NEON CACTUS WINES

At Neon Cactus Wines on Friday, February 26, from 3 to 6 p.m.
we tasted these four Oyster Bay wines from New Zealand
with delicious snacks!
~ Oyster Bay Pinot Noir, Merlot, Sauvignon Blanc and Chardonnay ~

Kendra Cunningham, agent for Oyster Bay Wines (Canada) Limited, was on hand to present the wines and answer questions.

Here are a few pictures of this event!

60% Merlot, 40% Cabernet Sauvignon
Aromatic red cherry, plums, chocolate and spice on the nose. On the palate, the wine is well balanced with bright red currant and ripe spicy fruit flavours complemented by fine, silky tannins. Pair with marinated leg of lamb, penne with stir-fried beef and red bell pepper or pork chops in beer teriyaki marinade. $17.95*

[ Entre Deux Mers, Bordeaux ]

Magito Zinfandel Panorama Blend
75% Zinfandel, 8% Cabernet Sauvignon, 5% Syrah, 6% Sangiovese, 4% Merlot, 2% Petite Sirah
Aromas of dark fruit and warm spices. Plum and raspberry envelop the integrated yet complex tannins on the palate, leading to a smooth finish. This wine has won three awards including the 2008 Blind Zin Tasting on WineLibraryTV.com. $24.95*

Magito Cabernet Sauvignon Highland Blend
60% Cabernet Sauvignon, 20% Cabernet Franc, 20% Merlot
Balanced aromas of blackberry, cherry and a hint of spice. Dark fruit flavours envelop the integrated and complex flavours. This blend has won five awards including Gold and “Best in Class” at the 2007 New World International Wine Competition, and an 8.5 out of 10 rating on Vinography.com. $24.95*

Magito Sauvignon Blanc Rivertrace Blend
82% Sauvignon Blanc, 8% Viognier, 10% Verdelho
Complex aromas of citrus, honeysuckle and pear frame this handcrafted wine. Melon and citrus flavours mingle with a crisp finish. $21.95*

Brancott East Coast Merlot Cabernet Sauvignon

This classic wine defines the spirit of New Zealand wine ~ intense, vivacious and strongly individual.

Carefully blended to achieve a mellow balance between fruity sweetness and savoury tannins, leading to a silky finish with intense dark fruit characters. $16.95*

Neon Cactus Wines had a wonderful Valentine’s event
Friday, February 12 and Saturday, February 13.

Two kinds of BUBBLY, two new red wines,
strawberries, chocolate and other snacks were available for tasting!

Here are a few pictures…

Quinta do Crasto Old Vines Reserva 2007
Grapes from 70-year-old, low-yielding vines of up to 30 different grape varieties are kept back for ageing in French and American oak barrels. A high proportion of the grapes used in the blend are foot trodden.

Brick red colour. Intense and lifted complex aromas of spices, cedar and vanilla combine with fresh dark wild berries and ripe blood plums. Elegant start, developing to a rich full and round palate of great balance. Displaying rich Douro berry fruit characters with integrated oak tannins and a very long finish. The wine may be consumed soon after its release but has the depth and concentration to cellar over the long term. This is a complex, powerful wine with great intensity and a richly textured palate. Bottled without any fining or filtration. $42.95*

Palazzo della Torre
Appellation: Veronese I.G.T.
Grapes: 70% Corvina Veronese, 25% Rondinella, 5% Sangiovese
Fresh juice obtained at harvest is blended with  juice from dried grapes, initiating a second fermentation resulting in a more concentrated, complex wine. The vintner refers to this as a “baby Amarone,” an approachable wine with its pleasant, fruity character and raisin-like qualities.
Pairs well with a wide range of foods, including full-flavoured pasta and risotto dishes. Also enjoy with roast veal, turkey and lamb, as well as with grilled meats such as barbecued chicken, steak or sausages. Excellent with mushrooms and hard and semi-hard cheeses. For maximum expression of fruit and flavour, serve at 18°C (65°F) in large red-wine goblets. $26.95*

Pinot Gris (synonym: Pinot Grigio), although popularly grown in other regions of the world, is a relatively new varietal in Australia. The name comes from the fact that the grapes have a grey (gris) colour to them which allows a range of styles to be produced from dry crisp whites to full, rich-textured styles.

In this wine, notice lifted aromatics reminiscent of quince, nashi pear and citrus flowers with freshness and vitality. A few tropical, guava-like notes add interest and complexity. Clean, crisp palate with full fruit and crisp acid combined with light phenolic structure that adds texture and length. Drink now but short-term cellaring will add further complexity and varietal definition. Excellent as an aperitif or with sushi and sashimi, this wine has an affinity for spice and chili so try it also with your favourite Chinese, Thai or Mexican food. $21.95*

The Blackbilly label was awarded best label design in the Australian Small Winemakers Show. The name “Blackbilly” is drawn from the Yacca tree, or grass tree, that has spikey leaves and a unique spear-shaped flower. Periodically bushfires burn the blackbillys into their distinctive shape.

At Neon Cactus Wines
on Friday, February 5
3 p.m. to 6 p.m.
we offered samples of
Charles Heidsieck Champagne,
Faustino I Tinto Gran Reserva,
and Dr. Loosen Riesling
with accompanying snacks!

Mike Longfield, agent for Select Wines, was on hand to present the wines and answer questions.