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Gomer's Midtown Weekly Newsletter
Pinot from Undiscovered New Zealand!
When people think about wine and New Zealand, two or three things jump
to mind; Sauvignon Blanc, Screwcaps and (perhaps) Marlborough. What
many people are only just beginning to learn is that there is more than
one "great" New Zealand wine and wine region.
Central Otago is one of the most beautiful places on earth. It is a
mountainous region on the Southern Island on New Zealand (think Lord of
the Rings style scenery), and is the most Southerly wine-producing
region in the world. The summers are hot, the winters are cold, and
what makes great Pinot possible there are the long days and late sun in
Fall.
The flavor profile of a good Central Otago red puts me in mind of the
perfect bridge between Red Burgundy and West Coast Pinot. Central Otago
produces vivid, high energy, brightly red-fruited wine, but unlike most
Marlborough examples, they have a rich, full middle.
As always, I am on the hunt for enjoyable, sub-$20 Pinot Noir. I found
one yesterday, in the shape of Wild Rock's 2008 'Cupid's Arrow'. It's
on sale for $17.98, and it's just a joy to drink.
As to Sauvignon Blanc - New Zealand's great success story has nearly
become the new century's Pinot Grigio - mass-produced wines that bear a
passing resemblance to the brilliant wines that established the
reputation in the first place. Some large scale wineries now plant
their vineyards so one side of the rows will be baked to super-ripeness
in the sun, while the other, shady side gets harvested virtually unripe
- the consequent blend of sweet flabby fruit with weedy, peppery grapes
is a virtual parody of the racy, citrusy Marlborough wines that are so
perfect in the summer.
Wild Rock's 2009 SB is juicy, ripe and full of zip. Currently on sale
for $13.98; it may be our best Sauvignon Blanc value of the moment.
Wild Rock 2008 'Cupid's Arrow' Central Otago Pinot Noir - $17.98/bt
Wild Rock 2009 'Elevation' Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc - $13.98/bt
Ridge Tasting at Room 39!
We had so much fun partnering up with Room 39 last month that we're
gearing up to do it again - this time with a Happy Hour
walkthrough-style tasting at the restaurant featuring a killer line-up
of Ridge wines and Room 39's Hors d'Oeuvres. Come join us any time
between 5:00PM and 7:00 PM on Thursday, July 22nd.
Ridge is one of California's greatest wineries, with a 40-year track
record of making singular and wonderful Chardonnay, Zinfandel blends
and Monte Bello Cabernet Sauvignon. Winemaker Paul Draper's faith in
great terroirs has inspired many of the next generation of California,
and these wines are still in the "not-to-be-missed" category.
Call Room 39 for reservations - 816-753-3939 - come early, or come
late, but be there. Cost for the event is $39, and wines will be
available from Gomer's Mid.
Wines to be tasted:
Ridge 2008 Santa Cruz Mountains Estate Chardonnay
Ridge 2006 Santa Cruz Mountains Estate Cabernet/Merlot
Ridge 2008 'Three Valleys' Zinfandel Blend
Ridge 2007 East Bench Zinfandel Blend
Ridge 2007 Lytton Springs Zinfandel Blend
Ridge 2007 Pagani Ranch Zinfandel Blend
Ridge 2006 Monte Bello - as in THE Monte Bello, as in one of
California's greatest Cabernet-based wines, as in "Thank god for this
stuff, because I sure can't afford 2009 Bordeaux."
Jim Coley
Wine Director
Gomer's Midtown
July 16 Newsletter
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