Great Finds from NZ & OZ

This Spring, I was lucky enough to attend the New Zealand tasting and a Grant Burge tasting in very short order. These tastings reminded me about the quality wines that come out of Australia and New Zealand. We all know the big names but beyond these there are some really wonderfully crafted wines to be had. From Summer-fresh Sauvignon Blanc to a hardy Rhone blend, they have it all...

TL Wine Co - East Coast Sauvignon Blanc 2011, New Zealand - $16.95
Tropical and stone fruit on the nose. Richly-layered palate that lingers. A beaut for the price!

http://www.tlwineco.com/

Giesen Estate Pinot Noir Marlborough 2010, New Zealand - $19.95
Bright red fruit - strawberry and red currant. Well balanced with lasting finish.

http://www.giesenwines.com/

Grant Burge - Holy Trinity Grenache/Shiraz/Mourvèdre 2008, Barossa, South Australia - $33.95

Popular Rhone-style blend. Rose petal, red cherry (almost red licorice) on nose. Extremely well integrated (although you do feel a bit of heat from climate/alcohol). Lots of ripe fruit but good tannin/acid backbone. A must try!

http://lcbo.com/lcbo-ear/lcbo/product/searchResults.do?ITEM_NAME=GRANT+BURGE+THE+HOLY+TRINITY+GRENACHE%2FSHIRAZ%2F&ITEM_NUMBER=&language=EN

www.grantburgewines.com.au/

Grant Burge - Summers Chardonnay 2010, Adelaide Hills/Eden Valley, South Australia - $19.95

I loved this wine. It was refined and complex. Very well made especdially for the price. The oak is very subtle and well-integrated so that the wonderful citrus and stone fruit shows through.

http://lcbo.com/lcbo-ear/lcbo/product/searchResults.do?ITEM_NAME=GRANT+BURGE+CHARDONNAY&ITEM_NUMBER=&language=EN

www.grantburgewines.com.au/