Winemaker Dave Johnson spent a few weeks in New Zealand last winter and brought back with him some very interesting ideas – one of which was the insertion of sheep-labour into his vineyards. That is not a misprint, I did write and you did read, “sheep labour”. New Zealand, having so many sheep as part of its population, puts them to work pruning the grape vines. In honour of one of these docile creatures that helped out, the lone black sheep, the Black Sheep Riesling was born. What is really very apparent are the aromatics of this wine … the sweet smells of tropical fruit are delicious and they really carry the wine onto your palate. The nose is white peach and pineapple strong, while the palate is kiwi and pineapple. Dave said he wanted to capture those strong aromas while they were still fresh so he bottled in early January – seems like it has worked. Due out July, 2008 – when the sheep return to tend the fields.