GOLD MEDAL WINE CLUB’S Volume 26 Number 18

Select, Ultra Premium, Collectable Wines from California’s Best Winemakers The overriding premise under which Benovia hands of the right people, the job becomes easier and Winery operates is simply that no corners are ever cut more productive.” nor are any compromises made in making the company’s Mike Sullivan is a highly respected wine outstanding portfolio of wines. industry veteran who began his career in 1987 at iconic With a prime location in Sonoma County’s Chateau St. Jean and has garnered numerous lush Russian River Valley, the decade-old winery awards and accolades during his career. He is a has quickly become one of the darlings of the Sonoma County native who was named Wine Northern California wine community. Personality of the Year by none other than the “Our fathers taught us to be the best at renowned Robert Parker. what we do, and always produce something we can The key to Benovia Winery’s future lies in the be proud of. Nothing else will suffice, period,” exceptional that comprise the winery’s informed Mike Sullivan, 47, a co-owner, general estate plantings. Cohn (planted in 1970) manager and winemaker of the remarkable winery. is located atop a mountain near Healdsburg and is The name Benovia evolves from the first the stellar component of the estate’s portfolio. names of two relatives of the other co-owners Cohn Vineyard is a time-proven vineyard that is of the entity. Ben Dewane (father of co-owner farmed organically (the organic certification is Mary Dewane) and Novian Anderson (father of expected in the very near future). Martella Ranch co-owner Joe Anderson) provided the basis for (named after Joe and Mary’s mothers) is the the name Benovia, a tribute to the married vineyard that actually surrounds the winery couple’s respective parents. compound and an exciting new Benovia Winery first saw the light of vineyard near Freestone will provide what day in 2005 with the release of a tiny figures to be additional important fruit in the (around 400) number of cases. The winery future for Benovia Winery’s wines. has grown steadily and will produce some Public reaction to Benovia Winery’s 6,000 cases this current year. selections has been nothing short of “We farm 72 acres here in Sonoma exceptional. High scores and a plethora of County, and that acreage is capable of individual awards have benefited the producing over 10,000 cases of wine,” winery’s rise to the upper echelons of reflected Sullivan during a recent Sonoma County wineries. interview. “We are not in any hurry to Another interesting facet of the operation reach that mark anytime soon. We prefer is the fact that the winery’s labels vary with to let our wines speak for themselves and each spring and fall release, an unusual we have been very fortunate in that regard.” occurrence within the wine industry. Around 85 percent of the fruit “It actually gives our customers used by Benovia Winery originates from something to look forward to,” Mike their estate plantings with the remaining Sullivan added. “We’ve gotten some good fruit sourced from other top growers in feedback so we’ll continue doing it for the Sonoma County. Sullivan feels that such a time being.” relationship will last far into the future. Benovia Winery also has installed 171 “Sonoma County produces photovoltaic modules atop the winery. The exceptional fruit that suits our needs,” he solar panels produce some 60,000 added. “Why go elsewhere when top fruit kilowatt hours of electricity a year – or is practically next door?” about 90 percent of the energy needed to Benovia Winery considers itself a power the operations of the winery. The family of people who eat, drink and solar panels also reduce CO2 emissions by breathe a passion for making special 1,180 tons over a period of 25 years – the wines. The word ‘fun’ is an integral part environmental equivalent of more than of Benovia Winery’s character and the 20 acres of planted trees. team that has been assembled challenges Benovia Winery is fortunate to have each other to make extraordinary wines on a daily basis. achieved its great success while being able to maintain its Co-owner Joe Anderson put it this way. “Great wonderful family feeling throughout its ownership and vineyards are the lifeblood of a winery. A winery that operations. It is a credit to Sonoma County and will owns its own vineyards can grow grapes exactly the way remain at the highest level for many years to come. it wants, producing handcrafted wines of the highest Enjoy this outstanding Platinum Series selection caliber to exacting standards. With the right tools in the from Benovia Winery. Cheers! The road to great wine begins at your door. add a plus! bottle TT asting Notes Plus! wines are all highly-rated, very small production wines with to availabilityyour too next limited for wineall regular club delivery! members to receive. Only Plus! Program participants receive these rare gems! 94 POINTS The Plus! Program automatically adds on a special wine to -Wine Spectator each regular scheduled wine delivery, or as often as you like! Don’t miss out on another shipment! Join the Plus! Program today! 340 Cases Produced $35-$55 each delivery This month’s Platinum Series featured Plus! wine: The Benovia 2013 Fort Ross–Seaview was produced from a single Michael Scott 2012 Cabernet Sauvignon 92 POINTS – Wine Enthusiast magazine vineyard on the third coastal ridge from the 400 Cases Produced ocean, near the town of Seaview in Sonoma Learn more at: www.GoldMedalWineClub.com/plus or Call 1-800-266-8888 County. A delightfully elegant, seductive wine, this Chardonnay is perhaps the most Burgundian-style in the entire Benovia portfolio. Explosive aromas of tangerine blossom, William Pear, and underlying mineral notes complement the palate with Dear Platinum Series Members, bright acidity and flavors of white peach Benovia embraces a philosophy that believes and lemon custard. While delicious now, the exceptional vineyard sites produce wines with remarkable personality 2013 Fort Ross-Seaview Chardonnay is sure and extraordinary character. Our wish is to showcase the uniqueness of our estate vineyards and explore the diverse expression of Chardonnay to gain even more complexity with proper throughout the Russian River and Sonoma Coast. aging. 100% Chardonnay. Aged in French . Our Winery was founded in 2005 by Joe Anderson and Mary Dewane, and winemaker Mike Sullivan. Benovia Winery farms 71.7 Enjoy now until 2018. acres of Pinot Noir, Chardonnay, and from estate vineyards in the Russian River Valley and its surrounding wine growing area. Our Ft. Ross-Seaview Chardonnay is sourced from one vineyard on the third coastal ridge from the ocean, near the town of Seaview. The low-fertility soils and the cool temperature near the Pacific Ocean produce eorders a distinctive Chardonnay. This bottling comes from two blocks within the vineyard, both planted to Chardonnay clone Dijon 76, 95, and 96. Benovia Harvested in the early morning, the fruit was rigorously hand sorted prior RR to whole cluster and barrel fermentation with indigenous yeasts. 2013 Fort Ross-Seaview The 2013 vintage is very seductive, it displays explosive aromas of Chardonnay lime blossom, William Pear, and underlying mineral notes. On the palate, Retail Price at the Winery: $48.00 the wine displays tension between bright acidity and cool-climate struc- You Save 13% to 20% off the winery retail price! ture framed with flavors of nectarine and lemon custard. Gold Medal Membership Rewards Pricing:*

Thanks, # of Bottles Ordered: 2+ 6+ 12+ 2-Btl. Members: $42.00 $40.33 $39.50 4-Btl. Members: $42.00 $39.50 $38.25 Mike Sullivan Benovia Winemaker and Co-Owner www.GoldMedalWineClub.com 1-800-266-8888

*Effective per bottle prices after Membership Rewards discount is applied at checkout. Shipping and tax (if applicable) not included in above prices. Membership Rewards does not apply to Sale or Specials Wines.

PLATINUM SERIES IS PRESENTED BY GOLD MEDAL WINE CLUB, SANTA BARBARA, CALIFORNIA 1-800-266-8888