They Call Me the COVID-Kid. Well, Maybe They Don't Actually Call Me

JUNE 2020

They Call Me the COVID-Kid. But let me tell you about the ramifications of this shut down on the wine industry. Well, maybe they don’t actually There are essentially two markets to wholesale wine into; off-premise (liquor stores call me that, but they sure act and wine shops) and on-premise (restaurants and wine bars). Many large wholesale like I can save the day in the companies have separate divisions for these two markets and sometimes different world of wine. Let me explain. pricing (on the same wine) for the respective market. Effectively all on-premise wine buying has screeched to a standstill. No one is buying wine (only because they are closed). All the salespeople who handled those accounts have been furloughed. And When Governor Newsome announced the as many restaurants will not be back, neither will the representatives that sold them shutdown, I immediately called my good friend wine. So, where does all the wine (inventory is tied up cash) end up during this crisis? Walter at Peacock Cheese to turn our wine shop And how can a winery possibly get back these weeks of no sales (many who only sell into a quasi-deli. Walter imports cheeses and to restaurants)? the most amazing cured meats from all over the world. But I wasn’t off the phone with him for 5 Enter us off-premise guys and your Wine of the Month Club. We are buying, and what is minutes when it was announced that wineries are happening for you as members, the wineries are desperate to move some cases, so they essential. We happen to hold a wine manufactures are clamoring to get us to buy something, anything. And it is not only the regulars that are license as well our other licenses, so I was okay. hoping to score a sale. Some of the most prolific names in the trade are knocking on the Phew… I didn’t want to be slicing salami most door; Caymus, Silver Oak, and others. In fact, the Direct to Consumer wine market has jumped of the day. exponentially. Many of us on-line wine retailers are experiencing robust growth.

MEMBERSHIP IN THE WINE OF THE MONTH CLUB IS OPEN TO ANYONE WITH contd >> AN INTEREST IN & APPRECIATION FOR SUPERB WINES... @WineoftheMonthClub @WineoftheMonth & EXCELLENT WINE VALUES. MEMBERSHIP IS FREE. But, unfortunately, many wineries, as well as restaurants, will not survive this crisis; restaurants because many live on the cusp on non-profitability and wineries because the margins are so thin, any interruption causes consternation.

All that being said… we are here for your wine needs and hope that our commrades in the restaurant sector are back on their feet soon.

Salud... be safe... stay well. Paul Kalemkiarian Owner/Cellarmaster

THE PURE WINE CLUB SERIES TASTE THE DIFFERENCE

FLASHBACK A LOOK BACK AT SOME STELLAR SELECTIONS WITH ED MASCIANA Domestic Selection for November 1972 Llords and Elwood, Pinot Noir $4.25/per fifth (757 ml) They were known for their fine California Sherry’s, but when they ventured into table wine, we were the first to feature this spectacular Pinot Noir.

Imported Selection for November 1972 Mateus Rose’. $2.99/per fifth (757 ml) We featured this wine before it became one of the most sought after wines in the US. It was wonderful then, but later got commercialized and it wasn’t the same. WHY I CHOSE THIS WINE “ It is like FRESH Malbec. ” – PK

e SCO lu RE a * TAPIZ v 2016 MALBEC 98 Mendoza, Argentina 13.8 % Alcohol by Volume

“ mall • beck ”

The owner and president of Tapiz Wines, Patricia Ortiz, started her career as a medical doctor but fell in love with wine while visiting Mendoza. Since 2003, her three COLOR Intense Red, labels Tapiz, Zolo, and Wipasa, have garnered much acclaim and constitute one of Deep Purple Hue Argentina’s premier wineries. Recently, her visionary work led to her election as the first woman president of Bodegas de Argentina, a national association of wineries NOSE that represents 90% of Argentina’s winemakers and sets a precedent for innovation Intense Aroma of Red in the region including its Wine and Viticulture Sustainability Protocol. With Ortiz Fruit, Spice, Oak at the helm, Tapiz Wines is supported by two legends in wine, Argentinean native Fabian Valenzuela and Jean Claude Berrouet, the former winemaker at the revered PALATE Bordeaux winery Petrus. Red Fruit, Spice, Violets, Vanilla Mendoza is located in the foothills of the Andes. The extreme altitude of the vineyards and warm days concentrate the grape’s fullness and fruit while cold nights FINISH Full Bodied, contribute natural acidity. These characteristics of the environment naturally allow Elegant for the production of very high-quality organic grapes. With grapes from Tapiz’s leading estate Las Uvas vineyard in Tupungato, Uco Valley, Mendoza, overseen by PAIRING Fabian and with the Old-World expertise of Jean Claude, this is an outstanding Roasted Vegetables, example of what the New World’s most notable region for Malbec can produce. Pork, Lamb, Steak Tapiz Malbec is aged for 8 months in single-use French oak barrels, which adds CELLAR complexity, length, dense fruit, and soft tannins. It has an intense red and deep Now through 2028 purple color, with flavors of cherries and raspberries, spice, violets, and sweeter notes from its time with oak. Fabian and Jean Claude oversee the wine’s unfiltered fruit and its oak aging to ensure that this full-bodied and balanced wine will pair effortlessly with pork, lamb, or steak. Because of the wine’s ID: C0620R1IA low acidity and tannins, it is best to avoid pairing bitter greens, Comparable Price: $19.99 vinaigrette, or fish. Think creamier sauces and roasted vegetables. Reorder Price: $9.49

Comparable Price: A price comparable to wines of similar grapes, vintage and region. * value score: the points awarded to a wine compared to wines tasted of the same price, region and varietal. WWW.WINEOFTHEMONTHCLUB.COM | 1.800.949.9463 TASTING NOTES

Wine: ______Color: ______Date:______Tasting Comments: ______Overall Rating: ______(1-100)

WWW.WINEOFTHEMONTHCLUB.COM | 1.800.949.9463 WHY I CHOSE THIS WINE “ Classic Monterey SB. ” – PK

e SCO lu RE a * MEHALE v 2018 SAUVIGNON BLANC 96 Monterey, California 13.9 % Alcohol by Volume

“ sew • veen • YON • blon ”

Mehale is another spectacular entry by winemaker Vance Rose who crafts COLOR all the wines for the Ehlers Family. Vance started in the wine business at a Very Pale Gold very early age and did every job imaginable in several countries. He sold it, grew it, and finally made it in Australia, France, and Spain before settling in Napa to make his own wines and those for Ehlers. NOSE Fresh Herbs, Peach It was a perfect match, as both Vance and Steven Ehlers are not tied to any one grape or area and love to do things out of the ordinary. Our selection PALATE comes from Monterey, which for Sauvignon Blanc, is out of the ordinary. Filling That’s because Monterey, which has incredible soil for growing grapes, is quite cool, and Sauvignon Blanc likes a slightly warmer climate. FINISH Snappy Citrus However, if you train the vines upward on trellises and remove their leaves, the grapes get more sunlight and exhume the incredible nutrients in the PAIRING soil. As a result, you get a longer growing season and perfect ripeness. Shellfish, Seafood

Even the name is inventive. It stands for Marvelous, Expression, Hope, Accord, Life, and Elate, all words that seem to resonate with Rose and CELLAR Ehlers are transferred to the wines they create. Now through 2025

Our selection fills the bill as well as the glass marvelously. It is the classic expression of the grape. Expanded upon with passion ID: C0620W1DC fruit, fresh herbs, and nectarine that would crash the oyster party, Comparable Price: $18.99 sing with the scallops or liven up the lobster to the elation of all. Reorder Price: $8.49

Wine: ______Color: ______Date:______Tasting Comments: ______Overall Rating: ______(1-100)

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WWW.WINEOFTHEMONTHCLUB.COM | 1.800.949.9463 WHY I CHOSE THIS WINE “ Solid everytime… ” – PK

e SCO lu RE a * BACKSTORY v 2018 CABERNET SAUVIGNON 95 California 13.0 % Alcohol by Volume “ CAB • burr • NAY SAW • veen • YON ”

Backstory is so named to denote that each year, a new chapter unfolds in the vineyards. So each year it’s a new wine, a new story. It is crafted by O’Neill COLOR Deep Purple Vintner’s, one of the largest wineries in California, with facilities and vineyards all over the state. NOSE The vineyards selected for this wine are located in Lodi and the Sierra Foothills. Violets, Blueberry They equally feature long warm days and cool nights. Lodi’s position in the world of wine has changed dramatically as we see more and more great wines PALATE coming from this area. While we’re pleased to find such values here, it could be Richly Textured a problem as we already see the prices start to skirt upwards. Even the wine Red Fruit business can’t escape the laws of supply and demand. FINISH Uncompromising Grapes for this wine were handled gently to minimize bitterness and fermented cool to maximize color and flavor extraction. The firm structure of this Merlot is one of its more outstanding features. The wine was aged for up to one year in PAIRING Red Meat, Fowl new and used American and French oak barrels.

Because of O’Neill’s vast vineyard holdings, they are more suited than most to CELLAR make great wine, no matter what the vintage throws at them. If the vintage Now through 2025 was better in one place over another, then that’s where the grapes are chosen. In this case, these two areas produced different wines that together made the perfect blend. The supple Lodi grapes balanced with the ID: C0620R2DC aggressive Sierra Foothill grapes to offer an ideal combination Comparable Price: $17.99 to match eggplant Parmesan or honey-glazed ham. Reorder Price: $9.49

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WWW.WINEOFTHEMONTHCLUB.COM | 1.800.949.9463 WHY I CHOSE THIS WINE “ Unusual offering from Paso. ” – PK AVENALES e SCO lu RE a * RANCH v 2017 CHENIN BLANC 95 Paso Robles, California 11.3 % Alcohol by Volume

“ SHAY • non • blon ”

The Sinton Family has farmed this land in San Luis Obispo for nearly 150 COLOR years. Their main crop was oats. They acquired additional acres in 1906 and Pineapple, planted their first vineyard in 1940 in a former riverbed. There were millions Peach of shells in the ground, so they called it Shell Creek Vineyards. NOSE In 1972, they planted their Chenin Blanc grapes, making them one of the Guava, oldest plantings in California. The current family members decided to revert Banana back to their ancestry and changed the name to Avenales, which means, “where the wild oats grow.” PALATE Firm, Chenin Blanc was widely planted in California. It was the backbone of jug Lively wines in the 1950s because it was easy to grow, and even when the yields FINISH were large, the wine had some flavor. Then someone tasted Vouvray from Fabulous Citrus France’s Loire Valley.

Vouvray is one of the greatest white wines made in the world, and it made PAIRING everybody look at Chenin Blanc very differently. San Luis Obispo was one of Fish, Fowl, the areas chosen to see how good Chenin Blanc could get here and is now Game one of the premium Chenin Blanc areas in the state. CELLAR Now through 2025 Our selection is a perfect example of how different a wine can be when made from vines that are almost 50 years old. The flavors of peach, banana and stone fruit are luminous as they wrap around every taste bud and hold on until the shuddering finish. It could also wrap ID: C0620W2DC around Jamaican jerk chicken or pork medallions with a Comparable Price: $25.99 mustard and maple glaze. Reorder Price: $8.49

Wine: ______Color: ______Date:______Tasting Comments: ______Overall Rating: ______(1-100)

WWW.WINEOFTHEMONTHCLUB.COM | 1.800.949.9463 WHY I CHOSE THIS WINE ” Finally, Sud de France Pinot. ” – PK

JEAN CLAUDE e SCO lu RE a * MAS v 2018 PINOT NOIR California 96 13.0 % Alcohol by Volume “ PEE • noh NWAR ”

Paul Mas is one of the producers responsible for the incredible heights the Languedoc has climbed in the last 30 years. His family has been farming the estate COLOR Medium Magenta for almost 130 years. So, they have a bit of experience in what they’re doing.

The Languedoc is in Southern France adjacent to the Mediterranean. It enjoys a NOSE maritime climate, which is just what the grapes love. But, in its early days, the Violets, emphasis was put on quantity at the expense of quality. So, they grew a lot of Strawberry grapes, with higher alcohols. Higher alcohols were used to strengthen grapes grown further north where they didn’t ripen as well. PALATE Berry, Fresh Earth But none of this was doing the growers any good as they were at times selling their grapes or bulk wine for less than it cost to produce. Experienced producers, FINISH like Mas, knew the potential. They convinced their neighbors to upgrade their Piquant Cherry vineyards to make better wine so they could earn enough to stay in business. PAIRING After decades of diligence, the Languedoc is now spoken of with reverence. They Red Meat, Fowl, have many unique appellations, which was unheard of 30 years ago, and even Vegetarian single-vineyard wines like our selection. CELLAR The most significant improvement, spearheaded by Mas, was to reduce yields Now through 2027 dramatically, which allows the vines to pull nutrients from the soil and spread it to a smaller number of grape clusters. The results are stunning. Wines like our selection showing impeccable precision in the wild cherry ID: V0620R1IF and cranberry flavors to match Korean BBQ’d baby back ribs or Comparable Price: $19.99 sesame-crusted chicken. Reorder Price: $13.49

Wine: ______Color: ______Date:______Tasting Comments: ______Overall Rating: ______(1-100)

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WWW.WINEOFTHEMONTHCLUB.COM | 1.800.949.9463 WHY I CHOSE THIS WINE “ Love Pinot Gris from NZ. ” – PK

e SCO lu RE a * SAVEE SEA v 2017 PINOT GRIS 97 Marlborough, New Zealand 13.0 % Alcohol by Volume

“ PEE • noh GREE ” The Vavasour family sold their grapes in Marlborough, New Zealand, for 100 years before Louis Vavasour built their first winery. With a century of experience, it’s no COLOR wonder his wines were so spectacular. When you’re farming the same land for that Very Pale, Golden Hue long a period, you get to know it well, if not better, than your own offspring. NOSE Savee is in the Awatere region of Marlborough, where grapes were first planted Apple, Asian Pear in 1973. Few people predicted that the region would become New Zealand’s largest and best-known area for Sauvignon Blanc in little more than 20 years. PALATE The distinctive pungency and zesty fruit flavors of the first wines captured the Rich, Concentrated imagination of the country’s winemakers and wine drinkers alike and sparked an unparalleled boom in vineyard development. FINISH Flows Seamlessly However, it was some ten years ago that the Wine of the Month Club discovered something that shocked us. As good as their Sauvignon Blancs were and for as well as they were received, it’s their Pinot Gris that knocked us on our heels. PAIRING Shellfish, Vegetarian Pinot Gris is grown extensively in the Alsace region of France, where it accounts for some of the finest white wines made there. In Italy, it is known as Pinot Grigio CELLAR and is grown in almost every province where it usually makes delicious everyday Now through 2023 wines with few exceptions.

Awatere’s Pinot Gris is closer to the Alsace version. It’s penetrating ID: V0620W1IZ kiwi and guava flavors, and bright apple component is just what is Comparable Price: $19.99 needed with black cod in a miso sake broth or a spicy shrimp pasta. Reorder Price: $12.49

Wine: ______Color: ______Date:______Tasting Comments: ______Overall Rating: ______(1-100)

WWW.WINEOFTHEMONTHCLUB.COM | 1.800.949.9463 WHY I CHOSE THIS WINE “ Crazy offering; Lodi Pinot. ” – PK

e SCO lu RE a * HW v 2016 PINOT NOIR Lodi, California 97 13.4% Alcohol by Volume “ PEE • noh NWAR ”

The letters HW stand for Herman Walter Ehlers, the patriarch of a family who COLOR began crafting wines in Lodi almost 100 years ago. Lodi was little known Limpid Magenta back then. It was lumped into the same wine speak as Fresno and Modesto in California’s Central Valley. They were unceremoniously known for their hot climate and large yields for making wines suitable for selling in jugs. NOSE Cotton Candy, But Lodi is anything but. Sure, on the map, it’s between Fresno and Rose Petals Sacramento, right in the middle of the Central Valley. However, it is also at PALATE the end of a gap. That begins in the serene San Pablo Bay in San Francisco and Textured Cherry, heads East, straight through and unobstructed, ending smack dab in Lodi. Mint What that means to the grapes is 10º to 15º cooler days and nights, which in grape terms is huge. FINISH Glowing Fruit Herman figured this out, and now the winery, headed by his son, Steven, has pushed the envelope further by planting the most temperamental grape PAIRING on the planet, Pinot Noir. Pinot Noir has a thin skin for a red grape, making Fish, Fowl, it susceptible to certain diseases and pests. If the weather gets too hot, the Red Meat grapes can literally burst on the vine. But, that doesn’t stop people from making it. CELLAR Now through 2025 It’s the elusive fruit, the spice, and minerals, the flecks of flavors that dance on the tongue that has raptured wine drinkers and winemakers alike for centuries. It matches fish ID: V0620R2DC or fowl, in tomato or cream, or just about anything else you Comparable Price: $19.99 can enjoy with it. Reorder Price: $13.49

Wine: ______Color: ______Date:______Tasting Comments: ______Overall Rating: ______(1-100)

WWW.WINEOFTHEMONTHCLUB.COM | 1.800.949.9463 WHY I CHOSE THIS WINE “ Solid PG from the Veneto. ” – PK

e SCO lu RE a * CARLETTO v 2018 PINOT GRIGIO Veneto, Italy 96 12.5% Alcohol by Volume “ PEE • noh GREE • joe ”

Carletto is the joining of two families whose wine history’s go back 150 years. COLOR In this case it is Armando De Zan and his wife, Elviana Candoni De Zan. Both Very Pale were born in the Veneto of winemaking families. They came to the United States when Armando took a senior position with a large wine and spirits group in Atlanta. Their two daughters were six and eight at the time and NOSE Apple, Pear Armando’s position kept them here until his daughters completed college.

By then, it was time to renew the heritage of both families and establish PALATE Carletto. Selling wine isn’t quite the same as growing the grapes and making Lively Fruit it. Though both Armando’s and Elviana’s family’s were wine producers, they were not as involved as most family members. That, of course all changed FINISH when they established Carletto. The winery is named after Armando’s uncle Long and and mentor who was a well-known and decorated viticulturist. Luscious PAIRING It’s no secret that many of the best Pinot Grigios come from the Veneto. The Shellfish, history of this grape grown here goes back hundreds of years. Our selection Seafood is a classic rendition. While it’s lighter character and lower alcohol is what we CELLAR appreciate the most here, it is by no means simple. The lower alcohol actually Now through 2022 helps bring out the delicate flavors of apple and kiwi instead of mask them

The crisp acidity brings it all together and would be a ID: V0620W2II perfect addition to a shrimp cocktail appetizer, crab Comparable Price: $19.99 crostini or smoked salmon. Reorder Price: $12.49

Wine: ______Color: ______Date:______Tasting Comments: ______Overall Rating: ______(1-100)

WWW.WINEOFTHEMONTHCLUB.COM | 1.800.949.9463 WHY I CHOSE THIS WINE ” Rich Alexander Valley Cab.. ” – PK

POST HOUSE e SCO lu RE a * ROAD v 2018 CABERNET SAUVIGNON Alexander Valley, California 98 13.9 % Alcohol by Volume “ PEE • noh NWAR ”

Once again, we feature a spectacular selection from the Ehlers Family with COLOR over 100 years of history in crafting amazing wine. The founder, Herman Very Dense Ehlers, built the family winery in Lodi but wasn’t restricted by using only grapes from that area. He traveled extensively throughout California, visiting sites that were growing grapes and sites that seem suitable. NOSE Black Currant He knew some excellent wines were being made in a place called Napa Valley, so he headed out to see, and taste, for himself. And indeed, they PALATE were quite good. A chance meeting with a vineyard owner alerted him to Spice, Plum, an area just over the mountain to the West called Alexander Valley, which Vanilla happened to be in Sonoma. So, Herman headed there. FINISH Extracted Cherry What he found was equally good wines, but not well known. That suited him just fine, as it has his grandson, Steven. Steven shares his grandfather’s PAIRING curiosity and sense of adventure as he also has experimented with grapes Red Meat from all over California. This gem comes from that “hidden” area called Alexander Valley, which, of course, is hidden no longer. CELLAR Grapes were first planted here in the late 1800s and have continued to Now through 2032 flourish ever since. Cabernet Sauvignon has always done exceptionally well, and this entry is liquid proof. Large and lovely flavors of plum and black currants mix with dark chocolate and spice to build ID: L0620R1DC a robust offering. Beef tenderloin with cracked green Comparable Price: $26.00 peppercorn in a Cognac sauce will enhance the flavors nicely. Reorder Price: $16.99

Wine: ______Color: ______Date:______Tasting Comments: ______Overall Rating: ______(1-100)

WWW.WINEOFTHEMONTHCLUB.COM | 1.800.949.9463 WHY I CHOSE THIS WINE ” Wow… like wow. ” – PK

e SCO lu RE a * PARDUCCI v 2016 CABERNET FRANC RESERVE 98 Mendocino, California 14.5 % Alcohol by Volume

“ CAB • burr • NAY FRAHNGH ”

We love writing about John Parducci, also known as “Mr. Mendocino,” COLOR born in 1918 in Cloverdale, California. At 14, he was hauling grapes to Very Dark Crimson winemakers who had been shut out of business from Prohibition. He founded his winery at 32, and when he sold it, 50 years later, it was one of the most revered wineries in the U.S. NOSE Cranberry, Red Apple I realize it may be difficult for those who never knew him, to call a man in his 80’s a pixie, but for those of us who did, it fit him to a T, as did his PALATE overalls. He had a wicked sense of humor, a hearty laugh, and always time Layers of Plum, to tell a joke. But when it came to wine, he couldn’t be more serious. Cherry FINISH It could be safe to say that, along with making Mendocino famous, he Luscious, also “discovered” grapes that nobody had heard of or cared about. Petite Red Fruit Sirah was one that we featured last month. He played with blends to the PAIRING point of exhaustion, but always convinced that his way was the best, and Red Meat, it usually was. Game

John lived another 20 years after he sold the winery in 1994, but his CELLAR Now through 2028 stature never faded. Our Cabernet Franc is a testament to that. In the spirit of their founder, the new owners are crafting great wines, as this one will attest. From the soft cranberry and spice to the earth and licorice, here is an offering to offer with everything from turkey ID: L0620R2DC carnitas to John’s favorite, spaghetti, and meatballs. Comparable Price: $32.00 Reorder Price: $16.99

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WWW.WINEOFTHEMONTHCLUB.COM | 1.800.949.9463 WHY I CHOSE THIS WINE “ Where can you get aged Burgundy. ” – PK

DOMAINE e SCO lu RE a * BELLEVILLE v 2014 RULLY LA CRÉE 97 A.O.C. Burgandy, France 13.0 % Alcohol by Volume “ shar • doe • nay ”

The history of some properties, as well as the value of their vineyards, are beyond belief, especially in Burgundy. Grapes have been grown at Domaine COLOR Medium Straw Belleville since the year 853. That is nearly an unfathomable 1,200 years!

The current owners, Mark Nunnelly and his wife Denise Dupre, also own NOSE properties in Burgundy. Their totaling properties are just over 50 acres. The Apple, Pear, Spice cost of buying an acre of grapes in a Burgundy like Belleville can easily cost $300,000 from which you are only allowed to make about 200 cases of wine. PALATE Obviously, this venture is not for the faint of wallet. Richly Textured Fruit

It’s even more in the case of Belleville because they only produce Premier Cru FINISH Rully. Which is the highest designation there is in the appellation and one Exciting that its owners take very seriously. Rully is one of the best-kept secrets in Citrus Edge Burgundy. The grapes are grown very close to neighbors whose appellation PAIRING fetch two to three times the price of Rully. But, because they’re in more Shellfish, exalted places, they can get away with it. The caveat here is that Rully, Seafood especially Premier Cru Rully, can easily be their equal. CELLAR Now through 2025 Our selection has the pedigree of seamless silk with a thread of the soil intermingling with perfectly tended Chardonnay vines. It is seasoned with a touch of oak to accentuate, but not mask the layers ID: L0620W3IF of apple, peach and Asian pear suitable for no less Comparable Price: $26.00 than lobster thermidor or veal Oscar. Reorder Price: $14.99

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WWW.WINEOFTHEMONTHCLUB.COM | 1.800.949.9463 WHY I CHOSE THIS WINE “ Grabbed it as soon as they brought it. ” – PK

CLAY e SCO lu RE a * SHANNON v 2018 SAUVIGNON BLANC Lake County, California 95 13.8 % Alcohol by Volume “ sew • veen • YON • blon ”

Clay Shannon, the owner of the Shannon Ridge Family of Wines, comes COLOR from a family of farmers and ranchers along the Sonoma Coast. Clay was Pale Gold raised on a farm in Healdsburg and began his career as a vineyard manager in St. Helena. In 1995, Clay discovered a property that he believed would be perfect for winemaking, thirty-five miles north of Napa. This vineyard in the NOSE White peach, Lime hills above Clear Lake in Lake County is known as Home Ranch. Rind, Fresh Herbs Home Ranch rests on lean volcanic soils, 2,100 to 2,400 feet above sea PALATE level. The vineyard is cooled by winds off Clear Lake and from the higher Gooseberry, Stone peaks to the north. The rugged land surrounding the vineyard is one of the Fruit, Wet Stone defining characteristics of Shannon Ridge and informs Clay’s winemaking FINISH ethos. Sustainability is the keyword for the Shannon Family of Wine. Clay’s Mild Acidity, grandfather raised sheep and developed “the Ovis Cycle,” a year-round Precise, Clean model of sustainable farming. Sheep mow the weeds, remove the excess PAIRING canopy, and reduce the need for chemicals while providing natural fertilizer. Fish, Shellfish, Vegetarian Dishes This 2018 Sauvignon Blanc from Shannon Ridge is the direct product of Clay’s sustainable model and the sheep’s hard work. The best Sauvignon CELLAR Now through 2022 Blanc grapes at Shannon Ridge come from one particular parcel, Betsy’s Vineyard Block 2A. This wine has aromas of white peach, lime rind, and fresh herbs, which balance the flavors of gooseberry, stone fruit, and wet stones. A fragrant and precise wine like this pairs well with ID: L0620W4DC fish, think ceviche or tacos and light vegetarian fare. Comparable Price: $30.00 Reorder Price: $14.99

Wine: ______Color: ______Date:______Tasting Comments: ______Overall Rating: ______(1-100)

WWW.WINEOFTHEMONTHCLUB.COM | 1.800.949.9463 WHY I CHOSE THIS WINE “ Took the sample home. ” – PK

e SCO lu RE a * CA’VEGAR v 2019 BARDOLINO DOC CHIARETTO CLASSICO 97 Veneto, Italy 12.5 % Alcohol by Volume

“ bar • doe• LEE• no KEY • are • et • toh CLAHS • see • coh ”

The Castelnuovo is a cooperative near Verona on Lake Garda in the Veneto COLOR region. The coop was founded in 1958 and consists of 250 grape growers Medium Rose covering nearly 3,000 acres of grapes in the Bardolino appellation.

Bardolino is kind of a “little brother” to Valpolicella. The vineyards are next door NOSE to each other, and they use the same grapes, but Bardolino tends to be lighter Violets, Peach, Berry and thus has become quite a favorite. PALATE Production of this wine is unique for a rosé. Like most red grapes, the juice of the Ripe Berry blend here, Molinara, Rondinella, and Corvina, is totally white. By allowing the juice to contact with the skin for just a few hours, it will pick up that blush tinge. FINISH Lengthy, Here, they use the skins from Amarone for color, which adds more flavor and Full body. That’s because grapes for Amarone are dried in the sun for up to six months, causing them to lose water and thus become more intense. Then they PAIRING are crushed and fermented, making an extensive, alcoholic wine that can last Fish, Fowl for decades. CELLAR After Amarone is made, they save the skins and then add them to the white Now through 2022 Bardolino for just a few hours to extract both color and flavor. The result is a fantastic amalgam of power and elegance seldom experienced. Both white and black fruit flavors like peach and cranberry soar through the blush, creating just the ticket for veal ID: R0620R1II saltimbocca or cod cakes with salsa verde. Reorder Price: $15.99

* value score: the points awarded to a wine compared to wines tasted of the same price, region and varietal. WWW.WINEOFTHEMONTHCLUB.COM | 1.800.949.9463 TASTING NOTES

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WWW.WINEOFTHEMONTHCLUB.COM | 1.800.949.9463 WHY I CHOSE THIS WINE “ And organic to boot. ” – PK

e SCO lu RE a * RASCAL v 2018 ROSÉ 96 Oregon 13.0% Alcohol by Volume “ roe • SAY”

Rascal comes to us from The Great Oregon Wine Company, founded by a who’s who COLOR of wine industry professionals who subscribe to the same ideals with regard to Pink Rose sustainability and organic farming. We found their backgrounds impressive, but in the final analysis, it’s all about the wine. NOSE Ari Walker, Allen Dodge, and Andrew Smith have a combined experience in the Cherry, Mint wine industry exceeding 100 years. Walker ran wholesale businesses in Colorado. Dodge has worked with big eight accounting firms like Coopers and Lybrand and PALATE Smith was a sales firebrand in both the domestic and import wine trade. Cranberry, Apple

While all these accomplishments are impressive, it’s when they told us they also own Duck Pond that we took notice. We’ve featured their wines many times and FINISH Tart consider Duck Pond to be one of the best wineries in Oregon.

Rascal refers to the name of the winery mascot, their golden retriever, but may PAIRING have a bit to do with the owners themselves. They think outside the box, so much Fish, Fowl, so that they were one of the first Oregon wineries to begin becoming completely Vegetarian organic and totally sustainable. CELLAR Now through 2022 Rascal is crafted from Oregon’s most prized grape as well as one which makes excellent rosé, Pinot Noir. The flavors and textures that make this grape a favorite of wine aficionados across the globe is also what makes it a great rosé. Here are piquant rose scents, expansive cherry, and spice to lead the ID: R0620R2DC charge when faced with chicken paprikash or veal osso buco. Reorder Price: $15.00

* value score: the points awarded to a wine compared to wines tasted of the same price, region and varietal. WWW.WINEOFTHEMONTHCLUB.COM | 1.800.949.9463 TASTING NOTES

Wine: ______Color: ______Date:______Tasting Comments: ______Overall Rating: ______(1-100)

WWW.WINEOFTHEMONTHCLUB.COM | 1.800.949.9463 WHY I CHOSE THIS WINE “ It’s the other Lafitte! ” – PK

e SCO lu RE CHÂTEAU a * LAFITTE v 2016 GRAND VIN DE BORDEAUX 96 A.O.C. Bordeaux, France 14.0% Alcohol by Volume “ grahn • van • dah bore • DOH ”

When you see a wine called Château Lafitte, your first thought might be to wonder COLOR if there are any attorneys in France. After all, it’s just one letter different from the Very Dense famous Château Lafite, and so they could easily be mistaken. Imagine if someone in California called their wine Robert Mondavvi, or Berringer (the winery Beringer has only one “r.”) The line of attorneys would pile passed the vines. NOSE Plum, Cassis But, of course, there’s a simple explanation, one which wouldn’t even bat one’s eye. The famous Château Lafite in Pauillac was founded by the La Fite family, who later PALATE joined the two words into Lafite. Château Laffite was founded by Raymond Laffite Imposing Tannins in 1763, a well-known wine merchant of the time. Well, there goes that retainer. FINISH Lafitte will never attain the heights, or price, of Lafite, but it has been a highly Cherry, Spice, respected property for over 150 years. Through the years, it has had a succession Earth of owners. Still, the current ones, who own several properties in Meynac, decided PAIRING to improve the wine by hiring one of the most famous winemaking consultants in Red Meat the world, Michell Rolland.

One man can make a difference, and it is rather obvious here. The grapes are the CELLAR same, 75% Merlot, 20% Cabernet Sauvignon and 5% Cabernet Franc, but the Now through 2030 wine is other-worldly. Here is Bordeaux at its best, showing off the dense soil for character and blissful winemaking. It allows mature grapes to flaunt in the face of a masterful dish of roast beef in a Cognac; black pepper ID: B0620R1IF cream finished with morels. Reorder Price: $22.50

* value score: the points awarded to a wine compared to wines tasted of the same price, region and varietal. WWW.WINEOFTHEMONTHCLUB.COM | 1.800.949.9463 TASTING NOTES

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WWW.WINEOFTHEMONTHCLUB.COM | 1.800.949.9463 WHY I CHOSE THIS WINE “ Love at first sip… ” – PK

e SCO lu R CHÂTEAU PETIT a E * CLOS DU ROY v 2016 BORDEAUX 97 Medoc, Bordeaux, France 13.5% Alcohol by Volume

“ bore • DOH ”

Jean Janoueix established his family wine business in Margaux at the end of COLOR the 19th century. Three generations later, the business is still family-owned and Deep Red, operated, now by François, who is based in Libourne near the heart of Bordeaux. Violet Hue The Janoueix family’s Château Petit Clos Du Roy is a beautiful Girondine Charter House located at the intersection of the cities of Saint-Émilion, Pomerol, Néac, and NOSE Montagne. Château Petit Clos Du Roy is located half a mile from the biggest Pomerol Blackcurrant, Cherry, growths and is considered one of the best terroirs of Montagne-Saint-Émilion. Vanilla, Tobacco, Pepper

This classic Bordeaux wine is 80% Merlot, 20% Cabernet Franc. The rugged, deep, PALATE Soft Tannins, Fruit, Spice, clay soil is ideal for withstanding drought conditions. As the vines work hard for Chocolate, Minerality nourishment during a drought, the resulting fruit expression, the terroir, is hard- won. This also means that there are successful vintages, even in difficult years. In FINISH the appellation of Montagne-Saint-Émilion, the winemaking process is strictly Beautiful, Rich, controlled according to traditional laws and techniques. Which ensures the Lingering wines are true to the character of each vineyard. For winemakers like François, the passion he has for the work, the wine, and the land not only ensure that PAIRING Beef, Lamb, Bordeaux wines retain their fame in the years to come. But that these traditions Game, Fowl are passed down to the next generation so that these high-quality wines will continue to be discovered by new wine lovers around the world. CELLAR Now through 2025 This Bordeaux has a nose of blackcurrant, cherry, vanilla, tobacco, and pepper. On the palate, expect soft tannins with an appealing finish. As with the best of Saint-Émilion, the tannic structure is complimented by elegant fruit and spice. Bordeaux is the quintessential food wine and ID: B0620R2IF pairs well with beef, lamb, game, and poultry. Reorder Price: $22.00

* value score: the points awarded to a wine compared to wines tasted of the same price, region and varietal. WWW.WINEOFTHEMONTHCLUB.COM | 1.800.949.9463 TASTING NOTES

Wine: ______Color: ______Date:______Tasting Comments: ______Overall Rating: ______(1-100)

WWW.WINEOFTHEMONTHCLUB.COM | 1.800.949.9463 WHY I CHOSE THIS WINE “ Expressive value. ” – PK

e SCO lu RE CHÂTEAU a * D’ARVEYRES v 2016 BORDEAUX BLANC 97 A.O.C. Bordeaux, France 13.0 % Alcohol by Volume “ bore • DOH BLONK ”

Our selection comes from Vignobles Chateliler, established in the Graves de COLOR Vayres (not to be confused with the left bank region; Graves) appellation of Very Pale Bordeaux in 1870 by the Chatelier Family. Unfortunately, they founded and planted grapes at a time that an unknown plant louse, called phylloxera, was destroying vines all over Europe. It decimated all the chateâu vines, NOSE and it took nearly 30 years for the vineyards to return as they were. Fig, Coconut

Despite that, Chateâu D’Arveyres was making spectacular wine at the time; it PALATE was only a matter of a couple of years before they were hard hit with phylloxera. Imposing Body Then came WWI and soon after WWII (not to mention the plundering of wine by the German army). It was a very difficult period for all of the Bordeaux region. FINISH Lush, Tropical It laid abandon until 1984 when Jean-Michel Chatelier and his wife, Laurence, decided to revitalize the château. It was obviously an arduous task, but PAIRING also obviously the Chateliers were up to the task. Today it is a stunning Fish, Fowl château featuring gardens, sanctuaries, and, of course, world-class wine.

Like the reds of Bordeaux, the whites are strictly controlled. The primary grapes CELLAR can only be Sauvignon Blanc and Semillon with small additions of Muscadelle. Now through 2030 Sauvignon Blanc usually plays a more significant role than Semillon, except here. Our selection is 100% Semillon. As a result, the wine is a veritable fruit basket of flavors from fig and coconut to pineapple and ID: B0620W1IF peach. It would shine with fresh rainbow trout sautéed in Reorder Price: $16.99 butter with a touch of capers.

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WWW.WINEOFTHEMONTHCLUB.COM | 1.800.949.9463 WHY I CHOSE THIS WINE “ Merlot is back in this Elyse. ” – PK

e SCO lu R a E * ELYSE v 2015 MERLOT 97 Napa Valley, California 14.7 % Alcohol by Volume

“ mer • LOW ”

Winemaker, Ray Coursen, grew up on a dairy farm in New Jersey. His interest in COLOR agriculture sent him to the University of Massachusetts, where he learned the Very Dark Crimson propagation of peaches, apricots, and the like. Well, if you’ve read enough of these, you know what happened next. NOSE Ray and his wife, Nancy, tried several wines from all over the world, and suddenly Cranberry, peaches and nectarines didn’t sound that interesting. After several trips to Red Apple California, they loaded up the car in the early 80s and came out here for good. Ray PALATE had worked at Whitehall Lane, a 100-year-old winery in Napa with new owners Layers of Plum, and was now installed full time. Cherry

His wines were an instant success and catapulted the winery into the new world of FINISH stardom. A few years later, he made his first wine on his own, Elyse, and for the next Luscious, Red Fruit 30+ years, consistently put out some of the best wines in California. We’ve tasted most of them and always wanted to feature them, but there was never enough. PAIRING Red Meat, Finally, Ray retired and sold the winery a few years ago and let us have this beauty Game out of his own personal cellar. The funny thing about Merlot in Napa is that people think Cabernet Sauvignon overshadows this grape. When we tasted it, we forgot CELLAR Now through 2028 how to spell Cabernet Sauvignon!

The layers of plum, black cherry, vanilla, earth, and licorice start the symphony and continue on to the grand finale, beckoning ID: N0620R1DC chateaubriand just off the grill or filet with a red wine reduction; Comparable Price: $35.00 Merlot of course! Reorder Price: $24.00

Wine: ______Color: ______Date:______Tasting Comments: ______Overall Rating: ______(1-100)

WWW.WINEOFTHEMONTHCLUB.COM | 1.800.949.9463 WHY I CHOSE THIS WINE “Premium Napa. ” – PK

e SCO lu RE a * ROUTE STOCK v 2017 CABERNET SAUVIGNON 97 Napa Valley, California 14.2 % Alcohol by Volume “ CAB • burr • NAY SAW • veen • YON ”

Route Stock refers to Route 29, the famous road that runs along Napa’s most COLOR heralded vineyards from Yountville to Calistoga. The wine is the creation of Wilson Very Dark Purple Daniels, one of the most potent wine importers in the world. The company was founded in 1978 with the mission to represent only the best of the best in the world. NOSE That’s a pretty lofty goal, and certainly not an easy one. However, here we are, over Violets, Cherry 40 years later, and they still do represent some of the most exceptional wines in the world. With their success in representing incredible wines from France, Italy, New PALATE Zealand, and Hungary, they turned their sites to representing wines from Napa and Cassis, Plum Sonoma. Those connections introduced them to some of the finest vineyards and winemakers, and as a result, they decided to craft their own wine, Route Stock. FINISH Strong Tannins They hired Vance Rose as their winemaker, who was interested in wine since a teenager in Austin, Texas, and went on to become an executive chef and a PAIRING heralded winemaker. Most winemakers are pretty good chefs because it is the art Red Meat, of blending wines, like ingredients, that is most important. Game

In this case, Vance took grapes from classic vineyards in Yountville, Stag’s Leap, CELLAR St. Helena and Rutherford. This complex blend is 82% Cabernet Sauvignon Now through 2030 with splashes of Cabernet Franc, Petite Verdot, and Merlot. It represents the pure embodiment of Napa Valley with its glossy, dense black fruit and vanilla spice to hold together a venison loin ID: N0620R2DC sprinkled with dried cranberries and a sage cream sauce. Comparable Price: $32.00 Reorder Price: $25.00

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WWW.WINEOFTHEMONTHCLUB.COM | 1.800.949.9463 WHY I CHOSE THIS WINE “ Clean SB from Napa. ”– PK

e SCO lu RE a * MARIE HOWARD v 2018 SAUVIGNON BLANC 96 Napa County, California 14.5 % Alcohol by Volume “ Sew • Veen • YON • Blon ”

We were sorry to hear that there is no Marie Howard. It is actually the middle COLOR names of the proprietors, Brad and Lisa Warner, owners of Leto Cellars. They Crystal Clear chose to make a second label so they could access grapes outside Napa Valley and offer outstanding wines at exceptional prices. We’re glad they did. NOSE Stone Fruit, Brad began his career more than 50 years ago, working at the Charles Krug Herbs Winery in Napa. From there, he went on to Robert Mondavi, where he worked his way up to Vice-President of Production, a position he held for over 30 years. PALATE Hint of Grapefruit Lisa also worked at Mondavi, handling purchasing and planning.

They were finally able to pursue their dream in 2008 when they founded Leto FINISH Cellars. Leto, in Greek, means “the hidden one.” It commemorates both their Lovely Citrus positions earlier in the wine business as being hidden behind the scenes. PAIRING Large wineries usually develop second labels because of oversupply, and they Seafood, want to keep their primary labels at a price point that would sell out every year. Vegetarian For a small winery, Like Leto, it allows them to buy less expensive grapes outside CELLAR Napa Valley, but still use the same care and expertise in creating them. Now through 2022

In this case, the grapes were purchased outside Napa Valley, which is an Appellation of Origin, but still in Napa County. The grapes are ID: N0620W1DC similar; only the price is different because of the designation. Comparable Price: $25.00 We still get the clean, ripe flavors we love. We pay less for it! Reorder Price: $23.50

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WWW.WINEOFTHEMONTHCLUB.COM | 1.800.949.9463 WHY I CHOSE THIS WINE “ One of the best Santa Rita. ” – PK

e SCO lu RE a * BABCOCK v 2018 PINOT NOIR 95 California 13.5 % Alcohol by Volume

“ PEE • noh NWAR ”

You couldn’t meet a more likable guy than Walt Babcock. He was a Renaissance Man COLOR is the classiest sense of the term. He had a successful dental practice, restaurant, and Deep commercial fishing company. Magenta

So, when he purchased a piece of property in Santa Barbara County, someone NOSE suggested he plant wine grapes. It sounded like a natural extension of his other Rose Petals, successful operations. When he planted his vineyard, it took a few years for grapes Earth to finally be harvested. He sold them to budding new winemakers in the up and PALATE coming Santa Ynez Valley appellation, which later became Sta. Rita Hills. Rich Cherry

His son, Bryan, who was studying to be a doctor at Occidental College, became so interested in wine, that he switched to UC Davis to study enology. They planted FINISH Calmly Perfect several varieties, which all ripened at different times. So that the little winery they constructed wouldn’t be over extended. But Mother Nature pulled a curve in 1984, and all the grapes ripened at the same time. PAIRING Game, Fowl Bryan left UC Davis and headed to the winery to make his first vintage and never looked back. Meanwhile, Walt planted a vegetable farm that was so successful he CELLAR couldn’t keep up with the orders. Now through 2032

Bryan’s wines have steadily improved to the point that today he is one of the finest winemakers in California. This amazing Pinot Noir is a testament to that. The complexity of flavors mixed with the unique soil presents a ID: P0620R1DC powerful expression of the grape and a welcome accompaniment Reorder Price: $29.00 to tenderloin of venison or roast duck.

* value score: the points awarded to a wine compared to wines tasted of the same price, region and varietal. WWW.WINEOFTHEMONTHCLUB.COM | 1.800.949.9463 TASTING NOTES

Wine: ______Color: ______Date:______Tasting Comments: ______Overall Rating: ______(1-100)

WWW.WINEOFTHEMONTHCLUB.COM | 1.800.949.9463 WHY I CHOSE THIS WINE “ Wow….from one of the greats. ” – PK

e SCO lu RE a * SYNTHESIS v 2017 PINOT NOIR 98 Napa Valley, California 14.6 % Alcohol by Volume points “ PEE • noh NWAR ”

Our selection is a single vineyard Pinot Noir produced by the Martin Ray Winery in COLOR Sonoma. The grapes come from their flagship vineyard, Tower Block, which they Lovely Magenta consider to be their finest. One taste of the wine, and it’s hard to argue.

Martin Ray was one of the early Pinot Noir pioneers in California, founding his NOSE winery in the early 1950s. Back then, Pinot Noir was known as the great grape of Rose Petal, Cherry Burgundy, but only a handful of areas outside of Burgundy produced it. After all, the Burgundians had a hard enough time with this grape, why create more problems? PALATE Deep Presence But, the lure of Pinot Noir is like no other, and Martin Ray was more smitten than anyone. He grew his in the cool mountains of Santa Cruz and showed the critics FINISH that great Pinot Noir could be made in California. His mark left a lasting impression Luscious on those he tutored. And even later generations who learned from his experience. PAIRING One of them is Lindsay Haughton, an enology graduate from Fresno State whose Red Meat, Fish, introduction to Pinot Noir was early and encompassing. Though she never met Fowl, Game Martin Ray, his imprint is on the wines she crafts in his name. Her delicate touch shines through here, as the flavors are round and gentle, but still offer a powerful CELLAR expression of the grape. Now through 2030

The result is a classic rendition of Pinot Noir offering delicate nuances of cranberry and cherry expanded by vanilla and spiced apple. It would ID: P0620R2DC glide through swordfish, an olive tapenade, or rack of lamb Reorder Price: $35.00 with mint pesto.

* value score: the points awarded to a wine compared to wines tasted of the same price, region and varietal. WWW.WINEOFTHEMONTHCLUB.COM | 1.800.949.9463 TASTING NOTES

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WWW.WINEOFTHEMONTHCLUB.COM | 1.800.949.9463 RECIPES CELLAR NOTES Shrimp Creole A report on how previous selections are faring Serves: 6 - 8 with age. Obtained from actual tastings of wines under optimal storage conditions. INGREDIENTS 1 lbs shrimp, medium 21/25, shelled, deveined CLASSIC SERIES ¼ lbs chorizio sausage, ready-to-eat, cut ¼ thick slices June 2018: 1 ½ cups parboiled rice Zinfandel, 2016. Castle Tower. Still awesome. 1 10-oz frozen whole okra, thawed Chenin Blanc, 2017. PAF. Drink or hold. 1 cups chicken stock, or shrimp stock Merlot, 2015. Mecedora. Great. 1 8-oz clam juice, bottle 1 can stewed tomatoes, 14.5 oz can Sauvignon Blanc, 2015. Cremaschi. Drink up. 1 medium green pepper, chopped 2 cloves garlic, minced 1 medium red pepper, chopped 1 tbsp olive oil June 2019 : 1 large onion, diced Petit Verdot, 2017. Impress. Still killer. PREPARATION Riesling, 2014. Spicy Goat. Be still my heart. Preheat oven to 350 degrees F. Using a 3 to 3 ½ -quart Dutch oven over medium heat, add olive Cabernet Sauvignon, 2014. Andeluna. Better oil, then onion, red & green peppers and sautée 10 minutes or until tender and lightly browned. than ever. Add sliced chorizo and garlic, cook 2-3 minutes longer until chorizo is lightly browned. Chardonnay, 2017. Simple Life. Anything but simple. Stir in rice, stewed tomatoes, clam juice, and chicken stock; over high heat, heat to boiling. Cover Dutch oven; place in oven and bake 20 minutes. Stir okra and shrimp into rice mixture; VINTNERS SERIES cover and bake 5 minutes longer or until rice and shrimp are tender. June 2018: Serve with Avenales Chenin Blanc, Savee Sea Pinot Gris or Brandini Arneis. Cabernet, 2016. Listerne Et Frigoulas. Still great. Chardonnay, 2016. Mecedora. Drink. Red Blend, 2016. Lyeth. Getting better. Spiced Beef Stew Vespaiolo, 2015. Soarda. Ready. Serves: 4 - 6 INGREDIENTS June 2019: 2 lbs stew beef, cut in 1” cubes Bordeaux, 2014. Château Matignon. Still 1 tsp olive oil awesome. 2 cups stock Frankovka, 2013. Chowaniec. Ready, are you? 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce Ventoux, 2014. Cave Beaumont Ambrosis. 1 clove garlic, minced At its best. 2 leaves bay leaves Cuvee des Trois Vieilles, 2015. Dom 1 medium onion, chopped Laqueduc. Without equal. 3 carrots, peeled, cut into 1” pieces Sauvignon Blanc, 2015. Circadia. Right now. 3 stalks celery, chopped Merlot, 2016. Robert Hall. Drink or wait. 3 medium russet potates, cut into 1” cubes 1 10-oz frozen peas LIMITED SERIES 1 tsp salt June 2018: ½ tsp turmeric 1 tsp raw sugar Syrah Cabernet, 2013. In Vino Erotico. Drink ½ tsp black pepper, ground 1 cups red wine or hold. ½ tsp smoked paprika flour & Italian seasoning Cabernet Sauvignon. 2014. Big Red. Still great. PREPARATION Garganega, 2016. Acinum. Drink or hold. Dust meat with flour and fry in olive oil over medium heat until browned. Remove and set Bergerac, 2016. Ch. Des Eyssards. Great now. aside. Place celery, onion, carrots and potatoes in same pan and sautée for 5 minutes. Add meat and sautée another minute. June 2019: Cabernet Sauvignon, 2015. Pennys Hill. At its best. Add rest of ingredients, a pinch of Italian seasoning and place in 300º oven one hour. Check Pinot Noir, 2014. Cru. Still fab. for doneness and remove or leave in another 15 minutes. Picpoul De Pinet, 2017. Zazou. Ready. Serve with Tapiz Malbec, Paul Mas Pinot Noir or Parducci Cabernet Franc. Samorens, 2017. Ferraton Pere & Fils. Drink. WWW.WINEOFTHEMONTHCLUB.COM | 1.800.949.9463 “After tasting over 100,000 wines, I have learned to choose only the best representations of the grapes and growing regions.” -Paul Kalemkiarian 2nd generation owner Try one of our specialty wine series

ROSE SERIES Hand curated Rosés from all over the world. A Rosé lover’s dream.

BORDEAUX SERIES From the most prolific district in the world come wines from my favorite chateaux.

NAPA SERIES From the backroads of the Napa Valley come these hard to find versions.

SWEET SERIES Light, fresh and lively are these wines with a sweet edge.

pure Organic SERIES The newest in wine categories, these are curated from all over the organic/biodynamic vineyards of the world.

CALIFORNIA SERIES A red wine only club that features great California wine values across many styles.

PINOT NOIR SERIES Pinot Noir lovers will forever remember the worldwide examples of this club series.

WWW.WINEOFTHEMONTHCLUB.COM | 1.800.949.9463 THE PURE WINE CLUB SERIES

LIFEVINE 2018 PINOT NOIR 97 Williamette Valley, Oregon VALUE SCORE* 13.5 % Alcohol by Volume “ PEE · noh NWAR “ Biodynamic Organic Recently, news outlets from NPR to NBC have run stories on Color current trends among younger wine drinkers touting healthy DARK RED,PINK HUES, BRIGHT, CLEAR and natural wines. Marketing teams and advertisers promise a healthy, antioxidant-rich wine for a health-conscious generation. Yet for the world of wine, newer does not necessarily mean better, Nose so it’s essential to back up such claims. Lifevine is one of these RIPE RED FRUIT. SASSAFRAS, winemakers. They back up their pesticide and contaminant-free MUSHROOM, SPICE wines with an experienced and talented team of winemakers with decades of experience in Sonoma and Willamette Valley. Palate Lifevine’s 2018 Pinot Noir exemplifies a pure winemaking ethos GOOD ACIDITY, FIRM, and a classic expression of a traditional varietal. This wine, as STRUCTURED, TANNINS well as their Chardonnay and Cabernet Sauvignon, are made according to the strictest standards of purity, with minimal intervention from sustainable vineyards. The result, while Finish being nothing new, is nonetheless the best expression of what GRIPPING, YOUNG, BALANCED, conscientious winemaking can achieve. These efforts are further FULL LINGERING FINISH bolstered both by independent testing and awards like the Clean Label Project Purity Award and the Clean Label Project Pairing Antioxidant Superiority Award. CHARCUTERIE, GRILLED This Pinot is a bright, dark red wine with pink hues at the VEGETABLES, PORK TENDERLOIN rim, evidence of its having been bottled young. The nose has aromas of sassafras, mushroom, mineral, and spice that lead Cellar into ripe fruit flavors of dark cherry, ripe raspberry, and wild red NOW THROUGH 2025 plums. The structure is firm and detailed with lifted acidity and structured tannins that will soften with time in the bottle. Pair this Pinot Noir with an array of charcuterie (from dried sausage to pâté), chargrilled vegetables, roasted mushrooms, or sweet glazed pork tenderloin. Why I Chose This Wine Item ID: U0620R1DO “ LOVE THIS ORGANIC PINOT. ” – PK Reorder Price: $19.00

* value score: the points awarded to a wine compared to wines tasted of the same price, region and varietal.

WWW.WINEOFTHEMONTHCLUB.COM | 1.800.949.9463 DESIGNATIONS FOR THIS WINE

ORGANIC PALEO FRIENDLY NO/LOW CARBOHYDRATES

NATURAL KETO FRIENDLY SUSTAINABLE

BIODYNAMIC DRY (NO ADDED SUGAR) LAB-TESTED

TASTING NOTES WINE COLOR DATE TASTING COMMENTS THE PURE WINE CLUB SERIES

ARESAN 2018 RED BLEND 96 D.O.C. La Mancha, Spain VALUE SCORE* 13.5 % Alcohol by Volume Sustainable Organic Aresan is a relatively new venture, having been founded in Color 2003 by three friends who had been working together for VERY DARK over 25 years. Miguel Munoz De La Cruz brought more than 20 decades of experience in crafting exceptional wines from La Mancha. Bernardo Ortega grew up in a grape-growing Nose family. Irene Martinez joined the operation recently with CURRANT, CHAR international expertise in vine growing.

The perfect location of their vineyards makes organic farming Palate much easier than most other areas. That’s because they are DENSE BLACK CHERRY almost half a mile above sea level, which means fewer pests to deal with and fewer errant weeds.

La Mancha is the single largest appellation in all of Europe, Finish encompassing nearly 500,000 acres. It is considered a jewel LONG AND LUSCIOUS because of its altitude, the altitude tempers the climate, and soils, which are some of the most beneficial known worldwide.

As a result, almost every grape can thrive here and, to a degree, Pairing they all do. In this case, the blend is Tempranillo, Cabernet RED MEAT, GAME Sauvignon, and Petit Verdot. It’s not as far-fetched as it sounds in that Cabernet Sauvignon is often blended with the Tempranillo, Spain’s national grape, in many parts of Spain. It Cellar adds a spice component as well as different layers of fruit. The NOW THROUGH 2030 Verdot extends the virtues of each and amalgamates the flavors into a luscious whole. Cranberry, chocolate, spice, and earth swirl freely to match all from chicken paprikash to osso buco.

Why I Chose This Wine Item ID: U0620R2IS “ SPANISH ORGANIC? YES, PLEASE. “ – PK Reorder Price: $19.99

* value score: the points awarded to a wine compared to wines tasted of the same price, region and varietal.

WWW.WINEOFTHEMONTHCLUB.COM | 1.800.949.9463 DESIGNATIONS FOR THIS WINE

ORGANIC VEGAN NATURAL

SUSTAINABLE MINIMAL INTERVENTION

TASTING NOTES WINE COLOR DATE TASTING COMMENTS THE PURE WINE CLUB SERIES

LIFEVINE 2017 CHARDONNAY 96 California VALUE SCORE* 13.7 % Alcohol by Volume “ SHAR • doh • NAY ” Biodynamic Sustainable Lifevine Wines is attuned to recent trends in wine. It is Color committed to providing wine that is entirely free of pesticides PALE GOLD, SILVER REFLECTIONS, and other industrial and commercial contaminants. Although GREEN HIGHLIGHTS this is undoubtedly true of many great winemakers new and old, Lifevine takes this commitment further by having their wines independently sampled and tested in a lab. These efforts Nose have garnered much attention and notable accolades, including GOLDEN APPLE, YELLOW PEACH, the Clean Label Project Purity Award and the Clean Label NECTARINE, PINEAPPLE Project Antioxidant Superiority Award. In addition to Lifevine’s contaminant-free wine, these wines also stay clear of additives Palate and sugar. BALANCED, FRESH, STRONG MINERALITY, STRUCTURE Behind Lifevine’s efforts is a real winemaking team. Ed Killian has been making award-winning wines in Sonoma County, CA, for more than 30 years after graduating from UC Davis with a master’s degree in Enology. Matt Cechovic has a decade of FinishCLEAN AND RICH experience making wine organically and with sustainable practices in the Willamette Valley. Every wine Lifevine makes is tested and approved by sommelier Brett Zimmerman, also known as the “Sustainable Somm.”

Pairing This Chardonnay is pale gold with silver edges and green FISH, PESTO, ROASTED ALMONDS, highlights. The light filtration from the winemaking process adds WHITE PIZZA a beautiful hazy appearance. Golden delicious apple, yellow peach, nectarine, and pineapple are prominent on the nose, Cellar and as the wine opens up, you get a tropical note at the end. NOW THROUGH 2022 This wine has intense minerality and secondary flavors of spice, vanilla, and caramel from its time in oak. This Chardonnay will pair well with poached or grilled fish, fresh herb pesto atop pasta or bread, roasted almonds, and white pizza with creamy cheese.

Why I Chose This Wine Item ID: U0620W1DC “ GREAT LINE-UP FROM LIFEVINE. “ – PK Reorder Price: $16.00

* value score: the points awarded to a wine compared to wines tasted of the same price, region and varietal.

WWW.WINEOFTHEMONTHCLUB.COM | 1.800.949.9463 DESIGNATIONS FOR THIS WINE

ORGANIC PALEO FRIENDLY NO/LOW CARBOHYDRATES

NATURAL KETO FRIENDLY SUSTAINABLE

BIODYNAMIC DRY (NO ADDED SUGAR) LAB-TESTED

TASTING NOTES WINE COLOR DATE TASTING COMMENTS WHY I CHOSE THIS WINE “ Amazing complexity and off-dry. ” – PK

e SCO lu RE a * HELIOTROPE v 2014 RED MOSCATO 96 California 10.0 % Alcohol by Volume “moe• ska • toe ”

Heliotrope comes to us from one of the largest wineries in California, COLOR Bronco Wine Company. It’s more of a dynasty. It all started when Teresa Deep Pink Carrara married Giuseppe Franzia just after the turn of the 19th Century and moved to California to plant the first Franzia vineyard near Yosemite. NOSE Today the company owns 40,000 acres of vineyards in California, over Violets, Cherry 10,000 are organic, and the rest are being converted gradually. They are currently the largest vineyard holder in the state and will eventually be the most abundant organic vineyard in California, if not the world. PALATE Enveloping Berry Their size and scope allow them the luxury of producing outstanding wine at amazing prices. They employ every imaginable state-of-the-art FINISH technology to make sure that everything that goes into the bottle is of Lively top quality.

Our selection is doing its part in the new craze for light, slightly sweet PAIRING Any and All Meat, wines that are lower in alcohol. It started with Moscato d’Asti, an engaging Fish Italian wine with a slight sparkle and a clean, fresh finish. In the last ten years, it spawned a revolution. Then somebody discovered that you could CELLAR make the same style of wine with a blush color, and things took off once Now through 2022 again.

While the base of our selection is Moscato, small additions of Gewurztraminer for spiciness and a touch of rosé for body and ID: S0620W1DC color round out a perfect amalgam. Here is that luscious fruit, Reorder Price: $18.00 low alcohol, and crisp finish to match anything from a Chinese chicken salad to sausage and peppers.

* value score: the points awarded to a wine compared to wines tasted of the same price, region and varietal. WWW.WINEOFTHEMONTHCLUB.COM | 1.800.949.9463 TASTING NOTES

Wine: ______Color: ______Date:______Tasting Comments: ______Overall Rating: ______(1-100)

WWW.WINEOFTHEMONTHCLUB.COM | 1.800.949.9463 WHY I CHOSE THIS WINE “ Love the line-up. ” – PK

e SCO lu RE a * MOSKETTO v NV BIANCO 96 Italy 5 % Alcohol by Volume “ B • YAHN • coh ”

Mosketto is produced by a large, international wine conglomerate COLOR headquartered in Germany. They provide immense services to small, Very Pale independent wineries worldwide to help them with their production and logistics, which is of tremendous importance in dealing with the vastly changing world of wine. NOSE Green Apple They also partner with medium-sized wineries offering the same services. Because of their international reach in the distribution network, they can move product more easily than most. This, of course wouldn’t really be of PALATE Tingling Apple interest to us unless we liked the wines, and we really like them.

Mosketto is one of their own creations, working with growers in Piedmont. FINISH It is identical to one of the great dessert wines of the world, Moscato d’Asti, Lemon Zest with one exception; it doesn’t come from Asti. It comes from an area next door. It looks, tastes, and smells exactly the same, but because it isn’t explicitly grown in the Asti appellation, it’s just Mosketto and less money. PAIRING Appetizers, Fish, Good for us! Cheese The best way to describe Mosketto is that it tastes like the spray from a CELLAR freshly cut green apple. The shy tingle on the tongue rounds out the lovely Now through 2022 fruit flavors, low alcohol, and piquant sweetness.

The beauty of a wine like this is its balance. Upon entry, you get that touch of sweetness with the apple and citrus, but it finishes ID: S0620W2II dry and crisp. With fruit and cheeses, it’s no less than perfect, Reorder Price: $15.00 but we’d be hard-pressed to think of anything that this lovely wine wouldn’t complement.

* value score: the points awarded to a wine compared to wines tasted of the same price, region and varietal. WWW.WINEOFTHEMONTHCLUB.COM | 1.800.949.9463 TASTING NOTES

Wine: ______Color: ______Date:______Tasting Comments: ______Overall Rating: ______(1-100)

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