Comments on some New Zealand SB?

The LCBO has scheduled a small sale for early in January and they are featuring a couple of NZ SB. Any comments on the list?

Cottesbrook 05
Montanna Zed 05
Torlesse Wines Omihi Road 05

[Jenise]

I haven't seen any of those, Bruce. I'm surprised Sue didn't chime in, maybe she didn't see this. Sue! Oh, SUE!!!

I haven't seen any of those, Bruce. I'm surprised Sue didn't chime in, maybe she didn't see this. Sue! Oh, SUE!!!

Torlesse is a special allocation here in AB. One store carries a terrific Riesling which is a big foodie. I think Cottesbrook is a Drylands label???

http://www.torlesse.co.nz

Bruce, a quick google found the following. Before we get there though, I would like to know if the wine label has the word Montana on it? Or, if it actually says Villa Maria? It has been my impression that Montana wines are labeled as Villa Maria in North America, and Montana elsewhere. Anyway click the link below for a tn.
http://pegwine.wordpress.com/2006/06/

Bruce, a quick google found the following. Before we get there though, I would like to know if the wine label has the word Montana on it? Or, if it actually says Villa Maria? It has been my impression that Montana wines are labeled as Villa Maria in North America, and Montana elsewhere. Anyway click the link below for a tn.
http://pegwine.wordpress.com/2006/06/

Bob, you and I may have just started something in the past 10 minutes!! Wine blogs...your`s is a new one. How about mine, the one I just posted?

I think Brancott is Montana over here, Bob. Villa Maria is a seperate winery.

I haven't seen any of those, Bruce. I'm surprised Sue didn't chime in, maybe she didn't see this. Sue! Oh, SUE!!!

Thanks Jenise. I had been hoping for some input from the good folks down under. The sale doesn't start until Tuesday, so there is no rush.

Bruce, a quick google found the following. Before we get there though, I would like to know if the wine label has the word Montana on it? Or, if it actually says Villa Maria? It has been my impression that Montana wines are labeled as Villa Maria in North America, and Montana elsewhere. Anyway click the link below for a tn.
http://pegwine.wordpress.com/2006/06/

Not sure about what the actual wine label says Bob. I only have the wine name from a piece of paper, however I believe the winery is identified as Montana.

Bruce, a quick google found the following. Before we get there though, I would like to know if the wine label has the word Montana on it? Or, if it actually says Villa Maria? It has been my impression that Montana wines are labeled as Villa Maria in North America, and Montana elsewhere. Anyway click the link below for a tn.
http://pegwine.wordpress.com/2006/06/

Bob,
Montana and Villa Maria are two distinct companies.
Villa Maria is NZ owned and operated.
Montana is now part of Allied Domecq stable. Montana may also be known as Brancott in North America.
Cheers,
Sue

I haven't seen any of those, Bruce. I'm surprised Sue didn't chime in, maybe she didn't see this. Sue! Oh, SUE!!!

Here! Been out celebrating New Years Eve - a few hours ahead of you!! Happy New Year!

The LCBO has scheduled a small sale for early in January and they are featuring a couple of NZ SB. Any comments on the list?

Cottesbrook 05
Montanna Zed 05
Torlesse Wines Omihi Road 05

Bruce,
Montana Zed is a new one on me - checked the Montana web site and it says it is sold in US only, but obviously in Canada too. Nice label though with paua shell colouring.
http://www.pernod-ricard-nz.com/Pages/w ... _2005.html

Cottesbrook - not tried their wines at all.

Torlesse Omihi - not tried the 2005 but had the 2006 in October and found it a little restrained, rather than zippy, zingy and full of punchy fruit.

Sorry, not of much help.

I would probably stick to the Zed out of those three. Can you taste before you buy and see if you actually like any of them before you commit?

Cheers,
Sue

Torlesse is a special allocation here in AB. One store carries a terrific Riesling which is a big foodie. I think Cottesbrook is a Drylands label???

http://www.torlesse.co.nz

Yes, I would endorse the Torlesse Riesling wholeheartedly. Here's my note -

Torlesse Canterbury Riesling 2006 - Fragrant citrus and honeysuckle aroma and juicy lemon and lime flavours over a nicely weighted spicy backbone. With 26g/l rs and zippy acidity to balance it perfectly, this is going to be a winner this summer and next. 12% alc. Screwcap closure. NZ$15.95.

Cottesbrook has nothing to do with Drylands (which is is part of Nobilo and owned by Constellation) It's a partnership between two Canterbury companies. Canterbury is the regional district south of Marlborough.

Cheers,
Sue

Thanks for the input Sue. Very helpful, as always.

As for tasting before buying, one of the nice things about our liquor monopoly in Ontario is that they will accept the return of any unopened bottle of wine, provided you have the sales receipt. You don't even have to return it to the store from which you purchased it.

Think I will take a chance on all three (they are all around $12-$14) and return whichever ones I don't care for.

Bob,
Montana and Villa Maria are two distinct companies. Villa Maria is NZ owned and operated. Montana is now part of Allied Domecq stable. Montana may also be known as Brancott in North America. Cheers, Sue

Ooops! Sue you are of course 100% correct. Montana is known in North America as Brancott. I can not even imagine how I got this confused since I know the truth. Brancott is IMO not so good in the lower end, but the Brancott reserve sauvignon blanc is a treasure for under $15.

Yes Villa Maria and Montana are two separate companies:

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Villa_Maria_Estates

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Montana_Wines

Just in case you wanted some more comprehensive background information - I'm increasingly impressed by what Wikipedia can off us in terms of quick access to information!

Cheers

Scott