It's time for a new location...

After the last week's Optima Challenge, I am excited to move my tasting journey from Napa to New Zealand.



For this week's poll, I selected four varietals from a single winery from the region halfway around the world from my home. The winery: Murdoch James. If you have never heard of this winery, or want to learn more about New Zealand, be sure to read about this New York Street Vineyard before voting on any of the selections.

Ok, now on to my favorite part... drinking wine!

I have included a brief writeup of each of the Murdoch James wines below. Choose your favorite varietal for me to drink by voting in the poll located at the top of this page. The winning wine will be announced, tasted and featured in a review.

Be sure to follow me on twitter or facebook Wednesday night @ 6:30m pm ET for my tweets as I open and taste the wine that you have picked. This is your chance to ask me questions or just get a sneak peak at my review. The more the merrier, so tell all of your wine loving friends to stop by, vote, and join the party. In the meantime, take a minute to mark your calendar with next week’s tasting (Wednesday @ 6:30pm ET) and then prepare yourself for the fun by checking out the previous winners.

Cheers!



And the Zealots are...



1) Murdoch James Martinborough Saleyards Syrah 2006

"The 2006 vintage exhibits intense dark plum and forest fruit aromatics, with savoury complexities of black coffee, black tea and sweet, smoky wood spice. In the mouth this wine is vibrant and full-bodied with rich, spicy fruit flavours. Complimented by elegant, mouth-watering fruit acidity and tingling spices, this wine demonstrates much grace and finesse on an even, lingering finish."

2) Murdoch James Martinborough Fraser Pinot Noir 2006

"Deep ruby in colour, the wine displays vibrant aromatics of dark chocolate, black cherry, forest fruits, wood spice and creamy, caramelised notes. There is richness on the palate, with flavours that build in the mouth. Showing the classic Pinot Noir ‘peacock’s tail’, the 2007 Blue Rock Pinot Noir is rich, with intense fruit, complexity and long, lingering finish. That finish has a silky, elegant texture, balanced acidity and fine tannins; demonstrating cellaring ability of 5 to 8 years."

3) Murdoch James Martinborough Wairarapa Pinot Gris 2008

"An elegant, multi-layered nose dominated by fresh pears and blanched nuts, with hints of strawberry flowers and spice. On the palate crisp mouthwatering fruit is followed by a rich, luscious mis-palate and a long, dry, mineral finish."

4) Murdoch James Martinborough Blue Rock Riesling 2008

"The is full of crisp citrus fruit and lemon meringue with hints of lavender and spring flowers. The palate is well rounded and smooth textured. Delicate yet insistent natural acids are refreshing and provide balance and length. For those of great will power, this wine will reward cellaring for the next decade plus!"

Very special thank you to Roger and the rest of the folks from Murdoch James for their kindness, support, and willingness to share a glass of their wine for the rest of the world to enjoy.


(Read more wine reviews and info at The Wine Whore)
Photo courtesy of Murdoch James