WOMC-News4/06 3/24/06 9:07 AM Page 1

NEWS FROM OF THE MONTH CLUB Since 1972 April, 2006 evaluated last month: 199 Rejected: 187 Approved: 6 Selected: 6

2005 Gracia De Chile; What’s New hat a great time we had Callejero Carmenere, This Month searching for Curico Valley, Chile Gracia De Chile winery’s see page 2 W this month’s wine. Marcel Proust was motto is “the south side of right when he said, “The life.” Where there is wine there is leisure and a real voyage of discovery moment to pause and Send Us Your consists not in seeking new consider the small joys of e-mail Address! landscapes but in having life. Within this newsletter, new eyes.” We selected two enjoy the story of the send to: wines that have been lost Carmenere , [email protected] “rediscovered”—a delicious while discovering a soft, Viognier from California and balanced wine perfect for a Carmenere from Chile. We our Pork Roulade recipe. enjoyed finding both of these Home wines for you, and we know LIMITED SERIES Wine Tasting you’ll enjoy drinking them. 2003 Goundrey; Offspring, Cabernet Sauvignon, Parties REGULAR SERIES Western Australia Goundrey Wines lands on see page 11 2005 Steel Creek; Viognier, the international wine Central Coast, California landscape with this award- This varietal has been winning wine. Enjoy the grown for over 2000 years in taste of success in each glass. Gift Assortments the Rhone Valley of France, see page 9 but its production has 2000 Fife; Merlot, become so small as to be Napa Valley, California almost extinct. Viognier has Fife Vineyards has succeeded by capitalizing on superb found a new home in the vineyards and quality vineyards of California and New Member grapes to produce wines Application is making its comeback with unique personalities. with great style. Discover for a Friend We think that they’ve this distinctive yet familiar, succeeded with this Merlot; see page 15 delicious white wine in this it’s lush, fruity and full of month’s selection. complex flavors. Enjoy!

INSIDE THIS MONTH

WINEOFTHEMONTH CLUB NEWS 1 ORDER FORMS 7–10 WHAT’S NEW?2UPCOMING EVENTS 11 REG. VIOGNIER, 2005. STEEL CREEK 3 WINE SHOPPE 12 REG. CARMENERE, 2005. GRACIA, DE CHILE 4 ADVENTURES IN GOOD FOOD 13 LTD. CABERNET SAUVIGNON, 2003. GOUNDREY 5 REGULAR & LTD TASTING NOTES 11, 14 LTD. MERLOT, 2000. FIFE 6 WORDONTHESTREET 16 Join us on the Web: www.WineoftheMonthClub.com WOMC-News4/06 3/24/06 9:07 AM Page 2

A NOTE WHAT’S NEW THIS MONTH? FROM YOUR CELLARMASTER This was too much fun. My father-in-law turned 80 last night (3-19-06.) We had a party! There were 120 guests at the Sheraton Universal in Universal City (home of the famous movie theme park).

The scene was that of a Dean Martin Celebrity Roast. Sort of a dicey undertaking with this crowd and of course, the MC, being me, had to be careful with the jokes. But it was incredible fun. My wife purchased two Dean Martin Roast DVD’s and we watched the Jack Benny and George Paul Kalemkiarian Burns episodes. All the greats were on there: Jimmy Stewart, Dom DeLuise, Phyllis Diller, Rich Little, We are in the middle of a Ruth Buzzy, you name ‘em! If you are a fan of the old Member-Get-A-Member time humor, get a hold of one of these DVD’s, you will love them. drive. Look for your M-G-M applications in your monthly Anyway, last night we set out to reproduce the evening with the same feeling and humor. And I am proud to say shipment. Take advantage we pulled it off. There was the “MAN OF THE HOUR” of free wine and wine sign behind the podium (complete with enlarged picture accessories just for calling of my father-in-law). There was the projected viewing of that friend and getting the Jack Benny roast, there was the background music from the Rat Pack and there was the scantily clad cigar their shipping and billing girl handing out commerative cigars for the men and information. For each club roses for the women. But the idea hinged on whether or they sign up for, you receive not these folks were going to get the humor. I was on website after website looking for Henny Youngman and more free goodies. I love this Rodney Dangerfield one-liners. Stuff like, “I take my wife promotion; I get to share everywhere, but she keeps coming back!” I guess they with your friends the love of got it, because they were all laughing. But the bottom line was this. We poured the Lake Sonoma Cabernet good wine and good food. Sauvignon and the Bennett Chardonnay, and they loved Go for it and Salud! that too! In fact, I never got to the martini’s, I stayed with the Cabernet!

Oh, by the way, at www.affinityimaging.com under “view current events” you can see the party (Ralph Paul Kalemkiarian Tufenkian’s 80th!).

Membership in THE WINE OF THE MONTH CLUB and THE LIMITED 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 Or call: 1-800-949-WINE (9463) or (626) 303-1690 FAX: (626) 303-2597 Visit us at: www.WineoftheMonthClub.com

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DOMESTIC SELECTION

iognier, the often compared to rising star! Gewürztraminer, but the V Viognier, the flavors are similar (but not next Chardonnay! Wine the same!) to Chardonnay. connoisseurs around the The 2005 Steel Creek world are acknowledging Viognier is sourced from that the flavors and values of estate vineyards in Viognier rival those of California’s Central Coast, Chardonnay. In the Côtes du from Monterey to San Luis Rhône of France, Viognier is Obispo and the Santa Maria 2005 used to produce Condrieu, Valleys. These Central Coast an exceptional but hard-to- appellations are ideal for Steel Creek find wine with limited growing this classic Rhone Viognier production. Not long ago, varietal. The coastal breezes (vee-ahn-yeah) Viognier seemed to be an and cool climate give the endangered varietal. But the region one of the longest Central Coast last ten years have seen a growing seasons in California resurgence of the ’s California. The 2005 Steel popularity with over 2000 Creek Viognier is a golden Color: acres planted in California straw-yellow color. The nose Golden-straw yellow and new plantings around is lush and inviting with Nose: the world. The major honeysuckle, pineapple, and Honeysuckle, melon, drawback of the Viognier lime aromas. On the palate pineapple, lime vine is that it produces very the wine is dry, full-bodied few grapes and is somewhat with delicious flavors of Palate: difficult to grow. It tolerates pear, peach, and tropical Dry, rich, pear, drought, but not dampness. fruit. The finish is lingering peach, tropical fruit It must be harvested at the and spicy. These fruit flavors Finish: precise moment of ripeness make it a perfect match for Soft, lingering in order to show off its Thai, Mandarin, and unique aroma and flavor Cantonese dishes as well as personality. The nose is grilled seafood. Enjoy!

CELLARING SUGGESTIONS 406A Retail Price: $10.99/each Special Member Price: $7.97/each Drink within the year Reorder Price: $6.99/each slightly chilled 37% Discount $83.88/case

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IMPORTED SELECTION

racia De Chile’s grafted and all was lost. winery is “the Across the world in Chile, G south side of wine lovers enjoyed another life where wine rich red wine—the Merlot is leisure.” Their wonderful grown in the local vineyards. wine philosophy says that, The original vines had been “Wines are a celebration of transplanted in the 1800s life, as life is a special from France. The wine was occasion to feel the splendor wonderful. In 1993, of being alive, which is at the Professor Jean-Michel end, what really matters.” Boursiquit discovered this Viticulturist and winemaker Chilean wine’s secret: it Thomas Evans bottled this was not Merlot, it was philosophy in the winery’s Carmenere. What a found 2005 Callajero Carmenere . treasure for Chile’s wine Thomas is part of the industry! Carmenere is now 2005 winemaking team of Gracia a signature wine of Chile. De Chile, owned by the Gracia Bodegas Corporation. He 2005 is an above average De Chile graduated from University vintage for Chile; there was Callejero of California at Davis and a long, cool growing season gained his wine experience and little rain. This exquisite Carmenere in California, France, and 2005 Gracia Callejero (kar-men-yair) New Zealand. He loves Camenere shows off a dark Curico Valley the great viticultural valleys red-purple color. The nose is Chile of Chile and the special assertive with spice, black Color: vineyards of the Carmenere pepper, plums, black tea leaf Dark, red purple varietal. and roasted green peppers. The palate is open and Nose: Carmenere has been known packed with sweet ripe fruit Dark spices, black as the “lost grape of and soft tannins. There’s the pepper, boysenberry Bordeaux.” Over 100 years distinct Carmenere flavor of fruit ago it was used in France to black tea and herbs layered Palate: produce rich flavorful red with black currant and a Dry, sweet fruit, soft wines. In 1867 a blight of touch of mint. It’s delicious tannins, black tea, the root louse phylloxera with spicy red sauces touch of oak devastated all the vineyards. and barbecues. Finish: Carmenere could not be Soft, lingering

CELLARING SUGGESTIONS 406B Retail Price: $12.99/each Special Member Price: $10.48/each Drink over Reorder Price: $7.99/each next two years 39% Discount $95.88/case

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IMITED ERIES L S SELECTION

he prestigious most prominent vineyard in 2005the area. International Challenge du Nature provided the T vineyards, but Goundrey Vin in France awarded Goundrey wines a Gold Wines built the winery, one Medal for their 2003 of the most advanced Goundrey Offspring facilities in Western Cabernet Sauvignon. This Australia. In 2004, a new winning wine was selected state-of-the-art bottling line from a field of 4860 was installed that can seal wines from 35 countries. wines with cork or screw cap Winemaker David Martin closures. (Studies have 2003 said, “This award truly shown that screw-cap recognizes the quality of closures hold fruit and Goundrey our wines on the maintain freshness more Offspring international level and is effectively than natural and an honor for both the synthetic corks, so it’s a winery and Western natural transition for serious Cabernet Australia. We are very wineries like Goundrey.) Sauvignon proud of the achievement (ka-bur-nay saw- The 2003 Offspring Cabernet and will continue to strive veehn-yawn) Sauvignon has a golden for excellence in our sheep on the label winemaking.” Western symbolizing Mount Barker’s Australia Goundrey Wines, diverse and prestigious agricultural heritage. It established in 1979, is one of Color: the leaders among the new will be challenging to find wave of quality Australian a bottle of Cabernet Vibrant red with wine producers. It’s located Sauvignon on the market purple hues in the beautiful southern that compares with the Goundrey Offspring for Nose: wine region of Mount Barker Red and black in Western Australia. Sir quality and value. The color Richard Spencer, one of the is a rich and vibrant red with cherry, fresh mint, first landowners in the early purple hues. The nose is plums, vanilla 1800s, said it was “a fruit assertive with red and black cherries, ripe plums and Palate: grower’s paradise.” The Firm tannins, fertile lands responded well fresh mint. The taste reveals to generations of farmers— a complex palate of firm complex red fruit, growing apples, vegetables, tannins, flavors of sweet red mint, vanilla and clover, and supporting fruit, subtle mint and vanilla oak. The finish lingers on Finish: large herds of cattle and Long and lingering sheep. Now the land is the and on. Truly delicious!

CELLARING SUGGESTIONS L406C Retail Price: $19.95/each Special Member Price: $18.98/each Drink now Reorder Price: $15.99/each or up to 2013 20% Discount $191.88/case

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IMITED ERIES L S SELECTION

ife Vineyards gives a different perspective specializes in from the team with her years red wines with as a food and wine writer. F unique person- Also on their team is alities grown from single Dennis’s longtime friend vineyards of notable since grade school, Phil “terroirs.” Terroir (tair-wah) Baxter. Phil began his career is the combined effect that at Charles Krug and also geography has on the wine. worked at Souverain and It can be loosely translated Rutherford Hill. Their goal as “a sense of place.” For is to make fruit-driven example, a vineyard’s terroir wines with perfect balance, may be described by its soil, elegance and personality. topography, and weather. Dennis says, “We want our Sometimes this description wines to be imbued with is even extended to vine complexity, to evolve in the spacing, pruning, and glass and continually draw harvesting practices. you in for just one more sip, one more nuance.” Fife Vineyards, established 2000 in 1991, owns vineyards in Fife depends on the the heart of the Napa Valley. vineyard to create the fruit Fife The Napa Valley’s terroir is and concentration. So if you Merlot unquestionably one of the like a wine with a big (mare-low) most conducive appellations personality, then this is the in the world for growing wine for you. The color is Napa Bordeaux varietals such as dark, inky red. You have California Cabernet Sauvignon and only to begin pouring it Color: Merlot. Fife Vineyards’ into the glass to enjoy the Dark inky red winemaking team has the aggressive nose full of experience to fully express blueberry and blackberry Nose: the personality of these rich fruit, espresso, cocoa and a Blueberry, California lands. Before hint of smoke. The palate is blackberry, espresso, realizing the dream of warm, rich and full of berry cocoa, smoke launching his own winery, fruit, with apparent but not Palate: co-owner Dennis Fife had aggressive tannins. It’s Dry, rich, berry fruit, more than 20 years delicious today, but complex tannins. experience at Stag’s Leap, definitely worth aging a few Finish: Beaulieu, and Inglenook. years. Enjoy this wine with Co-owner Karen MacNeil pasta, meat dishes or cheese. Fresh, long

CELLARING SUGGESTIONS L406D Retail Price: $23.95/each Special Member Price: $21.00/each Drink now or hold Reorder Price: $16.90/each for three to five years 30% Discount $202.80/case

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IMITED ERIES L EARLIERS SELECTIONS

REGULAR MEMBER ITEM # DESCRIPTION PRICE/ DISC. QTY. REORDER PRICE/ TOTAL UNIT CASE/EACH Cabernet Sauv., 2003. Goundrey $19.95 20% $191.88/cs L406C “Blueberry, cocoa, smoke” $15.99/ea Merlot, 2000, Fife $23.95 30% $202.80/cs L406D “Dark inky red, blueberry” $16.90/ea Sylvaner, 2005. Rancho Sisquoc $14.95 27% $131.40/cs L406E “Honeydew, sweet pear, spice” $10.95/ea Chardonnay, 2003. Sandoval $16.49 16% $167.40/cs L406F “Dry, lush, caramel, apple pie” $13.95/ea Red Blend, 2004. X Winery $18.99 21% $179.88/cs L306C “Rich cherry, blackberry, cassis” $14.99/ea Syrah, 2001. Bridlewood $239.88/cs L306D $24.99 20% “Smoke, cedar, chocolate” $19.99/ea Grillo, 2004. Di Giovanna $143.88/cs L306E $16.49 27% “Lemon, lime, wild flowers” $11.99/ea Chardonnay, 2004. Rockbare $143.88/cs L306F $16.49 27% “Ripe Pear,LIMITED honeyed peach” $11.99/ea Cabernet, 2002. Lake Sonoma $215.88/cs L206C $37.50 52% “Cassis,LIMITED currants, cocoa” $17.99/ea Syrah, 2003 Stacked Stone $167.88/cs L206D $24.00 42% “Black LIMITEDpepper mineral” $13.99/ea Chardonnay, 2003. Bennett $191.88/cs L106C $18.99 15% “Vanilla,LIMITED tropical fruit apple” $15.99/ea Syrah, 2001. Vina Robles $179.88/cs L106D $22.99 34% “Ripe cherries,LIMITED walnuts” $14.99/ea Cabernet, 2002.James Judd &Son $227.88/cs L1105C $33.99 44% “GrapeLIMITED preserves,cedar,anise” $18.99/ea Syrah, 2003. Finca La Linda $131.88/cs L1105D $13.50 18% “Smoke,LIMITED Cedar, Black Pepper $10.99/ea Nero d’Avola, 2003. Kudyah $203.88/cs L1005D $21.95 22% “Peppery,LIMITED spicy, earthy” $16.99/ea Malbec, 2003 Del Fin Del Mundo $155.88/cs L805C $34.00 61% “WildSOLD strawberry, OUT pepper” $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-News4/06 3/24/06 9:07 AM Page 8

EGULAR ERIES R EARLIERS SELECTIONS

REGULAR MEMBER ITEM # DESCRIPTION PRICE/ DISC. QTY. REORDER PRICE/ TOTAL UNIT CASE/EACH Viognier, 2005. Steel Creek $83.88/cs 406A $10.99 37% “Dry, rich, pear, peach” $6.99/ea Carmenere, 2005. Gracia $95.88/cs 406B $12.99 39% “Dark spices, black pepper” $7.99/ea Merlot, 2001. Armstrong Ridge $95.88/cs 306A $14.99 47% “Lush, ripe plums, mint” $7.99/ea Mendoza White, 2004. Apalooza $83.88/cs 306B $9.99 30% “Flowers, mineral, citrus” $6.99/ea Sauvignon Blanc, 04. Grove Street $83.88/cs 206A $12.99 46% “Pineapple, banana, pears” $6.49/ea Cabernet Sauvignon, 02. Deakin $95.88/cs 206B $12.99 38% “Black Currant, mint, chocolate” $7.99/ea Merlot, 1999. Havens $107.88/cs 106C $22.50 60% “Red cherry cola, plum” $8.99/ea Sauvignon Blanc, 2004. Deakin $83.88/cs 106B $11.99 41% “Tropical fruit, pear, citrus” $6.99/ea Sparkling, NV. La delizia $95.88/cs 1205A $14.99 46% “Tangerine, peach, citrus” $7.99/ea Syrah Port, 2004. Bodgea De Leon $83.88/cs 1205B $12.99 46% “Nuts, plums, chocolate” $6.99/ea Chardonnay, 2003. Wistera $83.88/cs 1105A $15.99 56% “Apple, LIMITEDnectarine, tropical” $6.99/ea Merlot Blend, 2003. Quarry Road $95.88/cs 1105B $14.99 46% “Chocolate, red berries, cassis” $7.99/cs Cabernet, 2004. Canyon Oaks $83.88/cs 1005A $13.99 50% “Blueberry,SOLD vanilla, OUT currants” $6.99/ea Sauvignon/Semillon, 04.Newen $71.88/cs 1005B $11.99 50% “GardenSOLD herbs, OUTmelon, dill” $5.99/ea Chardonnay, 2003. Fusee $71.88/cs 905A $9.99 40% “Meyer LIMITEDlemon, caramel,apple” $5.99/ea Chardonnay, 2004. Oakhurst $71.88/cs 805B $13.49 55% “Cherry blossoms, Apples” $5.99/ea Sub-Total 8.25% CA Sales Tax S&H TOTAL 8 WOMC-News4/06 3/24/06 9:07 AM 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 2006 GIFT BASKETS TOCB TOUCH OF CLASS Basket includes: One bottle of 2002 ESTRADA CREEK ZINFANDEL, Wine and Cheese Crackers, Camembert Cheese, Assorted Hard Candies. Delivered in a wooden wine caddy suitable for display. #TOCB $44.99 + $3.71 CA Sales Tax + $11.00 Shipping & Handling ($15.00 outside CA) $44.99 WCB WINE CELEBRATION BASKET Basket includes: One bottle of 2004 POSTALES CABERNET/MALBEC, Santa Barbara Olives, Zesty Cheddar Cheese Spread, Wine and Cheese Crackers, Honey Mustard Sourdough Nuggets, Camambert Cheese, Cutting Board Paddle, Cheese Spreader, Assorted Hard Candies. Delivered in a copper wine bucket. #WCB $49.99 + $4.12 CA Sales Tax + $14.00 Shipping & Handling ($19.50 outside CA) $49.99 VIP THE VIP BASKET Basket includes: One bottle of 2002 AGUSTINOS MERLOT, one bottle 2004 OAKHURST CHARDONNAY, Wine and Cheese Crackers, Zesty Cheddar Cheese Spread, Camembert Cheese Spread, Summer Sausage, Fontazzi Popcorn, Honey Mustard Sourdough Nuggets, Ron Ranch Honey Roasted Peanuts, Mrs. Mays Cashew Crunch, Parmesan Bruschetta Crackers, Brent and Sam’s Gourmet Cookies, Nathan’s Crips, Almond Roca, Lindt Assorted Truffles, After Eight Dark Chocolate Biscuits, Harry & David Milk Chocolate Bars, Stahmann’s Pecan Briggle, Demitasse Minis, Mrs. Beasley’s Chocolate Chip Cookies, Assorted hard Candies. Delivered in a large rectangular basket with liner. #VIP + $111.00 + $9.16 CA Sales Tax + $14.00 Shipping & Handling ($19.50 outside CA) $111.00 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 United Parcel Service and are quality. Call us for weekend delivery. guaranteed to arrive in perfect condition. *Gift wrapping included. 9 WOMC-News4/06 3/24/06 9:07 AM 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

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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-News4/06 3/24/06 9:07 AM Page 11

IMITED ERIES L TASTINGS NOTES

CABERNET SAUVIGNON, 2003. GOUNDREY MERLOT, 2000. FIFE 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.

April 2002 Bianco di Custoza, 1999. Zeni. Drink up. Cabernet Sauvignon, 1998. Hans Fahn. Drink through 2006. April 2003 Chardonnay, 2001. Salitage. Drink now. Chianti Classico Reserva, 1997. Volpaia. Drink now. April 2004 Cotes du Rhone, 2001. Louis Bernard. Drink or hold two years. Pinot Noir, 2002. Solaris. Drink now through 2006 April 2005 Pinot Noir, 2003. Hill of Content. Drink now. Salice Salentino, 2000. Gladiator. Drink now or hold 2 years

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 1-800-949-9463

HOME WINE TASTING PARTIES Many members have asked us about both our wine tasting parties and about con- ducting wine seminars. So, in combining the two ideas we have introduced the WINE OF THE MONTH CLUB WINE TASTING PARTIES. If you live in Southern California, or will be visiting here soon, and are interested in hosting a home wine tasting party, please call Susan at THE WINE OF THE MONTH CLUB 1-800-949-9463 or email [email protected]

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The Wine Shoppe

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!

Wine Appreciation Classes Third Wednesday of each month. For info, call 1-800-949-9463

MEMBER COMMENTS “We have only been members for a “Great wine selections and wonderful couple of months now and really enjoy service. I have REALLY enjoyed your it. We have been in somewhat of a rut club for these past years. Keep up the lately, purchasing the same types of great selections.” wine and have not ventured out of our M.E., SUNNYVALE, CA select favorite wines. This certainly gives us the opportunity to do so “What a great email deal! Four wines now. Just a note to say thank you for for under $21.00 plus tax and shipping! your service.” I’d spend more at Vons or BevMo.” J.B AND J.B, , WI T.M., LOS ANGELES, CA

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ADVENTURES IN GOOD FOOD For something very easy and absolutely The fruit of the Gracia Carmenere along with delicious, try this refreshing salad with a the filling for this pork roulade will be a glass of Steel Creek Viognier. It is sure to perfect and unique match. Enjoy! become one of your favorite combos FRUITY PORK ROULADE CELERY, CARROT AND APPLE Serves 6. SALAD WITH TAHINI Serves 4. INGREDIENTS: 2 oz. pine nuts SALAD INGREDIENTS: 3-1/2 oz. pitted prunes 3 carrots, grated 2 oz. dried apricots 1 celery heart, thinly sliced 1 Tbs. grated fresh ginger 2 apples, peeled, cored, and thinly sliced 1 tsp. chopped fresh sage 3 Tbs. fruit chutney DRESSING INGREDIENTS: 4 slices bacon, chopped 3 Tbs. lemon juice 3 Tbs. brandy 1 clove garlic, crushed Black pepper to taste 2 Tbs. tahini paste* 4 lean butterfly pork steaks 3 Tbs. water 2 cups beef stock Salt to taste 4 stalks celery, chopped PREPARATION: 2 onions, chopped To make the dressing, blend the lemon juice, PREPARATION: garlic, tahini paste and 3 tablespoons of Open the butterflied pork steaks and pound water until smooth. Season with salt to taste. to about 1/4 inch thickness. Set aside. Toss together the carrots, celery heart, and To make the filling, finely chop and blend the apples, and transfer to individual serving pine nuts, prunes, apricots, ginger, sage, bowls. Drizzle with the dressing. Serve with chutney, bacon, brandy and black pepper. A warm French bread. food processor is good for this step. *Tahini paste is made from ground sesame Spread the filling over the steaks and roll up seeds. It’s used in many Middle Eastern and tightly. Secure each roll with kitchen string. Mediterranean dishes. Place stock, celery and onions in a large saucepan and bring to a boil. Add pork rolls. Cover and simmer for 20 minutes or until pork is cooked. Transfer pork rolls to a plate, set aside to cool, then cover and refrigerate for 2-3 hours. To serve, cut each roll into slices. Accompany with a tossed salad and a glass of Gracia Carmenere

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TASTING NOTES

VIOGNIER, 2005. STEEL CREEK CARMENERE, 2005. GRACIA 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. April 2002 Chardonnay, 2000. Young Artist. Drink now. Cabernet Sauvignon, 2000. Nugan. Drink or hold through 2007. April 2003 Cabernet Sauvignon, 2000. Summerland. Drink through 2006. Semillon/ Chardonnay, 2002. Enrico Mercuri. Drink now. April 2004 Sauvignon Blanc, 2003. Peralta, Drink now. Shiraz, 2001. Deakin Estate. Drink now. April 2005 Napa Red, 2001. Palio Vecchio. Drink through 2007. Sauvignon Blanc, 2004. Catamayor. Drink now.

MEMBER INQUIRY The style of the wine comes first What is the same way that European wines from the grapes, and then from have been stylized, because the vintner. From vineyard to “California style” we have more freedom to cellar, the winemaker makes of winemaking and experiment. I value my freedom hundreds of decisions. When to make the style of wine that I should we harvest the grapes? how is it different want, more than the security How long should the juice be from European of the A.O.C. laws. Laws fermented? Stainless steel or winemaking? discourage experimentation.” oak? New oak or old oak? I would say that the style Blend? Each decision shapes – D. G., BUFFALO, NY of California winemaking is the profile, or final style of hundreds of years. It could be characterized by diversity. One the wine. said that the decisions have winery might produce many The differences in “California already been made for the varietals and make creative style” and “European style” of vintner—made not just for this blends, while one winery in winemaking comes first, of year, but for the past hundreds Europe will make only one or course, from the different of years. In the United States, two wines which are legally terroirs of the regions. As a particularly California, there are proscribed in terms of grapes result, the generous fruit of few traditions. The winemakers and production methods. California wines will always set feel free to experiment and Neither philosophy results in a them apart from their overseas make full use of modern better wine. It’s all just a matter counterparts. So said, the spirit practices and technology. of preference. Wonderful wines of this answer lies in the history Louis Martini, one of the fathers are produced from both styles of winemaking. In Europe, the of California winemaking of winemaking. wines have been produced said, “You’re never going to by traditional methods for stylize the California wines the

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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 $18.48 (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.

Check # Amount $ ✔ Signature (NECESSARY FOR CREDIT CARD ORDERS) Name (Please Print)

Shipping Address (We do not ship to P. O. Boxes)

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Important delivery information: We can ship to CA, CO, ID, IL, MO, ND, NE, NH, NM, NV, OH, OR, TX, 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-News4/06 3/24/06 9:07 AM Page 16

WORD FOR MEMBERS ONLY... ON THE STREET Can’t find it? What others are saying about our selections! Gotta have it? March 2006 Selections: We source wine from all over the world. Special vintages for birthdays, Estrada Creek Zinfandel anniversaries, you name it. We also “What a great tasting wine!” have access to old and rare cellars. This wine has been seen on Let us help you find a rare wine. several wine lists for $35.00 and $40.00. Call or email us with your rare wine Our re-order price is $6.99. specifications and let us do the work. It’s good to be a member, We can’t guarantee we’ll find it, but don’t you think? 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-News4/06 3/24/06 9:07 AM Page 17

IMITED ERIES L S SELECTION

he 2005 while other coastal ranges Rancho Sisquoc run north to south. The T Sylvaner unusual bend in these surprisingly comes from “transverse ranges” is California, not from Alsace, caused by a bend in the San France, where most Andreas Fault which has Sylvaners are produced. pushed the mountain Rancho Sisquoc is the only ranges up around it. The California grower of the mountains create a gentle 2005 Sylvaner varietal. Rancho conduit for cooler weather Sisquoc is located on the and fogs, which are perfect Rancho Sisquoc River in Santa for the cool-loving Sylvaner Maria, in northern Santa grape. Sylvaner is a cross Sisquoc Barbara County. To the between and Sylvaner Chumash Indians of the Chasselas; it’s hardy, racy, (sil-van-ur) area, “Sisquoc” means and best drunk fresh and “gathering place,” and today young. The 2005 Rancho Santa Barbara Rancho Sisquoc is a Sisquoc Sylvaner has a light California gathering place for wine lime color. The nose has lovers. The vineyards, first wonderful fruit-forward Color: planted in 1968, have climate smells of honeydew, sweet Light Lime Color and soil conditions similar pears, lime, spice, and Nose: to the growing regions orange peel. The palate is Honeydew, sweet in Sonoma and Napa. clean, crisp, dry, and rich pear and spice Fortunately, Rancho Sisquoc with white fruit and a is not as warm as the Santa touch of minerality. The Palate: Ynez Valley only twenty crisp, clean finish has just a Dry, clean, touch of miles to the south, thanks touch of sweetness. This is a sweetness, no oak to the direction of the perfect wine with poached local mountains. These seafood, Caesar salad and Finish: Crisp clean mountains run east to west, quiche. Enjoy!

CELLARING SUGGESTIONS L406E Retail Price: $14.95/each Special Member Price: $12.99/each Drink fresh Reorder Price: $10.95/each within one year 27% Discount $131.40/case

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IMITED ERIES L S SELECTION

ake a sip of structure. The resulting Sandoval wines invite you back to the T Chardonnay. glass over and over. Because Who makes this wonderful of the high standards in wine? Who makes selecting the grapes, and the Sandoval? Kurt Lorenzi is attention to quality in the the passionate winemaker of final winemaking, there is the Sandoval label. His limited production of 2003 knowledge of wine is deep, Sandoval Chardonnay. The with experiences at Wine of the Month Club 2003 Meridian, Los Vineros, is pleased to offer this Jepson and Delicato. He interesting delightful wine Sandoval consults to wineries in that you will want to have Australia, Chile, New on hand for the celebrations Chardonnay (shar-doe-nay) Zealand, and Argentina. of everyday life. The color is With Sandoval wines he clear, medium gold. The Carneros is a gifted “negociant,” nose is typical Carneros with California following an honored aromas of pear, butterscotch, Color: tradition of buying small lots poached apples, and Pale straw of wines with tremendous caramel. The palate is dry Napa Valley pedigrees, then with lush fruit, caramel, and Nose: blending and aging them to vanilla flavors. The finish Fresh fruit, pears, poached apples, develop their full potential. lingers with creamy apple butterscotch The wines are made at a notes. The complexity and highly regarded facility in structure make it a good Palate: the northern coastal match for crab cakes, grilled Dry, full-bodied, lush, caramel, California, close to the salmon, or cream-based apple pie vineyards so as to preserve pasta dishes. Cheers! the delicate balance of Finish: just-picked ripeness and Viscous lingering

CELLARING SUGGESTIONS L406F Retail Price: $16.49/each Special Member Price: $15.99/each Drink now or Reorder Price: $13.95/each hold for one year 16% Discount $167.40/case

1-800-949-WINE • www.wineofthemonthclub.com