
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Oyster Bay Chardonnay 2005

March 1st, 2008 Chuck Posted in Chardonnay, New Zealand No Comments »

Oyster Bay is a popular choice for the average buyer who feels like splurging a bit [yes, it’s a bit pricey], and this chardonnay from New Zealand’s Marlborough region is a nice change from the typical chard. If you’re used to drinking the chardonnays from North America you may find the majority are quite heavy on the oak, rich and buttery. Love it or hate it, it’s the number one selling white varietal in the world. Back to this wine, you find it much lighter because it’s only partially barrel fermented and not at all buttery but rather more fruity with a crispiness to it that is very enjoyable.
Another cool method the winemaker chose to preserve the fruitiness of this vintage was the decision to skip out on the cork and use a screw top. They’re not taking any chances down under :) If you like this wine, try their Sauvignon Blanc, it’s on my to-do list.
Tip: balloon glass
At a Glance
Taste floral, melon, apple
Smell light floral, apple, pear
Food pork chops
Sweetness dry
Price $18.80
LCBO# 326728
Score
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