WOMC-News1207 10/30/07 3:12 PM Page 1
NEWS FROM WINE OF THE MONTH CLUB Since 1972 December 2007 Wines evaluated last month: 292 Rejected: 277 Approved: 15 Selected: 8 “ Getting Ready emember LIMITED SERIES this Moingeon Sparkling Brut for the Holidays? December, 1415, NV. Burgundy, see page 2 that love weighs more than France Rgold!” Send Us Your – J.D. BACON There is an old French e-mail Address! saying that a Frenchman will drink Bordeaux send to: REGULAR SERIES always, and only drink [email protected] Toso Sparkling Brut, Burgundy for holidays NV. Mendoza, and his daughters’ Is this cool or what? Argentina weddings. This is wine What holiday is made in Burgundy, and LOG ONTO complete without a it is the holidays, so we www. glass or two of bubbly can drink like a true wineofthemonthclub.com for toasting good will? Frenchman. Salut! and click on This wine is made “Live Help” and you will by one of the most L’Etoile Banyuls, NV. be connected right here prestigious wineries Banyuls, France in Argentina and sent to one of our to you with joy for Dr. Arnaud de Villeneive Membership Service Reps! the season. won a patent from the king of Majorca, who then Montonico Port, NV. Delano, California ruled Roussillon, to Gift Assortments produce wines with the see page 9 Port is such a classic addition of spirit. dessert wine after Centuries later, Arnuad’s a holiday meal. New Member Traditionally served method of mutage remains Application with cheese and nuts, unchanged and creates a for a Friend this is sure to end most exquisite wine. your evening on an see page 15 extra special note.
INSIDE THIS MONTH
WINEOFTHEMONTH CLUB NEWS 1 ORDER FORMS 7–10 WHAT’S NEW?2UPCOMING EVENTS 11 REG. SPARKLING BRUT, NV. TOSO 3 MEMBER COMMENTS 12 REG. PORT, NV. MONTONICO 4 ADVENTURES IN GOOD FOOD 13 LTD. BRUT, NV. MOINGEON 1415 5 REGULAR & LTD TASTING NOTES 11, 14 LTD. BANYULS, NV. L’ETOILE 6 WORD ON THE STREET 16 Join us on the Web: www.WineoftheMonthClub.com WOMC-News1207 10/30/07 3:12 PM Page 2
A NOTE WE’RE READY FOR THE FROM YOUR HOLIDAYS! ARE YOU? ELLARMASTER C THE GIFT THAT KEEPS ON GIVING When you give the Wine of the Month Club membership the recipient receives a wonderful reminder of your generosity every month, not just once a year! For the cost of the wine, your co-worker, friend, or business contact will receive two great selections each month, delivered to their door with all the information inside the newsletter to make their enjoyment of the wines that much better. One call Paul Kalemkiarian does it all! CLASSY GIFT BASKETS Hoping this newsletter finds We have a wide assortment of beautifully arranged you and yours healthy and gift baskets that will fit any taste and budget. You can select food only, wine only, or food and wine combos. at peace. Sometimes the Avoid unpleasant traffic, crowds, parking and holidays leave us exhausted waiting. Don’t worry about wrapping your gifts or the hassles of shipping and insurance. We do it all instead of rejuvenated in for you! mankind. Folks, it’s not LOOKING GOOD about the “stuff” it's about Your gift is carefully wrapped in a shiny burgundy the people. Enjoy your loved box with a silver ribbon and delivered with a hand- written gift card. When you send a Wine of the Month ones as much as possible Club gift, the recipient receives a beautifully presented during these days. That is gift showing your thoughtfulness.
where the gratifications is. SAVE MONEY A toast to You and Yours! You can be assured that your gift has a value beyond your actual cost. The purchasing power of the Wine of Salud! the Month Club is your guarantee that you will always be sending the best for less. We will be shipping November and December wines early so you can have them in time for all your holiday Paul Kalemkiarian gatherings. We encourage you to reorder as soon as possible to avoid the last minute rush.
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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IMPORTED SELECTION
ascual Toso have been outstanding, and immigrated from this sparkling wine is a Piedmont, Italy, great example. P in 1860 to establish the Toso Winery in There are basically two Mendoza, Argentina. Toso is methods to make sparkling one of the oldest and most wine. The oldest one is the prestigious wine producers Methode Champenoise in in Argentina. There are which the process takes actually two wineries now— place entirely in the bottle. both in Mendoza. The first is This is a long and complex Non-vintage in San Jose Guaymalen. The process, and the time is second is in Maipu, and is often reflected in the price. called “La Barrancas,” or The other system is the Toso “the canyon.” It has a Charmat method. During cooler climate, with a long the Charmat method, the Sparkling Brut ripening season of hot days sparkling wine is produced Chardonnay and cool nights. It’s here in large containers, known (shar-doe-nay) that the grapes for the as autoclaves, and then Toso Sparkling wine are bottled. When done well— grown. Recently, the winery like this month’s Toso Mendoza underwent renovations and Sparkling wine—the Argentina now sports state-of-the-art resulting wine is fresh and technology and equipment. full of bubbles and flavor. Color: Bright yellowish Fill your flute with this wine Paul Hobbs is one of the green most reputable American which pours a bright yellow winemakers. He has green. The nose is fresh with Nose: worked for Robert Mondavi, yeasty, buttered toast and Yeasty, buttered Opus One, and Simi. He apple with apricot. The toast, apricot, apple has his own winery in palate is soft and fresh with Sebastopol, California, and tropical fruit, citrus and Palate: consults to wineries in healthy acidity. This is a Gentle, soft, fresh, Hungary, Chile, and perfect wine with appetizers tropical fruit, citrus Argentina. Paul Hobbs and will accompany a joined Toso in 2001 to dinner with whitefish or Finish: manage a huge vineyard roast chicken (see recipe on Clean and crisp and their winemaking page 13). investments. The results
CELLARING SUGGESTIONS 1207A Retail Price: $13.99/each Special Member Price: $9.99/each Drink now chilled, Reorder Price: $7.99/each through 2008 43% Discount $95.88/case
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DOMESTIC SELECTION
elano is a city Franscioni makes his in Kern County, Montonico Port with mostly California. The Ruby Cabernet, and then D city was he jazzes it up with a blend founded in 1873 as a of traditional port varietals railroad town, and it still grown in Monterey County. sits on of the main north- The grapes start a natural south arteries in California fermentation in an open top off Highway 99. In the tank. While there is still 16% early 1960s, Delano was a fermentable sugar, the wine hotbed for farm workers’ is fortified with brandy. The strikes and boycotts against grapes then stay another 24 table grapes. The activism hours on the skins before the galvanized workers into skins are pressed off. The Non-vintage the United Farm Workers of wine is then put into barrels America (UFW). Delano is to mellow. Montonico still known for its vineyards The result is a delicious wine Port where many of the vines are with a blackish red color. over 80 years old. Delano The nose is penetrating California Port is a sweet fortified wine. with black currant, plum, Color: Fortified means that distilled caramel, and dried red fruits. Blackish red grape spirit is added to the The palate is medium sweet Nose: wine to boost its alcohol with intense flavors of dried Black currant, plum, content and maintain its plum, complex red fruit, and caramel, dried red fruit sugar levels. Port is caramel. It has a pleasantly Palate: produced mostly in the sweet and lingering finish. Intense flavors, Douro Valley of Portugal You would traditionally moderately sweet, with specific grape varieties, drink this with cheese and nutty, complex red fruit but it’s also made around the nuts, but you may want to world with many different sip a glass with your glazed Finish: Sweet and lingering varietals. Winemaker Phil ham for a special treat.
CELLARING SUGGESTIONS 1207B Retail Price: $15.99/each Special Member Price: $8.99/each Drink now Reorder Price: $6.99/each through 2010 57% Discount $83.88/case
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IMITED ERIES L S SELECTION
he appellation from vines growing in the Cremant de Champagne region.) Thus, Bourgogne was Cremant de Bourgogne is T created in 1973. a great alternative to The region used to be named Champagne at a fraction of Bourgogne Mousseux. the cost. The grapes for 1415 Cremant de Bourgogne is Blanc de Blancs are selected Non-vintage a generic term for from vineyards within Moingeon sparkling wines from the the Vaucluse (voh-cluze) Sparkling Burgundy region. and Charente (shah-rant) Brut 1415 regions. All grape varieties Moingeon (mon-gheon) was Blanc de are allowed in Cremant, founded in 1895 in Nuits Blancs although Gamay may not St. Georges in the heart of Chardonnay/ be more than 20% of the the Cote de Nuits. In 1995, it Colombard/ total volume. Chenin Blanc was bought by Mark and (shar-doe-nay/ Eva Siddle who also The Moingeon pours a pale kah-lum-bard/ sheh-ihn blahn) own Domaine Bretagne in yellow with lively bubbles. Vougeout. They re-named The nose is bold with floral Burgundy France the property “La Maison and hints of citrus fruits like Color: du Cremant.” lemon and grapefruit, with Light straw some apple and pear. The Moingeon produces only Nose: palate is soft, crisp, and dry Complex floral Methode Traditionelle with ripe apple, pear, and bouquet, hints of sparkling wine. “Methode citrus well-integrated acidity. It Traditionelle” means that the Palate: finishes fresh and buttery. wine has been made with the Light, crisp, elegant, Have a glass with appetizers refreshing citrus, same process as bottles of or a dinner with roast light toast Champagne. (The difference chicken or duck. Finish: is that the grapes are not Clean and crisp
CELLARING SUGGESTIONS L1207C Retail Price: $21.99/each Special Member Price: $20.99/each Drink now, chilled, Reorder Price: $18.99/each through 2009 14% Discount $227.88/case
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IMITED ERIES L S SELECTION
anyuls is a levels are still high. Those fortified grape sugars not yet B dessert wine. converted to alcohol It’s made from provide extra sweetness, old vines grown in terraced preserving the natural sugar vineyards on the slopes of the grape. of the Pyrennes of Non-vintage The L’Etoile Banyuls pours a Southern France. The garnet color with golden L’Etoile Cooperative Etoile is the hues. The nose is loaded Banyuls oldest cooperative in with dried fruits, grilled Grenache/ Banyuls, founded in 1921. Grenache Gris/ hazelnuts, cocoa, spice, and Eighty percent of the Carignan tobacco. The palate is soft (Greh-nash/ world’s production of and elegant with dried greh-nash gree/ Banyuls wine is made from care-reen-yawn) apricots, dark plums 12 vineyards. Production is Banyuls and walnuts. The finish extremely limited. France is endless. Color: The region is famous for Garnet with Cheese with Banyuls is a real its Vin Doux Naturels. Vin golden hues treat. Sip the wine, then take Nose: Dous Naturals (VDN) use a bite of Roquefort; sip the Fresh, upfront the method of “mutage.” grilled hazelnut, wine, then take another bite (The word comes from tobacco, cocoa, dried of goat cheese or Tommes. fruits “môut”, meaning “must.”) If you are a chocolate lover, Palate: The production process is Soft, elegant, well- try it with ganache (see similar to that used to make balanced, dried recipe on page 13), or a apricot, dark plums, Port. Grape spirit (alcohol) traditional Yule Log dessert. tobacco is added to the must to stop Finish: fermentation while sugar Endless finish
CELLARING SUGGESTIONS L1207D Retail Price: $19.99/each Special Member Price: $18.99/each Drink now Reorder Price: $14.99/each through 2012 25% Discount $179.88/case
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IMITED ERIES L EARLIERS SELECTIONS
REGULAR MEMBER ITEM # DESCRIPTION PRICE/ DISC. QTY. REORDER PRICE/ TOTAL UNIT CASE/EACH Sparkling Brut, NV. Moingeon 1415 $227.88/cs L1207C $21.99 14% “Floral, citrus, light toast” $18.99/ea Banyuls, NV. L’Etoile $179.88/cs L1207D $19.99 25% “Grilled hazelnut,tobacco, dark plums” $14.99/ea Cabernet Sauvignon/Merlot, 2004. Taltarni $179.88/cs L1207E $18.99 21% “Black cherry, coffee, licorice” $14.99/ea VMR, 2006. The Black Chook $167.88/cs L1207F $17.99 22% “Apricot, honeysuckle, nectarine” $13.99/ea Cabernet Sauvignon, 2005. Totino $191.88/cs L1107C $22.99 30% “Blackberry, mint, spice, plum” $15.99/ea Sangiovese, 2003. Eagle & Rose $179.88/cs L1107D $21.99 31% “Ripe cherry, cinnamon, sweet wood” $14.99/ea Chardonnay, 2005. Totino $179.88/cs L1107E $19.99 25% “Citrus, stone fruit, basil” $14.99/ea Moscatel, 2006. Primas de la Vi˜na $119.88/cs L1107F $12.99 24% “Grapefruit, lemon zest, almond” $9.99/ea Shiraz, 2001. Koonowla $239.88/cs L1007C $27.99 28% “Dark fruit, ripe plum, vanilla” $19.99/ea Chardonnay, 2005. Siqueira $179.88/cs L1007D $22.99 35% “Pineapple, passion fruit, ripe pear” $14.99/ea Cabernet Sauvignon, 2002. Montes Alpha $191.88/cs L1007E $21.99 28% “Red fruit, chocolate, black currant” $15.99/ea Sauvignon Blanc, 2005. Morton Estate $155.88/cs L1007F $17.99 28% “Green apple, tropical fruit” $12.99/ea Malbec Reserve, 2003. Torrevieja $167.88/cs L907C $24.00 42% “Lush raspberry, boysenberry, coffee” $13.99/ea Zinfandel/Barbera, 2004. Muse (Mingle) $167.88/cs L907D $22.95 40% “Blackberry, pepper, purple plums” $13.99/ea Pinot Blanc, 2006. Konzelmann $143.88/cs L907E $14.99 20% “Green apple, pear, vanilla” $11.99/ea Viognier/Pinot Gris, 2006. Heartland $155.88/cs L907F $18.99 32% “StoneSOLD fruit, apricots, OUT lime” $12.99/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-News1207 10/30/07 3:12 PM Page 8
EGULAR ERIES R EARLIERS SELECTIONS
REGULAR MEMBER ITEM # DESCRIPTION PRICE/ DISC. QTY. REORDER PRICE/ TOTAL UNIT CASE/EACH Sparkling Brut, NV. Toso $95.88/cs 1207A $13.99 43% “Yeasty, buttered toast, apple” $7.99/ea Port, NV. Montonico $83.88/cs 1207B $15.99 57% “Black currant, caramel, plum” $6.99/ea Merlot, 2006. Le Tresor $107.88/cs 1207C $11.99 25% “Cigar box, blueberry, walnuts” $8.99/ea Chardonnay, 2006. Le Vie $95.88/cs 1207D $11.99 34% “Floral, peaches, almonds” $7.99/ea Cabernet Sauvignon, 2003. Napa Girl $107.88/cs 1107A $21.99 60% “Ripe red berries, vanilla, cassis” $8.99/ea Sauvignon Blanc, 2006. Veramonte $83.88/cs 1107B $12.99 47% “Stone fruit, citrus, herbs” $6.99/ea Chardonnay, 2004. Napa Girl $83.88/cs 1007A $19.99 65% “Green apple, lemon, spice” $6.99/ea Nero d’Avola / Merlot, 2005. Epicuro $83.88/cs 1007B $14.99 54% “Strawberry, black berry, smoke” $6.99/ea Cabernet Sauvignon, 2004. Chateau Peralta $95.88/cs 907A $15.99 50% “Cranberry, cassis, leather” $7.99/ea Chardonnay (Unwooded), 2004. Gum Bear $59.88/cs 907B $11.99 58% “Tropical fruit, pear, melon” $4.99/ea 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% “Blackberries, 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 Sub-Total 8.25% CA Sales Tax S&H TOTAL 8 WOMC-News1207 10/30/07 3:12 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 2008 GIFT BASKETS THE ULTIMATE PARTY If you really want to “WOW” them, this is the gift to send. This is our largest basket collection. It has 3 bottles of wine and arrives in a gorgeous X-large copper bucket. They will remember you long after the wine and food are gone with this one. Basket includes: one bottle of 2005 Copper Fish Petite Sirah, one bottle 2006 Monkey Puzzle Sauvignon Blanc, one bottle NV. Rime Sparkling wine, Dillon’s Peanut Brittle, Campagna Mediterranean Spread, Northwoods Hot Pepper Cheese, Northwoods Wisconson Cheddar Cheese, Ferdies Gourmet Peanuts, Mrs. Calls Carmel/Chocolate dipped Pretzel, Sourdough Bruschetta Bags, Picholine Olives, California Treats Popcorn, Mrs. Calls Caramels, Rural Route White Fudge and Almond Popcorn, Dolcetto Wafer Rolls, Star Ridge Bread Sticks, Jordan’s Pita Chips, Summer Sausage, assorted hard candies. Delivered in a large round copper wine bucket. #UPB $139.95* + $14.00 shipping and handling ($19.50 outside CA) $139.95 SNACK ATTACK At home or at the office this basket of scrumptious snacks is sure to please everyone. Basket includes: one bottle 2004 Gum Bear Shiraz, 2006 Oak Grove Pinot Grigio, Ferdies Gourmet Peanuts, Chocolate Biscotti Triangle, Torn Ranch Dark Chocolate Bar, Mr. Calls Caramels, Jordan’s Cheddar Buds, Kara’s fruit sours, Partners Gourmet Crackers, East Shore Pretzels, Picholine Olives, Angelina’s Butter Cookies, California Gourmet White Cheddar Popcorn assorted hard candies. Delivered in a medium sized oval basket with handles. #SNAB $65.95* + $14.00 Shipping and Handling ($19.50 outside CA) $65.95 ELEGANT TASTE This beautifully adorned wine caddy delivers an elegant and thoughtful gift. They will open up and enjoy! Basket includes: one bottle: 2002 Vizcaya Cabernet Sauvignon, 2006 Tunnel of Elms Chardonnay, San Francisco Chocolate Factory Chocolates, Dolcetto Pastry and assorted hard candies. Arrives in a stylish wine caddy. #ETB $49.95* +$8.50 Shipping and Handling ($10.50 outside CA) $49.95 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-News1207 10/30/07 3:12 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 / /
Name (Please Print) Signature
Shipping Address (We do not ship to P. O. Boxes)
City State Zip
Phone (day) Phone (evening) E-Mail Address
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-News1207 10/30/07 3:12 PM Page 11
IMITED ERIES L TASTINGS NOTES
BRUT, NV. MOINGEON 1415 BANYULS, NV. L’ETOILE 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.
December 2003 Classic Brut, 1998. Iron Horse. Drink now. Moscato, 2002. Rayons du Soleil. Drink now. December 2004 Champagne, NV. Henri Abele. Drink up. Madeira, NV. Broadbent. Drink now. December 2005 Prosecco, NV. Fantinel. Drink now. Port, 2000. Presidential. Drink through 2007. December 2006 Brut Reserve, NV. Bailly Lapierre. Drink up. Recioto Barbera, 2004. Bonny Doon. 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. 2007 CALIFORNIA STATE FAIR WINNERS! We did it again! You saw these first through your Wine of the Month Club! Arroyo del Sol Chardonnay - Gold Medal Oak Grove Pinot Grigio - Gold Medal Ventana Gewurztraminer - Gold Medal
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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 have enjoyed the Club for over “Of the several wine clubs in my 10 years. Keep up the good work!” experience, you are consistently tops!” D./M. G., TACOMA, WA H.W., PORTLAND, OR
“Your company is well organized “Your wines are some of the best that and consistent. We look forward to we have had.” each shipment.” W.F., LAS VEGAS, NV C.G., SAN DIEGO, CA “Great wines from all over the world. “Love our membership!!!” Thank you!” S./K. T., SPRINGFIELD, MO E./R. F., REDDING, CA
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ADVENTURES IN GOOD FOOD When the rush of the season gets hectic, I t’s cold outside but you will be warmed to you can always rely on this classic recipe for the bone with this ganache paired with the roast chicken. It pairs beautifully with the L’Etoile Banyuls. Toso Brut. LUSCIOUS CHOCOLATE ROAST CHICKEN AND STUFFING GANACHE 1 Roaster Chicken, 4-5 lbs. INGREDIENTS: Butter 8 oz heavy whipping cream STUFFING: 8 oz Couverture or the best quality, 1/2 cup chopped onion semi sweet chocolate you can find. 1/4 cup butter DIRECTIONS: 1/2 tsp. dried leaf thyme, crumbled. Place cream in a saucepan over high heat and 2 Tbsp. chopped fresh parsley bring just to a boil, then remove the pan from 2 cups soft bread crumbs the heat. Meanwhile, chop chocolate into small pieces. Place a damp towel on your 1 beaten egg counter, place pan of hot cream on the towel 1/3 cup milk then add chopped chocolate to the cream. Salt and Pepper Beat chocolate and cream vigorously until thoroughly mixed. The mixture will solidify DIRECTIONS: as it cools. The time it takes to cool will vary depending on the room temperature and In a skillet, melt 1/4 cup butter over low temperature of your pan. You may place the heat, sauté chopped onion for 3 minutes. pan in a larger pan of ice water to cool the Add thyme, parsley, and bread crumbs. Stir mixture just until it comes to spreading in egg and enough milk to make dressing consistency. Remove from the ice bath at this moist. Season with salt and pepper. point to make sure it doesn't harden too Spoon stuffing in to cavity of chicken; close much. Use this mixture as a filling between by sewing or with a piece of foil. Rub cake or cookies. chicken with butter. Place chicken breast side up on a rack in a shallow roasting pan. Roast stuffed chicken at 375 for about 60-70 minutes; basting several times. Internal temperature should register 175 when done. Let chicken stand for about 15 minutes while you refresh your glass of sparkling wine before slicing.
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TASTING NOTES
SPARKLING BRUT, NV. TOSO PORT, NV. MONTONICO 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. December 2003 Late Harvest Zin, 2002. Disco Volante. Drink now. Carousel, NV. Amand Roux. Drink now. December 2004 Late Harvest Riesling,1990. Renaissance. Drink now. Sparkling Wine, NV. Chase-Limogere. Drink now. December 2005 Sparkling Wine, NV. la Delizia. Drink now. Syrah Port, 2004. Bodega de Leon. Drink or hold. December 2006 Sparkling Brut, NV. Rime’. Drink up. Muscat Canneli, 2005. Maddalena. Drink or hold.
MEMBER INQUIRY CHAMPAGNE This poem was sent to us By B. Guernsey by one of our members CHAMPAGNE (since 1999!), In dark cellars the new wine sleeps Bruce Guernsey. all winter You can check like a beautiful fish in each green bottle, out his website at and in the spring www.bruceguernsey.com. when the sap rises in the vineyards near Reims Bruce is also the editor of the fins move again: The Spoon River Poetry Review. bubbles schooling at the long corks Enjoy! as if remembering the season's swim, the sun's honey swelling with sweetness again on the chalk slopes the red and gold skins, the new pinots and chardonnay rounding on the vines again like roe.
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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.
PAYMENT Prices subject to change. BY CREDIT CARD — Charge my monthly wine purchase to my credit card, and enclose the copy of the invoice in my monthly wine shipment. ❏ American Express ❏ Discover ❏ MasterCard ❏ VISA
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BY CHECK — Please bill me monthly. Enclose the invoice in my shipment of wine. I understand the next month’s selection will not be sent until I pay the current one. I am enclosing the required one month’s deposit of $26.94 which you will apply to my final shipment when I decide to cancel.
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Important delivery information: We can ship to CA, CO, ID, IL, MO, ND, NE, NH, NM, NV, OH, OR, TX, WI, WV, WY. Shipments cannot be made to a Post Office box. If an adult is not regularly at this address during normal United Parcel Service/Federal Express delivery hours, please specify a neighbor’s, or office address, for the shipments. Mail this enrollment to: WINE OF THE MONTH CLUB, PO Box 660220, Arcadia, CA 91066
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-News1207 10/30/07 3:12 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-News1207 10/30/07 3:12 PM Page 17
IMPORTED SELECTION
he Languedoc- vines and produces 18 Roussillon is million hectoliters of wine the first area in each year. (That’s a lot T France where of wine! To illustrate, the Roans introduced Languedoc produces more viticulture. Located along wine than all of Australia.) the south coast of France, It’s frequently referred to it served as a haven for as France’s Great Wine ships, and its Mediterranean Lake. The area is primarily climate made it a perfect red-wine country and the place to grow grapes. By classic grapes are Carignan, 2006 the mid 19th century, mass Cinsault, Grenache, Le Tresor production led to weak Mourvedre, Cabernet wines, and the region’s Sauvignon, and Merlot. Merlot reputation suffered. In (mare-low) Le Tresor Merlot is a the 1970s, the French rich, succulent wine and government stepped in to Languedoc- incredibly affordable, encourage the production Roussillon especially for Merlot. The France of higher quality wines. color is a bright ruby. The The government offered Color: nose has a hint of soft financial assistance and Bright ruby cigar-box, bright plum, education, formed coopera- Nose: blueberry, and walnuts. tives, and created the Vin de Cigar box, plum, The palate is soft, dry, and blueberry, walnuts Pays classification system. medium-bodied with spice, Palate: Today the wines are boysenberry, blueberry and Dry, medium- bodied, spicy, delicious, well-made, and tobacco. It finishes mild and boysenberry, affordable. The region is one spicy. This is a great match blueberry, tobacco of the most important wine- with grilled red meat, pate’ Finish: making regions in France. It and sausages. Mild spicy finish has over 400,000 acres of
CELLARING SUGGESTIONS 1207C Retail Price: $11.99/each Special Member Price: $10.99/each Drink now Reorder Price: $8.99/each through 2008 25% Discount $107.88/case
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IMPORTED SELECTION
e Vie Chardonnay Mont Tauch has 300
is made in the growers. Most of them are L heart of the Fitou third and fourth generation appellation in the dramatic growers. Vigneron Jean Luc
hills of the Languedoc in Fabre is responsible for La
southern France. The wine Vie Chardonnay. He claims,
is made at Mont Tauch, one “I will perpetuate the love of 2006 of the leading cooperatives the land for as long as God in France. Mont Tauch will allow.” La Vie covers 1850 hectares with The 2006 La Vie Chardonnay Chardonnay 7,000 separate vineyards. has a clear, light yellow (shar-doe-nay) Special care is made to color. The nose exudes ensure that each vineyard Vin de Pays classic Chardonnay tropical d’Oc respects its own terroir, and fruit, peach, and floral. The France that in turn, each wine palate is dry with racy Color: reflects the true nature of the Clear, light yellow acidity complemented by grapes. Mont Tauch is Nose: lush fruit with almonds. named after the mountain Aromatic, floral, There is a lingering floral peaches, tropical which towers over the fruit finish. Try this with rabbit, state-of-the-art winery. The Palate: or chicken marinated in Dry, medium- winery is surrounded by cider, mustard, and thyme. bodied, racy, wild garrigue, which is fruity, almonds Salute’! a typical Mediterranean Finish: Floral finish terrain wild with thyme,
rosemary, lavender, and
juniper.
CELLARING SUGGESTIONS 1207D Retail Price: $11.99/each Special Member Price: $9.99/each Enjoy now, Reorder Price: $7.99/each slightly chilled 34% Discount $95.88/case
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IMITED ERIES L S SELECTION
altarni Vineyard exciting vintage. The fruit is located in the structure was the best I had Victoria’s seen in years; deep in color T Pyrenees wine and rich in flavor. 2004 is a region of Australia. The wine to lie down.” Taltarni poor, fragile soils of the Three Monks is 70% Pyrenees are a mix of red Cabernet Sauvignon and clay, quartz and sandy loam 30% Merlot. It was aged with deep sandstone. These for 15 months in three- 2004 unique soils, combined with year-old barriques. It was warm days and cool nights, awarded a Gold Medal and Taltarni create conditions that “Top Victorian Cabernet Three Monks Cabernet Sauvignon and Sauvignon” at the Victorian Cabernet Merlot love to grow in. Wine Show. Sauvignon/ Merlot The state of Victoria has The color is deep black (ka-bur-nay saw- veehn yawn/ been regarded as producing cherry. The nose is uplifting mare-low) some of the best new with black cherries, dark Victoria world Cabernet Sauvignon. berries, and hint of Australia The 2004 vintage had rosemary, ground coffee, Color: particularly good and licorice. The palate is Deep black cherry conditions. The weather medium-bodied with layers Nose: was cool and dry, which of plum, blackberry, coffee, Black cherry, dark berries, coffee, let the grapes hang spice and dusty tannins. This licorice much longer and develop is a perfect accompaniment Palate: lush fruit flavors. Senior to veal ragout (see recipe on Smooth, layered Winemaker Leigh Clarnette page 13). We are thrilled to fruit, plum, black- berry, savory spice, said, “In over 22 years of share this special wine from dusty tannins winemaking, 2004 has a special vintage to lift your Finish: definitely been my most holiday spirits. Lingering finish
CELLARING SUGGESTIONS L1207E Retail Price: $18.99/each Special Member Price: $16.99/each Drink tonight Reorder Price: $14.99/each or through 2010 21% Discount $179.88/case
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IMITED ERIES L S SELECTION
he McLaren Vale it’s a collaboration of wine- wine region is makers Ben Riggs and Tony T located south of Parkinson. The Marsanne Adelaide on the and Roussanne grapes were beautiful Fleurieu Peninsula crushed and fermented of Australia. It’s bordered together. The Viognier by the Sellicks Hills Range fermented in a separate and the Gulf St. Vincent. vessel and was added in McLaren Vale is very close to the final blend. The 2006 the south coast. For many Marsanne and Roussanne The Black decades the land was over are from McLaren Vale, Chook cropped with grain and and the Viognier is from VMR cattle grazing. After the Langhorne Creek. Viognier/ Great Depression, renewed Marsanne/ Describe this wine in many interest in the area attracted Roussanne ways: fragrant, flavorful, a (vee-on-yeah/ new winemakers. Today, the triumph of aromatics, and a mar-sahn/roo-sahn) region is a dynamic force seamless integration of fruit. McLaren Vale in Australia’s quality wine- It pours a clear yellow Australia making scene. McLaren Vale straw color. The nose is Color: has a Mediterranean Clear yellow straw very fragrant with apricot, climate. The dry summers Nose: honeysuckle, nectarine and Fragrant, apricot, are tempered by the Gulf St. spring flowers. The palate is honeysuckle, peach, Vincent and low humidity. nectarine dry and lush with refreshing McLaren Vale has one of the Palate: acidity and flavors of peach, most consistent climates in Dry, crisp, juicy, apricot, and honeydew peach, apricot, which to grow grapes. melon. This is a great match refreshing acidity Finish: Black Chook VMR is the big with Asian dishes and pasta Crisp lingering sister to Woop Woop, and with cream sauce. finish
CELLARING SUGGESTIONS L1207F Retail Price: $17.99/each Special Member Price: $15.99/each Enjoy now Reorder Price: $13.99/each through 2008 22% Discount $167.88/case
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