WOMC-News707 7/17/07 4:14 PM Page 1
NEWS FROM WINE OF THE MONTH CLUB Since 1972 August 2007 Wines evaluated last month: 283 Rejected: 257 Approved: 26 Selected: 8
“ What’s New ummer’s lease and this wine shows off its This Month hath all too short unique personality. a date.” see page 2 S~ WM. SHAKESPEARE LIMITED SERIES Send Us Your 2005, Chateau e-mail Address! REGULAR SERIES Haut-Grandjean, send to: 2006, Tunnel of Elms, Bordeaux, France [email protected] Chardonnay, California No matter which wine you Congratulations to Textbook Chardonnay at drink from the 2005 vintage Richard Rutkin of an incredible deal is in Bordeaux it will be good Newberry Park, CA! very hard to come by. at the very least, if not great! He is our But, we found this beauty This wine is no exception Comment Card and are sure you will and what a deal to boot! winner of a 3-Liter enjoy every glass. bottle of wine. 2005 Curious Beagle, 2005, Arido, Cabernet Sauvignon, Gift Assortments Cab/Merlot/Malbec, Paso Robles, California see page 9 Mendoza, Argentina How curious are you to try Not one, but three an awesome wine with New Member great varietals blended great value from one of Application to make a wine for all the greatest appellations in for a Friend your occasions. Mendoza California? This one is a see page 15 is the perfect place for crowd-pleaser. growing these grapes
INSIDE THIS MONTH
WINE OF THE MONTH CLUB NEWS 1 ORDER FORMS 7–10 WHAT’S NEW?2UPCOMING EVENTS 11 REG. CHARDONNAY, 2006. TUNNEL OF ELMS 3 MEMBER COMMENTS 12 REG. CAB/MERLOT/MALBEC, 2005. ARIDO 4 ADVENTURES IN GOOD FOOD 13 LTD. BORDEAUX, 2005. CH HAUT-GRANDJEAN 5 REGULAR & LTD TASTING NOTES 11, 14 LTD. CABERNET SAUVIGNON, 2005. CURIOUS BEAGLE 6 WORD ON THE STREET 16 Join us on the Web: www.WineoftheMonthClub.com WOMC-News707 7/17/07 4:14 PM Page 2
A NOTE WHAT’S NEW THIS MONTH? FROM YOUR CELLARMASTER L et me dispel a funny myth. The French are NOT rude (just a little pushy), they are NOT arrogant (just a little self centered), and they are NOT obnoxious (just a little unfriendly). Seriously, we had an incredible time in Paris recently and frankly, only experienced one uncomfortable episode during a meal. Otherwise, we found them to be courteous, helpful, friendly and concerned. Except for the prices, we really felt like Paul Kalemkiarian we experienced France (maybe that is part of the experience!). Let me shed some light.
This month we are really Right now the dollar is worth about .66 Euro's. If you getting great examples of give them a dollar, they give you 67 cents. If your omelet is 12 Euro, it really is $17.90! So the way around wines that reflect their the shock is to use your credit card and think the terroir. The California numbers are dollars and wait until you get home to Chardonnay is bright and have a heart attack (the medical care is better here cheery and the Arido from anyway). One restaurant in Paris, which my uncle Argentina screams out its wanted to treat us to, was a nice place, not too fancy up up scale. They handed me the wine list (as usual!) origin. Wine and local and my uncle suggested I choose something "middle food is never so obvious an of the road" price wise. I glanced at the list and idea as it is in Europe. Each responded, "Middle of the road is $500.00!” He was regions wines classically go buying so we got a 2001 Chateau Latour, great wine with their indigenous foods. and just around $600/bottle. Seem expensive? We went on to London were we dined in the hotel Salud! restaurant and once again, I get the wine list. This time however, the 2001 Chateau Latour was $2,400.00! We went with the Australian Trinity at around $200.00. All in all a great trip!
Paul Kalemkiarian I will update you on our site seeing next month.
Membership in THE WINE OF THE MONTH CLUB is open to anyone with an interest in and an appreciation for superb wines... and excellent wine values. Membership is FREE. For more info write: WINE OF THE MONTH CLUB P.O. Box 660220, Arcadia, CA 91066 Or call: 1-800-949-WINE (9463) or (626) 303-1690 FAX: (626) 303-2597 Visit us at: www.WineoftheMonthClub.com Newsletter written by: Elizabeth Schweitzer, Master Sommelier
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DOMESTIC SELECTION
eringer while incorporating cutting Vineyards is edge technology and B almost contemporary ideas. “My synonymous philosophy for making wine with Napa Valley. For is to really show where the three decades, Beringer has fruit is coming from or to been Napa’s benchmark really be able to express the producer for crafting site where the fruit is being classic wines from great grown,” says Laurie. appellations and vineyards. Beringer Vineyards is Tunnel of Elms was named the oldest continuously for the beautiful row of elm operating winery in the trees framing the entrance to 2006 Napa Valley, and in 2001, the winery. The trees were the estate was placed on planted in 1885 by the Tunnel of the National Register for Beringer brothers, Jacob and Elms Frederick. Historic Places. Jacob Chardonnay Beringer had incredible (shar-doe-nay) The wine has rich foresight when in 1848, he golden yellow color. This recognized the quality and California Chardonnay boasts bright potential of grape growing Color: citrus and tropical fruit in the Napa Valley. Rich golden yellow aromas with a hint of Nose: The quality winemaking vanilla and butter. The Bright ripe fruit, flavors are crisp, ripe, and citrus, apple, of yesterday combined vanilla, butter with the partnership of delicious, with soft fruit Palate: tannins, tropical fruit and Winemakers Ed Sbragia and Dry, medium- Laurie Hook are key to the soft oak. This textbook bodied, tropical successful ventures still to chardonnay pairs well fruit, light oak, soft tannins come. Together they make with a range of dishes and wines that are symbolic of is equally delicious to drink Finish: Refreshing finish the winery’s rich heritage on its own.
CELLARING SUGGESTIONS 807A Retail Price: $11.99/each Special Member Price: $7.99/each Drink now Reorder Price: $5.99/each through 2007 50% Discount $71.88/case
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IMPORTED SELECTION
rido is a family experienced different vineyard located winemaking techniques in the beautiful and philosophies. He has A Province of worked for many wineries Mendoza, Argentina. The such as Sant Gimena, winery is dedicated to Dolium, Trapiche, Altus premium wines, both and Barberis. He is elegant and complex, with developing sparkling wine outstanding quality. The in Brazil to be released in alluvial and stony soils 2008. With all that under combined with the high his belt he came to Arido in altitude of the vineyards 2001 to continue his work. at the foot of the Andes Malbec finds its true home 2005 Mountains are a perfect in Mendoza and when it Arido environment for growing is joined by Merlot and Malbec, Merlot and Cabernet Sauvignon, the Cab / Merlot / Cabernet Sauvignon. The wine becomes a serious Malbec blend is only the best family unit. The Merlot (ka-bur-nay / mare-low / mahl-beck) fruit from each varietal softens the rustic and tannic and has its own and Malbec and the Cabernet Mendoza complex personality. Sauvignon adds elegance Argentina and aroma. This triplet blend Alejandro Canovas also has Color: is a winner. The nose is his own personality. At only Dark red powerful with smells of thirty years old, he has Nose: coffee dark cherries, smoky earned a reputation for Forceful coffee, dark bacon and cinnamon. It is cherries, smoky making quality wines and full-bodied and complex bacon, cinnamon is extremely intelligent. with rich berries, chocolate, Palate: His background is in healthy tannins and vanilla Full-bodied, rich vineyard management, wine oak which carries over berries, chocolate, stabilization, microbiology, rich tannins, vanilla into the lasting finish. Enjoy and fermentation manage- with pork, steak or bacon Finish: ment. He has traveled to Lasting finish wrapped scallops. other wine regions and has
CELLARING SUGGESTIONS 807B Retail Price: $14.99/each Special Member Price: $10.99/each Enjoy now Reorder Price: $6.99/each through 2010 54% Discount $83.88/case
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IMITED ERIES L S SELECTION
ordeaux wine 2005 is a truly fantastic gets its name vintage with great quality from the city wines. The quality of the B around which vintage is considered by it has been produced since the “experts” as the best the 8th century. Bordeaux vintage in fifty years and is a port city in the south- prices are soaring. So we are west of France It is located so excited to share this super near the European Atlantic special bottle with you. coast and the city is built on Christian Jourdan is a small 2005 a bend of the Garonne producer in Bordeaux. He River and is divided into only makes about 10,000 Chateau two parts; the right bank cases a year including his Haut- to the east and left bank in white wine. The wine is all Grandjean the west. It is France’s estate-bottled. most famous city and its Merlot / This wine has a cherry citizens are called Bordelais. Cabernet purple color. The nose is Bordeaux has about 117,000 Sauvignon complex with ripe fruit hectares of vines, 57 (mare-low, ka-bur-nay smells of red berries, saw-veehn-yawn) appellations, 9,000 chateaux, particularly strawberry and 13,000 grape growers and Bordeaux black currants. The palate is 400 wine traders. It produces France dry, medium-bodied with a over 700 million bottles, and Color: hint of oak and leather. wine sales of 14.5 billion Cherry purple The tannins are soft and euros annually. Wow! Nose: balanced and the finish is Red berries, Both red and white wine is lingering with a hint of strawberry, made in Bordeaux. The red wood. This wine is a great black currant wines are called “claret” in pairing with red meats, pate’ Palate: the United Kingdom and and aged cheeses. Try it with Dry, medium- are made from Cabernet our recipe on page 13 for bodied, hint of oak, Sauvignon, Merlot, Malbec, Flank Steak. balanced tannins Petit Verdot and Cabernet Finish: Franc. Earthy finish
CELLARING SUGGESTIONS L807C Retail Price: $18.99/each Special Member Price: $17.99/each Drink now or Reorder Price: $15.99/each cellar through 2008 16% Discount $191.88/case
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IMITED ERIES L S SELECTION
aso Robles is Rietkerk vineyard, this 100% near the coast Cabernet Sauvignon is an in Central instant favorite. This wine P California, south was tasted at a Wine Show of Monterey and Salinas, with other bottles retailing and a little north of San Luis for $120.00 and was Obispo. The area is noted unanimously voted the for its warm, clear days with favorite. “The difference was little or no clouds, fog, or so negligible, you’d have to severe winds. The nights are be a fool not to buy as many cooled by a marine layer that as you could!” claimed one covers the area after sunset. participant. Another taster The proximity to the ocean, said, “After I tasted this 2005 the numerous hills, canyons, wine I wish, I wish, I wish I valleys, and elevation make actually had enough scratch Curious for many different micro- on me to buy it in bulk. This Beagle climates. This allows for is probably one of the best different varietals to grow wines in this price range that Cabernet and ripen at their leisure. I ever had.” Sauvignon The soils also vary from (ka-bur-nay Try it yourself and see if you place to place even within saw-veehn-yawn) don’t agree. The color is a several feet. According to the dark cherry red. The nose Paso Robles USDA soil map there are is earthy with notes of California four prominent soil types in chocolate and plums. The Color: Paso Robles.; shale, granite, palate is full-bodied with Dark cherry serpentine, and sandstone. dark cherry fruit, spice Nose: Curious Beagle is the latest and chocolate. This is not Earthiness, project for Jim Tonjum. He a fruit bomb but complex chocolate, plum is a veteran in the wine with genuine Cabernet Palate: business having worked Sauvignon elegance. Perfect Full-bodied, dark several different positions with pot roast, venison cherry, blackberry, spice, chocolate before making his own label. and BBQ. Using the very best grapes Finish: Dry earthy finish sourced from the notable
CELLARING SUGGESTIONS L807D Retail Price: $24.99/each Special Member Price: $21.99/each Drink now Reorder Price: $19.99/each through 2009 20% Discount $239.88/case
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IMITED ERIES L EARLIERS SELECTIONS
REGULAR MEMBER ITEM # DESCRIPTION PRICE/ DISC. QTY. REORDER PRICE/ TOTAL UNIT CASE/EACH Bordeaux, 2005. Chateau Haut-Grandjean $191.88/cs L807C $18.99 16% “Red berries, strawberry, black currant” $15.99/ea Cabernet Sauvignon, 2005. Curious Beagle $239.88/cs L807D $24.99 20% “Spice, chocolate, plum” $19.99/ea Sauvignon Blanc, 2006. Terza Volta $179.88/cs L807E $18.50 19% “Grapefruit, melon, peach” $14.99/ea Fiano/Greco, 2006. A-Mano $155.88/cs L807F $16.99 24% “Floral, pear, cantaloupe” $12.99/ea Virtuoso, 2004. Crescendo $215.88/cs L707C $38.98 54% “Black cherry, plum, currants” $17.99/ea Viognier, 2005. Ledgewood Creek $155.88/cs L707D $18.99 32% “Honeysuckle, apricot, peach” $12.99/ea Syrah, 2004. Basket Case $143.88/cs L707E $14.99 20% “Earth, cola, coffee, cloves” $11.99/ea Rielsing, 2006. Max Ferd Richter $143.88/cs L707F $16.99 30% “Green apple, citrus, wet stones” $11.99/ea Durif, 2003. Nugan. $191.88/cs L607C $25.99 39% “Earthy, cloves, black cherry” $15.99/ea Shiraz, 2002. Barnadown Run $191.88/cs L607D $22.99 46% “Black pepper, cherry, dark plums” $15.99/ea Riesling, 2005. Villa Maria $155.88/cs L607E $15.99 19% “Off -dry, delicate fruit and floral” $12.99/ea Trebbiano, 2005. Villa Medoro $155.88/cs L607F $15.99 19% “Dry, fresh, mineral, floral, and pears” $12.99/ea Syrah, 2003. Cosentino $191.88/cs L507C $23.50 32% “Black fruit, minerals, rhubarb” $15.99/ea Cabernet Sauvignon, 2002. Koonowla $191.88/cs L507D $22.50 29% “Smoky, cassis, sweet berries” $15.99/ea Chardonnay, 2005. Pavilion $143.88/cs L507E $13.99 15% “Pear, apple, lemon, oak” $11.99/ea Chardonnay, 2005. Chanson Viré Clessé $143.88/cs L507F $22.00 45% “Floral,SOLD jasmine, OUT nutmeg, pears” $11.99/ea You must be a Limited Series Member Sub-Total to order Limited Series wines. 8.25% CA Sales Tax S&H TOTAL 7 WOMC-News707 7/17/07 4:14 PM Page 8
EGULAR ERIES R EARLIERS SELECTIONS
REGULAR MEMBER ITEM # DESCRIPTION PRICE/ DISC. QTY. REORDER PRICE/ TOTAL UNIT CASE/EACH Chardonnay, 2006. Tunnel of Elms $71.88/cs 807A $11.99 50% “Citrus, apple, vanilla, butter” $5.99/ea Cab/Merlot/Malbec, 2005. Arido $83.88/cs 807B $14.99 54% “Coffee, dark cherries, smoky bacon” $6.99/ea Cabernet Franc, 2004. Ironstone $83.88/cs 707A $13.99 50% “Balckberries, nutmeg, smoke” $6.99/ea Viognier, 2005. Pebejae $71.88/cs 707B $12.50 53% “Apricot, peach, tangerine” $5.99/ea Pinot Grigio, 2006. Oak Grove $71.88/cs 607A $12.99 54% “Fresh apricot, citrus, pear” $5.99/ea Cabernet Sauvignon, 2002. Vizcaya $83.88/cs 607B $12.99 46% “Red fruit, floral, cinnamon” $6.99/ea Miser Meritage, 2005. CheapSkate $83.88/cs 507A $15.99 56% “Ripe fruit, herbs, tobacco, chocolate” $6.99/ea Chardonnay/Torrontes, 2006. Martin Fierro $71.88/cs 507B $12.99 54% “Fresh peach, lychee, guava” $5.99/ea Chardonnay, 2004. Peralta. $71.88/cs 407A $13.99 57% “Grapefruit, tropical fruit, ripe apple” $5.99/ea Cab/Shiraz/Merlot, 2004. Gum Bear $83.88/cs 407B $12.99 47% “Fresh plum, spice, floral” $6.99/ea Petite Sirah, 2005. Copper Fish $83.88/cs 307A $13.99 50% “Ripe red fruit, spice, sweet oak” $6.99/ea Sauvignon Blanc, 2006. Monkey Puzzle $71.88/cs 307B $10.99 45% “Forward citrus, parsley, granny smith apple” $5.99/ea Chardonnay, 2005. Crooked Limb $71.88/cs 207A $11.99 50% “Green apples, peaches, butter” $5.99/ea Merlot/Malbec/Cab. Sauvignon, 2006. Flagtree $95.88/cs 207B $13.99 43% “Raspberry, marmalade, floral” $7.99/ea Bairrada, 2005. Alianca $71.88/cs 107B $9.99 40% “Herbal, lemon, floral” $5.99/ea Brut, N.V. Rime’ $95.88/cs 1206A $19.95 60% “Grapefruit, lemon, green apple” $7.99/ea Sub-Total 8.25% CA Sales Tax S&H TOTAL 8 WOMC-News707 7/17/07 4:14 PM Page 9
INE F THE ONTH LUB W O GIFTM ORDERSC
GIFT # WINE OF THE MONTH CLUB GIFT MEMBERSHIPS QTY. PRICE TOTAL
10G 2 Bottles Current club selections $21.95* 20G 6 Bottles Assortment of recent selections $58.85* 30G 12 Bottles (1 Case) Assortment of recent selections $114.20* 4GP 4 Month Membership in WINE OF THE MONTH CLUB $77.30* Subscriptions: 2 Bottles (current Club selections) each month for 4 months (8 bottles total). 4QGP 4 Month Membership in WINE OF THE MONTH CLUB $77.30* Subscriptions: 2 Bottles every quarter for one year (8 bottles total). 5GP 6 Month Membership in WINE OF THE MONTH CLUB $114.20* Subscriptions: 2 Bottles (current Club selections) each month for 6 months (12 bottles total). 5BGP 6 Month Membership in WINE OF THE MONTH CLUB $114.20* Subscriptions: 2 Bottles (current Club selections) every other month for 6 months (12 bottles total). 6GP 1 Year Membership in WINE OF THE MONTH CLUB $224.90* Subscriptions: 2 Bottles (current Club selections) each month for 12 months (24 bottles total).
LOG 2 Bottles (LIMITED SERIES) Current selections $43.50* LGP 1 Year Membership in WINE OF THE MONTH CLUB $483.50* Subscriptions: 2 Bottles (current Limited Series selections) every month for the next 12 months (24 bottles total).
WINE OF THE MONTH CLUB 2007 GIFT BASKETS CPB THE CROWD PLEASER Let everyone savor the flavors of our biggest basket. Plenty to go around for all to enjoy! Basket includes: One bottle of 2003 Rosenblum Shiraz, one bottle of 2005 Sycamore Lane Chardonnay, Thatcher’s Popcorn, Artisan Breadsticks, Sourdough Truffles, Upper Crust Cookies, Savannah Cookies, Kara’s All American taffy, Kara’s assorted Chocolate Bars, Greek Gourmet Kalamata Olive Spread, Mississippi Cheese Straws, Homestyle Peanuts, Dillions Peanut Brittle, Lady Walton Cookies, Stuffed Gourmet Olives, Upper Crust Crostini, Nicolettes Cookies, Malto Bella Malt Balls, Classic Vanilla Caramels, Starr Ridge cookies, assorted hard candies. Delivered in a large oval basket. #CPB $114.00 + $9.98 CA sales tax + $14.00 Shipping & Handling ($19.50 S&H outside CA) $114.00 WCPB WINE AND CHEESE PICNIC This gift allows you to take the celebration with you. Everything you need to create your own special picnic. Basket includes: One bottle of 2002 Domaine St. George Cabernet, one bottle of 2006 Sycamore Lane Chardonnay, Northwood’s Cheese with Shiraz, Starr Ridge crackers, assorted hard candies. Delivered in our insulated double wine tote complete with cheese board, knife and corkscrew. #WCPB $49.95 + $4.37 Ca sales tax + $8.50 Shipping & Handling ($10.50 S&H outside CA) $49.95 SOMSPEC SOMETHING SPECIAL Chic and simple this gift will make anyone feel special. Basket includes: One bottle of 2002 Brutocao Cellars Cabernet Sauvignon, Kara’s Chocolate bar, Starr Ridge cookies, assorted hard candies. Arrives in a rectangular wicker basket. #SOMSPEC $19.95 +$1.75 CA sales tax + $7.50 Shipping & Handling ($9.50 S&H outside CA) $19.95 Add this amount to GIFT ORDER TOTAL on line 1 on Order Form on page 10 GIFT ORDERS TOTAL
1. All wine assortments, as well as the first month of WINE OF THE 3. All recipients must be 21 years or older. MONTH CLUB membership, will be handsomely gift boxed. 4. If any of the items to be included is out of inventory, we A card will be attached with your greeting. guarantee that we will substitute a product of equal or superior 2 Shipments are made by UPS/Fed Ex and are guaranteed to quality. Call us for weekend delivery. arrive in perfect condition. *Gift wrapping included. 9 WOMC-News707 7/17/07 4:14 PM Page 10
INE F THE ONTH LUB WTOTALO ORDERM INFORMATIONC
SHIPPING INSTRUCTIONS FOR GIFT ORDERS
Please Ship Gift # to: Name (please print)
Address (We do not ship to P. O. Boxes) City State ZIP
Special note on gift card:
Please Ship Gift # to: Name (please print)
Address (We do not ship to P. O. Boxes) City State ZIP
Special note on gift card: Attach another sheet of paper to list other recipients
All WINE OF THE MONTH CLUB gifts are guaranteed to arrive in perfect condition… gift boxed… and with a gift card. ORDERING INSTRUCTIONS GIFT ORDER TOTAL Check enclosed for WOMC EARLIER SELECTIONS TOTAL $ . Make check payable to: LIMITED SERIES MEMBERSHIP Wine of the Month Club. LIMITED SERIES EARLIER SELECTIONS TOTAL Charge my: 8.25% CA Sales Tax VISA Mastercard Shipping and Handling AmEx Discover GRAND TOTAL
Card # Exp. Date / /
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SHIPPING AND HANDLING To order by phone call TOLL FREE GIFT FOR EARLIER SELECTION ORDERS ORDERS CA Out-of-State Number CA Average 1-800-949-WINE Shipping Shipping of Bottles Shipping Out of State (1-800-949-9463) Shipping Monday – Friday 8 am – 5 pm (Pacific Time) Gift #10G & LOG $6.97 $9.02 1 – 2 $6.97 $9.02 To order by mail or fax Gift #20G $10.95 $16.90 3 – 4 $7.95 $11.30 please complete this order form. Gift #30G $15.65 $27.60 5 – 6 $10.95 $15.65 FAX 626-303-2597 (24 hours a day) Gift #4GP & 4QGP $27.88 $36.08 7 – 8 $12.85 $18.55 Or mail to: WINE OF THE MONTH CLUB Gift #5B, 5BGP $41.82 $54.12 9 – 10 $14.20 $21.15 P.O. Box 660220, Arcadia, CA 91066 Gift #6GP & LGP $83.64 $108.84 11 – 12 $15.65 $24.15 Or shop online at: www.WineoftheMonthClub.com 10 Please call for shipping prices outside CA in states where permissible. WOMC-News707 7/17/07 4:14 PM Page 11
IMITED ERIES L TASTINGS NOTES
BORDEAUX, 2005. CHATEAU HAUT-GRANDJEAN CABERNET SAUVIGNON, 2005. CURIOUS BEAGLE Date Tested Color Date Tested Color Nose Nose Taste Taste Tracking Notes Tracking Notes Date Comments Date Comments Date Comments Date Comments Date Comments Date Comments
CELLAR NOTES
A report on how previous LIMITED SERIES Selections are faring with age. Obtained from actual tastings on wines under cellar conditions and/or vintner, importer or wholesaler surveys.
August 2003 Barbera d’Asti, 2001. Garitina. Drink through 2007. Aix-en-Provence, 1999. Moulin de la Dame. Drink now. August 2004 Zinfandel, 2002. Jessie’s Grove. Drink through 2007. Pinot Noir, 2001. Pessagno. Drink up. August 2005 Malbec, 2003. Del Fin Del Mundo. Drink now. Cabernet Sauvignon, 1999. Santo Stefano. Drink now. August 2006 Tempranillo, 2003. Finca Sobreno, Drink through 2007. Zinfandel. 2004. Amazin X Winery. Drink or hold.
MEMBER UPCOMING EVENTS
WINE DINNERS!!! If you are interested in a Wine of the Month Club dinner in your area please contact [email protected] or call her at (800) 949-9463. HOME WINE TASTING PARTIES Many members have asked us about both our wine tasting parties and about conducting wine seminars. So, in combining the two ideas we have introduced the WINE OF THE MONTH CLUB WINE TASTING PARTIES. If you are living in Southern California or the Reno area, and are interested in hosting a home wine tasting party, please call us at 1-800-949-9463 or send an email to [email protected]
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Gift Assortments Celebrate any occasion with Special Gifts for friends, family and business associates. Visit our website at www.wineofthemonthclub.com for gift baskets, gift memberships and various wine assortments. Give a Wine of the Month Club special gift and you will be the “toast” of the celebration!
MEMBER COMMENTS “We are very pleased! So happy “I didn’t think I liked red wine until I we joined!” joined your club. I try all your wines W.T., SAN JOSE, CA knowing they are all guaranteed….I “Enjoy all your wines. Discontinued a have never send one back!! You taught more expensive wine club because yours me to love and appreciate red wine!” is so good!” C.W., VILLA PARK, IL P.C., CLOVERDALE, CA “We love your club. Keep it coming! “Your club is simply the best! I’m so We look forward to our shipment lucky to taste all of these great wines!” each month.” K.R., COLORADO SPRINGS, CO R.N., FOOTHILL RANCH, CA
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ADVENTURES IN GOOD FOOD T his summer bean dish is very All the Cabernet Sauvignon wines this refreshing during the hot weather. Pair it month are great paired with beef. This with either the Terza Volta Sauvignon Blanc recipe is easy and the olives and spice will or the Tunnel of Elms Chardonnay for some complement each of the red selections. contrast. A great meal awaits! FLANK STEAK WITH JALAPENO BOILED BEANS WITH TUNA & OLIVE TAPENADE INGREDIENTS: INGREDIENTS: 2 (15-ounce) cans cannellini beans 1 jar (4.5 oz) Jalapeno stuffed green olives, 3 Tbsp plus 1/3 cup extra virgin olive oil drained 2 cloves garlic, minced 2 garlic cloves, peeled 1/4 cup sliced sweet yellow onion 1 cup coarsely chopped Italian parsley 1/2 tsp salt 2 Tbsp Rosemary leaves 1/4 tsp black pepper 1 Tbsp grated lemon peel Several leaves fresh sage 1/4 cup Olive oil One large can tuna in olive oil 1-1/2 pound Flank Steak Vegetable oil (for grill) PREPARATION: Heat the oil in a pan and sauté the garlic, PREPARATION: sage and onion for 2-3 minutes until soft Preheat grill for direct, high heat. While grill and fragrant. Let cool. Place the beans in a heats, rinse olives and drain well. Combine colander and rinse under cold running water. olives, garlic, parsley, rosemary, lemon peel Drain. Add the garlic, sage and onion to the and oil in a food processor and pulse beans, drizzle with olive oil and gently stir in until mixture forms a fine paste. Set aside crumbled tuna. Add some good crusty bread the olive Tapenade mixture for seasoning to mop up the drippings, a green salad and a the meat. glass of white and you’re in business. Rinse flank steak and pat dry. With the tip of a sharp knife, make shallow diagonal cuts about 1 inch apart over one side of the steak, then make cuts perpendicular to the cuts to create a diamond pattern. Repeat on other side. Spread 1/2 cup of the olive Tapenade mixture on both sides of steak to coat evenly. Lay steak on oiled grill and cook until browned on the bottom, 8-10 minutes. With tongs or a wide spatula, turn steak and continue to cook until done, as desired, about 2 minutes for rare or 4 minutes longer for medium-rare. Transfer steak to a clean platter pr carving board. Let rest 5 minutes, then cut in thins slanting slices across the grain to serve.
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TASTING NOTES
CHARDONNAY, 2006. TUNNEL OF ELMS CAB/MERLOT/MALBEC, 2005. ARIDO Date Tested Color Date Tested Color Nose Nose Taste Taste Tracking Notes Tracking Notes Date Comments Date Comments Date Comments Date Comments Date Comments Date Comments
WINE OF THE MONTH CLUB CELLAR NOTES
A report on how previous WINE OF THE MONTH CLUB Selections are faring with age. Obtained from actual tastings on wines under cellar conditions and/or vintner, importer or wholesaler surveys. August 2003 Cabernet Sauvignon, 2000. Soscol Ridge. Drink up. Viognier, 2001. Steel Creek. Drink now. August 2004 Malbec, 2003. St. Lucas. Drink through 2010. Viognier, 2003. Montoya. Drink now. August 2005 Zinfandel, 2002. Estrada Creek. Drink up. Chardonnay, 2004. Oakhurst. Drink now. August 2006 White Merlot, 2005. Cardiff. Drink up. Shiraz, 2003. Rosenblum. Drink or hold. MEMBER INQUIRY The effect of global warming as the Mosel in Germany on the world’s vineyards is Is it true that global would benefit from a hot topic of discussion. warming could affect increased temperatures. As Grapes require very the grapes? temperatures rise, the losers particular conditions to will be at the warm end grow well according to each Thanks, of the viticulture scale, particular varietal. Growers – J.D., DALLAS, TX vineyards in Spain, southern dance around the subject France, southern Italy and wondering why each year 1 degree Fahrenheit. In 2005, the Napa Valley. The they are harvesting earlier a study found that wine- warming could mean a wine and earlier. For the last few quality ratings improved renaissance in Germany, hundred years, European in the regions where England, Canada, and vineyards have thrived temperatures had raised British Columbia. It is a between latitudes of 35 more. So, what does that concern for all of us and not and 50; from Sicily to mean for grape growing? only for the wine industry. northern Germany where Vineyards that basked in We would all benefit with temperatures range between sunshine are more likely a greener lifestyle and 50 and 68 degrees to produce higher quality contribute to keeping the Fahrenheit. In the last wine. Other factors, such as earth a cool place to live century, the average earth soil and altitude are also and grow grapes. temperature has increased important. A cool place such
14 1-800-949-WINE • www.wineofthemonthclub.com WOMC-News707 7/17/07 4:14 PM Page 15
SIGN UP AFRIEND AND... RECEIVE A SET OF SWAROVSKY WINE CHARMS To join the WINE OF THE MONTH CLUB, just fill in and return this NEW MEMBER ACCEPTANCE FORM ❏ YES. Sign me up for the Wine of the Month Club and then send me my first month’s selection of two specially chosen wines. I understand that each month I will receive additional wines but I may cancel my membership at any time with no further obligation. My monthly cost for the two-bottle wine selection will be $18.98 (one red and one white) plus sales tax and $6.97 for shipping and handling. (Outside California, slightly higher.) MUST BE OVER 21 YEARS OLD TO ENROLL. Each month, you will receive 2 specially selected wines, one red and one white. However, if you would prefer ONLY WHITE or ONLY RED (slightly higher), please check the appropriate box below. You will receive 2 identical bottles of selected red or white wine each month. ❏ I prefer WHITE WINE only. ❏ I prefer RED WINE only.
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All WINE OF THE MONTH CLUB Call toll-free wines are fully guaranteed. 1-800-949-WINE You may cancel your 8 am - 5 pm PST or fax 24 hours 626-303-2597 membership at any time. www.WineoftheMonthClub.com 15 WOMC-News707 7/17/07 4:14 PM Page 16
WORD FOR MEMBERS ONLY... ON THE STREET What others are saying Can’t find it? about our selections! Gotta have it? November 2006 Vintners Series: We source wine from all over the Stuart Cellars world. Special vintages for birthdays, Viognier, 2005 anniversaries, you name it. We also It’s a hit! Editors at Wine Enthusiast Magazine have have access to old and rare cellars. bestowed a coveted 90-point Let us help you find a rare wine. rating on the Stuart Cellars 2005 Viognier! Call or email us with your rare wine You tasted it in specifications and let us do the work. November 2006! We can’t guarantee we’ll find it, but Our Members are on the cutting edge! we can guarantee a great effort.
Discover the Limited Series now and receive a set of Swarovski Crystal Wine Charms FREE! Here’s a charming idea for your next party or dinner. Slip one of these attractive wine charms around the stem of each person’s glass. Designed with a wine theme, each YOURS charm is different so your guests will know FREE! they aren’t mistakenly picking up someone else’s glass. Made from pewter and world- famous Swarovski crystal beads from Austria, the charms are yours FREE just for trying the Limited Series. A $24.95 value.
Join now and receive a set of Swarovski Wine Charms free. ❏ Sign me up for THE LIMITED SERIES Each month $40.00 plus tax and $6.97 shipping & handling. (Outside of California, slightly higher).
2 bottles each month. Free membership, guaranteed wines, cancel anytime. ❏ Red wine only. (Slightly higher) ❏ White wine only. ❏ One red, one white. Please fill out information on the last page of this Order Form.
LIMITED SERIES TOTAL
Add this amount to Limited Series MEMBERSHIP 16 TOTAL on line ➂ on Order Form, page 10 WOMC-News707 7/17/07 4:14 PM Page 17
IMITED ERIES L S SELECTION
rgentina is Godoy Cruz, and the Uco no longer Valley; the northern area undiscovered. of Lavalle and Las Heras; A The wines from the eastern regions of San Argentina are premium and Martin and Rivadavia and recognized everywhere for the southern region of San their great flavors and Rafael and General Alvear. prices. As in all great Each of these areas has their wine regions in the world, own micro-climate, soils and Argentina’s wines have viticultural practice which distinctive characteristics make them each unique. that trademark their origin. Terza Volta is located in the Argentina is vast and Lujan de Cuyo region. The the wide valleys and plains soil here is sandy and the of the wine-growing weather is arid and dry, regions have well-defined 2006 the perfect condition for characteristics. The first producing this unique and Terza Volta feature is the elevation; delicious Sauvignon Blanc. It Argentina has the highest Sauvignon Blanc does not have the green, vineyards on Earth. Another (saw-veehn-yawn grassy features of most blah) feature is the purity of the Sauvignon Blancs, but rather water and environment an abundance of citrus fruit. Washington which have kept the vines The color is clear light disease free. The vineyards Color: lemon. The nose is are all located far away Clear light lemon refreshing with fresh floral from populated areas so Nose: notes of grapefruit, melon pollution has not entered Fresh, floral, and peach. It is light bodied the vineyards and the soils grapefruit, melon, with a hint of honey mingled need no fertilizer. peach with citrus. This is a sipping Palate: Mendoza is the hub of the wine for trips to the lake, Light, crisp, hint of wine industry in Argentina. poolside conversation and honey, citrus Mendoza has five principle grilled fish on the barbie. An Finish: regions: The central areas of easy summer favorite! Crisp finish Lujan de Cuyo, Maipo,
CELLARING SUGGESTIONS L807E Retail Price: $18.50/each Special Member Price: $16.99/each Enjoy now Reorder Price: $14.99/each slightly chilled 19% Discount $179.88/case
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IMITED ERIES L S SELECTION
uglia is located stainless steel so the fruit in the “heel of qualities are all in tacked. P the boot” in A-Mano (which means “by southern Italy. hand”) Bianco is 50% Fiano Apulia (or Puglia, as it is and 50% Greco di Tufo. known in Italy) is an easy Fiano is Latin for “bee” and region to fall in love with. was named this because of There is a rich wine-growing the grape’s intense, floral history here and old vines scent which attracted the are everywhere. The wines bees to them. Fiano adds are still made the same way structure and body and they were made hundreds of makes the wine age worthy. years ago; with great passion Greco means Greek and was 2006 and pride. It is rumored that planted over two thousand there is not another region of year ago when the Greeks A-Mano the world where the quality settled in Southern Italy. Fiano / Greco potential is so high. While This grape is known for its (fee-ahn-oh / many wineries are making bouquet and elegance. The greh-koe) technical wines, in Puglia the harmony of these grapes Puglia wines are hand-crafted from results in a wine of brilliant Italy old vines with simple wine straw yellow color. The nose making style and a great is fresh with floral, pear, Color: Brilliant straw deal of passion. citrus and cantaloupe. The yellow wine is medium-bodied, 2006 is a special year for Nose: fresh, fruity with silky Winemakers Marl Shannon Floral, pear citrus, acidity and an elegant and Elvezia Sbalchiero’s cantaloupe mineral finish. This wine winery. For the first time, the Palate: will pair beautifully with team has produced a white Medium-bodied, delicate pasta dishes, fruity, silky, mineral wine made with indigenous shellfish and salad. grapes. The wine was Finish: Elegant finish fermented and matured in
CELLARING SUGGESTIONS L807F Retail Price: $16.99/each Special Member Price: $14.99/each Drink now Reorder Price: $12.99/each through 2007 24% Discount $155.88/case
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