"Dale Williams" wrote in message
>
> Saturday afternoon I went to a huge tasting sponsored by Rochambeau Wines
in
> Dobbs Ferry.

> 2002 Villa Maria Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc - gooseberry & tropical fruit
with
> a nice acidic balance. Screwcapped, yeah!

Villa Maria has been around for over 40 years now - and have a three tier
"grading" structure.

You probably had wine from their "Private Bin" (basic) range.

Their top label is their black label "Reserve" range.

A little more expensive (Cloudy Bay pricing!) - either the "Clifford Bay"
or "Wairau Valley" sauvignons from Marlborough are worth the extra $$$ if
you can find them.

NOTE: Villa Maria bottle *all* their wines under stelvin now - yes, even
their premium reds***



> 2001 Felton Road Pinot Noir - good earthy PN flavors.


Out of Central Otago, this is a very young grape growing area (in fact the
worlds most southerly winemaking region!) - virtually specialising in Pinot
Noir, Riesling and Pinot Gris.

Ian Hoare (after visiting) was underwhelmed with Felton's pinots - saying
that he would prefer to reserve judgment for a decade or so, when the vines
got over their youthful exuberance.



> 2002 McWilliams Shiraz -Pourer says this is Gallo's 1st Australian effort.
> Decent fruity Shiraz, would be ok hamburger wine.


Huh????

McWilliams is one of Australia's oldest (Established 1877), largest
family-owned wine companies, so I have no idea where Gallo enter the
picture.

Within the McWilliams' stable, they have quite a few different labels - I
think that since you were offered the 2002 vintage, it was probably one of
their "basic" shirazes.

The McWilliams Mount Pleasant label is one of their premium offerings.

................................
st.helier