Altano, Villa Maria, Pavie Macquin, Trinity Hall.

On my way into the Grill (huge busy night) I popped into my local winestore, who are celebrating 3 yrs today. Many wines open on the tasting bar but most customers were long gone, leaving me a nice assortment of cheeses!!

I started off with the `07 Villa Maria Sauv Blanc (Marlborough). As usual right up there, you cannot find a better NZ SB forumites. Next up was the new release of the Sandhill Pinot Blanc (BC)..very nice, Jenise will look out for this (grin).
A Trinity Hall Syrah (NZ) was termendous but not sure of price or vintage. The Altano Reserva, think the `05, was decanted and way too young but one should consider buying. In another decanter, I found some `99 Pavie-Macquin. This was starting to show some great fruit but, again, thought it needs some time. Not sure how long it had been decanted?
The one wine I was drawn to was the `05 Ch Peyraud, mainly `cos of this months Wine Focus. From the Cotes de Blaye, 90% merlot, no oak, and $20 Cdn. Only had a brief sip but thought "heck, try this and post a TN". Stay tuned, think Tim might be a fan but Otto? Not so sure!!

Went off to the Grill in a pretty good mood!!!

[Jenise]

Hey, I'm okay with some pinot blancs, and I have to say some of the nicest new world versions I've had have come out of the Okanagan. It's just elsewhere that most make a wine less interesting than chardonnay, and nowhere near what becomes of the grape in Europe's cooler climates. Some Austrian and northern Italian versions I've had set the standard.

A Trinity Hall Syrah (NZ) was termendous but not sure of price or vintage.

Nor of the name, Bob, as it's Trinity Hill. And the wine, possibly Trinity Hill Gimblett Gravels Hawkes Bay Syrah 2006, as a search has shown that is currenty available in Alberta.
Yes , a super wine and some really super Syrah's from the 2006 Hawkes Bay vintage are hitting the shelves now.

I really liked the 2000 Pavie Maquin but haven't had the pleasure of trying the '99. My sister is taking a Sauvignon Blanc to a pot luck in Iowa and a red wine for the main course. I will be interested in hearing what she ends up purchasing and the reaction. I gave her some suggestions including the Villa Maria.