MT DIFFICULTY AND MORE...

R.B. Phillips Import Co.

I’ve been treated to some really nice lunches while tasting wine, and I think it’s high time I start giving kudos to the restaurants that I think are exceptional. I tried wine with Randall Phillips (of R.B. Phillips Import Co.) at Julia’s Bistro today (www.juliasbistro.com), and I was really impressed. I had tortilla soup and a corn-encrusted red snapper, and both were excellent. If you’re in the neighborhood stop in and give them a try. (But don’t park behind them unless there is a parking meter you can put money into, because you might get a parking ticket for an expired meter any way! Don't ask me how I know that...)

Now, back to the wine... we tasted several from New Zealand, but also from Tasmania and Spain. ALL were good buys, and a few were stellar for the price!

I look forward to trying more wines from Randall in the future, but here’s what I recommend right now.

2010 Mt Difficulty ‘Roaring Meg’ Pinot Gris (Central Otago, NZ) – Very complex, with hints of grassiness and peach. Well worth the average retail price of $16

2009 Mt. Difficulty ‘Roaring Meg’ Riesling (Central Otago, NZ) – I was blown away by this one. Racy, fruity, slightly sweet with nod to the Alsace style. It would be rewarding even at twice the price. Average retail is $15

2010 Mt Difficulty ‘Roaring Meg’ Pinot Noir (Central Otago, NZ) – Notes of ribbon candy and earth offer this fruity Pinot and added dimension. Good structure and balance make it worth the average price of $23

2010 Selaks Sauvignon Blanc (Marlborough, NZ) – It’s nice to come across a Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc that doesn’t beat you over the head with flavor. This has everything you’d expect (grassiness, grapefruit and minerals), but in a refined style. The average retail price of $17 is right where it should be.

2010 Selaks Ice Wine (NZ) The winemaker helped nature out with this ice wine, by picking ultra ripe grapes, and then freezing them before pressing. Let’s call it “man-made” Ice Wine! It comes in a 375ml bottle, is NOT cloying, and has just the right amount of acidity. The flavor is reminiscent of Crème Brulee. Perfect for dessert at the average retail price of $20

2010 Woolundry Road Cab Sauv (McLaren Vale, South Australia) – This is a light, fun little Cab full of spice and red berries. A crowd pleaser with an average retail price of $11

2008 South Pinot Noir (Tasmania) - I found this VERY interesting. It’s light in style and flavor, but it has a velvety texture to it that makes it really cool. An easy drinking Pinot, with soft red fruit, that’s worth the average price tag of $20

2008 Gladium Tempranillo Crianza (La Mancha, Spain) – What a bargain! Dark and juicy with notes of tea and leather, all for the average price of $15. I thought it would be $10 higher! This is a standout!