Moa Wine, Please: Rosenblum Endangered Wines

A mere 1,000 years ago, giant flightless birds called moas inhabited the islands of New Zealand. There were more than a dozen species of moa and the largest of these may have weighed more than 200 kilograms and stood 2 to 3 meters high. The different species of moa probably became extinct at different times, although little is actually known about this because the archaeological record is limited.

Well, maybe you don’t think the Moa Bird is “all-that” so you could really care less that it is now extinct. But maybe this will cause you a sleepless night or two.

Rosenblum’s Endangered Wines produces an internationally renowned portfolio of more than 40 wines from top vineyards located throughout California’s finest appellations.

ATTENTION: Just want to let all you Rosenblum fans that some of their most popular wines are in dangerously low supply. If you’re interested in any of the following wines, you might want to place your order right away, or try them by visiting our Alameda and Healdsburg tasting rooms. They’re all available for tasting this month, unless they sell out before the end of March.

• 2004 Hendry Reserve Zinfandel, Napa Valley –– It really doesn’t get any better than this. Year after year, one of their most critically acclaimed wines and always elegant, lush and exceptionally balanced. Probably their best-aging Zinfandel, it could easily cellar for up to 10 years. Retail $45.00/750 ml bottle.

• 2004 St. Peter’s Church Zinfandel, Sonoma County–– Rated 91 points in Robert Parker’s The Wine Advocate, this is their most exclusive and limited Zinfandel. In fact, this wine sets the standard for Rosenblum Zinfandels. Clones from this vineyard were planted in the renowned Rockpile Road Vineyard as well as in the increasingly popular Snow’s Lake Vineyard. Retail $55.00/750 ml bottle. (This is one of my fav zins for fireplace sipping!)

• 2004 Rockpile Road Petite Sirah, Dry Creek Valley – Petite Sirah lovers swoon over this wine. The vineyard’s 90-year-old clone of Petite Sirah produces a rich and extracted wine filled with flavors of brambly blackberry and creamy currant, with hints of smoke, licorice and dark chocolate. The Dec. 31, 2006, Wine Spectator described this wine as showing “lots of ripe, lush dark fruits, with plum, wild berry and blackberry fruit that has a nice spicy cedary and hazelnut edge.” Retail $45.00/750 ml bottle.

• 2004 Lyons Vineyard Zinfandel, Napa County – Rated 91 Points in Connoisseurs’ Guide to California Wine and a favorite among their tasting room staff, this wine is a blend of two distinct vineyards: Lyons and RustRidge. The combination creates a balanced and complex Zinfandel with stunning black cherry flavors and aromas, and notes of cracked white pepper. This is a powerhouse with a soft inner core that keeps you coming back for more. Drink now or cellar for three to eight years. Retail $45.00/750 ml bottle.

For more info, visit: www.rosenblumcellars.com.

By Vagablond’s Token Redhead.