late spring, early summer picks

Here are my top picks for late spring, early summer starting with the best.

1. Hillside Estate Riesling 2002 - Naramata Bench, B.C., Canada (17/20)
" a nice sweet white with complex flavours of apple and citrus"

2. Sandhill Sauvignon Blanc 2003 - Burrowing Owl Vineyard, B.C., Canada (17/20)
"fruity, not herbaceous or vegetative, lime and kiwi notes"

3. Stoneleigh Sauvignon Blanc 2004 - Marlborough, New Zealand (16/20)
"pungent, flavourful, herby, crisp"

4. Villa Maria Sauvignon Blanc 2004 - Marlborough, New Zealand (16/20)
"fruity, not herbaceous or vegetative, good tropical fruit notes"

5. Sumac Ridge Pipe 1999 - Blacksage Vineyard, B.C., Canada (16/20)
" essentially a port based on cabernet sauvignon and cabernet franc, sweet, fruity, good"

Late spring and early summer saw us drink 14 bottles, 6 red and 8 white. 4 from Canada, 3 from Australia, 2 from both Argentina and New Zealand and one each from France, Chile and Spain.

I am surprised that Canada occupies 3 of the top 5 spots and that the remaining two go to New Zealand. It is also noteworthy to see that the only red to make it is a fortified wine. Another surprise is the lack of Australian wine in the top 5 although the 2003 Heartland Stickleback (cabernet sauvignon, shiraz, grenache blend) came close with a 15/20 score. We probably need to ease off on the Canadian and New Zealand whites and try some more Australian, French and Spanish wines. Cheers.

For more information ...
http://www.hillsideestate.com/
http://www.sandhillwines.ca/
http://www.stoneleigh.co.nz/
http://www.villamaria.co.nz/home.php
http://www.sumacridge.com/