TO O RDER M ORE F EATURED W INES CALL 1-800-823-5527 TODAY!

Volume 16 The Number 11 ©Vinesse Wine Club 2008 SKU 11840 Gra evine THE OFFICIAL NEWSLETTERp FOR VINESSEINESSE WINEINE CLUB MEMBERS GraT O N pevineV W C M

When Good News Turns Bad: The Curse of the ’95 Vintage

By Robert Johnson ARTIN S M ’ he year was 1995. and ’98, consumers came down OURNAL T It figures to be with a cumulative case of sticker J remembered as one of shock. Prices were up across the board and, in some cases, had the most important ating a good, doubled. Ebalanced diet is an annums in the history of We’re all feeling pain at the pump uphill battle for me French winemaking. these days. Now, imagine what because, at heart, I’m would happen if that $4 gallon of a meat-and-potatoes France has had numerous gas suddenly shot up to $8 per guy. “vintage years” through the gallon. Millions of people would decades and centuries — years begin seeking out alternate fuel when the grapes were of such sources or transportation modes. Put a exceptional quality that the Well, that’s exactly what thick, resulting wines juicy commanded steak in premium prices. front of But wine is not like me... commodities, the along prices of which are with some fries or a baked potato... determined by any and I’m in hog heaven. Add a glass number of market of wine (preferably red), and forget forces. When the about the steak — you can stick a price of a particular fork in me. wine goes up, it very The wonderful thing about wine is rarely goes down in that it allows virtually everybody to subsequent vintages. enjoy similar experiences. The meat It’s a practice that is may not be beef. Heck, there may be intended to, as they no meat at all. But regardless of the say in the world of marketing, happened with France’s 1995 dish, chances are good there’s a “protect the brand.” vintage. While the most expensive wine — red, white, rosé or sparkling In 1995, the French harvest was bottlings were gobbled up by — that will go nicely with the meal. not merely good, or even investors and collectors (for whom If you approach wining and dining exceptional. It was magnificent. money is no object), the overall with an open mind, there will always And it was hailed as such by a effect was to send millions of wine be a wine for you. number of influential wine critics. lovers scouting for more affordable So, when those wines began to vinous pleasures. hit the global marketplace in 1997 (continued on page 2) Check out “Editor’s Journal” every Monday on VinesseTODAY.com. 2 • The Grapevine • Visit vinesse.com

OUR MISSION: To uncover and bring you wine gems from around the world, which you’re not likely to discover on your own, and which enhance your wine enjoyment. YOUR GRAPEVINE TEAM: Intrepid Wine Enthusiast, Chief et’s face it: Not all of which I use as a “dip” for crusty Taster and Winehound: Lus marry people who bread, alongside a nice glass of Martin Stewart are as enthusiastic about California Chardonnay. Chief Operating Officer wine as we are. For “dessert,” a couple can head (aka “The Buck Stops Here”): over to Wine Country Chocolates Lawrence D. Dutra This can make taking a “wine and taste samples of ganache — Editor: country” vacation a challenge. Your the soft, squishy stuff you find Robert Johnson significant other may be fine with inside a truffle. There are lots of Wine Steward: flavors to try, but since you’re in Katie Montgomery visiting one or two tasting rooms, but he or she may not be thrilled about “wine country,” ask for the one The Grapevine is published by Vinesse, swirling and sipping all day long (hey, infused with Cabernet Sauvignon. 822 Hampshire Road, Suite E, Westlake Your significant other duly Village, CA 91361; 1-800-823-5527. nobody’s perfect). Copyright by Vinesse, LLC. Printed in USA. Where to go so both of you can have satiated, you then can get back to No responsibility is assumed for loss or a good time? I suggest the Sonoma tasting the liquid pleasures that are damage to unsolicited materials. County town of Glen Ellen, where the in abundance in and around Glen main drag (Arnold Drive) has wooden Ellen. sidewalks and even a saloon. CHARTER MEMBER Within just a few doors of one COVER STORY another, one can experience an array BENEFITS: (continued from page 1) The Grapevine Newsletter of culinary delights of the non-vinous variety (oh, how it pains me just to That’s when the wines of Premium wine selections at type those words!) at Raymond & Co. Australia and Chile and Argentina members-only prices Cheesemongers, Figone’s Olive Oil Co., and New Zealand really began to Wine tasting as a participant and Wine Country Chocolates. catch on. If the choice were one on VINESSE’s Gold Medal John Raymond knows his cheese, bottle of magnificent French wine Award Panel and he enthusiastically encourages or two cases of very good Free subscription to VINESSE’s visitors to sample his delicious Australian wine for the same price, Cyber Circle Community enemies of the lactose intolerant. With millions of wine drinkers said, “Au Members-only savings, little prompting, he’ll even revoir,” to France and “G’day, including Food & Wine demonstrate the proper way to slice mate,” to Australia. subscriptions, dining out, cheese. Of course, economic forces can gourmet food and tickets to the Frank Figone is equally change markets overnight, so it’s hottest events knowledgeable about olive oil; in fact, possible that one day the harvest of Random giveaways of wine and he’s a pioneer in California olive oil- 1995 no longer will be considered a accessories making. Sampling opportunities curse in France. Meanwhile, Wine Finders Reward — identify abound here as well, from the light Vinesse will continue to do a future wine selection and and grassy La Visione (made from business with French estates that earn a reward olives grown on a tree that his great- resisted the urge to gouge, while grandfather transplanted from Italy in concurrently seeking out Perfectly matched recipes for featured wine selections 1927) to the peppery Tuscan blend. exceptional bottlings from all My favorite? The California blend, corners of the winemaking world. Visit vinesse.com • The Grapevine • 3

APPELLATION SHOWCASE WINE TEMECULA VALLEY TO A Z ess than 60 miles elevation makes for cool summer Lnorth of San Diego nights, and breezes come through lend. Combining two or more and 90 miles southeast the vineyards every afternoon throughout the summer — delightful Blots of wine in hopes of of Los Angeles lies enhancing flavor, complexity for visitors, and beneficial for the and/or balance. Virtually every Temecula Valley wine grapevines. wine made is a blend, even if it’s a country, California’s Just about every type of wine you single variety. largest concentration of could think of is produced by Temecula Valley vintners. Baily hewy. Another word for wineries south of Santa Cmouthfilling — describes a Barbara. Vineyard & Winery specializes in wine that is so viscous it seems as Bordeaux varieties. La Cereza if it could be chewed. Zinfandel Rolling hills covered with vineyards, Vineyard & Winery crafts one of and Cabernet Sauvignon are among expansive views reaching to 11,000- California’s finest renditions of the varieties for which this foot-high mountains, air swept by Viognier. Thornton Winery is known description often applies. ocean breezes and world-class wines far and wide for its sparkling wines make Temecula Valley an exciting — not to mention its “Champagne ry. Any wine that does not Dcontain significant grape sugar, place to visit for wine lovers. Jazz” concert series. typically less than .2 percent Twenty-one wineries produce And just like the Napa Valley and residual sugar. award-winning wines, made possible other more famous wine regions, by a unique microclimate and well- there’s even a boutique estate that legant. A wine of great balance drained granitic soils. The 1,500-foot requires an advance reservation to and finesse. In winespeak, it is E visit: Briar Rose Winery. the opposite of rustic. Also like other wine lowery. Description of a wine regions, Temecula Valley is Fwith an aroma reminiscent of home to stylish resorts flowers — most commonly, white (South Coast Winery Resort flowers. and Spa), gourmet rassy. Description of a wine restaurants (Café Gwith aromas and/or flavors of Champagne, Scarcella’s just-mown grass. A common Italian Grill), and even descriptor for Sauvignon Blanc. hot-air balloon rides.

• Hand-crafted gems produced by little known or small estates • Limited-production bottlings • Under-the-radar wines you won’t find in supermarkets EACH SHIPMENT INCLUDES: • 2 or 4 bottles from all over the wine world • Detailed Tasting Notes for each featured wine • Latest edition of The Grapevine newsletter

THE ONE THAT WINE COLOR MIX: Reds, Whites, or Both — Your Choice! FREQUENCY: Approximately Monthly STARTED IT ALL! PRICE: Only $12 Average Per Bottle Plus Shipping

TO LEARN MORE ABOUT THIS CLUB, GO ONLINE TO WWW.VINESSE.COM OR CALL 800 - 823 - 5527. 4 • The Grapevine • Visit vinesse.com

VINESSE STYLE SPA TERRA here’s a lot to love Cabernet/passion fruit scrub, and also ÉLEVANT T about The Meritage includes a 50-minute massage, an Resort in the town of espresso facial and a glass of sparkling wine. A luxurious paraffin treatment Napa. SOCIETY for the hands and feet can be added ™ for a small fee. IT’S NOT FOR EVERYONE. The Sienna Restaurant. The Trinitas The spa’s signature treatment is IS IT FOR YOU? Tasting Room. The Meritage Bar. known as “Solo Vino.” It begins with a Exceptional concierge service. grape seed scrub, followed by an Vinesse created the Elevant And then there’s the piece de invigorating jet shower rinse and a Society to meet members’ resistance — a French term we use for decadent body wrap with a wine cave demands for super-premium this California resort mud mask. A massage also is wines. While virtually all only because its street included, along with a glass of address is on Bordeaux wine and a plate of cheese. members of the original g There may be no better way to Way: Spa Terra. here may American Cellars Wine Club spend two hours of your life. The spa is situated in be no better were very satisfied with their the resort’s 22,000- Spa services also can be monthly selections, some square-foot Estate way to spend savored “a la carte,” from the various treatments to the wanted more, and they Wine Cave, where natural stone and two hours of lunch menu that includes were willing to pay for it. copper water features your life. delicious options such as combine with Old Grilled Rare Ahi Tuna Nicoise, EACH ELEVANT SOCIETY World Florentine a Smoked Turkey and Avocado SHIPMENT INCLUDES: architecture and furnishings to offer Club sandwich, and a selection of guests a welcoming environment artisan cheeses accompanied by • 2 or 4 bottles — your unlike any other. walnuts and wildflower honeycomb. Cascading waterfalls, steaming Many guests begin Saturday morning choice — of super-premium grottos and serene soaking pools add at Spa Terra with a 45-minute yoga wines, mostly big and bold to the ambience, providing the perfect class led by an instructor from Napa’s red varieties or blends backdrop for a wide array of unique esteemed Ubuntu yoga center. The spa services and treatments. class is followed by a meditation walk • Detailed Tasting Notes for The “Summer Solstice” package along a vineyard path, with a focus on each featured wine begins with an invigorating breathing and solitude. • Latest edition of The BEING GREEN Grapevine newsletter The Sustainable Winegrowing Program gives growers and vintners educational FREQUENCY: tools to increase adoption of sustainable practices and to measure and Approximately Monthly demonstrate ongoing improvement. Building on major trends and successful regional efforts, the wine community joined together to create the Sustainable PRICE: Winegrowing Program. A comprehensive workbook and educational workshops provide how-to information on sustainable winegrowing. Participants self-assess $69.99 Average Per their vineyards and wineries, and voluntarily contribute data to measure Shipment Plus Shipping adoption of sustainable practices. The statewide “Sustainability Report” documents results, identifies strengths and opportunities for improvement, and TO LEARN MORE ABOUT sets goals to increase use of sustainable practices. New workshops targeting the THIS CLUB, CALL 800 - 823 - 5527 most challenging areas are underway, and follow-up reports will track ongoing OR VISIT WWW.VINESSE.COM. progress. Partners from government, academia, and community and environmental groups contribute resources and expertise. Visit vinesse.com • The Grapevine • 5

How to Make Your Picnic Perfect

n some parts of the of the sun. (We also recommend WINES THAT MATCH chilling down Zin a bit on such I country, any time of THE SEASON. the year is a good occasions.) For a picnic, during which wine is time for a picnic. Summer — wines for going to be exposed to warm or hot barbecues, picnics or just temps for an extended period, white for sipping. Fall — wines for In most locales, however, not much varieties are your best bet. And the of the picnic season remains. That cooler or ice chest is your best friend. hearty, harvest-time dishes. means it’s time to gather the wicker Here are eight wines to consider You get the idea. All wines basket, red-and-white checkerboard packing for your next picnic... are selected by our Tasting tablecloth, 1. Sauvignon Blanc. Panel to pair beautifully with cooler, plastic Light and refreshing, the foods you love. utensils and and a great choice if sun block, and you’re bringing along EACH SHIPMENT chilled shellfish. start planning INCLUDES: a trip to your 2. Chenin Blanc. A favorite park, very versatile variety • 4 bottles of specially- beach or other that complements selected wines outdoor almost all picnic fare. • Detailed Tasting Notes destination. 3. Viognier. Toss for each featured wine And if your some greens, fold in • Latest edition of The picnic place allows you to consume some peach slices and nuts, top with alcohol, then it’s also time to set a creamy dressing and enjoy. Grapevine newsletter aside a few bottles of wine. 4. Riesling. We love the fruit- • A special surprise gift forward renditions with blueberry Which brings up the question: WINE COLOR MIX: What kind of wine should you pack? coffee cake, or peaches topped with a Reds, Whites, or Mixed Let’s begin with what you probably dollop of whipped cream. shouldn’t bring. Those would be 5. Gewurztraminer. Picking up FREQUENCY: wines that we refer to as “big red some spicy Chinese or Tex-Mex food 4 times per year, plus a monsters.” Red wines, in general, are for the picnic? Then this is the wine not the best for warm-weather to bring. special holiday shipment occasions, as the lofty air 6. Muscat Canelli. Another good PRICE: temperature only adds to the choice with Chinese fare, particularly perceived “heat” of the wine’s orange chicken. $89.95 Average Per relatively high alcohol level. 7. Chardonnay. Great with fried Shipment Plus Shipping While it’s true that we often chicken or fried... anything. 8. Sparkling wine. You can’t go recommend Zinfandel for backyard TO LEARN MORE ABOUT wrong with a Blanc de Blancs — the barbecues, the reason that works is THIS CLUB, CALL 800 - 823 - 5527 only wine that pairs well with an egg because you can keep the wine bottle OR VISIT WWW.VINESSE.COM. inside the house, away from the rays salad sandwich. 6 • The Grapevine • Visit vinesse.com 2 Perfect Days in Rutherford & St. Helena

owhere is the rustic quality to the wines, N purpose of the particularly Cabernet Sauvignon. American Viticultural Look for the “Rutherford” designation on labels as you visit the Area system more WINE various tasting rooms in order to evident than in the experience the unique aromas and Napa Valley. flavors found in the grapes of the region. There is no shortage of wineries in The landscape changes considerably the Rutherford and St. Helena area, from the wind-swept Carneros AVA in including famous names such as the south to the sometimes-scorching Mondavi, Coppola, Silver Oak and proposed AVA of Calistoga in the Opus One. The owners of Opus One north. In between, there are two — founded in 1979 by Robert main north-south corridors, each TOURINGTOURING TIPSTIPS Mondavi and Bordeaux’s Baron lined with numerous wine estates Philippe de Rothschild — definitely and vast expanses of vineyards. challenge to pair with wine, but chef believe they make a special wine; Trying to navigate the entire Napa Robert Curry has found a way to they charge $30 for a single pour. Valley in a single trip would be a make pink grapefruit, asparagus and That said, the days of mind-boggling and ultimately fennel salad, as well as stuffed complimentary tasting anywhere in frustrating endeavor. It’s much more squash blossoms, wine-friendly. the Napa Valley are virtually gone. logical (and enjoyable) to concentrate Still, there are much better “deals” on one area and experience as much to be found up and down the valley, of it as possible. so stop by Opus only if it’s an estate The Rutherford and St. Helena area you’ve always wanted to visit. You — north of Yountville and south of certainly won’t be disappointed by Calistoga — offers an amazing its opulence. concentration of wineries and In Santa Barbara County to the restaurants. In Yountville, the Vintage south, the Firestone family segued Inn makes a convenient home base. successfully from tire manufacturing But if money is no object, opt for the to winemaking. Napa Valley is filled village’s star accommodation, with similar stories of “second Auberge du Soleil, where room rates careers” focused on wine. range from $525 to $750. Take, for example, Swanson Auburge du Soleil first gained Vineyards in Rutherford. Yes, it’s acclaim as a stand-alone restaurant. owned by the same Swanson family In 1985, it expanded to include a that made a fortune in frozen hotel. Its location on the valley’s dinners. The Swansons began their “quiet side,” off the Silverado Trail, foray into the wine world in 1987 adds to its allure. with Merlot, and now craft a wide “Sit on the terrace at Auberge du array of bottlings, including Soleil and you can look at the Sangiovese, Syrah and a noteworthy grapevines below while enjoying the “Rosato.” result,” notes Barbara Fairchild, Farther north in St. Helena is a editor in chief of Bon Appetit must-stop on your journey: Beringer magazine. After an amazing food-and-wine Vineyards. Many associate the The restaurant has long offered an experience, it’s nice to be able to Beringer name with White array of rich foods such as foie gras, walk back to your room. Zinfandel, and that doesn’t bother but you may want to opt for the The Rutherford AVA is known for its the owners one bit because the unique vegetarian tasting menu. unique soil — referred to by locals as winery sells a lot of White Zin. Vegetables have always been a “Rutherford dust” — which imparts a But it also makes some big, Visit vinesse.com • The Grapevine • 7

“serious” wines, and many of these can be sampled in the winery’s Edoardo’s talents caught the eye of “reserve room.” The estate has been the Colony managers, and he quickly undergoing extensive renovation in worked his way up to the ranks of recent months, so you may need to winemaker. He stayed well beyond his ask where the “good stuff” is being three-year commitment, and in 1895, poured. While there, take a tour; he and his wife Angela purchased a Beringer offers one of the best in all home in Sonoma County’s Alexander of Napa Valley. Valley. Finish your second day in the What actually had caught Edoardo’s Rutherford/St. Helena corridor at the eye was not the home, but the 56 acres restaurant where many of the local of land that surrounded it — land that vintners go for dinner: the Rutherford was perfect for grapevines. The couple Grill. Rotisserie chicken is the planted Zinfandel, the variety that has specialty of the house, with the sliced proven to be the Seghesio family’s leg of lamb a close second. lifeline through four generations. The menu also includes the best Still working for the Colony, Edoardo cheeseburger in the valley, several Seghesio Winery worked on building his own winery salad options, grilled ostrich and during the evening hours. It made for bangers and mash. Decides to Do some long, exhausting days, but by Eclectic? You bet, and so is the wine 1902, the Seghesio Winery was list. But if you’d like to keep things More With Less completed. “local,” the list includes Rutherford- Six months before the enactment of Prohibition, believing that it couldn’t designated Sauvignon Blanc from rowing smaller” “ possibly last, Edoardo purchased the 4- Long Meadow Ranch and would seem to be Provenance, Zinfandel from Tres G million-gallon Italian Swiss Colony for Sabores, and Cabernet Sauvignon an illogical concept, a song. He had to go into debt to do it, from Beaulieu. but it has made however, and when Prohibition And here’s what makes Rutherford perfect sense for the lingered, Edoardo was forced to take Grill a great value: In all the times Seghesio family of on partners. He ended up selling his we’ve dined there, we’ve never been Sonoma County. shares in 1933. charged a corkage fee for wine The next year, Edoardo died. But brought in — a policy no doubt Angela endured and gradually built up attributable to the plethora of The Seghesio winemaking story the Seghesio Winery. She passed away vintners among the restaurant’s began in 1886 when Edoardo Seghesio in 1958, but her sons carried on and, regulars. left behind his family’s vineyards in into the mid-1970s, were producing 1.7 Piedmonte, Italy, seeking a better way million gallons of wine of life in annually. America. The first wines bottled For Further Edoardo had under the Seghesio label heard about the came from the 1983 Information Italian Swiss harvest. Ten years later, Auberge du Soleil Colony in 130,000 cases were 800-348-5406 northern being made. California, and But when the next Opus One decided that generation was given 707-944-9442 would be his control of the winery, they decided to Swanson Vineyards initial destination. The Colony offered focus on quality by dropping 707-967-3500 immigrants room and board in production to just 30,000 cases. Beringer Vineyards exchange for a three-year employment They retain that commitment to this 707-963-8989 contract. At the end of the contract, day, crafting estate wines almost workers were paid a lump sum — in exclusively — including some from the Rutherford Grill effect, a stake in a home or a business vineyard Edoardo and Angela planted 707-963-1792 of their own. in the late 1800s. 8 • The Grapevine • Visit vinesse.com Quotes Du Jour QQANDANDAA ■ Homer, in The Odyssey, offering a word of caution: Merlot and Chianti. “The wine urges me on, the We throw Chianti in the mix bewitching wine, which sets even a because it’s so well known among wise man to singing and to laughing wine drinkers. Lesser known are gently and rouses him up to dance some of the other Italian varietals and brings forth words which were (Barolo, Barbera, Barbaresco, et al), better unspoken.” virtually all of which would be considered “heavier” than Chianti. ■ Or, as this American proverb more What is the ranking of red And let’s not forget blends of succinctly puts it: wines, from heaviest to lightest? multiple varietals, which can range “Wine is the discoverer of secrets.” — Rex Boller from light and immediately approachable to big and ageworthy. ■ Henry Leigh, in Carols of Dear Rex: Blends, a.k.a. cuvees, provide the Cocayne, with one reason wine is An excellent question. What best examples of why your question better than beer: makes it so excellent? Well, because is so challenging to answer. In “If you wish to grow thinner, it’s nearly impossible to answer. But many, many cases, the style of the diminish your dinner and take to light we’ll give it a shot... wine — heavy, light or somewhere Claret instead of pale ale.” If you want to speak in very broad in-between — has as much to do generalities — and we do mean very with the vintner’s style and ■ French vintner Joseph Dargent on broad — the “heaviest” wine among preferences as the grape variety. wine’s role in politics: the more common reds would be In winemaking, more than almost “No government could survive Cabernet Sauvignon, followed any other endeavor, style is without Champagne. In the throats of closely by Zinfandel. substance. our diplomatic people, it is like oil in Next would come Pinot Noir, the wheels of an engine.” followed by Syrah/Shiraz and Have a question about wine? Log Cabernet Franc. on to VinesseTODAY.com, click on ■ Veteran wine author Oz Clarke, Then, one more level down — and “Ask a Wine Question,” and ask describing Merlot: leaning toward “light” — would be away! “Red wine without tears.”

EACH SHIPMENT FEATURED WINES MADE WINE COLOR MIX: INCLUDES: IN CALIFORNIA EXCLUSIVELY! Reds, Whites, or Both — • 2 or 4 bottles of the best It’s Your Choice! finds from California • Napa • Sacramento Delta FREQUENCY: • Detailed Tasting Notes • Sonoma • Amador County Approximately for each wine Every Other Month • Latest edition of The • Santa Ynez • Mendocino PRICE: Grapevine newsletter • Monterey ... and More! Only $12 Average Per Bottle Plus Shipping

TO LEARN MORE ABOUT THIS CLUB, GO ONLINE TO WWW.VINESSE.COM OR CALL 800 - 823 - 5527. Visit vinesse.com • The Grapevine • 9

VINESSE®

THE MYSTERIOUS WORLD Wisconsin. The guide also includes a OF WINE FORGERY comprehensive list of cheese events If you’re a fan of “C.S.I.,” you’ll — a valuable resource for a wine probably enjoy a new book by lover, since we all know that where JOIN US FOR AN Benjamin Wallace, The Billionaire’s there is cheese, there’s likely to be INCREDIBLE WINE Vinegar: The Mystery of the World’s wine nearby. To order, log on to JOURNEY! Most Expensive Bottle of Wine wisdairy.com. (Crown, $24.95). The book details Each Shipment Takes You how certain brands of wine moved BEWARE THE WRATH to a Different Corner beyond agricultural foodstuff to OF WINE GRAPES of the Wine World! become pricey collectibles coveted by While traversing those bucolic wine the world’s wealthy. It provides a country roads, who among us has Taste Exquisite Boutique behind-the-scenes look at some of not been tempted to pull over and Wines... Savor Each the mind-boggling methods forgers pluck a few grapes off the vines? Country’s Winemaking use to “re-create” certain coveted Three words: Don’t do it. Wine Tradition... and Collect bottlings. grapes typically have very thick skins Some Souvenirs! and seeds, and don’t taste anything ONE MORE REASON TO at all like the wine that they are used EACH SHIPMENT VISIT NEW ZEALAND to make. In fact, if you ever hear There’s a lot of “wine country” to someone say a wine is “grapey,” it’s INCLUDES: explore in New Zealand, with its probably not a compliment. • 6 bottles of specially multiple growing regions. selected wines from one Now, there’s even more, country or region of the with the recent opening wine world of the Cable Bay winery on Waiheke Island. The • Detailed Tasting Notes isle is a mere 35-minute for each featured wine ferry ride from Auckland, but it feels a world apart. • Latest edition of The Luxurious Grapevine newsletter accommodations are available, but the real • A special souvenir ethos is perhaps best explained by the verbiage seen on bumper A MOVIE REVIEW AND WINE COLOR MIX: stickers: “Far enough behind to be AN IRONIC TWIST ahead.” At Cable Bay, there’s not The movie “Bottle Shock,” which Reds, Whites, or Mixed only an impressive winery and tells the tale of the historic 1976 FREQUENCY: tasting room, but also an excellent “Judgment of Paris” wine tasting, 6 times per year restaurant serving rustic-style dishes. probably has exited your local theater by now. If you missed it, PRICE: WISCONSIN OFFERS you’ll want to pick up the DVD when $99 Per Shipment FREE CHEESE GUIDE it’s released. Meanwhile, check out Like cheese with your wine? Order our review of the movie... and an Plus Shipping a copy of the free guide that ironic post-script... in the archives TO LEARN MORE ABOUT spotlights more than 100 area of VinesseTODAY.com. THIS CLUB, CALL 800 - 823 - 5527 cheesemakers and cheese shops in OR VISIT WWW.VINESSE.COM. 10 • The Grapevine • Visit vinesse.com The Grapevine

THAI-STYLE Preparation Ingredients POACHED HALIBUT 1. In a small bowl, mix fish sauce, • 1 head butter lettuce, washed, brown sugar and lime juice, and set dried and torn Try this tasty dish with Pinot Grigio, aside. Gewurztraminer or Sauvignon Blanc. 2. In a food processor, finely chop the • 1 avocado, peeled and sliced (Note: Any firm white fish will work, cilantro, ginger and shallot. In a • 1 pink grapefruit, peeled and but we like halibut best.) medium-sized sauce pan, add olive sectioned oil and sauté the spice mixture for • 1-lb. shrimp, grilled or poached Ingredients 1-2 minutes. • 2 tablespoons fresh lime juice • 1-lb. fresh halibut 3. Add chicken broth and bring to a • Zest from 1 lime • 1/2 cup cilantro, chopped boil. Add the fish sauce mixture and corn, and continue to cook at a low • 1 tablespoon honey • 2-in. piece of fresh ginger, peeled boil until corn is tender. • 1/2 cup medium-bodied olive oil • 1 shallot, chopped 4. Reduce heat to simmer. Add coconut • 1 teaspoon sea salt • 3 limes, juiced milk and halibut, and cook until • 1/2 teaspoon fresh ground pepper • 3 tablespoons fish sauce halibut is done (approximately 5 • 2 tablespoons brown sugar minutes). 5. Spoon over rice, and garnish with Preparation • 2 tablespoons olive oil chopped basil. 1. Combine olive oil, lime juice, zest, • 1 cup chicken broth honey, salt and pepper. Mix well • 2 cups fresh corn, cut from the and let stand for at least one hour. cob SHRIMP AND 2. Gently toss lettuce, avocado, GRAPEFRUIT SALAD grapefruit sections and shrimp with • 1 teaspoon curry desired amount of dressing. Serve • 5 small dried red chili peppers This recipe lends itself to warm immediately. weather, but it’s great any time of the • 1/2 cup coconut milk year. Try it with any light white wine • 1 cup fresh basil leaves, chopped or Rosé.

• A club for people EACH SHIPMENT INCLUDES: who enjoy a touch • 2 bottles of delicious of sweetness in light-and-sweet wines • Detailed Tasting Notes their wines. for each featured wine & • Wines that are • Latest edition of The lighter in style, Grapevine newsletter sometimes sparkle, WINE COLOR MIX: occasionally blush, Mostly White; Occasionally and are simply Blush/Pink or Sparkling THE FASTEST-GROWING fun to drink. FREQUENCY: Approximately Every Other Month • Wines selected CLUB IN VINESSE HISTORY! PRICE: from top regions Only $12 Average Per Bottle around the world. Plus Shipping TO LEARN MORE ABOUT THIS CLUB, GO ONLINE TO WWW.VINESSE.COM OR CALL 800 - 823 - 5527. Visit vinesse.com • The Grapevine • 11

CELLAR SPECIALS WHITE WINES Member Price 2006 Green Room California Chardonnay...... 12.99 2007 Soaring Aces California Sauvignon Blanc ...... 12.99 2006 Coyote Creek California Chardonnay ...... 12.99 2005 Quinta da Romeira Prova Regia Bucelas, Portugal...... 17.99 2006 Forefathers Marlborough, New Zealand Sauvignon Blanc ...... 18.99 2007 Ile la Forge Vin de Pays d, Oc, France Viognier...... 19.99 2005 Barn Buster South East Australia Semillon-Verdelho ...... 19.99 2006 Stark Damiano Vineyard Viognier ...... 22.99 RED WINES Member Price 2005 Quail Hollow California Merlot ...... 12.99 2005 Hunter Chaps Napa Merlot ...... 16.99 2006 Tarrica Wine Cellars Monterey, California Pinot Noir ...... 20.99 2006 Razors Edge McLaren Vale, Australia Cabernet Sauvignon ...... 20.99 2005 Castoro Cellars Paso Robles Zinfandel ...... 21.99 2004 Jeriko Estate Mendocino, California Merlot ...... 22.99 2006 Preludio Mendoza, Argentina Malbec ...... 23.99 2005 Peltier Station Lodi Petite Sirah ...... 23.99

TO ORDER, USE ORDER FORM ON BACK PAGE. MAIL TODAY, FAX TO 805-496-4311, OR CALL TOLL-FREE: 800-823-5527. HOURS: MONDAY-FRIDAY 8AM TO 5PM PST

We don’t print those postcards for our health. ASK A

Here at Vinesse, we care about your opinion. What you think about our featured wine selections matters to us. That’s why we WINE include a “comment card” in every shipment. Fill it out and return it to us, or go online to: www.vinesse.com/rateit Question rate-it

Because your opinion counts. www.vinesse.com/ask WINE SALE! While supplies last...

Please fill in your choices of wines so you’ll have them handy when you call. Or send them to us via mail or fax. QUANTITY ITEM PRICE

Member # Date Subtotal $______Name Daytime Phone Number Sales Tax $______Company (if office delivery) Evening Phone Number Delivery $______

Delivery Address Total $______

City State Zip E-Mail

Charge my: ❑ American Express ❑ Visa ❑ Mastercard ❑ Discover ❑ Card on File Delivery Charges $14.67 for each half case $21.60 for full case Card Number Exp. Date Please allow Signature (Required) 7-10 days for delivery

❑ Check Enclosed, Payable to: Vinesse

As a Member, You Can View Your Account Online For full details about your account, including your personal shipment history, charge amounts, and more, please visit www.Vinesse.com and log on via the “Your Account” link at the top right. Vinesse 822 Hampshire Rd., Suite E, Westlake Village, CA 91361 • email [email protected] MAIL TODAY, FAX TO 805-496-4311, OR CALL TOLL-FREE: 800-823-5527. HOURS: MONDAY-FRIDAY 8AM TO 5PM PST