GOLD WINE CLUB VOLUME 26 ISSUE 12 P TheMedal WinningWine Wines from California’s Best Family-Ownedress Wineries. 831 Wine Company Monterey County

GOLD MEDAL WINE CLUB The Best Wine Club on the Planet. Period. 2014 CHARDONNAY MONTEREY 850 Cases Produced 831 Wine Company’s 2014 Chardonnay is a blend of fruit sourced from the Santa Lucia Highlands and Arroyo Seco AVA’s of Monterey County, the cooler pockets of the region that are best suited to cool-

wineclimate is wellloving balanced varietals and like full-bodied, Chardonnay. and This a nice wine representation has refreshingly of Chardonnay crisp flavors from and the aromas 831 area of citrus, code. Wepear, recommend kiwi and pineapple pairing this with wine delicate with undertonesroasted Cornish of honey Game and Hens toasty (see oak Recipe that section), linger on grilled the finish. seafood, The and creamy pasta dishes. Aged 9 months in oak. 100% Chardonnay. Enjoy now until 2019.

91 POINTS + BEST OF CLASS - Los Angeles International Wine Competition

2014 PETITE SIRAH MONTEREY 950 Cases Produced The 2014 Petite Sirah comes from vineyards in the warmer San Antonio Valley and Hames Valley AVA’s of Monterey County, two of the warmest regions in Monterey. Petite Sirah has been growing in popularity lately, as people discover its characteristic extraordinary deep color and full-bodied HOW WE CHOOSE OUR WINES: Gold Medal Wine Club darkflavors. cherry, The varietalblueberry, is stilland fairlypomegranate rare with and less aromas than 10,000 of mocha, acres vanilla planted and worldwide,oak spice that with complement most of it showcases two exceptional thecentered soft tannins. in California. Aged 9 831’s months 2014 in oak.Petite 90% Sirah Petite is ripe, Sirah, bold, 10% and Syrah. nicely Enjoy balanced now untilwith 2024.flavors of plum, wines from only the best small wineries of California. Featured GOLD MEDAL SPECIAL SELECTION wines include those which have earned medals in the top wine- industry competitions or have been highly rated by a respected 2014 national wine publication (see goldmedalwineclub.com/ MONTEREY resources/wine-ratings). On 1,000 Cases Produced occasion, we feature wines Like the 831 Petite Sirah, the Cabernet Sauvignon is also produced from a selection of vineyards which are newly released by the winery and which medals in the warmer San Antonio Valley and Hames Valley AVA’s of Monterey County. Jammy and fruit and reviews are forthcoming. forward in style, the 2014 Cabernet Sauvignon opens with aromas of mocha, leather, violets and Each and every selection is a vanilla. Flavors of black cherry, currants, and red licorice come alive on the palate, while medium superb wine made in small quantities and with very Sauvignon with wine braised beef short ribs or Osso Bucco. Aged 9 months in oak. 85% Cabernet limited distribution. There Sauvignon,tannins, a soft 15% texture, Petite Sirah.and notes Enjoy of now toasty until oak 2024. linger on the finish. Try pairing this rich Cabernet are over 4,000 wineries in California producing thousands GOLD MEDAL SPECIAL SELECTION of different wines. Only wines

considered in choosing the featuredfitting selections the above each criteria month. are

2 831Based in the 831Wine area code of MontereyCompany County, 831 Wine Company produces a wide range of terroir-driven wines, showing off the diverse sub appellations and endless winegrowing opportunities this special viticultural area has to offer.

was quite immediate and rewarding and 831 Wine Company will produce around 3,000 cases this year. “Our goal is to get to around 6 -7,000 cases,” Balentine continued. “Our other winery, Line Shack Wines, started off quite small and we were able to grow it to around 20,000 cases this year. We intend to develop slowly and let the market dictate our expansion.” For the record, the name 831 Wine Company is a story unto itself. 831 is the area code that serves Monterey County, the growing area on which Bob Balentine wanted his new winery to focus. “There are actually seven sub-appellations within the 831 area code and we wanted a distinctive way to feature their produce. The county has great diversity in climates, and is cold in some appellations and warmer in others. This allows for our Bob and Daphne Balentine source fruit from select sub appellations of growers to produce a wide variety of varietals and it is Monterey County to match the terroir that each varietal is best suited for. up to us as vintners to purchase the correct from the With cooler climate varieties like Pinot Noir and Chardonnay, fruit is mainly precise appellations.” sourced from the Santa Lucia Highlands and Arroyo Seco AVA’s. is sourced from the Southern and San Lucas AVA, and At this point, 831 Wine Company buys all of its fruit, but that scenario is about to change. The Balentines have purchased for their bold signature Cabernet Sauvignon, Petite Sirah, Syrah, and Viognier. finally, they select fruit from the warmer San Antonio Valley and Hames Valley a 70-acre tract in the San Antonio Valley that will be planted next year to Cabernet Sauvignon, Bob Balentine’s varietal of choice. This relatively new winery was developed out of the They are also looking at two additional vineyard sites that, owner’s feeling that a winery was needed that correctly focused should they be acquired, would also be planted in the near future. on a particular growing area’s ability to produce exceptional fruit that could be made into extraordinary wines. The result of such thinking produced the 831 Wine Company for owners Bob and Daphne Balentine. “I have long felt that Monterey County is one of the truly prime growing areas in all of California, and that includes the Napa Valley and Sonoma County,” offered Bob Balentine during a recent interview. “We have a wonderful climate, great soils and a diversity of conditions that makes Monterey County a special place for growing grapes. There is also the Blue Grand Canyon (see Region section) that might be the best kept secret in California winegrowing circles.” Daphne and Bob Balentine began making wine together in 1991 and what started out as a deep passion and desire for

2013 with the release of a smallish (fewer than 250 cases) into a full time career. Now the couple manages their time number 831of Chardonnay Wine Company and Pinot first sawNoir thecases. light Trade of day reception in late betweenmaking fine their wines, two winery in the confines labels, 831 of their Wine garage, Company slowly and grew Line Shack Winery

Continued on Page 4

3 WINEMAKERBob Balentine,

Owner/winemaker Bob Balentine regards himself as one of a dying breed of California winemakers.

producing numerous award-winning wines that have also provided excellent price/value relationships Self -taught,in the competitive he now has marketplace. more than twenty-five years of success under his belt in Balentine credits a long time Italian family friend, Lucio Gomiero, the owner of two highly successful Italian wineries, with introducing him to the delights of wine and winemaking. “I was growing radicchio and Lucio was called the ‘King of Radicchio” in Italy. We became friends and Lucio taught me the attention to detail that is so important in making really great wines,” related Bob Balentine. “Both of his wineries, Vignata and La Florita, have

quite elated, as well as being lucky, that his tutelage has proven to be so successful.” consistently produced among the finest Italian wines, so I naturally followed his advice. I am

831 WINE COMPANY Continued from Page 3

“We are all about putting back into the land,” Balentine industry. Their wines are well-made and offer a great value to confessed. “Our family is convinced that adding property is the consumers. It is a pleasure to introduce our Gold Series members way to go for our wineries. We would be responsible for the to these outstanding selections. Enjoy! plants and would reap the rewards if the fruit proves to be as good as we hope.” 831 Wine Company could easily be called the Balentine Wine Company. Bob does all the sourcing as well as all the winemaking of red wines, while Daphne makes the white wines cousin with years of wine marketing experience, Kelli Balentine, handlesand also servesthe company’s as the office marketing, manager whileand compliance son Jack, director.19, is the A cellar manager and assistant to Bob. Daughter Morgan, 21, is responsible for the social media aspect of the business and son 831 Wine Company’s award-winning wines are made in a Nick, 10, is the barrel cleaner and bung expert of the operation. state-of-the-art winemaking facility in Paso Robles, located on California’s Central Coast. The owners of 831 Wine Company are an All-American wine family who make up the backbone of the

4 Food Pairings from 831 Wine Company ROASTED CORNISH GAME HENS PAIR WITH THE 831 2014 CHARDONNAY 4 Cornish game hens, patted dry with 1 lemon, cut into quarters paper towels Extra virgin olive oil 8 thin slices of butter Salt and freshly ground black pepper 4 sprigs each of fresh rosemary and 1/2 cup dry white wine thyme, plus some extra leaves of each 1/2 cup chicken broth 4 large cloves garlic, peeled of each breast. Add a few rosemary and thyme leaves. Put a lemon quarter in the cavity of each hen along with a clove of garlic and a sprigPreheat of rosemaryoven to 450 and degrees. thyme. TrussUsing theyour hens index by tyingfinger, the loosen wings the and skin legs. of Rubthe henseach henand allslip over a thin with slice extra of buttervirgin oliveunder oil; the sprinkle skin on with top salt and pepper. Place hens on the rack of a roasting pan lined with aluminum foil, spacing them out as far apart as possible. Place hens in the preheated oven and roast of 25 min. While the hens are roasting, combine the chicken broth and wine in a bowl. After the hens have been roasting for 25 min., reduce oven temperature to 350 degrees. Pour the broth/wine mixture over the hens and continue to roast for 30 min., basting the hens with the juices at the bottom of the pan every 10 min. The hens are done when an instant-read thermometer inserted into the thickest part of the thigh registers 165 degrees and the juices run clear. Carefully remove the hens and pour the juices from their cavities into the roasting pan. Transfer the hens to a warmed platter, remove the trussing string, and tent with aluminum foil to keep warm. Pour the juices from the roasting pan into a saucepan and boil for about 5 min. until the liquid is a thin, sauce-like consistency. Serve the hens whole per guest or cut in half lengthwise and place cavity-down on each serving plate. Drizzle the sauce over the hens and garnish with fresh herb sprigs and a slice of lemon. Recipe provided by 831 Wine Company.

ROAST LEG OF LAMB WITH ROSEMARY & LAVENDER PAIR WITH THE 831 2014 PETITE SIRAH OR 2014 CABERNET SAUVIGNON 1/4 cup plus 2 tbsp extra virgin olive oil Kosher salt & freshly ground black pepper 1/4 cup minced rosemary 6 medium shallots, thinly sliced 3 tbsp minced fresh lavender leaves 1/2 cup pitted Medjool dates, thinly sliced 4 garlic cloves, grated 1 tsp honey One 3 1/2 lb boneless leg of lamb 1/4 cup apple cider vinegar

Preheat the oven to 450 degrees. In a small bowl, whisk 1/4 cup of olive oil with the rosemary, lavender and garlic. Season the lamb all over with salt and pepper. Rub half of the herb oil all over the inside of the lamb, then roll up the meat and tie with kitchen string to form a neat roast. Spread the remaining herb oil all over the roast and set it on a rimmed baking sheet. Roast the lamb for about 15 min., until just starting to brown. Reduce the oven temperature to 375 degrees and roast the lamb for about 1 hour longer, until an instant-read thermometer inserted in the thickest part registers 130 degrees for rare meat. Transfer the lamb to a carving board and let rest for 30 min. Meanwhile, in a medium saucepan, heat the remaining 2 tbsp of olive oil until shimmering. Add the shallots, dates, honey and a pinch of salt and cook over moderate heat, stirring occasionally, until the shallots are softened, about 7 min. Add the vinegar and cook, stirring occasionally, until most of the liquid has evaporated and the jam is thick, 3 to 5 min.; season with salt and let cool. Untie the lamb roast and slice the meat against the grain. Serve with the shallot-date jam. Recipe provided by 831 Wine Company.

5 INBob THE Balentine,SPOTLIGHT

He can claim that he attended the same high school know the wine business (Salinas High School) that the immortal John Steinbeck before starting up an AP attended, but Bob Balentine, now 53, took a different course - the competition in the than man of today’s noted winemakers. marketplace is just too “I initially began as a farmer growing Balentine has always relished a challenge and after fierce.” vegetables for my family,” Balentine some preferences along the way. The venerable Cabernet confessed. “At Sauvignontwenty-five hasyears emerged as an owner/winemaker, as his favorite grape he hasand developed has even one point, I was caused him to purchase land in the warmest part of Monterey introduced to a great Italian farmer (see started as a farmer and it looks like I will experience the full Winemaker section) County (the San Antonio Valley) to plant his first vines. “I who also owned a the soil and I think I understand the subtleties that come with pair of noted Italian wineries. He made me see the value of caringcircle when for vineyards. we plant ourWe havefirst vines. put all I trulyour resources enjoy working into these with drinking and enjoying wines. This experience morphed into out,” he added. plantings and I just can’t wait to see the first fruit that comes development of 831 Wine Company.” Line the first wine company my family owned, and the subsequent Since money was a valuable commodity in the beginning (and Shack Wines, would have been enough, but Bob Balentine is not according to Balentine still is), he made the important decision to For many people, the success of his first winery, utilize the existence of the alternating proprietorship regulation to extoll the virtues of Cabernet Sauvignon in Monterey County that existed in the United States. The alternating proprietor andyour has ordinary been provenperson. toBalentine be correct was in one his ofprophecies. the first vintners He has is allowed to share usage of an existing bonded winery. The studied the microclimates of his home area and knows what AP has lower investment in equipment and premises, but is varietals will produce the best fruits from a given appellation. responsible for all of its own production, records, reporting, labeling and taxes. The entity must also qualify as an alternating proprietorship to be allowed to operate.” quality producerFinally, Bobof fruit, Balentine an actuality is personally that took several gratified decades that “When we started,” recalled Balentine, “I guess there Monterey County has finally gained recognition as a major were some 75 or so AP’s operating in our area. The number a lot of hard work to get there.” has been whittled down a great deal, maybe about 60% or even to achieve. “We have a perfect climate,” he finalized, “but it took more. But that hasn’t stopped new people from coming into the business. All I can say is that these newcomers had better

6 MONTEREYWine Region: COUNTY

By now it is entirely possible that anyone truly interested in California wine has heard about

from the region commonly called thethe magnificent Monterey fruitCounty that evolvesWine Growing Area. The remarkable fact is that this well-deserved reputation did not reach fruition until the past half-decade. wine growing regions of Monterey County and affects the area’s There are many theories that have been advanced as to viticultural prowess through fog, wind, moderate temperatures why this evolution has happened, but one seems to have received and an almost complete lack of rain through the growing season. great credulence. Insiders simply refer to this phenomenon as The Blue Grand Canyon expresses itself in a most the Blue Grand Canyon. Factually, the Blue Grand Canyon is an enormous their vineyards’ “sense of place,” a direct upshot of this unique submarine canyon that is sixty miles long and two miles deep meetingdelicious of manner. land and Wines sea. grown in this region are a reflection of just off the coastline of Monterey Bay. It is the largest and deepest The Blue Grand Canyon lies just one hundred yards off on the West Coast and among the largest in the entire world. Its proximity to the shoreline makes it even more unique and makes Monterey) and was formerly a busy whaling port. Archaeological it comparable to its more famous cousin in nearby Arizona. digsMoss have Landing provided (some evidence fifteen miles that thenorth Ohlone northeast Indians of themay City have of This climatic pathway stands at the very doorstep to the lived in the area as long as 4,000 years ago.

TOAdd YOUR a NEXT Plus! WINE Bottle DELIVERY The Plus! Program automatically adds one special wine to each regularly scheduled wine delivery, or as often as you like! Plus! wines are all highly rated, very small production wines with availability too limited for all regular club members to receive. Join Today!$18-$22/DELIVERY This month’s Gold Series featured Plus! wine: Mihila Kawna 2012 Alexander Valley Cabernet Sauvignon 409 Cases Produced! GOLD MEDAL - San Francisco International Wine Competition Retail Price at the Winery: $35.00

7 WineTEST YOUR Wizard: WINE IQ!

What is the difference between Petite Sirah and Syrah? Petite Sirah (also spelled Petite Syrah) and Syrah are two different grape varietals. Syrah is originally from France’s Rhône Valley and is the primary grape used in the famous wines of Hermitage and Côte Rôtie. Petite Sirah is the American name for the Durif grape (another French import) which is a cross between Syrah and Peloursin grapes. While the name may imply that Petite Sirah is a lighter version of Syrah, it’s actually the opposite. The name Petite Sirah is believed to have come from the small berry size, which results in a higher skin-

Petite Sirahs are generally much more tannic and rustic than Syrahs, but they are also very beautifully made wines with a totally unique character.to-juice ratio in the grapes, and thus yields wines that are inky dark in color, bold in flavor, and powerfully dense with structured tannins.

Filtered vs. unfiltered wine: which is better? inWhether the glass. or Filteringnot a wine can is also filtered help is ensure a stylistic that choice,a wine andremains does stable not necessarily after bottling. make However, the wine other “better” winemakers or “worse.” believe Some that winemakers too much prefer to filter/fine a wine in order to remove the tiny particles that can settle at the bottom of the bottle or cause cloudiness or haziness filtering and fining can strip a wine of its flavors and aromas, and that leaving the wine as is actually lends a more appealing texture and mouthfeel. There is no right or wrong opinion here, so the preference of filtered or unfiltered wines is entirely up to you!

Instant!The Membership Gold Rewards savesMedal you 6% to 26% Wine off 831 Wine Store Company wines!

Retail Price Gold Medal Membership Rewards Pricing* 831 WINE CO. at Winery 2+ btls. 6+ btls. 12+ btls.

2014 Chardonnay 2-Bottle Members: $17.00 $15.33 $14.50 $18.00/btl. Monterey County 4-Bottle Members: $17.00 $14.50 $13.25

2014 Petite Sirah 2-Bottle Members: $20.00 $18.33 $17.50 $22.00/btl. Monterey County 4-Bottle Members: $20.00 $17.50 $16.25

2014 Cabernet Sauvignon 2-Bottle Members: $20.00 $18.33 $17.50 $22.00/btl. Monterey County 4-Bottle Members: $20.00 $17.50 $16.25

*Effective per bottle prices after Membership Rewards discount is applied at checkout. www.GoldMedalWineClub.com/store 1-800-266-8888 These special discounts are available only to club members, gift recipients and gift givers. 2 bottle min, per wine, per order. Shipping and tax (if applicable) not included in above prices. Membership Rewards does not apply to Sale or Special Offer Wines.