Text Box: You are now entering a cork free zone . . . They are sealed with a screw cap closure. Very common in this area of the world. Introducing the 2006 Marlborough Pinot Noir from Kim Crawford!! This fine Pinot Noir is a perfect example of an expert wine makers decision on when and how to release this grape. I have never had such a young Pinot Noir be loaded with so much flavor and balance. This pick is sooo ready!!! Last month we had the pleasure of experiencing an old mature Merlot and this month we are lucky enough to find this young gem. The grapes are from various vineyards in Marlborough. The cool dry conditions were ideal for the ripening of Pinot Noir. Hand and machine harvested, these grapes were cold macerated for three days and then inoculated with a pure yeast strain. When dry, the grapes were pressed and a portion of the wine racked to older barriques for fermentation and ageing. You will note a moderate depth of color with strong crimson on the edges. Berry fruits, especially raspberry, wild strawberry and cherry with hints of rhubarb. This Savoury Pinot Noir is elegant, with ripe fruit coupled with soft tannins and a touch of oak. Medium bodied, good weight and persistence. Some serve it with beef, some with fish. Pinot Noir is an excellent choice for both. Retails for $17.99/bottle. This next one is the Villa Maria Sauvignon Blanc 2006—Private Bin. Carefully produced in the Marlborough region. The fruit for this wine was sourced from many vineyards in Marlborough, throughout the Wairau and Awatere Valleys. The fruit was harvested at varying levels of ripeness over a four week period. The fruit was crushed, pressed and cold settled for 24 hours before being racked for fermentation. Aromatic yeast strains were used to inoculate the clear juice. This Sauvignon Blanc is bursting with ripe gooseberry, citrus lime, melon and exotic herbal aromas. It is a fresh and ripely flavoured wine with fantastic intensity, finishing with crisp and racy acidity. Excellent length and crispness. Serve it up with pan-seared scallops or shrimp on the Barbie!! Retails for $14.99. Text Box: Crikey! If you are reading this, that means you made it to Furlong’s Liquor, despite all the road construction—Congratulations!!!!! Your reward for all your patience and hard work, will be two very fine selections imported from New Zealand!!! Cheers Matie!! Text Box: Furlong’s Liquor Wine Club Text Box: June 2007 http://nz.com/Img/NZFlag.html