Burrowing Owl Pinot Gris 2003
VQA Okanagan Valley $32 (approx.) (585745)
From one of BC's premier producers, this Pinot Gris shows all the best
traits of the breed. It's a little quiet on the nose, but the palate
opens up into a variety of quite luscious fruit in the apricot-peach
zones. There's that touch of spiciness to keep it interesting, fine
balance, and a long, clean finish. It's beautiful with lightly-spiced
seafood, chicken or pork dishes. Order from MCO Wines at www.mcowines.com. (RP)
Lammershoek Roulette Rouge 2003 WO Swartland, South Africa
A Shiraz/Carignan/Grenache blend from low yields, greater than usual
day-night temperature gradients and extraordinary long hours of
sunshine produced this stunner. A lifted nose of cedar and berries
leads the way to a fruit forward attack of bramble berry, mint and
chocolate. The finish is gorgeous, going for 30 or more seconds, with
pronounced red licorice, tar and coffee flavours. Order from Bokke Inc.
at
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.(VH)
Lammershoek "Barrique" Pinotage 2003
WO Coastal Region, South Africa $23.50
I'm not a big fan of many Pinotages: those charry-tarry notes can be
overpowering. But here's a Pinotage for the likes of me. It's
finely-layered, reasonably complex, and characterized by rich, dark and
spicy plum and berry flavours. The balance is very good, and I would
happily down a bottle of this with a good cut of red meat, grilled
medium-rare. Contact Bokke Inc. at
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. (RP)
Viljoensdrift "River Grandeur" Shiraz 2003
WO Robertson, South Africa $24.50
Another terrific Shiraz from South Africa. This is full bodied with
concentrated, pungent, dark fruit (berry, cherry) flavours enlivened by
peppery spiciness. Well structured and nicely balanced, it's a great
partner for well-seasoned grilled lamb. Contact Bokke Inc. at
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.(RP)