2003 Bloom Riesling, Mosel-Saar-Ruwer, Germany Reg. $6.99, Sale $5.59

Bloom is a wonderfully simple Riesling that can be enjoyed by the enthusiast and the beginner alike. This Riesling is light, fruity and off dry. You’ll be pleased by crisp flavors of lime with just a hint of peach. This is the perfect patio wine for those hot summer days.

2003 St.Urbans-Hof Riesling, Mosel-Saar-Ruwer, Ger. Reg. $12.99, Sale $10.39

St.Urbans-Hof is a 3rd generation family owned estate winery that leads the way in German Wine Production. Winemaker and estate manager Nikolaus (Nik) Weis is a firm believer in organic production. In Nik's words, "the highest quality wines are a result of hard work over the entire year. Intensive soil cultivation, precise shoot positioning, leaf thinning, crop reduction, selective hand-picking and late harvesting are all fundamental steps which must be taken in order to ensure that the wine reflects the character of the land on which it is grown."

2003 was one of the warmest and ripest years for Riesling on record for Germany. In combination with the quality production put forth by St.Urbans-Hof you will encounter a wine of intense flavor and finish.  This wine is intensely scented with limeade and tropical fruits. The palate rewards the drinker with a bevy of flavors ranging from limes, peaches and star fruit. This Riesling could be one of the best white wine values available!

Robertson Winery, Robertson, South Africa Reg. $8.99, Sale $7.19

New to our shelves from South Africa is one of the rising stars the wine community. Although new to Minnesota, Robertson Winery was established in an abandoned church in 1941 in Robertson Valley South Africa. The church is still used for the maturation of their wines and is featured on their label. The winery sources its grape from family growers who work with the winery’s viticulturist.

Wines available:

2003 Pinotage – Not Reviewed, available for tasting on April 14th.

2003 Cabernet Sauvignon – A wonderful medium body wine. Smooth ripe tannins followed by a smoky, red cherry flavor. Perfect for that grilled steak.

2003 Sauvignon Blanc – This is one of our best Sauv Blancs under ten dollars. Well balanced mineral and citrus notes with the traditional herbal character. This wine was voted Best Imported White Wine at the Minneapolis Food & Wine Expo.

2003 Late Harvest Gewrztraminer – This is an unusual wine from South Africa. However, it is guaranteed to please. The grapes were harvested late and were affected by noble rot. These factors contribute to a semi-sweet honeyed wine with notes of roses and cinnamon spice pears. This wine is great by itself and could be used for white fruit desserts and pairs nicely with Muenster cheese.

All wines listed are available for 20% discount with a copy of this newsletter and for the month of April. All wines will be available for tasting at our Extravaganza on April 14th.

Newsletter brought to you by Mike Casey