EVALUATED LAST MONTH: 304 DECEMBER 2017 REJECTED: 246 • APPROVED: 58 THE SELECTED: 22 TASTING ROOM TheThe ReasonReason forfor thethe SeasonSeason

Dear Lover, By the time you receive this newsletter, the holidays will be in full swing. It is so hard to keep your eye on the ball when this time of the year comes. Many Christmas carol lyrics romanticize the “hustle and bustle” of the holidays, when reality seems to creep in and make it downright impossible to get it all done. But we have to remain vigilant as to the reason for the season. Short of a religious conversation, there truly is something special about the holiday season that is not tied to gift giving, not tied to spending money, not tied to how many lights you put on the house. In fact, there is a certain amount of magic…a certain amount of love…a certain amount of joy that ticks up during the holiday season. I can’t explain it...but I love it. Maybe I am just getting too old…maybe I am becoming hypersensitive to emotional happenings; maybe it is just me. Or maybe there really is a Santa Claus and maybe in some remote village in some remote snow-laden town there is a snowman who can play with the best of them. And it could be that there is a red-nosed reindeer. Just sayin’. Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays,

Paul Kalemkiarian Owner/Cellarmaster

Membership in the Wine of the Month Club is open to @WineoftheMonthClub anyone with an interest in and appreciation for superb wines... and excellent wine values. Membership is FREE. @WineoftheMonth

WINE OF THE MONTH CLUB P.O. BOX 660220, ARCADIA, CA 91066 WINEOFTHEMONTHCLUB.COM • 1.800.949.9463 SEASON’S GIFTINGS

I can say that this holiday season has forced me to put on my thinking cap…to look around the wine world and see where we might be able to participate in the consumer wine trends. For sure one thing is obvious: Groupon culture has created a unique sector of wine…$5 crap. I naively thought Groupon (at least for wine) was a legitimate avenue to market wine to people looking to find good value. NOT! It has become a dumping ground for swill (below-average wine for the price). For real. I am aware of a Groupon vendor who promises incredible wine - I think six bottles for $35. I can tell you, folks, they are paying one Euro ($1.20) for that bottle! It is not quality and not a valid way to try new wines... Lucky thing the Original Wine of the Scene from an upcoming video Month Club is here to make sure you get the good stuff. That’s the tradition started by my father back in 1972 - great wines for a great value - and that’s the tradition I carry on to this day. I personally taste each wine, and you can be sure that only the best are shared with you, our club members. And with our NEW CLUBS - Napa, Bordeaux, Rosé and - there are even more ways to learn about and try some fantastic wines, delivered to your door in pristine condition and with our guarantee: You never pay for a wine you do not like. Salud,

Paul Kalemkiarian Owner/Cellarmaster

WINEOFTHEMONTHCLUB.COM • 1.800.949.9463 WINE OF THE MONTH CLUB SELECTION VALLADO Touriga (Vinho Tinto), 2014 Region: Douro, • Alcohol: 13.5%

NOSE PAIRING Ripe Plum, Cherry Red Meat, Game and Spice PALATE COLOR Large and Lovely Very Dark CELLAR FINISH Now through 2025 Medium Tannins

“ toh • REE • gah VEE • noh TEEN • toh “

Quinta do Vallado was founded in 1716 completely restructured their . and has been in the Ferreira family This was, needless to say, a very costly almost that long. The estate is in move. But better control means better Portugal’s Douro Valley, internationally wine. Now each varietal is picked and known for one of the great wines of the fermented separately and then blended world, Port. together to make the best wine possible. Port is usually a blend of several different Dry, from the Douro is a rarity with Touriga Nacional being and we wish they made them more the accepted finest of the lot. It was often. They are nothing short of exciting tradition to plant a with all the wines with sprawling flavors and exotic varieties together. That made it easier nuances. Of course when you use only to pick the entire at once. But the best grapes of the lot, your chances the folks at Quinta do Vallado came to of making a great wine is almost assured. the realization that not all varieties are created equal, and should be picked and These grapes came from 90-year- vinified differently. old vines. The power and presence is unmistakable. The length and breadth So, in 1993 they determined which of the flavors is dizzying. Ripe cherry and varieties did best on which sites and pomegranate descend on the palate ITEM #: C1217R1IP and turn into plum, anise and exaltation. Retail Price: $18.99/each Large and luscious and a joy to drink. Paul Member Price: $11.98/each & Ed ‘s Reorder Price: $7.99/each Rating: WINE OF THE MONTH CLUB • 1-800-949-9463 96 www.wineofthemonthclub.com WINE OF THE MONTH CLUB SELECTION PRA VINERA , 2013 Region: California • Alcohol: 13.9%

NOSE PAIRING Plum, Cherry Violets Red Meat

PALATE COLOR Ripe Plum, Cherry Deep Magenta

CELLAR FINISH Now through 2025 Lively Spice, Soft Tannins

“ CAB • burr • NAY SAW • veen • YON “

Our selection was fashioned by none other with his and vineyards. Apparent- than Ca’Momi in Napa Valley. The winery ly,the three partners share this obsession. was founded by three Italian expats - Ste- In a very short time (at least in wine years), fano Migotto, Dario De Conti and Valentina Ca’Momi has become one of the leading Guolo-Migotto - in 2006. production houses for small who Stefano and Dario share du- can’t afford their own equipment. Among ties. Stefano is a third-generation distiller his other talents, Stefano Migotto is also a from Northern Italy who also worked at his superb mechanic. This is an incredibly for- family’s winery in the Veneto. And Dario tuitous gift, especially if you’ve ever seen a began his formal wine education at 14, bottling line in a winery; they have been studying for 10 years while working at his known to drive winemakers literally mad. family’s pizzeria. We, meanwhile, are figuratively mad about When the three partners came to Califor- this wine and you will be too. It may not say nia, what they saw in the Napa Valley made Napa on the label, but it certainly says it in them want to stay for good. Ca’Momi is the glass. They wouldn’t divulge the grapes’ named after a local character from Veneto, source, but it’s not hard to tell. Italy - Momi de Bionda - who was obsessed Here is the essence of great Cabernet with all the trimmings. The violet and plum ITEM #: C1217R2DC nose gives way to the rich, ripe cranberry Retail Price: $18.99/each and black cherry flavors and completes the Paul Member Price: $11.98/each experience with a haunting, daunting and & Ed ‘s Reorder Price: $7.99/each daring finish. Rating: WINE OF THE MONTH CLUB • 1-800-949-9463 95 www.wineofthemonthclub.com WINE OF THE MONTH CLUB SELECTION ANDOVER ESTATE , 2014 Region: Monterey, California • Alcohol: 13.5%

NOSE PAIRING Pineapple and Granite Seafood, Fowl, Vegetarian PALATE COLOR Apple, Pear and Vanilla Medium Gold CELLAR FINISH Now through 2020 Very Long

“ SHAR • doh • NAY “

Andover Estate is part of the Scheid sustainable program to keep his precious Family Vineyards, one of the finest earth vitalized vintage after vintage. vineyards in California. The family Scheid was definitely a visionary and purchased the Monterey property in it has paid off. The vineyard is certified 1972, making them one of the first in the sustainable and also maintains Global region. And now they’re one of the best. G.A.P. (Good Agricultural Practices) certification. Monterey was known as a very cool locale, sometimes too cool - and that The finished wine is a testament to was the rub. Cabernet was all the rage, Andover Estate’s meticulous vine then, and everybody was making it. Al cultivation. This is California Chardonnay Scheid knew better. He decided to plant at its absolute best. The cooler climate Chardonnay and Pinot Noir, which are allows the grapes to hang on the vine for now considered the best grapes in the a longer period of time than most. This region. And they certainly benefit from results in the root system delivering more the absolutely perfect soil, here. nutrients to the branches and eventually the grapes. What set Scheid apart from the crowd - especially for the time - was his The finale is an intense and luxurious ITEM #: C1217W1DC offering with length and depth that has everything one could ask for. Retail Price: $15.99/each Paul Member Price: $11.98/each & Ed ‘s Reorder Price: $6.99/each Rating: WINE OF THE MONTH CLUB • 1-800-949-9463 95 www.wineofthemonthclub.com WINE OF THE MONTH CLUB SELECTION FIRST ONE White Blend, 2015 Region: Ribeiro, • Alcohol: 11.5%

NOSE PAIRING Exotic Blend of Mango, Shellfish, Seafood Quince PALATE COLOR Lovely Mango, Hints of Very Pale Apple CELLAR FINISH Now through 2018 Elongated Spice

First One is crafted by Viña Costeria, Spain, which forms the northern border the largest producer in Spain’s Ribeiro of Portugal and ends at the Atlantic region, accounting for more than 40% Ocean. It is one of the most unique wine of the production there. Founded in areas on the planet. The area is mostly 1968, Viña Costeria’s mission is to make cool and damp, traditionally not the best Ribeiro white wines in “the best and conditions for growing grapes. But a few most ancient tradition.” grapes like it, and those are the ones you’ll find here. This region has a long winemaking history. On First One’s label, the seal Maybe the grapes blended in this emblazed with the year 1492 refers to selection are not household names, but the fact that there is ample evidence that they should be. , Torrontés, wines from this area were carried on the Loureira, Albariño and Godello varietals ship with Christopher Columbus. Most are all in the mix, and each adds its own likely, a Ribeiro wine was the first wine color and flavor profile, making the whole to reach the New World. Thus, the name greater than the sum of its parts. These First One. grapes are all indigenous to Ribeiro, a Ribiero is in the northwest pocket of few of which also grow in Portugal’s acclaimed region. ITEM #: C1217W2IS This wine is very exciting. The exotic Retail Price: $14.99/each flavors include, but are not limited to, Paul Member Price: $11.98/each mango, papaya, quince and apple with & Ed ‘s Reorder Price: $6.99/each an amazing finish. Rating: WINE OF THE MONTH CLUB • 1-800-949-9463 94 www.wineofthemonthclub.com WINE OF THE MONTH CLUB SELECTION SPELLBOUND , 2015 Region: California • Alcohol: 13.5%

NOSE PAIRING Violets, Blueberries Red Meat, Game, Fowl PALATE COLOR Rich Fruit, Some Bright Crimson Spice, Vanilla CELLAR FINISH Now through 2022 Soft, Lingering Cherry, Berry

“ mer • LOH “

The interesting thing about the that Bordeaux is the most famous wine Spellbound website is not what it says, region in the world. And it’s no secret but what it doesn’t say. It doesn’t say that Merlot has twice the acreage of that one of the partners is Rob Mondavi, Cabernet Sauvignon in Bordeaux and grandson of Robert Mondavi, easily the accounts for most of its greatest wines. most iconic name in Merlot has been used in some of the best history. wines from California as well. And while Merlot blends perfectly with Cabernet The reason for the omission was because it adds softness to the mix, the probably that Rob, son of Michael, former obviously can stand on its own. president of Mondavi Winery, wanted to make a name for himself in spite of his This Spellbound Merlot can attest to name, not because of it. The fact that Rob’s winemaking talent. The California his background and experience is in the appellation allows him the freedom to rarified world of winemaking in the Napa cross boundaries, but not ideologies. He Valley didn’t hurt his chances either. is able to pull from his vast resources of the finest grapes to craft exceptional Merlot got an undeservedly bad wrap in wines that are also exceptional values. the movie Sideways. There is no argument Here is an amazing Merlot with all the ITEM #: V1217R1DC outstanding pedigree of Napa, but without the price. Retail Price: $18.99/each Paul Member Price: $16.98/each & Ed ‘s Reorder Price: $ 8.99/each Rating: WINE OF THE MONTH CLUB • 1-800-949-9463 96 www.wineofthemonthclub.com WINE OF THE MONTH CLUB SELECTION GRAN PASSIONE Salice Salentino Riserva, 2013 Region: Salice Salentino DOC, Puglia, Italy • Alcohol: 13.0%

NOSE PAIRING Black Currant and Game, Red Meat Plum PALATE COLOR Richly Textured Berry, Medium Magenta Spice CELLAR FINISH Now through 2022 Very Long with Hints of Cherry

“ SAL • ih • CHAY SAL • in • TEE • noh ree • SAIR • vah “

Gran Passione literally means “Grand As the climate changed, their grapes Passion,” which is what defines were no longer needed for this purpose, Winesellers, Ltd. They are a large, so a critical path had to be crossed. The multinational wine company with winemakers of Puglia could not exist holdings all over the world and they are making bulk wine for blending. They very passionate about each and every had to make wines that could stand on one of them. their own in order to survive.

This Salice Salentino Riserva is one Their savior was Puglia’s very own of the best we’ve ever tasted. It is indigenous grape, Negroamaro. When fashioned in Puglia, Italy, often referred carefully grown and vinified, this grape to as the heel of the boot. For a very can stand next to almost any in the long time, this area was home to world. It produces wines of breathless bulk wine producers. Because of the presence and flavor that have been a warm climate in the vineyards, local favorite of aficionados for decades. winemakers made large, alcoholic wines to add strength to weaker This Riserva is handled very specifically, in the wines of the North. as it represents the best grapes from the best parcels and is aged in to add complexity and length. The result is a grand wine with gorgeous color. Its ITEM #: V1217R2II nose of plum and anise and flavors of Retail Price: $20.99/each blackberry, cherry and licorice are all Paul Member Price: $16.98/each held in check by the luscious tannins. & Ed ‘s Reorder Price: $12.99/each Rating: WINE OF THE MONTH CLUB • 1-800-949-9463 95 www.wineofthemonthclub.com WINE OF THE MONTH CLUB SELECTION CHACEWATER , 2016 Region: Lake County, California • Alcohol: 14.2%

NOSE PAIRING Fresh Herbs and Seafood, Shellfish Stone Fruit PALATE COLOR Rich, Extracted Flavors Bright Straw

CELLAR FINISH Now through 2019 Lovely Fruit and Citrus

“ saw • VEEN • yon BLONK“

Chacewater’s owner, Paul Manuel, grew up gratutude. “Because of their adventurous and in Grass Valley, California, just a stone’s throw hardworking nature,” he says, ”we are able to from Lake County. He began working at his fulfill our passions today.” His label honors family‘s construction business as a teenager these ancestors. and ended up running the company. But In 2011, Chacewater released their first he eventually became more interested in professionally made wines. By then they knew cultivation than construction. what a gem of an area they had picked for In 1988, Paul and his wife Kellye, began their winery. had been grown planting their own vineyard, and by 1993 they in Lake County for over 100 years, supplying were selling grapes to Fetzer in Mendocino. many of the best wineries in the state. Finally, They purchased their own Lake County Lake County began to get the respect it property in 2008, with an olive mill (they also deserved. make great olive oil!) and land to build their We have always loved the Sauvignon Blancs own 10,000-square-foot winery. from here and Chacewater probably makes the best of the bunch. The dense flavors When Paul was searching for a winery and fruit components take you almost to name, he recalled his forefathers, who were the edge of your seat as well as your palate, rock miners in Chacewater, England, with but don’t throw you off. Peach nectar, guava and passion fruit abound here with freshness ITEM #: V1217W1DC to spare, and all the nuance and delicacy Retail Price: $18.99/each becomes apparent in its mesmerizing lime- Paul Member Price: $16.98/each zest finish. & Ed ‘s Reorder Price: $11.99/each Rating: WINE OF THE MONTH CLUB • 1-800-949-9463 94 www.wineofthemonthclub.com WINE OF THE MONTH CLUB SELECTION C’EST LA VIE! Chardonnay / Sauvignon, 2016 Region: Pays d’Oc I.G.P., France • Alcohol: 13.0%

NOSE PAIRING Peach, Apple Seafood, Vegetarian Guava PALATE COLOR Medium Weight, Bright, Pale Golden Peach CELLAR FINISH Now through 2020 Hints of Peach and Citrus

“ SHAR • doh • NAY saw • VEEN • yon “

We haven’t seen a blend like this in Languedoc. His embrace of the wine years and can’t help but wonder why culture is everywhere, including the more people don’t make one. These two name of his venture, which loosely grapes are quite different in their flavor translates to “Such is life!” It is interesting profiles, but that doesn’t mean they don’t to note here that his blend is made from work together to form a harmonious the classic white of Bordeaux, Sauvignon whole. Blanc, and the classic white of Burgundy, Chardonnay. Obviously he is familiar with C’est La Vie! is the handiwork of Alain both and it shows. Serveau, who was born in the rarified village of Nuits-Saint-Georges, in the Both grapes are picked and handled heart of Burgundy. Just the sound of the separately. The blend is done after word Burgundy can make strong men fermentation so that the winemaker stumble. It is one of the most revered knows what he or she is working with. wine producing areas in the world. As little as a 3% swing in proportion, one way or the other, can make a difference Alain came from a family of winemakers in the blend. and grape growers, but set out on his own to study in Bordeaux and the He hit it dead on with this one. The lovely, un-oaked Chardonnay with its ITEM #: V1217W2IF green apple and jasmine scents marries perfectly with the Sauvignon’s herbal Retail Price: $18.99/each cadence and swatches of white peach Paul Member Price: $16.98/each and guava. The lovely finish is, well, lovely. & Ed ‘s Reorder Price: $11.99/each Rating: WINE OF THE MONTH CLUB • 1-800-949-9463 95 www.wineofthemonthclub.com WINE OF THE MONTH CLUB SELECTION DOMAINE DE LA FERTINE Côtes du Rhône Bordeaux, 2015 Region: Côtes du Rhône, Bordeaux, France • Alcohol: 14.0%

NOSE PAIRING Dark Cherry, Spice Red Meat, Game, Fowl PALATE COLOR Full, Rich, Dense Very Dark CELLAR FINISH Now through 2025 Extracted Black Cherry

“ COTE doo RONE bore • DOH “

The wine business kind of defies the knows how to make wine. traditional model. For instance, let’s say that There are no secrets here. Everybody knows General Mills wanted to go into the chicken where the best sites are. Duboeuf has the business and started putting out Cheerios wherewithal to negotiate for the best Chicken. You love their cereal, but do want grapes in the best areas because he can. to take a chance on their chicken? After all, The result is a Côtes du Rhône that defies it’s still food, right? Well… the price and the competition. Here, we have this Domaine de la Fertine When we learned this wine was made by Côtes du Rhône, which is made by Georges Duboeuf, we immediately were intrigued. Duboeuf. The dilemma, if there is one, After all, this guy makes three million cases is that Duboeuf is the largest and most of wine a year and every one is fabulous. prestigious producer in Beaujolais, not the And as we might have expected, this Rhône! selection is right up there with the best of Different land, different grape, different them. everything. So why should we trust this Here is a wine of breed and pedigree way Côtes du Rhône? Well, in this case, it’s beyond the norm. The first signal is the because it’s Duboeuf, and this guy just dark, almost brooding color, which doesn’t allow you to see your hand below the stem ITEM #: L1217R1IF of the glass. Then there is that glorious nose Retail Price: $25.00/each of spice, plum, cherry and cranberry that Paul Member Price: $22.48/each lights up your nose, your palate and even & Ed ‘s Reorder Price: $15.99/each the darkest winter night. Rating: WINE OF THE MONTH CLUB • 1-800-949-9463 97 www.wineofthemonthclub.com WINE OF THE MONTH CLUB SELECTION DELAYED IN GLASS Merlot//, 2013 Region: Santa Barbara County, California • Alcohol: 15.6%

NOSE PAIRING Plum, Anise, Cherry Red Meat, Game, Fowl PALATE COLOR Dense, Rich Fruit Medium Magenta

CELLAR FINISH Now through 2022 Extracted, Gripping

“ mer • LOH / SAN • gee • oh • VAY • say / SEER • ah“

As with many wines, it’s often less some of the most heralded wines made important to know what it is or who in the state. made it than where it came from. The soil in which the grapes are grown has Larner Vineyard is owned by winemaker the greatest impact on the final wine. Michael Larner and his wife Christine. Our Delayed in Glass proprietors are Michael possesses one of the most not only fully cognizant of that, but are impressive resumes we’ve seen. He has devout devotees of the concept. worked for Antinori in Chianti, Guigal in the Rhône and Babcock and Rusack Our jewel of a Merlot/Syrah/Sangiovese in Santa Barbara. His vineyard is one blend came from no less than three of the most revered in the country for ultra premium vineyards in Santa Sangiovese. Barbara. And finally, Merlot from Happy Canyon The Syrah came from White Hawk Vineyard rounds out the blend. The Vineyards in the Los Alamos Valley. soil here is so rocky that the vines must Here is the warm climate in which struggle to find water, but that struggle Syrah flourishes. As a result, you will find is what imparts the strength to the grapes from this vineyard adorning vines and the flavor intensity to the grapes. The result is power and glory ITEM #: L1217R2DC unmatched. The plethora of plum, Retail Price: $29.00/each anise and earth swirl on your palate in Paul Member Price: $22.48/each an endless array and deposit flavor and & Ed ‘s Reorder Price: $15.99/each finesse all along the way. Rating: WINE OF THE MONTH CLUB • 1-800-949-9463 97 www.wineofthemonthclub.com WINE OF THE MONTH CLUB SELECTION ELIANTO Vermentino, 2015 Region: Vermentino di Toscana I.G.T., Italy • Alcohol: 13.0%

NOSE PAIRING Lilac, Peach Shellfish, Light Meats, and Citrus Fowl PALATE COLOR White Fruit, Pale Gold Orange Peel CELLAR FINISH Now through 2019 Lively Peach and Lime Zest

“ VAIR • men • TEE • noh “

Vermentino is part of a love affair we Another important consideration is that, have with a favorite trilogy of white by pooling their resources, the growers Italian grapes that all begin with the have so many lots of grapes to choose same letter: Vermentino, Verdicchio and from that they can cherry-pick the best Vernaccia. Vermentino is primarily grown of the lot to produce the best wines on the islands of Sardinia and Corsica, possible. but has become so popular that it is now cultivated in many other areas, including The grapes are hand harvested and hand Tuscany. sorted to pick out only the healthiest to be crushed. They are then gently pressed Elianto is produced by the Castelli del to release only the first run of the juice, Grevepesa, a small co-operative owned which has the least contact with the by 18 grape growers, established in skins and seeds. This technique, though 1965. The wines that typically come out expensive, assures the freshness of the of these producers represent the finest wine. value in wine. Small grape growers can’t afford their own winery, but 18 of them The result is a lively offering with lilting can afford an amazing winery, and that’s hints of white peach, rose petals and how it’s done. lime zest. The wine is generous, with an exotic aroma and complex flavors that ITEM #: L1217W3II run around on your tongue but know just Retail Price: $23.00/each where to land. Paul Member Price: $22.48/each & Ed ‘s Reorder Price: $13.99/each Rating: WINE OF THE MONTH CLUB • 1-800-949-9463 96 www.wineofthemonthclub.com WINE OF THE MONTH CLUB SELECTION DOM. JEAN VULLIEN & FILS Jacquère, 2016 Region: Savoie A.O.P., France • Alcohol: 12.0%

NOSE PAIRING Mineral Notes and Shellfish, Seafood, Peach Vegetarian PALATE COLOR Shy Peach, Granite Very Pale CELLAR FINISH Now through 2019 Lovely Citrus

“ ZHA • cair “

Domaine Jean Vullien was created by its presence, shrouded in a web of gripping namesake in 1973. It is now run by his two acidity. Vullien’s grapes are situated in sons, David and Olivier. The vineyard is in a slightly warmer microclimate within the little-known region of Savoie, located Savoie, so their wine expresses more in the northwest corner of France. The weight and flavor than most local wines. principal grape here is even the lesser- known Jacquère. The 50-acre vineyard is tended to completely by hand. The grapes are The appellation is high atop the French hand-picked, so as not to disturb their Alps and too cold to grow red grapes. So delicacy, and then hand-sorted at the it is the shy Jacquère which answers the winery to make sure that only the ripest call. and fullest grapes are crushed. The grape is also grown in the northern This is a very expensive process, but Rhône, where it has flavors and aromas necessary to preserve the gentle nuance similar to Viognier, but without the of Jacquère. The result, of course, is a power. In the colder climate of Savoie, lovely, vibrant offering that is considered Jacquère shows its character by the best the appellation has to offer. displaying a delicate and aromatic The clear, clean tone, set by the wine’s ITEM #: L1217W4IF color, continues through the fetching aroma of apple, on to the lovely palate, Retail Price: $23.00/each and finally all the way through to the Paul Member Price: $22.48/each vibrant, citrusy finish. & Ed ‘s Reorder Price: $13.99/each Rating: WINE OF THE MONTH CLUB • 1-800-949-9463 96 www.wineofthemonthclub.com WINE OF THE MONTH CLUB SELECTION SANCTUARY , 2012 Region: Napa Valley, California • Alcohol: 15.5%

NOSE PAIRING Dense Black Cherry, Red Meat Earth PALATE COLOR Massive Weight Very Dark, Almost Black CELLAR FINISH Now through 2025 Huge Fruit, Medium Tannins

“ ZIN • fan • DELL “

Dennis Martin is one of the most The Zinfandel vines here were planted committed winemakers we’ve ever over 40 years ago, making them some encountered. Every winemaker talks of the oldest in Napa. about the importance of the soil, but Dennis takes it a step further by The vineyard sits above the fog belt, making each of his wines from grapes where the air is cooler, but the sun is sourced from a single vineyard. He brighter. This combination allows the says it’s the only way to get the grapes to slowly ripen on the vine, expression in the wine that the soil producing intensity beyond compare. brings to it. The mountain soil - along with the bright sun, cool temperature and a He’s not really interested in arguing committed winemaker - results in about this concept. Instead, he lets truly one of the most intense, dynamic the wine speak for itself. And his and superb wines we’ve ever tasted. wines speak loudly. Black Sears is an apropos name, In the case of our selection, the grapes because it signals the color of the came from Black Sears Vineyards, wine. And Sanctuary? You’ve found it! located at the highest peak on Howell The dense, dark color is an indication Mountain, 2,400 feet above sea level. of what comes next: the blackberry nose, the licorice, damp earth and ITEM #: N1217R1DC flavors of the stunning finish. You Retail Price: $50.00/each know you’re drinking royalty. Paul Member Price: $25.00/each & Ed ‘s Reorder Price: $19.00/each Rating: WINE OF THE MONTH CLUB • 1-800-949-9463 96 www.wineofthemonthclub.com WINE OF THE MONTH CLUB SELECTION NAPA VALLEY Cabernet Sauvignon, 2014 Region: Napa Valley, California • Alcohol: 14.1%

NOSE PAIRING Tight Cassis and Red Meat Vanilla PALATE COLOR Huge Flavors of Plum, Very Dark Purple Spice CELLAR FINISH Now through 2025 Large, Tight Tannins

“ CAB • burr • NAY SAW • veen • YON “

Some people grow up in the wine the perfect name for their venture was industry, and others just kind of fall Terroir Napa Valley. into it. In the case of Craig and Susan Handly, they did both. Susan’s father “Terroir” literally translates to “soil” or was a grape grower for 60 years in the “place,” like territory. But, the word’s Napa Valley. Susan and Craig, working interpretation in the wine world in a very different area of the wine includes the climate as well, and is business, designed labels for 25 years used to describe the ecosystem of before deciding to make their own the vineyard. The climate, in fact, wine. And now their son, Spencer, is in determines whether grapes will grow the winemaking business, just like his there at all. The soil determines how parents. good those grapes will be. When it comes to Napa Valley, it seems to all be there. Craig’s first batch of Cabernet was made in 2000, and it turned out spectacularly Our selection is a classic blend of 77% well. What set Craig’s first batch apart Cabernet Sauvignon, 16% Merlot and from others was that Susan had Napa 7% Petit Verdot. The wine was aged in vineyard sources that most winemakers French oak for 14 months, with 40% of would give up their first born for. Thus, the barrels being new. The result is a mammoth wine of Napa ITEM #: N1217R2DC lusciousness. From the dense color to Retail Price: $30.00/each the intense nose of cassis and vanilla, Paul Member Price: $25.00/each and the incredible flavors of plum, & Ed ‘s Reorder Price: $19.00/each coffee and berry, it’s as good as it gets. Rating: WINE OF THE MONTH CLUB • 1-800-949-9463 97 www.wineofthemonthclub.com WINE OF THE MONTH CLUB SELECTION CLIFF LEDE Sauvignon Blanc, 2016 Region: Napa Valley, California • Alcohol: 14.4%

NOSE PAIRING Bright Melon, Musk Light Meats, Fowl

PALATE COLOR Fat, Ripe Peach, Guava Pale Straw

CELLAR FINISH Now through 2021 Intense White Peach

“ SAW • veen • YON BLONK “

I will probably have to go into hiding Cliff founded his winery in 2002, after saying this because it will infuriate creating an incredible estate vineyard a lot of wine snobs (my favorite targets): and winery. He spared no expense in When I think of the Napa Valley, the hiring the best people in the industry first grape that comes to mind is to plan and plant his vineyard, build his Sauvignon Blanc. Yeah, I know they winery and eventually make his wine. grow another Sauvignon there, but the Blancs coming out of Napa are some of This is a demandingly flavorful and the best in the world. That other grape complex wine, owing its character to has its ups and downs. the addition of the Musqué clone of Sauvignon Blanc, along with a splash of I think part of the reason is that Sémillon. The Musqué can be too much because there isn’t much of it grown, on its own, but as a judicious addition, winemakers take more time and put in it adds an unmatched dimension of more effort into their Sauvignon Blanc richness and weight to the blend. because it is the “other” Sauvignon and they want to make a statement. Well, The result is awe-inspiring. The flavors Cliff Lede (pronounced “lay-dee”) is just explode in your mouth and never stating it loud and clear. give up. Guava, peach, musk oil, spice and fresh herbs are just the beginning. Fortunately, the perfect acidity keeps ITEM #: N1217W1DC everything from getting totally out of Retail Price: $25.00/each control. Paul Member Price: $25.00/each & Ed ‘s Reorder Price: $19.00/each Rating: WINE OF THE MONTH CLUB • 1-800-949-9463 96 www.wineofthemonthclub.com WINE OF THE MONTH CLUB SELECTION LA DEVINE Saint-Emilion Bordeaux, 2014 Region: Saint-Emilion, Bordeaux, France • Alcohol: 13.0%

NOSE PAIRING Black Cherry, Licorice Red Meat, Game

PALATE COLOR Like the Nose, but Medium Purple with Grip CELLAR FINISH Now through 2025 Very Long, Plum, Spice

“ SANT • em • MEE • yahn BORE • doh “

La Devine is made by Chateau Clos Cantenac on the Right Bank, in Saint- Clos Cantenac is designated a Grand Emilion. It is here that Merlot is king Cru in the French pecking order of and is queen. When quality. It’s the highest position there you consider that the Bordelaise have is. Of the thousands of chateaux on the been doing this for some 400 years, it’s Right Bank, literally only a few hundred probably a safe assumption that they’ve have this designation. figured out what works best here. This part of Bordeaux is typically cooler The 200-year-old estate was purchased than appellations to the west and, thus, in 2007 by Martin Krajewski and does not ripen Cabernet Sauvignon as Marcus le Grice. Martin was owner of well. But the Merlot here is a powerful another prestige property in Bordeaux, grape, and it shows in this blend where Château de Sours, so when the chance it takes up 90% - with Cabernet Franc came to purchase this legendary and Sauvignon making up the rest. chateau, he couldn’t say no. The property was in disrepair at the time, The result is a wine of class and breed, and the owners spent a small fortune showing hints of ripe plum and anise, bringing the 15-acre vineyard to its full balanced with a touch licorice, smoke potential. and leather. There is just enough tannins to bring it all together in a ITEM #: B1217R1IF grand finish. Retail Price: $30.00/each Paul Member Price: $25.00/each & Ed ‘s Reorder Price: $21.00/each Rating: WINE OF THE MONTH CLUB • 1-800-949-9463 95 www.wineofthemonthclub.com WINE OF THE MONTH CLUB SELECTION LES CLEFS Margaux Bordeaux, 2014 Region: Margaux, Bordeaux, France • Alcohol: 11.5%

NOSE PAIRING Plum, Anise, Earth Red Meat

PALATE COLOR Extracted, Bold Flavors Very Deep Purple

CELLAR FINISH Now through 2030 Ripe Plum, Spice

“ mar • GO BORE • doh “

Our selection has all the pedigree Their heritage began in Bordeaux, but that can be mustered from the most the current crop of Lurton wines have heralded wine area in the world, expanded well beyond those borders Bordeaux. It is a huge place, broken up into California, Chile, Argentina and by small villages in varying degrees of the like. They currently produce over stature. Les Clefs is in Margaux, arguably 500,000 cases of wine from all over the the best appellation there. Typically world. Margaux is exciting, extraordinary and expensive. Nothing really comes close. The hallowed ground of Margaux houses several of the greatest wines Wine has been heralded from this in the world. The wines are more village for 2,000 years. The land - the approachable on release, but can last soil - is passed down from generation for decades. to generation. Today, it is owned by the Lurton Family, whose history goes back Les Clefs is a blend of 60% Cabernet 200 years or so. They are one of the Sauvignon and 40% Merlot. The flavors premier producers of Bordeaux, with are an amalgam of slightly charred properties and brands in all of the best black fruits, like plum and cherry, areas. mixed with an almost sweet vanilla component, licorice, leather and earth. These flavors are all held in check by ITEM #: B1217R2IF the smooth, silky tannins that envelop Retail Price: $30.00/each your palate and etch into your memory. Paul Member Price: $21.00/each & Ed ‘s Reorder Price: $21.00/each Rating: WINE OF THE MONTH CLUB • 1-800-949-9463 96 www.wineofthemonthclub.com WINE OF THE MONTH CLUB SELECTION CHÂTEAU HAUT MAYNE Bordeaux Blanc, 2016 Region: Graves, Bordeaux, France • Alcohol: 12.5%

NOSE PAIRING Gravel, Slate, Stone Seafood, Game, Fowl Fruit PALATE COLOR Rich, Powerful Lilac Golden Straw and Cream CELLAR FINISH Now through 2026 Large and Lovely

“ BORE • doh BLONK “

As with so many châteaux in Bordeaux, Haut Château Haut Bages Libéral in Pauillac, the Mayne’s history goes back over 100 years. It most distinguished and renowned village in was founded by the Boyer family, one of the Bordeaux, which is home to three of the five dynasties in France’s most coveted wine First Growths. region. Graves is unique in Bordeaux in that it is What is quite distinctive here is that the almost better known for its whites than its winemaker is Madame Catherine d’Halluin, reds. That may have something to do with daughter of the Michel Boyer, the fifth the fact that some of the greatest white generation of Boyer to run the company. wines in the world come from Graves. Many While not totally uncommon, you wouldn’t châteaux make both red and white, and in need all your fingers and toes to count the most cases the whites are more expensive. number of women winemakers in Bordeaux. There’s a reason for that: These wines are Fortunately, that’s changing and all for the truly incredible. better. Ours is the classic blend of 60% Sauvignon The Boyer family goes back several centuries Blanc and 40% Sémillon. It is one of the in winemaking, with ownership interest most exotic wines made. From the gravel in several Classified Growth Châteaux. The and earth tones to the stone fruit, apple and most prestigious of these is the Fifth Growth, pine, it just sings. ITEM #: B1217W1IF Retail Price: $18.00/each Paul Member Price: $15.00/each & Ed ‘s Reorder Price: $12.00/each Rating: WINE OF THE MONTH CLUB • 1-800-949-9463 96 www.wineofthemonthclub.com WINE OF THE MONTH CLUB SELECTION CASA ROSSA Rosé, 2016 Region: I.G.P. Île de Beauté, Corsica, France • Alcohol: 12.0%

NOSE PAIRING Rose Petals Vegetarian, Seafood

PALATE COLOR Rich Strawberry Pale Crimson

CELLAR FINISH Now through 2019 Light and Lovely

“ roh • ZAY “

Casa Rossa is a small Corsican winery great in Provence – which exclusively distributed by the impressive was so good, in fact, they could actually Vins Bréban Château in Provence, France. compete with ! Mon dieu! It was founded in 1952 by Raymond That used to sound like heresy, except Bréban and is now run by the third that now they are the largest and most generation Bréban. successful producers of sparkling wine in Provence. Very early on, the family realized the importance of caring for the land. This But their roots (literally) and their extended to how they grew their grapes heritage rests with the great Rosés that as well as size of their carbon footprint are legendary here. Of course, that leads - even before “carbon footprint” was a to incredible Rosé sparkling wine as well. term. Chemicals are kept to an absolute minimum, and they recycle everything Corsica is a tiny island off the French possible. coast that is famous for its small but impressive wine industry. It also has a Besides being environmentally conscious Rosé reputation. and totally committed to quality, they also recognize great opportunities. One Our selection is 75% Nielluccio and 25% of these opportunities was fashioning a . It exhibits all the greatness of Provence Rosés, but with a bit more ITEM #: R1217R1IF presence and power. It is distinguished Retail Price: $19.00/each by its impressive, lemon-scented finish. Paul Member Price: $15.00/each & Ed ‘s Reorder Price: $12.00/each Rating: WINE OF THE MONTH CLUB • 1-800-949-9463 96 www.wineofthemonthclub.com WINE OF THE MONTH CLUB SELECTION UNDERWOOD Rosé, 2016 Region: Oregon • Alcohol: 12.5%

NOSE PAIRING Rose Petals and Vegetarian, Fowl, Peach Light Meats PALATE COLOR A Burst of Peach Pale Rose Nectar CELLAR FINISH Now through 2019 Lovely, Peach and Plum

“ roh • ZAY “

Every now and again you run across a also relatively Bohemian. New to the winemaker or winery owner like Ryan area, Ryan had the good fortune to be Harms, founder of Union Wines and tutored by two of the best winemakers Underwood. But, not often enough! in the state: Lynn Penner-Ash at Rex Hill Vineyards and Myron Redford at Amity Ryan is not an Oregon native. He arrived Vineyards. there in the mid-1990s, after a term at Binghamton University in upstate New When it came time to make his own York. He’d majored in organic chemistry. wines, Ryan knew enough to hire a great It was a good way for him to start, as winemaker, and he couldn’t have chosen chemistry is an integral part of making better. JP Caldcleugh’s winemaking wine. resume looked like a travel brochure. From California to Australia to New Zealand, JP He married his childhood sweetheart, had created astounding wines. He only Tori, whose family introduced him to wine needed to conquer Oregon. - and the rest, as they say, is history. He began studying wine and never stopped. And so he has. Our selection is an astounding blend of red grapes, headed Oregon in the 1990s was a fascinating by Pinot Noir. The blush color is attained place because, as a wine region, it was by lowering the temperature of the relatively new, relatively obscure and grapes and allowing just a few hours of ITEM #: R1217R2DC skin contact. The result is a lovely mix of peach nectar, strawberry and rose petals, Retail Price: $18.00/each with a finish that can’t be matched. Paul Member Price: $15.00/each & Ed ‘s Reorder Price: $12.00/each Rating: WINE OF THE MONTH CLUB • 1-800-949-9463 95 www.wineofthemonthclub.com A report on how previous selections are faring with age. Obtained from actual tastings of wines under optimal storage conditions.

CELLAR NOTES CLASSIC SERIES December 2015: Merlot/Syrah, 2014. Vina San Juan. Still great. , 2012. Pacific Rim.Drink up. Red Cuvee, 2013. Melodramatic. Drink or hold. Sauvignon Blanc, 2013. Illuminate. Great now.

December 2016: Tannat, 2013. Colinas de Uruguay. Still great. Chardonnay, 2016. Kunza. Drink or hold. Cabernet Sauvignon, 2011. Peltier Station. Ready. Pinot Grigio, 2014. Pepi. Perfect now.

VINTNERS SERIES December 2015: , 2014. Arnegui. Still great. Grenache Blanc, 2014. Babcock. Ready. Bordeaux, 2011. Château Bellevue Claribes. Still great. Pinot Grigio, 2012. Cairdean. Drink up. December 2016: Pinot Noir, 2013. Magnolia Court. Going strong. Chardonnay, 2013. Prima Vista. Great now. Cabernet Sauvignon, 2014. Tarrica Wine Cellars. Drink or hold. Chardonnay, 2014. Caricature. Drink up.

LIMITED SERIES December 2015: Cabernet Sauvignon, 2013. Stateland Cellars. Still great. Petite Sirah, 2010. Cairdean Vineyards. Still great. Pinot Grigio, 2013. Le Marsure. Drink up. Chardonnay, 2007. Sedna. Drink up. December 2016: Syrah Cinsault, 2014. Domaine Ligneres Lathenay. Going strong. Bordeaux, 2013. Château La Rose Belair. Great now. Sauvignon Blanc, 2014. Vavasour. Drink up. Sauvignon Blanc, 2015. Awatere River. At its best.

WINE OF THE MONTH CLUB • 1-800-949-9463 www.wineofthemonthclub.com Recipes Rack of Lamb Chops with Lemon and Thyme Serves: 4 INGREDIENTS 1⁄4 cup extra-virgin olive oil 3 tbsp. fresh lemon juice 2 cloves garlic, minced 1 tbsp. fresh thyme leaves 8 (1⁄2”-thick) lamb rib chops, Frenched Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste

PREPARATION Place olive oil, lemon juice, thyme, garlic and lamb in dish, cover with plastic wrap and let marinate at room temperature for 20 minutes. Build a medium-hot fire in a charcoal grill or heat a gas grill to medium-high. Alternately, heat a 12” cast-iron skillet over medium-high heat. Season lamb chops with salt and pepper and cook, turning once, until browned and cooked to desired doneness, 2-3 minutes per side for medium rare. Serve with Vallado Touriga (Vinho Tinto), Gran Passione Salice Salentino Riserva or Delayed in Glass Merlot/Sangiovese/Syrah.

Spaghetti with Anchovy Garlic Sauce Serves: 2-4

INGREDIENTS 1/3 cup olive oil 4 cloves garlic, mashed into a paste 1 (2-oz.) tin oil-packed anchovies, mashed into a paste 1 pinch crushed red chili flakes 4 tbsp. butter, cubed and chilled 8 oz. spaghetti 2 tbsp. finely chopped parsley Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste Freshly grated Parmigiano cheese and breadcrumbs for topping

PREPARATION Heat oil in a 12” skillet over medium heat. Add garlic; cook, stirring occasionally, until golden, 2–3 minutes. Add anchovy paste and chili flakes; cook until deeply caramelized, about 5 minutes. Reduce heat to medium-low; slowly stir in butter to make a smooth sauce. Meanwhile, bring a large saucepan of salted water to a boil. Cook spaghetti until al dente, about 10 minutes.

Add spaghetti and parsley to skillet and season with salt and pepper; toss to coat. Divide among serving bowls and garnish with cheese and breadcrumbs.

Serve with Andover Estate Chardonnay, Chacewater Sauvignon Blanc or Elianto Vermentino. EARLIER FAVORITES AT REORDER PRICES!

Retail Reorder Case Item # Wine Name Price Price Price CLASSIC SERIES

C1117R1DC - Red Blend, 2014. $18.99 $7.99 $95.88 Leaping Horse “Fresh Berry and Spice”

C1117W1IF - Rosé, 2016. $19.99 $6.99 $83.88 Châ. Ferry Lacombe - Mira “Lovely Peach”

C1117R2IA - , 2014. $18.99 $7.99 $95.88 Pascual Toso “Dark Chocolate and Cherry”

C1117W2IH - Grüner Veltliner, 2016. $17.99 $6.99 $83.88 Count Károlyi “Clean Citrus, Jasmine”

C1017R1IC – Cabernet Sauvignon, 2016. $18.99 $7.99 $95.88 Sin Mancha “Rich, Black Fruits; Soft Tannins.”

C1017W1IZ – Sauvignon Blanc, 2014. $14.99 $6.99 $83.88 Grove Mill “Rich White Peach, Citrus”

C1017R2DC – Red Wine, 2016. $16.99 $7.99 $95.88 Triple B “Blueberry, Spice, Hints of Strawberry”

C1017W2II – Falanghina, 2015. $18.99 $6.99 $83.88 Gran Passione “Very Full, Mango, Mint”

VINTNERS SERIES

V1117R1II - d’Asti, 2011. $24.99 $12.99 $155.88 Coppo - Camp Du Rouss “Brooding Plum and Anise”

V1117W1DW - Chardonnay, 2014. $19.99 $11.99 $143.88 North By Northwest “Apple and Butterscotch”

V1117R2II - Rosso Puglia, 2012. $18.99 $12.99 $155.88 Masseria Surani - Ares “Richly Textured Berry, Spice”

V1117W2DC - Sauvignon Blanc, 2016. $17.99 $11.99 $143.88 Myka Cellars “Luscious Peach, Orange Zest, Mint”

WINE OF THE MONTH CLUB • 1-800-949-9463 www.wineofthemonthclub.com EARLIER FAVORITES AT REORDER PRICES!

Retail Reorder Case Item # Wine Name Price Price Price VINTNERS SERIES, cont.

V1017R1IF – Rouge (Red), 2016. $21.98 $12.99 $155.88 Gallician Grès d’Or “Rich Berry with Earth”

V1017W1DC – Chardonnay, 2015. $18.99 $11.99 $143.88 Spellbound “Peach Nectar and Spice”

V1017R2IA – Cabernet Sauvignon, 2015. $18.99 $12.99 $155.88 Tucumen “Imposing Black Cherry and Spice”

V1017W2IS – Verdejo, 2015. $18.99 $11.99 $143.88 Puente de Rus “Granite, Guava and Grapefruit”

LIMITED SERIES

L1117R1IF - Rouge, 2016. $25.99 $15.99 $191.88 Grange des Dames “Richly Textured Plum”

L1117R2IF - Rouge, 2015. $25.99 $15.99 $191.88 Altitude 450 “Rich and Exciting Cherry”

L1117W3IS - Blanc, 2016. $24.99 $13.99 $167.88 Grange des Dames “Lovely Tropical and Citrus”

L1117W4DC - Chardonnay, 2016. $24.99 $13.99 $167.88 Vina Robles “Green Apple and Spice”

L1017R1DC – Petite Sirah, 2013. $25.00 $15.99 $191.88 Chacewater “Ripe Berry, Spice, Pepper” S O L D O U T

L1017R2IP – Vinho Tinto - Select, 2015. $24.99 $15.99 $191.88 Monte do Carrapatelo “Expressive and Expansive.”

L1017W3IF – Sauvignon Blanc, 2014. $24.99 $13.99 $167.88 Les Fumées Blanches “Citrus and Hints of Smoke”

L1017W4IS – Blanco Ribeiro, 2015. $23.99 $13.99 $167.88 Formigo “Engaging Guava; Rich, Long and Citrusy”

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WINE OF THE MONTH CLUB • 1-800-949-9463 www.wineofthemonthclub.com Wine: ______Color: ______Date ______

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WINE OF THE MONTH CLUB • 1-800-949-9463 www.wineofthemonthclub.com