le tt es o ri -B e 6 S ub Cl

Wines evaluated last month: 322 • Rejected: 271 • Approved: 51 • Selected: 10 JULY/AUGUST 2011 Whathat’s’s New ThiThiss MMonth?onth? remember when this was quite the event!) chose front cover photograph not only the Wine of the was taken. Of course, I Month Club wines ... but the I was on duty at the store wines as well. time. My responsibilities What I remember of that were stock boy, delivery picture day was that Dad boy, cashier, basket maker, had this photographer there display maker and son. and I don’t remember the Seems like my dad got a reason…but my dad says, bargain at $2.50/hour. “Let’s take a picture” and Actually, I probably wasn’t my attitude was, “Why, the model employee, c’mon, Dad. I though I did work

1 don’t want to take my shifts and make 1 esterday I came to a picture.” “Take

0 a difference. the office to make a a picture, now!” 2 gift for a dinner party Though we are was his reply. T Y

S we were attending. When I standing in front You can see he is U arrived there was an older of what was to even wearing his G become the “Wine pharmacy smock U van parked in front of the

A store. As I exited my car a of the Month Club” (having just come / display, my interest from next door).

Y gentleman in the passenger

L was more in the My dad was always side yells, “Hey, got any U product range behind the guy that had J wine you don’t like in there?” us in the photograph: his camera or “Not today,” I replied politely. the beer cooler. I did movie camera to “Are you sure?” was his begin my lessons on document whatever comeback. “Yes, I am sure.” wine at that age, event he was at. Then I started thinking: Wines though (this photo is The only pictures I don’t like...why would I from approximately I have of my base - have wines I don’t like 1974 or so). One other ball career are from him. The here...? We have methods thing I did: Each Thursday only movies of our family to get rid of the wines I I would go up into this vacations are from him. don’t like here...go to makeshift loft we built and And the only documentation set up the wine tasting for that we have of the great www.vimeo.com/11685891 that week. Usually, 9-10 history of this company are and see for yourself! wines, each brown bagged from him…thanks, Dad. and each setting had a I take back my attitude scoring sheet and pen. This from that day…. was the night that my father PK Jr. and his customers (those Paul Kalemkiarian that made a reservation—it

INSIDE THE TASTING ROOM THIS MONTH What’s New? 2 Classic Series: Sol de Chile Sauv Blanc 11 Classic Series: Winemakers Syrah 3 Classic Series: Alma de Chile Merlot 12 Classic Series: Mezzacorona Chardonnay 4 Classic Series: Lapis Luna Merlot 13 Classic Series: Destinos Syrah/Tempranillo 5 Facebook 14 Classic Series: Destinos Macabeo 6 For Members Only 15 Classic Series Earlier Selections 7 Gifts & More 16 Classic Series: Colle Petrito Nero di Troia 8 Recipes 17-18 Classic Series: 2 Copas Tempranillo 9 Tasting Notes 19 Classic Series: Vinum Chenin Blanc 10 The Corkboard 20

1-800-949-9463 • www.WineoftheMonthClub.com 2 JULY/AUGUST 2011 CLASSIC SERIES 3 h h C h c y c c

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0 CLASSIC 2

T S U G U A

/ ezzacorona Vinification occurs in Y

L cultivates its own steel tanks at controlled U J M grapes in the heart temperature. The whole of the Dolomites process is constantly along the Italian Alps. Every monitored by a team of field is planted with single experienced oenologists varietals and only 100% who manage every phase single varietal wines are of production from the produced from the property. fermentation and organic The climate of the Italian evolution to the pumping Dolomites is characterized over and the aging of the

S by a warm Mediterranean wine. The steel tanks, casks, E I influence from the south and barrels and bottling lines

R Chardonnay

E (Shar doe nay) crystal clear sunlight. A fresh are extremely sophisticated S and wild breeze blows from and a symbol of modern C I 2010 the over 400 oenological S S Mezzacorona lakes and facility. A

L Veneto, Italy numerous C glaciers of the Pinot Grigio Color: surrounding and Pale mountains, Chardonnay Nose: peaking at dominate the Green apple over 9,000 Dolomites and and spice feet. It is the Mezzacorona ideal environ - is well-known Palate: ment to create as the premier Apple, pear and elegant, vivid producer of cinnamon and crispy these Finish: varietal wines. varietals. Chardonnay Very crisp with a especially is a delight in this touch of guava The state-of-the-art wineries region. It is never aged in of Mezzacorona and the oak, ergo the flavors accent expertise of over 100 years the natural personification of of winemaking tradition the grape with its nuanced make this powerhouse pear and apple components Drink now winery one of the premier along with a touch of spice through 2012 organizations in the world and pineapple. of wine. Mezzacorona boasts the most modern oenological This well-endowed selection WOMC RATING equipment available today. is a perfect rendition of its 91 Points The winery is used for type from the Veneto. It’s crushing and vinifying one of the few wines we’ve ITEM #: 711W1 grapes produced by its tried that is perfectly lovely Retail Price: $12.99/each 1,300 growers. They have on its own, but would be Member Price: $10.98/each been and continue to be a kindred spirit to gnocchi Reorder price: $6.99/each the perfect example of with a basil cream sauce or excellence in wine production. crab salad. 46% Discount

1-800-949-9463 • www.WineoftheMonthClub.com 4 J U L CLASSIC Y / A U G U S T

he Producer for The vineyards are composed 2 0

Destinos is Cooperativa of 3,500 acres of grapes 1 T La Remediadora. This with soil ideal for producing 1 is a cooperative owned by spectacular wine. The cold about 30 grape growers in winters and hot, dry the region of “La Mancha,” summers are favorable for giving La Remediadora some grape-growing, bringing of the best grapes from the freshness and inspiration to area. Winemaker Julian the wines. Martinez started his studies

La Mancha is an ideal area C

in Ciudad Real, and then L made his way through for growing grapes because A Syrah/Tempranillo S

the yield per acre is low. The S southern France and the (See RAH I Tuscany region in Italy, versatility of their land has Temp rah NEEYO) C

enabled them S before coming 2009 E back to La to introduce a R I

vast variety of E

Remediadora Destinos S in La Mancha, grapes from La Mancha, Spain around the his home Color: region. They world without Deep red currently problems, com - Nose: produce over plementing the indigenous Earth, licorice and 1,000,000 black cherry cases of wine grapes Airen annually. and Tempranillo. Palate: Ripe plum, leather The grapes of the Destinos La Mancha is also the largest and earth wine region in the world wines come from the region Finish: with over 1,000,000 acres of of “La Mancha” in the central Concentrated and part of Spain. This area is on vineyards. This unique blend tannic with plum, of the oldest and largest of Syrah and Tempranillo blueberry and grape producing regions in brings out the best of both white pepper the world, giving great grapes. Tempranillo is the quality to the sorted grapes, workhorse red of Spain Drink now and reaching the consumer producing its greatest reds through 2012 with a fresh premium wine in Rioja and Ribera del Duero. Syrah is a relative at a great price. WOMC RATING newcomer here, but its 92 Points The Destinos Red is 50% gamey infusion of flavors Tempranillo and 50% Syrah makes a hearty offering to ITEM #: 711R2 fermented in stainless steel match with shredded pork Retail Price: $14.99/each tanks and then bottled to tacos or burgers. get the characteristics and Member Price: $10.98/each freshness typical of these Reorder price: $7.99/each varietals from La Mancha. 47% Discount

1-800-949-9463 • www.WineoftheMonthClub.com 5 1 1

0 CLASSIC 2

T S U G U A

/ he grapes of the made his way through Y

L Destinos wines southern France and the U

J T come from the Tuscany region in Italy, region of “La Mancha” in the before coming back to La central part of Spain. This Remediadora in La Mancha, area is one of the oldest and his home region. They largest grape producing currently produce over regions in the world, giving 1,000,000 cases of wine great quality to the sorted annually. grapes, and reaching the

S Macabeo is similar to and

E consumer with a fresh pre - I sometimes confused with

R Macabeo mium wine at a great price. E (Mack cob bayo) Viura, the workhorse white S Destinos Macabeo is one of grape of Spain. It shares the C

I 2010

S the few single varietal gripping acidity with Viura, S Destinos Macabeo but with a A L La Mancha, Spain wines in the more delicately C Color: world. It is nuanced fruit Deep golden crisp and component Nose: playful, with including guava Guava, lime and emerging and peach butterscotch flavors of nectar. tropical fruit Together with Palate: More guava along and citrus the varietals with lime and peach making it fresh and well- Parellada and Xarel-lo it is balanced. Made from 100% used in the production of Finish: Macabeo grapes grown on the sparkling wine via the Full and extracted 30-year-old bush vines high traditional method (called in the mountains, this wine méthode Champenoise) in is made in the typical the world. Spanish style of white wines with no barrel aging. Our selection is a lovely Drink now rendition integrating the through 2011 The Producer for Destinos is sparse soil in which it is Cooperativa La Remediadora. grown with warm climate WOMC RATING This is a cooperative owned to produce a wine that is 91 Points by about 30 grape growers imposing, yet delicate at the in the region of “La Mancha,” same time. Perfect with raw ITEM #: 711W2 giving La Remediadora some oysters, ceviche or hamachi. Retail Price: $12.99/each of the best grapes from Member Price: $10.98/each the area. Winemaker Julian Reorder price: $6.99/each Martinez started his studies 46% Discount in Ciudad Real, and then

1-800-949-9463 • www.WineoftheMonthClub.com 6 CLASSIC SERIES 7

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0 CLASSIC 2

T S U G U A

/ olle Petrito is of October are the heralded Y

L a cooperative of Troia. U J C wineries in the Apulia region of Southern Apulia produces more wine Italy that specializes in than any other Italian region the knowledge of advanced usually making up around vineyard and winery 17% of the national total. It techniques, environmental also competes with Sicily for protection and a deep first place as grape producer. respect for the historical For a long time much of traditions of Puglia enology. the wine made here was S shipped north to Turin E Technological innovation I where it was used to make R Nero di Troia and research are the

E (Neero de Troya) Vermouth, or to France

S principle keys that outline where it was used to give

C the activities of Colle Petrito

I 2010 structure to S wineries. S Colle Petrito French wines A

L Apulia, Italy For years, when the local C Colle Petrito harvest was Color: concentrated either poor or Dark purple on growing insufficient. In Nose: white grapes recent years, Earth, blueberry and such as Pugliese tart cherry Malvasia, vintners have Palate: Trebbiano, changed their Leather and earth Fiano and views and mixed with lots Moscato di tastes and of berries Trani, but recently it are pursuing wines that has been paying great effectively balance sweet - Finish: attention to the production ness, acid, alcohol content Concentrated, tannic of Nero di Troia, Aglianico, and density. with blueberry fruit Montepulciano, Primitivo, Merlot and Cabernet Our selection is a testament Sauvignon. to these new views. Gone Drink now are the flat, vapid flavors through 2015 The best grapes of Colle of overripe grapes to be Petrito are labeled as Troia, a trucked to the north and blend of Aglianico, Merlot beyond. Delicacy and WOMC RATING and Cabernet Sauvignon. The decency are now the order 92 Points harvesting period lasts about of the day. Here we find three months. The first lovely currant and blueberry ITEM #: 811R1 harvested grapes in the area touches that could handle are Chardonnay which is roast chicken or even grilled Retail Price: $14.99/each vilified toward the middle salmon. Member Price: $10.98/each of the month of August, Reorder Price: $7.99/each Primitivo, Pinot Bianco and 47% Discount finally toward the month

1-800-949-9463 • www.WineoftheMonthClub.com 8 J U L CLASSIC Y / A U G U S T

n 1962 Don Silvestre This allows slow, as in very 2 0

Hinojosa planted 275 slow, maturation of the 1 I 1 acres in Mendoza, grapes without the typically Argentina’s Valley of Uco. associated heat. The stony and sandy ground We’ve been influenced by of Tunuyán, Mendoza, allows California winemakers to for excellent drainage of believe that heat is good for underground water coming grapes. The fact is, it’s the from ice melting off the light from the sun, not the

Andes Mountains. At 2,600 C

temperature, that grapes L feet above sea level it is A

thrive on most. Light Tempranillo S

one of the best wine regions S (Temp rah NEEO) produces photosynthesis I of Mendoza. These wines C

and more than anything are born with a perfect 2010 S else it’s that E environment for R photosynthesis 2 Copas I E

slow grape Mendoza, Argentina S that matures the ripeness with a sugars in the Color: mild day and grapes while Magenta night temperature retaining the Nose: variation between grapes’ natural Black currents, leather 68ºF and 77ºF. acids. Acid is a and plum On this land, they very important Palate: combine the component in Rich plum and cherry character of the wine. It’s what with vanilla and leather vineyards with carries the flavors family tradition and artisan from the front to the back of Finish: work. Here the sun is closer the mouth. Lovely black fruit and the moon and the stars with lots of spice These perfect conditions are brighter than anywhere reign in Mendoza. When else. Here is where the finest coupled with the rolling expression of the vines is Drink now hills, sun exposure and reached. This prose may through 2013 exceptional soils, we have sound like hyperbole, but a viticultural winner. there is more basis in fact Tempranillo is our favorite WOMC RATING here than pomp and Spanish grape by far, and 92 Points circumstance. The fact is this beauty is changing the that because of the high ITEM #: 811R2 way we think about it in elevation and latitude, there Retail Price: $13.00/each Argentina. Try it with lamb is sunlight on the vineyards Member Price: $10.98/each chops and mint pesto. up until way past when Reorder Price: $7.99/each other vineyards are dark. 39% Discount

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0 CLASSIC 2

T S U G U A

/ inum Cellars is with the creation of their Y

L a small California first wine, "Pointe Blanc." U J V Winery well-known Currently the Vinum Cellars for producing wines of the team is working with over 14 highest quality. The grapes grape varieties from the are selected from premium Sierra Foothills, El Dorado coastal and cool climate and San Benito Counties to growing areas within Napa Valley. California. The wines are made by hand in small Of the 110 acres of Chenin batches to allow the varietal Blanc, 30 acres were planted S

E character of each wine to to keep up with the I

R Chenin Blanc express itself. Clarksburg is a increased demand and have E (Shenin Blonk)

S special North Sacramento yet to come into production.

C Delta in the Sierra Foothill Clarksburg is the ideal

I 2009

S wine grape climate for S Vinum Chenin Blanc A appellation L Clarksburg, California located near due to the C Color: the Sierra warm days Pale Mountains. The and the cool area receives evenings, from Nose: cool afternoon the marine Melon, pineapple breezes from influences of and citrus the San the Sacramento Palate: Francisco Bay River and its Fresh melon, pear that moderate the warm tributaries. and lime daytime temperatures. During the springtime, they are busy leaf-pulling Finish: Clean, crisp The winery is a collaboration which allows air movement and citrusy of winemakers Richard through the canopy, Bruno and Chris Condos, increasing fruit character. who first became friends while they were students This is a clean, crisp offering at UC Davis. They share a with superb varietal Drink now long-standing passion for presence. Touches of melon through 2012 Chenin Blanc and fondness and pineapple apply the for the more obscure grape luscious fruit component varieties. which is balanced by the WOMC RATING zippy, grapefruit-like acidity 93 Points After graduation, Chris went in the finish. Mesmerizing to work for Pine Ridge as an with challenging dishes from ITEM #: 811W1 Enologist, and Richard went Chinese chicken salad to Retail Price: $13.00/each to Bonny Doon as their roast pork and even oysters Member Price: $10.98/each distiller. Shortly thereafter, on the half shell. Reorder Price: $6.99/each their friendship was 46% Discount solidified over Chenin Blanc

1-800-949-9463 • www.WineoftheMonthClub.com 10 J U L CLASSIC Y / A U G U S T

ol de Chile lies in the In the 1940s, Chilean wines 2 0

heart of the Maule grew in popularity, then 1 S Valley, 250 miles faded somewhat with 1 south of Santiago, the capital governmental restriction of Chile. The town of Villa on production and the Alegre is known for its nationalization of many historical colonial houses and wineries. In the 1980s, churches, for the orange Chilean wines again hit trees that adorn the main the worldwide market, street of the town and the becoming an inexpensive

tree-lined avenues. way to enjoy wine. The C

quality of the wines caught L The winery is equipped with A the eye of many French and Sauvignon Blanc S state-of-the-art technology, (Soe ving yahn Blonk) S American winemakers such I allowing it to produce C as Spain's Miguel Torres, 2008 S wines that surpass the France's Baron de Rothschild E expectations of R

and Chateau Sol de Chile I the most E Lafite, and the Maule Valley, Chile S demanding U.S.'s Robert consumers. Each Color: Mondavi among Very pale stage in its others, and today, production with foreign Nose: process is capital and joint Fresh apple submitted to strict ventures, Chile's Palate: quality-control wines are Slight with a hint supervision so as reaching an ever of spice not to overlook wider and more any detail in the demanding Finish: winemaking audience. Apple and vanilla process. Chile has made great strides The first vine stocks were in both quality and brought to Chile by the awareness with their Spanish priests in 1548. A Cabernets and Merlots. But few years later the first it has been the Sauvignon Drink now vineyards were planted and Blancs that have consistently through 2012 produced the first harvest in and completely enthralled 1551. It was not until the us. They are so consistently mid-nineteenth century delicious it boggles the WOMC RATING that Chile saw a significant mind. Here is yet another 92 Points transformation of its wine - one that has it all. The making industry when a freshness is a delight and ITEM #: 811W2 number of wealthy families will sing with scallops, soar Retail Price: $13.00/each introduced top-quality vine with sea bass and challenge Member Price: $10.98/each stocks such as Cabernet chicken cordon bleu. Sauvignon, Sauvignon Blanc, Reorder Price: $6.99/each and Chardonnay. 46% Discount

1-800-949-9463 • www.WineoftheMonthClub.com 11 1 1

0 CLASSIC 2

T S U G U A

/ lma de Chile wines Valley give these hand- Y

L are bottled by crafted Private Reserve U J A San Esteban in wines, that have been aged the foothill of the Andes in French and American Oak mountains, with the same barrels, a perfect balance for commitment to excellence a long smooth velvety finish. that began the Rojas family tradition. By lowering yields There are now over 20,000 and harvesting riper grapes, acres of Merlot planted in

S Chile. This major Bordeaux

E the Carmeneres, Cabernets, I red grape made its way to

R Merlot Merlots, Chardonnays (and, E (Mare-low) Chile in the mid- S released in 2007,

C 19th century, but I 2009 Sauvignon Blancs S didn’t become S Alma de Chile and Syrahs) A truly popular here L Aconcagua Valley, Chile produced at the C until the early Color: winery are well Bright red structured, with 1990s. “Chilean Merlot,” as it was Nose: fine balance and Black cherry harmony and a known, had a and vanilla very long finish. unique spicy, Palate: These wines have green-peppery Dense cherry and a been awarded characteristic touch of smoke Gold, Silver and Bronze that was later Finish: medals in competitions in discovered to be due to a Spicy fruit finish with Europe. The Rojas family has stowaway in the vineyard. cherry and vanilla joined the Vicente family to Carmenere, a fellow produce 20,000 cases per Bordeaux grape that had year of a Private Reserve long been forgotten in Wine, geared to the highest France, was found among Drink now the Merlot in 1994. through 2014 quality under the label of Alma de Chile. Our selection offers bright

WOMC RATING Alma de Chile, literally red color. Dense cherry, 92 Points translated as “Soul of Chile,” smoke and vanilla flavors. Smooth and supple with a ITEM #: 511R1 is truly embodied in the spicy fruit finish. Try it with Retail Price: $15.99/each Alma wines. The unique veal or even turkey dishes. Member Price: $9.99/each tasting grapes grown in Reorder price: $8.99/each the foothills of the Andes 44% Discount mountains of the Aconcagua

1-800-949-9463 • www.WineoftheMonthClub.com 12 J U L CLASSIC Y / A U G U S T

apis Luna literally Sal was born in Palermo, 2 0

translates in Latin Italy, and had been in the 1 L to “moonstone” but grocery business for over 1 the playful version lists it as thirty years. Together they “blue moon.” The owners formed a triumvirate of were so confident of the seasoned wine professionals quality of their wines that which took the wine their moniker became business by storm with “wines like these come their unique names and along once in a blue moon.” labels followed by C

It certainly works out that exceptional wines. L A

way as they are relentless Merlot S This selection represents an (Mare-low) S in their vision to create I amazing value. C distinctive 2005 S wines that will We’re talking E Napa Valley R have an allure Lapis Luna I E not unlike that Merlot here, Napa, California S of the pull of the most Color: the moon on famous wine Magenta region in the the tides. They Nose: US. Next is the have delighted Currant, black cherry us with superb absolutely and cocoa of Merlots, perfect 2005 Palate: Cabernets, Old Vine vintage which produced wines of power and grace Very clean cranberry Zinfandels, Petite Sirahs and and soft tannins Chardonnays. You won’t seldom seen even in Napa. have to wait for the next Wines of similar pedigree Finish: Long and foreboding blue moon to enjoy the best would fetch three to four times the price. It helps with cherry California has to offer from and vanilla the Wine of the Month Club. being at the right place at the right time. Lapis Luna was founded in 1999 when two friends— The wine features generous, Drink now Michael Florian, who was the mouth-filling grape and through 2013 marketing director of the black fruit components with Hess Collection Winery, and soft, elegant tannins and a stunning finish. Great with a WOMC RATING Bruce Wise, who was the 91 Points chief financial officer of the fillet in just a touch of béarnaise. It is perfect now, Hess Collection—decided to ITEM #: 611 EMT form a company and launch but will continue to delight Retail Price: $15.00/each the new brand. for several more years. Member Price: $9.99/each A third partner, Sal Nuccio, Reorder price: $5.99/each entered a short time later. 60% Discount 1-800-949-9463 • www.WineoftheMonthClub.com 13 ub onthCl oftheM /Wine ok.com * .facebo 63,129 www people like this Weekly Facebook Giveaway We’re giving away a $50 Wine of the Month Club Gift Certificate every week. See our Facebook page and enter today! JOIN THE CONVERSATION E G A P

K O O B E C A F

*At the time of press.

1-800-949-9463 • www.WineoftheMonthClub.com 14 FOR MEMBERSS O ONNLLYY F O R M E M B E R Q&A “Do you have any suggestions to train my palate to Q taste wine?” ~ G.M., Detroit, MI There is a process to training the palate for tasting wine. But, I have to A. warn you that it is an endless road. Most importantly, you will need to train your sense of smell. The nose knows. Most of what we taste is directly related to what we smell. Training your sense of smell is easy and endless. Let’s start with basic descriptors such as strawberries; smell blackberry jam and a bowl of strawberries and then recognize it the next

S time you put your nose in a glass of Pinot Noir. Notice the smell of new

R leather seats or walk into a store that sells leather and then remember it E

B when you get a whiff of Cabernet Sauvignon. When you are cooking, make

M an extra effort to identify the smell of bell peppers, dill, asparagus, cayenne E pepper, lemon peel, olives, and mushrooms just to name a few. I am naming M just smells in the food group. How about nature? There are so many different flower smells: gardenia, red rose, pink rose, cherry blossom, jasmine, fresh cut grass and earth. Once you recognize these smells you will taste them in the glass. It’s fascinating and fun! All these and a million other smells and flavors will keep you on the wine tasting path for many a year to come.

“I want to start a wine collection. How do I keep the Q wine and do I need to rotate them? Thank you.” ~ D.R., San Diego, CA You will want to keep your wines in a temperature controlled place A. at about 60°F. Ideally, there should be no light, no vibration, and a bit of humidity. If your house has a basement or underground cellar, that can work. If you are on the east coast, your basement or cellar should stay cool in the summer months as well. On the west coast, we depend on temperature-controlled units to help our wines survive the endless summer heat we have. They range in price depending on size, but it’s a wise investment if you’re serious about storing wines for any length of time. As you start to accumulate wine, you may get 100 bottles or more. Some could lay down for 10 to 14 years, others for 3 to 5 years, and some are opened the night they’re brought home! With that many bottles being stored, you should open some of the aging wines to see how they’re doing. There is nothing sadder than opening a bottle you’ve been saving only to find it’s past its prime. So go to your cellar now and pull some corks and pour some glasses. It’s interesting to see how the wines are doing. Remember, the whole point of buying is to drink and enjoy wine. You can always buy more. Have fun!

1-800-949-9463 • www.WineoftheMonthClub.com 15 Gifts & More

A. Classic Series Gift Membership A The gift that makes everyone smile, this IS the club that started it all—I mean really started "wine to your door." The founding feature of Wine of the Month Club is the Classic Series. First shipment arrives in a handsome burgundy linen gift box and is accompanied by a personalized gift card. 4 Months: $136.49 (plus applicable state taxes) 6 Months: $199.89 (plus applicable state taxes)

12 Months: $388.79 (plus applicable state taxes) G I Shipping & handling included* F T S

&

B. Vintners Series Gift Membership

B M The most recent addition to our family at Wine of O

the Month Club, the Vintners Series gives your gift R

recipient an opportunity to experience wines in a E price range that offers a wider variety of grapes and growing regions. First shipment arrives in a hand - some burgundy linen gift box and is accompanied by a personalized gift card. 4 Months: $174.49 (plus applicable state taxes) 6 Months: $259.89 (plus applicable state taxes) 12 Months: $514.79 (plus applicable state taxes) Shipping & handling included*

C. Limited Series Gift Membership C If your gift recipient appreciates the delicate subtleties of a fine premium wine, the exceptional special occasion selections you’ll find in the Limited Series are bound to please. First shipment arrives in a handsome burgundy linen gift box and is accompanied by a personalized gift card. 4 Months: $219.49 (plus applicable state taxes) 6 Months: $318.89 (plus applicable state taxes) 12 Months: $643.79 (plus applicable state taxes) Shipping & handling included*

*Shipping included for shipments going to contiguous US states. Call for Alaska, Hawaii and/or other US territories.

Visit our website at www.WineoftheMonthClub.com for gift baskets, gift memberships and various wine assortments. 16 Recipes Osso Buco

Ingredients: For the gremolata: 8 shanks of veal, each about Grated zest of 3 lemons 12 ounces, ideally about 2 or Grated zest of 1 orange 3 inches thick, marrow intact 4 tablespoons flat-leaf parsley, Sea salt and pepper very finely chopped Flour, for dredging 3 cloves garlic, finely minced 2 tablespoons butter 4 tablespoons olive oil 4 ounces pancetta, cut into lardons 2 carrots, peeled and chopped 2 stalks celery, chopped 2 yellow onions, chopped 3 cloves of garlic, minced ¾ cup chopped canned tomatoes 3 bay leaves 3 cups Corinto Sauvignon Blanc 2 cups veal stock, or more as needed Salt and pepper to taste

Preparation: Preheat oven to 300 degrees. Pat shanks dry with paper towels, season liberally with salt and pepper. Spread flour on a plate. Melt butter with oil in a large skillet over low heat. Add pancetta and cook until it begins to render its fat. Add carrot, celery, onion and garlic and cook, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables are soft and the onion is translucent. Remove with a slotted spoon and reserve. Increase heat to medium-high. Dredge shanks in the flour and give them a little shake to remove excess flour before transferring to the skillet and browning on all sides. You will either need to do this in two skillets or two batches. Place browned veal and vegetable-pancetta mixture into a Dutch oven. Add tomatoes, bay leaves, wine, and stock. Depending on the saltiness of your stock, you may need to season shanks with additional salt. If shanks do not fit in one layer in your cooking vessel, increase amount of wine and stock so as to submerge meat. Bring to a simmer, cover and transfer to oven. Bake for 2½ hours. Bring osso buco to room temperature then chill in refrigerator overnight. The day of serving, remove the osso buco from the refrigerator; skim the layer of fat that will have formed on the surface and discard. This will leave a more intense and less fatty sauce. Preheat the oven to 300 degrees. Bring the osso buco to a simmer over medium heat. Transfer to the oven and reheat until ready to serve—at least 1 hour, can be longer. This is a dish that rewards long, slow cooking. At this point, check for seasoning. If you want to reduce sauce, remove shanks and boil sauce down until it thickens. Right before serving, make the gremolata by grating the zest and mincing parsley and garlic. With your fingers, toss these ingredients together in a little bowl. Sprinkle this liberally on each shank once plated. Enjoy with a glass of Winemakers Syrah!

17 Recipes Ham Tart

Ingredients: Pastry Dough 3 cups unbleached all-purpose flour ⅔ cup water ⅓ cup extra-virgin olive oil 1 teaspoon salt Filling 5 cups (2½ pounds) fresh ricotta 14 large eggs ¾ pound good quality cooked ham or mortadella, diced 1 tablespoon plus 2 teaspoons minced fresh marjoram 2½ teaspoons salt 2 teaspoons freshly ground black pepper Pinch of cumin seeds

Instructions: For the pastry: In a bowl, quickly mix together the flour, water, oil and salt. Transfer the mixture to a work surface. Briefly work the dough with your fingertips until it forms a ball. Divide into two balls, one slightly larger than the other (one third to two thirds); shape balls into flattened disks, wrap separately in plastic, and refrigerate for 30 minutes. Remove the dough from the refrigerator. On a lightly floured work surface, roll the larger piece to a 14 ½-inch round, ⅛-inch thick. Transfer to an 11-inch springform pan, pressing into edges and leaving a ¼-inch overhang. For the filling: Preheat the oven to 350 degrees. In a bowl, combine the ricotta, 7 of the eggs, ham, marjoram, salt, and pepper; spoon into the prepared crust. With the back of a tablespoon, create 6 deep egg-shaped indentations in the filling. One at a time, crack an egg into each indentation. Roll the remaining dough into an 11-inch round. Cover the top of the tart with dough; pinch together the edges and trim any excess dough. Whisk together the remaining egg with 1 tablespoon water. Brush the top of the tart with the egg wash and sprinkle with a pinch of salt and cumin seeds. Bake tart, rotating halfway through, until top is puffed up and golden, 55 to 60 minutes. Cool in pan on a wire rack for 10 minutes, then remove from the pan and cool on rack to room temperature. Serve with a glass of Destinos Macabeo. Enjoy!

18 - Tasting Journal -

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19 TTHHEE CCOORRKKBBOOAARRDD

Congratulations to Rob Lahaie from Asheville, North Carolina, winner of our Quarterly Drawing! Enjoy that 3-liter bottle of 2006 L’Oratoire Châteauneuf- du-Pape, Rob!

Look what I found at a chain store for $56.99, sold at Wine of the Month Club for $39.00! The deals are always around at Wine of the Month Club—in fact, this one sold out in record time!

For the first time since 2002, the Wine of the Month Club had a modest increase of 99 cents per bottle. Reorder prices will remain the same substantial discount, as will our shipping costs, which are the lowest in the industry. We continue to offer the very best value in the wine club world, along with the very best guarantee.

Membership in the Wine of the Month Club is open to anyone with an interest in and appreciation for superb wines...and excellent wine values. Membership is FREE. Wine of the Month Club CALL: 1-800-949-9463 or [626] 303-1690 P.O. Box 660220, Arcadia, CA 91066 FAX: [626] 303-2597 Website: www.WineoftheMonthClub.com Facebook: www.facebook.com/WineoftheMonthClub Twitter: Twitter: http://twitter.com/wineofthemonth Newsletter written by: Ed Masciana, Wine Author

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