WOMC-VintnersMay2 5/18/06 2:31 PM Page 1

MAY 2006

AY we always enjoy Zealand with the ease and great at great security of the closure. prices. MAY we WINES Evaluated: 101 rememberM to try wines from all CASAL MORO, 2003 WINES Rejected: 80 over the globe, such as Spain, / WINES Approved: 21 France and Italy as well as VENETO, ITALY California. MAY we thoroughly WINES Selected: 4 The Sangiovese makes enjoy the Vintners Series wines wondrous on its own, but this month… when it is blended with Merlot, mmmm! It is so delicious! Cantine MAD DOGS AND Lenotti has a well-earned ENGLISHMEN, 2004. reputation for many years for SHIRAZ/CABERNET creating great tasting wines and SAUVIGNON/MONASTRELL the Casal Moro Rosso is no JUMILLA, SPAIN exception. Complex, full-bodied The winner of several International and assertive with its own Wine Competitions, we are personality, it is already one of pleased and proud to share with our all-time favorites. Enjoy! you this super wine from Spain. Bright and juicy with PALACIO DE BORNOS, 2004. fresh plums and juicy fruit, this is VERDEJO a wine that is sure to open your RUEDA, SPAIN palate to the wonders of Jumilla. This old wine making area has found a new lease of life with the COMPASS, 2004 excitement and passion of Antonio Sanz. Believing the MARLBOROUGH Verdejo grape is the next NEW ZEALAND ‘”, he has almost A small group of New Zealand single-handedly put the Verdejo winemakers have sparked a grape on the map (and palates) of revolution! They have revolted wine lovers throughout the against corks. Here is another fine world. Bring on summer with this example of the artistry of “wine for all occasions”. Sauvignon Blanc from New

INSIDE THIS MONTH

THE VINTNERS SERIES NEWS 1 ADVENTURES IN GOOD FOOD 5 WHAT’S NEW THIS MONTH 2 TASTING NOTES 6 VINT. #1, MAD DOGS & ENGLISHMEN, 2004. EARLIER SELECTIONS 7 RED BLEND 3 GIFT ORDERS 8 VINT #2, COMPASS, 2004. SAUVIGNON BLANC 4 Join us on the Web: www.WineoftheMonthClub.com WOMC-VintnersMay2 5/18/06 2:31 PM Page 2

A NOTE WHAT’S NEW THIS MONTH? FROM YOUR CELLARMASTER Can you imagine? I arrived home from work the other night and Sandra says, “I would really like a glass of wine” and of course, being that she is my biggest wine critic, I look for something that I know she will like. What did I find? Nothing. Nada. Zippo. Not only did I not find anything that she would like,

Paul Kalemkiarian all I could find in the category was a 3-liter bottle of Chateau Souvereign . April was crazy. I put on a charity golf tournament and Boy, did I feel like a jerky husband. Subsequently, I casino night, Sandra put on a brought home a case of one of our selections. And as charity fashion show. We believe in helping charity. Of we have gone through this case, I reaffirmed the course, between my wife’s, my phrase, “Variety is the spice of life!” Too many people mother-in-law’s, and mine, I get hooked on a particular wine and never seem to might go broke. Nonetheless, we think it is important to help stray. It got to the point where I would reach into the when and wherever we can. case anticipating that I was drinking the same thing I And charity starts at home. We teach our kids that others drank the night before. No…Folks, this is important. are not as fortunate and that Reach out to the wine world and try new things. I others don’t have large and supportive families like we think you will find that your palate will open up to have been blessed with, it is the wonderful spectrum of flavors out there. Not only good to give. So with that, I is life too short to drink bad wine, it is too short to am grateful for what I am privileged to do! drink the same thing! Soon we will be bringing you an opportunity to purchase the great wines that we taste but cannot feature for one reason of

Paul Kalemkiarian another…..Salud!

Membership in THE VINTERS SERIES 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 Call: 1-800-949-WINE (9463) or (626) 303-1690 FAX: (626) 303-2597 Online: www.WineoftheMonthClub.com Newsletter written by: Elizabeth Schweitzer, Master

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THIS MONTH’S SELECTION #1

pain has opened the Monastrell is one of the most door for any wine widely planted red grape drinker to find varieties in Spain. It thrives Ssomething that they love. in hot, dry weather and is Their command of the very disease resistant. The Monastrell grape and their are small and innovative wine-making has produce wines that are drier paved the way for many a and meatier than Spain’s wine drinking experience. most popular grape, Mad Dogs & Englishmen Garnacha. It is recorded that 2004 was created by three men the Monastrell grape has who worked together to thrived here for more than MAD DOGS make a seriously fun wine of two thousand years. The high quality without a fancy Monastrell grape is at home AND price tag. The region of here and rightly so. The ENGLISHMEN Jumilla is an exciting new conditions enable the grape wine-making region in to develop its color and Monastrell/ Spain. It is located southeast flavor, which make it of Madrid and is set in a distinctly Spanish. Cabernet beautiful setting close to the Sauvignon/ regional park “El Carche”. Mad Dogs & Englishmen is a The climate in Jumilla is blend of 50% Monastrell, Shiraz similar to Australia; hot, 30% Shiraz and 20% (moan-eh-strell, semi-dry with low yielding Cabernet Sauvignon. The ka-bur-nay vines. Hot days and cool Monastrell grape brings saw-veehn-yawn, nights result in great acidity flavors of loganberry sheer-ahz) and the best possible sugar mulberry and raspberry. levels. The soil is sandy with The Shiraz gives the wine Jumilla, Spain chalk and clay. its pepper notes and the Cabernet Sauvignon Color: Marcial Martinez Cruz is provides the backbone and a the winemaker and is Dark, alluring red round, full mouth feel. The thought to be one of the most color is dark red. The nose Nose: innovative winemakers in is distinctive with dark Gamy, dark Spain. Second in the trio chocolate, black cherry, chocolate, black is Guy Anderson who raisin and a certain gamy assembled the cherry, raisin note. The palate is dry, team. William Long helped Palate: to create the name and full-bodied, with raisin fruit, stewed tomatoes, fresh Dry, full-bodied with marketing. Inspired by the sweet overtones, heat of the region, he said, plums and berry fruits “It is so hot here you need to with a long, warm, and plums, berry be either mad or an lively finish. Finish Englishman to work here.” Warm, long finish

CELLARING SUGGESTIONS V506E Retail Price: $16.99/each Special Member Price: $15.99/each Drink now or Reorder Price: $11.99/each cellar through 2008 29% Discount $143.88/case

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THIS MONTH’S SELECTION #2

ompass wines are his very “hands-on” made in the largest approach to winemaking, growing region his technical and artistic C in New Zealand. skills, Compass Sauvignon Marlborough is world- Blanc is an incredibly special famous for its superb wine. “Wine, he says, is Marlborough Sauvignon one of the finer things in Blanc. The long-ripening life that is built on tradition, season with high-sunshine and requires expert hours and unspoiled craftsmanship and needs an environment nurture the innate passion.” vines with perfect flavors and quality. The allure of It’s worth highlighting the Sauvignon Blanc is as good a advantages of screw cap reason as any to begin a love closures again. 1. Ease of affair with New Zealand opening. 2. Consistent wines. The Marlborough quality. 3. No corked wine. region is strongly influenced 4. No more oxidized wine. by maritime climate. 5. Dependable cellaring. The Although it is considered a screw cap revolution is here! cool climate region, it has many pockets with unique A quick turn of the screw microclimates. The soil is and the Compass Sauvignon 2004 composed of silt and gravel Blanc reveals a wine of light and this reflects in the green color with silver COMPASS wine flavors. Marlborough tinges. The nose is classic are located in intense tropical fruit, guava Sauvignon Blanc the scenic Wairau Valley, with slight hint of thyme and (saw-veehn-yawn surrounded by snowcapped rosemary. The palate is fresh, blah) mountains and the Awatere full-bodied and zingy with Valley bordered by low hills mango, passionfruit, guava New Zealand and the meandering Wairau and a lush mineral character. River. The Winemaker at The finish lingers and invites Color: Compass is Dr. John Forrest. you back for another sip (or Pale, lime yellow He is the result of three two). While its best-enjoyed Nose: generations of winemaking young, it will develop some experience. He brings the complexities over the next Tropical fruit, herbal, discipline of science and his two years as well. Compass mango own exuberant personality is a perfect match with Palate: and artistic flair. He truly Caesar salad, Mahi Mahi Full-bodied, believes that the blend of art and other whitefish dishes. and science is the key to This is an excellent racy acidity, passion- making great wine. In Marlborough Sauvignon fruit, guava 2001, he was awarded the Blanc from an exceptional Finish prestigious New Zealand’s 2004 . Round, crisp finish Winemaker of the Year. With

CELLARING SUGGESTIONS V506F Retail Price: $15.99/each Special Member Price: $13.99/each Drink now or Reorder Price: $10.99/each cellar 2 years 31% Discount $131.88/case

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ADVENTURES IN GOOD FOOD

The aroma of the stew pot is traditionally for 15 minutes. Slice the meats, arrange them Spanish. Here is a classic stew to pair on a platter and keep warm. Arrange the with your , Mad Dogs chickpeas, potatoes, carrots and cabbage on & Englishmen. platter and keep warm. Cocido is traditionally served in three BOILED BEEF AND CHICKPEAS courses. 1. The macaroni soup. 2. The MADRILENO (COCIDO vegetables. 3. The meats. MADRILENO) The chickpeas are drizzled with a bit of olive Serves 6. oil before serving. INGREDIENTS: 2-1/2 cups chickpeas 1 lb. top round beef or short ribs 1/2 lb. chicken pieces Compass Sauvignon Blanc will be 7 oz. side pork or un-smoked bacon complemented by the sweet and sour 1 ham bone dressing of this simple yet complex flavored salad. 3-1/2 oz ham end trimmings 5 oz. chorizo 4 medium carrots, peeled SWEET AND SOUR 4 medium potatoes, peeled CUCUMBER SALAD 2-1/2 lb cabbage Serves 4. 3 Tbsp. olive oil 2 cloves garlic, peeled INGREDIENTS: 2-1/2 cups elbow macaroni 2/3 cup distilled white vinegar Salt 2/3 cup water 1/2 cup sugar PREPARATION: Large pinch of salt A day in advance: Place chickpeas in a bowl 1 large cucumber, peeled of lukewarm salted water and let soak for 4 Tbsp. freshly chopped coriander (cilantro) 12 hours. 1/2 small red onion, chopped The same day: Place the beef, chicken, side 1/3 cup chopped salted peanuts pork, ham and ham bone in a large stock pot and add cold water to cover. Bring to a boil PREPARATION: over medium heat, skimming off the foam that rises. Drain and rinse the chickpeas and Mix the vinegar, water, sugar, and salt in a tie them is a small mesh bag to keep them small saucepan and bring it to a boil, stirring from mixing with the meats and add them to to dissolve the sugar. Allow the mixture to the meats. Cook over low heat for 1 hour. reduce and thicken slightly, about 8-10 minutes; it should reduce by about half. Add the chorizo and continue to cook for 1 Remove pan from heat and set aside to cool. hour. Add the carrots and cook for 30 minutes. Add the potatoes and cook until Meanwhile, cut the cucumber into quarters, tender, about 30 minutes. Meanwhile, cook then slice them thinly across and put the the cabbage separately in a large saucepan pieces into a bowl. filled with salted water for about 30 minutes. Once the dressing has cooled, add it to the Drain and cut. Heat the oil in a large skillet, bowl with half of the chopped coriander and add the garlic and cabbage pieces and sauté’ the onion. Stir well. until tender, drain the broth from the meats into a large saucepan. Add the macaroni, Just before serving, stir in the peanuts and season with salt and cook over medium heat garnish with the rest of the coriander.

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TASTING NOTES

WINE:

Date Tested Color Nose Tasted

Tracking Notes Date Comments Date Comments Date Comments

WINE:

Date Tested Color Nose Tasted

Tracking Notes Date Comments Date Comments Date Comments

THE VINTNERS SERIES CELLAR NOTES

A report on how previous VINTNERS SERIES Selections are faring with age.

May 2005 Cabernet Sauvignon, 2002. Powers. Drink through 2008. Moschofilero, 2003. Boutari. Drink now.

Need Another Binder? When your binders bulge with newsletters, just call us and we’ll send you additional binders.

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EARLIER SELECTIONS

MEMBER ITEM # & DESCRIPTION QTY REORDER TOTAL PRICE #V506E - Monastrell/Cab/Shiraz, 2004. Mad Dogs & Englishmen $11.99/Each “Dark chocolate, raisin, plums” $143.88/Case Retail Price $16.99 29% Discount #V506F –Sauvignon Blanc, 2004. Compass “Tropical fruit, herbal, mango” $10.99/Each Retail Price $15.99 31% Discount $131.88/Case #V506G - Sangiovese/Merlot, 2003. $12.99/Each Casal Moro “Dark berries, earth, cassis” $155.88/Case Retail Price $16.99 24% Discount #V506H –Verdejo, 2004. Palacio de Bornos $10.99/Each “Clean, crisp, pears, lime” $131.88/Case Retail Price $14.99 27% Discount #V406E - , 2004. Tribouley $13.99/Each “Fresh berry fruits, cinnamon, saffron” $167.88/Case Retail Price $17.99 22% Discount #V406F –White Rhone, 2004. Rosenblum Cellars $10.00/Each “Exotic peach, apricot, vanilla” $120.00/Case Retail Price $15.99 25% Discount

To order by phone call TOLL FREE 1-800-949-WINE (1-800-949-9463) Sub-Total Monday – Friday 8 am – 5 pm (Pacific Time) To order by mail or fax please complete this order form. 8.25% CA Sales Tax Fax 626-303-2597 (24 hours a day) S & H* Or mail to: WINE OF THE MONTH CLUB P.O. Box 660220, Arcadia, CA 91066 Or shop online at: www.WineoftheMonthClub.com EARLIER SELECTIONS TOTAL *For shipping and handling charges, see other side.

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IMPORTANT DELIVERY INFORMATION: We can ship to CA, CO, ID, IA, IL, MO, ND, NE, box. If an adult is not regularly at this address during normal UPS/Federal Express NH, NM, NV, OH, OR, TX, WI, WV, WY. Shipments cannot be made to a Post Office delivery hours, please specify a neighbor’s, or office address, for the shipments. WOMC-VintnersMay2 5/18/06 2:31 PM Page 8

GIFT ORDERS

It’s the Perfect Gift for a... Thank You, Housewarming, Wedding, Anniversary, Congratulations, Holiday, Father’s & Mother’s Day, Valentine’s Day, Christmas & New Year’s. Business Thank You, Bon Voyage... or just to say “I Love You!”

GIFT # THE VINTNERS SERIES GIFT MEMBERSHIPS QTY PRICE TOTAL

1OV 2 Bottles Current club selections $33.50*

2OV 6 Bottles Assortment of recent selections $94.00*

3OV 12 Bottles (1 Case) Assortment of recent selections $185.00* 4VQGP 4 Month Membership in THE VINTNERS SERIES * Subscription: 2 Bottles every quarter for one year (8 bottles total) $123.50

5VGP 6 Month Membership in THE VINTNERS SERIES * Subscription: 2 Bottles every other month for one year (12 bottles total) $183.50 VGP 1 Year Membership in THE VINTNERS SERIES * Subscription: 2 Bottles each month for the next 12 months (24 bottles total) $363.50

SHIPPING AND HANDLING FOR GIFT ORDERS FOR EARLIER SELECTION ORDERS Sub-Total Gift Number CA Shipping Out-of-State Shipping Number of Bottles CA Shipping Out-of-State Shipping Gift #1OV $ 6.97 $ 9.02 1 – 2 $ 6.97 $ 9.02 8.25% CA Sales Tax Gift #2OV $10.95 $16.90 3 – 4 $ 7.95 $11.30 Gift #3OV $15.65 $27.60 5 – 6 $10.95 $16.90 S & H Gift #4QGP $27.88 $36.08 7 – 8 $12.85 $21.15 Gift #5VGP $41.82 $54.12 9 – 10 $14.20 $24.25 GIFT ORDERS TOTAL Gift #VGP $83.64 $108.29 11 – 12 $15.65 $27.60 *Gift wrapping included. Please call for shipping prices outside CA in states where permissible.

❏ Check # in the amount of $ enclosed (made payable to Wine of the Month Club)

❏ Please charge total to my: ❏ Discover ❏ Visa ❏ Mastercard ❏ American Express

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To order by phone call TOLL FREE 1-800-949-WINE Monday – Friday 8 am – 5 pm (Pacific Time) (1-800-949-9463) To order by mail or fax please complete this order form. Fax 626-303-2597 (24 hours a day) Or mail to: WINE OF THE MONTH CLUB P.O. Box 660220, Arcadia, CA 91066 Or shop online at: www.WineoftheMonthClub.com

1. All wine assortments, as well as the first month of WINE 2. Shipments are made by United Parcel Service and 4. If any of the items to be included is out of inventory, we OF THE MONTH CLUB membership, will be handsomely are guaranteed to arrive in perfect condition. guarantee that we will substitute a product of equal or gift boxed. A card will be attached with your greeting. 3. All recipients must be 21 years or older. superior quality. Call us for weekend delivery. WOMC-VintnersMay2 5/18/06 2:31 PM Page 9

THIS MONTH’S SELECTION #3

he Lenotti wines bottle. Each step of the (Casal Moro) date winemaking process is T back to 1906 handled with care and for their high quality passion. The Sangiovese production of Bardolino. and Merlot grapes are hand- They were also known for selected to insure quality, supplying wine and grapes and then each varietal is to local bottlers for several fermented separately before decades. Cantine Lenotti is blending. Sangiovese is a located in Bardolino, a town mainstay grape of Italy, in the north of Italy, near having been grown there 2003 Verona, on the banks of Lake since the sixteenth century. Garda. Lake Garda is the Alone it makes great wines, CASAL largest lake in Italy. It is such as Chianti and famous for its mild climate , but when it MORO and the beneficial effects the is blended with Merlot it ROSSO DEL lake has on the flourishing becomes the marriage of the agriculture of vines and century. The Merlot brings VENETO olives that are grown there. body, bouquet and enhances In the early 1970’s, the farm the aging ability while the Sangiovese/ constantly increased its Sangiovese shows off its Merlot production of high-quality earthy, dark cherry fruit. (san-gee-oh-vay- wines and was marketing From the glass the color is a say/mare-low) them at competitive prices. ruby red. The nose is From 1971 to the present, perfumed with dark berries, Veneto, Italy the farm has undergone earth and cassis. It is several enlargements and full-bodied, velvety and Color: renovations. In 1981, a balanced with just enough Deep ruby technologically state-of- Merlot nuance for an the-art vinification unit amazing dry and long finish. Nose: was installed and more This is a wine with its own Dark berries, innovative plans for the distinct personality and will earth, cassis future are underway. The cellar for several more years, is run by the Lenotti but you will probably not Palate: family; Giancarlo and want to wait. It is perfect Dry, full-bodied, Marina and their sons, with grilled meats and pasta mixed berries, coffee Claudio and Enrico. This is a with meat sauce! Finish hands-on operation and the quality is apparent in every Long, dry finish

CELLARING SUGGESTIONS V506G Retail Price: $16.99/each Special Member Price: $15.99/each Drink now Reorder Price: $12.99/each or cellar 5 years 24% Discount $155.88/case

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THIS MONTH’S SELECTION #4

even years before mission to showcase the the Rueda region refinement and elegance was granted D.O. that this grape has to offer. status,S Antonio Sanz decided “Our aim is to grow the best to open his own winery grape quality in order to there. He is the owner and produce the best wines.” winemaker at Bodegas says Antonio. Sources claim Palacio de Bornos and is a that Verdejo is indigenous man with great passion and with the Rueda region and foresight. He realized the that it grows best here. Well, potential of the area’s soil we can see for ourselves and climate and how perfect after just one sip. Clean, they were for the unique crisp, and delicious, it is characteristics of the Verdejo definitely a wine to keep grape. The Sanz’s family on hand for the summer has been making wine in months ahead. the Rueda Area for five generations, from 1870 to Typically, Verdejo makes present, in the nearby town light, fresh and aromatic of La Seca. Antonio was a wines. The Palacio de 2004 pioneer in the Rueda region Bornos is no exception, for being the first to make except with the added bonus PALACIO DE fresh modern-style white of gifted winemaking and wines from the area. The care. This is an appealing BORNOS soils are poor, with a mix of fresh wine made with 100% Verdejo gravel, limestone and sandy Verdejo. The color is a (ver-de-hoh) clay; perfect for Verdejo. The brilliant, clear pale yellow elevation and harsh climate with tints of silver. The nose of long cold winters and is assertive, fresh and lively Rueda, Spain hot dry summers, provide with smells of lime, lemon growing conditions for low zest, mineral and pears. One Color: yields and grapes that are sip and you will be hooked; Pale yellow, tinges fully ripe, especially Verdejo. clean, crisp, loaded with of sliver At Palacio de Bornos, all the pears, lime and a hint of Verdejo grapes are harvested chalk. This is the perfect Nose: at night and from the arrival wine for summer salads, Lime and lemon zest at the winery until bottling, grilled chicken, and are handled with care in appetizers or just to sip Palate: protective environments. with good conversation. The Pears, lime, mineral finish is clean and invites At Palacio de Bornos, you back to the glass for Finish Verdejo is the “queen of another sip. Crisp, lengthy finish grapes” and it is their

CELLARING SUGGESTIONS V506H Retail Price: $14.99/each Special Member Price: $13.90/each Drink now slightly chilled Reorder Price: $10.99/each or cellar for one year 27% Discount $131.88/case

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