Back to the Future -- New Zealand's Spinyback Label Brings True ''Wines of Extinction'' to the States.

SEBASTOPOL, Calif. -- Author, singer, songwriter and wannabe Texas gubernatorial candidate Kinky Friedman once lamented that over-consumption of oil meant the world would soon be running out of "dinosaur wine." Hold on, Kinky -- it's Spinyback Wines to save the day!

Via Pacifica Imports of Sebastopol, importers of hand-crafted artisan wines from cutting-edge wineries in New Zealand, today announced it will introduce the Spinyback portfolio to the U.S. with a major launch at The New Zealander Restaurant in Alameda, CA, on Saturday, June 17 (1400 Webster St., Alameda, from 4:00 to 10:00 p.m.).

Spinyback Wines are made by Waimea Estates Winery, located in the Nelson appellation on the north end of New Zealand's South Island. The wines -- a Sauvignon Blanc and a Pinot Noir -- are named after an endangered reptile, the Tuatara, which is found only on 30 tiny offshore islands in New Zealand.

"The Tuataras have a crest of spiky scales, called spines, on the center of their backs and tails, hence the name Spinyback," explained Howard Kalmer, owner of Via Pacifica Imports. "And while it looks like a lizard and is frequently referred to as one, the Tuatara really isn't. Instead, it is the only survivor of a large group of ancient reptiles called Sphenodontia that roamed the earth in the Dinosaur Age. The Tuatara's relatives died out about 60 million years ago, so that's why it's often called a 'living dinosaur.' In New Zealand, the Spinyback is almost as famous as the Kiwi bird," Kalmer explained.

Waimea Estates is the second largest winery in the Nelson Region, founded by Trevor and Robyn Bolitho in 1993. The Spinyback Sauvignon Blanc (suggested retail $9.99) has ripe fruit flavors, with zingy and zesty flavors that are signatures of New Zealand Sauvignon Blancs. The Pinot Noir (suggested retail $14.99) is intense and spicy, with nuances of black cherry and truffles, enhanced by silky tannins. Both feature screw cap closures.

The wines will be distributed nationwide after their initial launch in the Bay Area, Kalmer said. Sales of the wines will have an added benefit -- Waimea Estates has committed to donating a portion of its Spinyback proceeds to supporting education about the Spinyback in New Zealand.

About Via Pacifica Imports: Headquartered in Sebastopol, CA, Via Pacific Imports is the nation's leading importer of New Zealand wines. Via Pacifica Imports has hand-selected a portfolio of exceptional wineries. They represent the finest wine-growing regions, gifted winemakers and expressive wines in New Zealand. The breadth and depth of New Zealand are represented by wines from Waiheke Island and Hawke's Bay on the North Island, to Marlborough, Nelson and Central Otago on the South Island. For more information, visit www.viapacifica.com.