WOMC-News10/06 9/25/06 9:34 AM Page 1
NEWS FROM WINE OF THE MONTH CLUB Since 1972 October, 2006 Wines evaluated last month: 123 Rejected: 98 Approved: 25 Selected: 6 id you know go all the way to the south Getting Ready for that nearly two of the world to bring you billion dollars another great wine from the Holidays worth of “del fin del mundo” the see page 2 Halloween end of the world. Fresh Dcandy is sold every year in and fruity with no signs of the United States? Not to oak, this is a wine to drink worry, you will never now with your favorite Send Us Your spend that much on friends and beef dishes. e-mail Address! wine and this month’s selections are just as LIMITED SERIES send to: delicious and more so, 2001, Finca Koch, [email protected] than any candy. Cabernet Sauvignon, REGULAR SERIES Mendoza, Argentina At Finca Koch, they have a Congratulations to 2005, Bliss, Chardonnay, passion for wine. They Amy P. of Modesto, CA! Mendocino, California love the excitement of each Music has been a part of She is our Comment vintage and the product it the Bliss family for three produces. They want to Card winner of a generations. They imparted share their joy with you 3-Liter Bottle of wine. a love of music in their and hope that their wine three daughters that has provides you with many been passed down. enjoyable moments. Whether it’s classical, Gift Assortments country or jazz, it sets the 2005, Grayson, Merlot, stage. “It evokes emotions. see page 9 Paso Robles, California The music you love with a glass of wine, a good meal The team at Grayson and friends.” invites you to experience first-rate quality wine at New Member 2005, SouthernMost, incredibly reasonable Application Cabernet pricing. This is Paso Robles for a Friend Sauvignon/Merlot at its red-wine best, soft Patagonia, Argentina and full of high-priced lus- see page 15 How low would you go for ciousness. It is irresistible a great glass of wine? We and a super value. INSIDE THIS MONTH
WINEOFTHEMONTH CLUB NEWS 1 ORDER FORMS 7–10 WHAT’S NEW?2UPCOMING EVENTS 11 REG. CHARDONNAY, 2005. BLISS 3 WINE SHOPPE 12 REG. CABERNET SAUVIGNON/MERLOT, 2005. SOUTHERNMOST 4 ADVENTURES IN GOOD FOOD 13 LTD. CABERNET SAUVIGNON, 2001. FINCA KOCH 5 REGULAR & LTD TASTING NOTES 11, 14 LTD. MERLOT, 2005. GRAYSON 6 WORD ON THE STREET 16 Join us on the Web: www.WineoftheMonthClub.com WOMC-News10/06 9/25/06 9:34 AM Page 2
A NOTE WE’RE READY FOR THE FROM YOUR HOLIDAYS! ARE YOU? ELLARMASTER C THE GIFT THAT KEEPS ON GIVING When you give the Wine of the Month Club membership the recipient receives a wonderful reminder of your generosity every month, not just once a year! If you order soon, the December selection will arrive during the holidays. For the cost of the wine, your co-worker, friend, or business contact will receive two great selections each month, delivered to their door with all the information inside the newsletter to make their enjoyment of the wines that Paul Kalemkiarian much better. One call does it all!
CLASSY GIFT BASKETS I cannot believe that we are We have a wide assortment of beautifully arranged thinking about the holidays gift baskets that will fit any taste and budget. You can already. Didn't the kids just select food only, wine only, or food and wine combos. Avoid unpleasant traffic, crowds, parking and get back to school? Well, waiting. Don’t worry about wrapping your gifts or don't panic, we've been the hassles of shipping and insurance. We do it all for you! planning this for a while. The GM here, Diana, has LOOKING GOOD created some amazing Your gift is carefully wrapped in a shiny burgundy baskets for your approval; box with a silver ribbon and delivered with a hand- written gift card. When you send a Wine of the Month of course, we have our Club gift, the recipient receives a beautifully presented traditional wine gifts as well. gift showing your thoughtfulness. "One call will fix it all!" SAVE MONEY You can be assured that your gift has a value beyond Salud! your actual cost. The purchasing power of the Wine of the Month Club is your guarantee that you will always be sending the best for less. We are shipping November and December wines early so you can have them in time for all your holiday gatherings. We encourage you to reorder as soon as Paul Kalemkiarian possible to avoid the last minute rush.
Membership in THE WINE OF THE MONTH CLUB is open to anyone with an interest in and an appreciation for superb wines... and excellent wine values. Membership is FREE. For more info write: WINE OF THE MONTH CLUB P.O. Box 660220, Arcadia, CA 91066 Or call: 1-800-949-WINE (9463) or (626) 303-1690 FAX: (626) 303-2597 Visit us at: www.WineoftheMonthClub.com Newsletter written by: Elizabeth Schweitzer, Master Sommelier
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DOMESTIC SELECTION
rv Bliss had no idea moderately warm and in 1943 that his Hopland and Ukiah are the dream of making warmest regions. Bliss wine would turn Vineyards is in south I into a world- Hopland where the class winery. Now, three summers are hot and dry generations later, the wines with clear, cool nights; this have won medals in combination produces very competitions all over the ripe fruit with good acidity. country and just keep This southern Mendocino getting better and better. growing area is called Sanel Grape vines, both producing Valley and surrounds the world-quality fruit, now join town of Hopland on the acres of fig trees. Russian River, just before it moves through a narrow Grapes were first planted in canyon south in Sonoma Mendocino in the 1850’s. County. Most Sanel Valley Prohibition nearly stopped vineyards are on the river 2005 Mendocino’s wine trade. plain. The BATF is currently The “wine boom”, beginning in discussion to establish this in the 1960’s, inspired many region as an Approved Bliss growers to Mendocino Viticultural Area. again. Old vineyards were Chardonnay revived and new vineyards The grapes for Bliss (shar-doe-nay) were planted. Local Chardonnay were all hand- wineries began to make picked and whole cluster Mendocino wine with grapes that before pressed. All fermentation were shipped to Sonoma for and ageing was done in California blending. Today, Mendocino stainless steel. Winemaker vineyards and wineries Fred Nickel who has over 20 Color: prosper as the special quality years in the industry says, Clear, honey hue if its wines are becoming “Crafting fine wine means more popular. using grapes of the highest Nose: quality.” The wine pours a Mendocino County is on the clear, honey hue. The nose is Soft, green apple, Pacific Coast and is greatly soft and shy with green pear, butter influenced by the water. apple, pear and butter. On Winds from the ocean in the palate it is medium- Palate: the summer are cool and bodied, very smooth, and Medium-bodied, in the winter, they bring warm with butterscotch, rain. Because of the baked apple, pear. It finishes butterscotch, baked mountain and valley terrain, soft and lengthy. Music apple, pear there are many different played an important part microclimates. Anderson in the life of Irv Bliss. He Finish: Valley is the coolest, Potters urges you to uncork the Classic, age worthy Valley, Yorkville Highlands bottle, turn on some music and Redwood Valley are and enjoy.
CELLARING SUGGESTIONS 1006A Retail Price: $11.00/each Special Member Price: $7.99/each Drink now Reorder Price: $5.99/each 46% Discount $71.88/case
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IMPORTED SELECTION
he word pest-free, but they can be ‘Patagonia’, like damaging to the vines so Mandalay or poplar trees were planted to Timbuktu, has break the strong winds that T lodged itself in the blow through the area. With Western imagination as a this kind of care, attention, word meaning the ultimate, and financial investment, the the very point beyond which dedicated staff make every no one can go. Patagonia is effort to produce wine that the most southern wine is worthy of all their growing region in the world. ambitions. It has paid off It is emerging as Argentina’s with more than 100 awards 2005 new star for premium vines at competitions throughout and wines. The government the world. Southern has also become involved by securing land for grape All the grapes are hand- Most growing only so oil and harvested and handled gently from the field to the Cabernet natural gas companies Sauvignon/ cannot work or build there. stainless steel fermentation Within Patagonia, the tanks. Winemaker Marcelos Merlot Neuquen region has its Miras is serious, intelligent (ka-bur-nay saw-veehn-yawn / leading producer, Bodega and resourceful. His goal mare-low) del Fin Del Mundo. is to make wine that is Neuquen is in northern delicious as well as affordable. He has certainly Neuquen- Patagonia and is basically a Patagonia desert. Hot days and cool succeeded with this blend of nights are ideal for grape Cabernet Sauvignon and Argentina growing. The lack of water Merlot. The color is a deep ruby red. The nose is Color: to the sandy soil was a Deep ruby problem until each acre was aggressive with red berries, outfitted with a mile’s worth cassis, mulberry and spice. Nose: of irrigation piping which The palate is fruity, full- Small red fruits, brings water from the bodied with soft tannins, raspberries, cassis Neuquen River and round and well-balanced. Palate: snowmelt for the Andes The stainless steel tank fer- Mountains. This irrigation mentation give the wine a Full-bodied, soft, system is state-of-the-art and lightness and fresh, clean fruity, well balanced, is computerized so each vine finish. This is a great wine to dark red berry fruit drink now with venison, row receives the right Finish: amount of water for their beef and burgers or within the next 2-3 years. Smooth lengthy needs. The winds are finish constant and keep the vines
CELLARING SUGGESTIONS 1006B Retail Price: $12.00/each Special Member Price: $10.99/each Drink now or Reorder Price: $8.99/each cellar for 2-3 years 54% Discount $107.88/case
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IMITED ERIES L S SELECTION
rgentina is the “La Juanita” for his wife fifth largest wine Mary Jane. Today, his making producer grandson Alfredo Luis and A in the world. The his wife, continue his region lies between the 22nd traditions with passion and 42nd southern parallels along with new advances in along the foothills of the winemaking. Their wines Andes mountain range. The have garnered silver and region boasts a variety of gold medals in wine climates and soils but mostly competitions in Europe 2003 the area is dry and arid with and the United States. The low levels of rain and Koch vineyards were the Finca Koch humidity. This low rainfall first in Argentina to be makes it necessary for certified organic, without Cabernet irrigation which is mainly the use of pesticides, Sauvignon from water from the herbicides or chemical (Ka-bur-nay mountain rivers that fertilizers. The Tupungato saw-veehn-yawn) descend the Andes. The vineyards for this 100% Mendoza- sunny days and deep soils of Cabernet Sauvignon are the Mendoza region make 3,300 feet above sea level. Tupungato it an oasis of high wine- The grapes were aged in 60% Argentina making quality. French Alliers oak and 40% American oak. Color: Mendoza is divided into 5 Intense, deep wine regions and each of The color is an intense, deep ruby red these is subdivided into ruby red. many sub regions and Nose: The nose is complex with climates. Finca Koch is Cassis, dark cassis, dark chocolate, located in the De Uco Valley chocolate, blackberries and roasted which is the highest in blackberries grain. The palate is full- altitude and situated at the bodied, balanced with well- 34 degree south latitude. The Palate: integrated tannins and fruit wide temperature ranges in Full-bodied, flavors of ripe blackberries this pocket of land help the integrated tannins, and dark spice. The finish is red varietals develop their dark spice soft and long. This is an ideal tannins and good color. match with beef dishes and Finish: Alfredo Koch started his strong cheeses. Soft long finish winery in 1950 and named it
CELLARING SUGGESTIONS L1006C Retail Price: $25.99/each Special Member Price: $24.99/each Drink now or Reorder Price: $19.99/each over next two years 23% Discount $239.88/case
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IMITED ERIES L S SELECTION
aso Robles is, and of these wines can be made some would say, with grapes sourced from has emerged as Paso Robles. These grapes a leader in are then produced into P California delicious, note-worthy viticulture. Paso Robles is wines at their state-of-the-art the largest AVA, American facility in Napa Valley. The Viticultural Area, in San Luis wines are carefully crafted Obispo County. It has 18,500 by winemaker, Brian Mox. acres under vine and is Brian began his career in famous for its structured Electrical Engineering, but Cabernet Sauvignon and was drawn to the culinary 2005 ultra-supple Merlot grapes. arts and then to the wine- The Santa Lucia mountain making craft. He graduated Grayson range shelters the region UC Davis and went on to his from the fog that cools the PhD studies for viticulture. southern San Luis Obispo Brian has been making wine Merlot AVAs. The soil here is a mix since 1990. He has left his (mare-low) of calcareous and siliceous mark on such great wines as rock. The daytime summer Laird Cellars, Pine Ridge, temperatures are often over Etude, Crichton Hall, Paso Robles 90 degrees and in the Stonegate, Riboli Family California evening, the vines are cooled Estate and several others. by ocean breezes that come Color: down the eastern mountain Mox says, “We insist on slopes. These cool breezes using only the highest Rich purple garnet help maintain the grapes quality grapes for Grayson acidity levels. wines.” Nose: His Merlot is a beautiful Black cherry, toasty Grayson Cellars has many oak, cinnamon spice decades of winemaking purple garnet color. The skills and artistry in the nose is bright with black Napa Valley of California. cherry, raspberry, cinnamon Palate: The founders believe that spice and toasty oak. The Medium-bodied, they can use these talents to flavors are soft and fruity smooth silky create some of the highest with a touch of earth, medium-bodied laced with tannins, dark, quality wine at incredibly jammy, earthy fruit reasonable ‘by-the-glass’ soft, smooth tannins and a prices. They want to make lingering equally soft finish. better bottles of wine at It is ready to enjoy now but Finish: better prices than what’s will keep a few years in your Soft lingering finish generally in the market right cellar as well. now. They believe that some
CELLARING SUGGESTIONS L1006D Retail Price: $15.99/each Special Member Price: $13.99/each Drink now Reorder Price: $10.99/each through 2008 21% Discount $131.88/case
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IMITED ERIES L EARLIERS SELECTIONS
REGULAR MEMBER ITEM # DESCRIPTION PRICE/ DISC. QTY. REORDER PRICE/ TOTAL UNIT CASE/EACH Cabernet Sauvignon, 2001. Finca Koch $239.88/cs L1006C $25.99 23% “Cassis, dark chocolate, blackberries” $19.99/ea Merlot, 2005. Grayson $131.88/cs L1006D $15.99 21% “Black cherry, toasty oak, cinnamon spice” $10.99/ea Chardonnay, 2004. Martin Alfaro $179.88/cs L1006E $19.99 25% “Lush, vanilla, grilled pineapple” $14.99/ea Malvar, 2004. Grego $119.88/cs L1006F $11.99 17% “Fresh lime, almond, orange” $9.99/ea Zinfandel, 2003. 2820 Wine Company $203.88/cs L906C $21.99 23% “Ripe red apple, raspberry, cranberry” $16.99/ea Merlot, 2001. Lucas & Lewellen $191.88/cs L906D $22.99 31% “Tea, earth, spice, black cherry” $15.99/ea Pinot Gris, 2004. Willm Domaine $167.88/cs L906E $19.99 31% “Fresh pear, smoky peaches, quince” $13.99/ea Chard/Viognier, 2005. Zenaida Cellars $179.88/cs L906F $19.99 25% “Flowery, oranges, almond, vanilla” $14.99/ea Tempranillo, 2003. Finca Sobreno $215.88/cs L806C $19.99 10% “Earthy, sandalwood, spice” $17.99/ea Zinfandel, 2004. Amazin $215.88/cs L806D $19.99 10% “Anise, bramble berries, pepper” $17.99/ea Chardonnay, 2003. Tin Pony $191.88/cs L706C $19.99 20% “Green apple, cling peaches, vanilla” $15.99/ea Merlot, 2003. Monticello $239.88/cs L706D $22.99 13% “Olive, cherry, black licorice” $19.99/ea Rioja, 2002. Vina Salceda $227.88/cs L706E $20.99 10% “Dark cherry, spice, cinnamon” $18.99/ea Sauvignon Blanc, 2005. Phantom Rivers $227.88/cs L706F $20.99 10% “Lime, melon, grapefruit” $18.99/ea Red Blend, 2000. Fife Scarlet $239.88/cs L606C $39.99 50% “Cassis, dark chocolate, sweet cherry” $19.99/ea Pinot Gris, 2005. Norfolk Rise $155.88/cs L606D $17.99 28% “Pear, musk, exotic fruits” $12.99/ea You must be a Limited Series Member Sub-Total to order Limited Series wines. 8.25% CA Sales Tax S&H TOTAL 7 WOMC-News10/06 9/25/06 9:34 AM Page 8
EGULAR ERIES R EARLIERS SELECTIONS
REGULAR MEMBER ITEM # DESCRIPTION PRICE/ DISC. QTY. REORDER PRICE/ TOTAL UNIT CASE/EACH Chardonnay, 2005. Bliss $71.88/cs 1006A $11.00 46% “Green apple, pear, butter” $5.99/ea Cabernet Sauvignon/ Merlot, 2005. Southern Most $107.88/cs 1006B $12.00 25% “Black cherry, toasty oak, cinnamon” $8.99/ea Cabernet Sauvignon, 2002. Brutocao $119.88/cs 906A $19.99 50% “Dark chocolate, black fruit, cedar” $9.99/ea Torrontes, 2005. Fantelli $71.88/cs 906B $12.99 54% “Yellow roses, cherry blossoms, lychee” $5.99/ea White Merlot, 2005. Cardiff $71.88/cs 806A $10.99 45% “Watermelon, cotton candy, cherry” $5.99/ea Shiraz, 2003, Rosenblum $95.88/cs 806B $19.99 60% “Plum, black currant, berry” $7.99/ea Cabernet Sauvignon, 2004. King Fish $83.88/cs 706A $15.99 56% “Black plums, cedar, currants” $6.99/ea Sauvignon Blanc, 2004, Coppola $71.88/cs 706B $14.99 60% “Tropical fruit, pears, figs” $5.99/ea Chardonnay, 2005. Sycamore Lane $71.88/cs 606A $10.99 46% “Fresh apple, pear, peach” $5.99/ea Cabernet Sauvignon, 2003. Feudo Arancio $89.88/cs 606B $12.99 40% “Black currants, spices, black plums” $7.49/ea Merlot, 2003. Sonoma Creek $107.88/cs 506C $12.99 31% “Blueberries, plum, cedar” $8.99/ea Torrontes, 2005. St. Lucas $71.88/cs 506B $11.99 50% “Aromatic, passion fruit, melon” $5.99/ea Viognier, 2005. Steel Creek $83.88/cs 406A $10.99 37% “Dry, rich, pear, peach” $6.99/ea Carmenere, 2005. Gracia $95.88/cs 406B $12.99 39% “Dark spices, black pepper” $7.99/ea Merlot, 2001. Armstrong Ridge $95.88/cs 306A $14.99 47% “Lush, ripe plums, mint” $7.99/ea Cabernet Sauvignon, 02. Deakin $95.88/cs 206B $12.99 38% “Black Currant, mint, chocolate” $7.99/ea Sub-Total 8.25% CA Sales Tax S&H TOTAL 8 WOMC-News10/06 9/25/06 9:34 AM Page 9
INE F THE ONTH LUB W O GIFTM ORDERSC
GIFT # WINE OF THE MONTH CLUB GIFT MEMBERSHIPS QTY. PRICE TOTAL
10G 2 Bottles Current club selections $21.95* 20G 6 Bottles Assortment of recent selections $58.85* 30G 12 Bottles (1 Case) Assortment of recent selections $114.20* 4GP 4 Month Membership in WINE OF THE MONTH CLUB $77.30* Subscriptions: 2 Bottles (current Club selections) each month for 4 months (8 bottles total). 4QGP 4 Month Membership in WINE OF THE MONTH CLUB $77.30* Subscriptions: 2 Bottles every quarter for one year (8 bottles total). 5GP 6 Month Membership in WINE OF THE MONTH CLUB $114.20* Subscriptions: 2 Bottles (current Club selections) each month for 6 months (12 bottles total). 5BGP 6 Month Membership in WINE OF THE MONTH CLUB $114.20* Subscriptions: 2 Bottles (current Club selections) every other month for 6 months (12 bottles total). 6GP 1 Year Membership in WINE OF THE MONTH CLUB $224.90* Subscriptions: 2 Bottles (current Club selections) each month for 12 months (24 bottles total).
LOG 2 Bottles (LIMITED SERIES) Current selections $43.50* LGP 1 Year Membership in WINE OF THE MONTH CLUB $483.50* Subscriptions: 2 Bottles (current Limited Series selections) every month for the next 12 months (24 bottles total).
WINE OF THE MONTH CLUB 2006 GIFT BASKETS TOCB TOUCH OF CLASS Basket includes: One bottle of 2002 ESTRADA CREEK ZINFANDEL, Wine and Cheese Crackers, Camembert Cheese, Assorted Hard Candies. Delivered in a wooden wine caddy suitable for display. #TOCB $44.99 + $3.71 CA Sales Tax + $11.00 Shipping & Handling ($15.00 outside CA) $44.99 WCB WINE CELEBRATION BASKET Basket includes: One bottle of 2004 POSTALES CABERNET/MALBEC, Santa Barbara Olives, Zesty Cheddar Cheese Spread, Wine and Cheese Crackers, Honey Mustard Sourdough Nuggets, Camambert Cheese, Cutting Board Paddle, Cheese Spreader, Assorted Hard Candies. Delivered in a copper wine bucket. #WCB $49.99 + $4.12 CA Sales Tax + $14.00 Shipping & Handling ($19.50 outside CA) $49.99 VIP THE VIP BASKET Basket includes: One bottle of 2002 AGUSTINOS MERLOT, one bottle 2004 OAKHURST CHARDONNAY, Wine and Cheese Crackers, Zesty Cheddar Cheese Spread, Camembert Cheese Spread, Summer Sausage, Fontazzi Popcorn, Honey Mustard Sourdough Nuggets, Ron Ranch Honey Roasted Peanuts, Mrs. Mays Cashew Crunch, Parmesan Bruschetta Crackers, Brent and Sam’s Gourmet Cookies, Nathan’s Crips, Almond Roca, Lindt Assorted Truffles, After Eight Dark Chocolate Biscuits, Harry & David Milk Chocolate Bars, Stahmann’s Pecan Briggle, Demitasse Minis, Mrs. Beasley’s Chocolate Chip Cookies, Assorted hard Candies. Delivered in a large rectangular basket with liner. #VIP + $111.00 + $9.16 CA Sales Tax + $14.00 Shipping & Handling ($19.50 outside CA) $111.00 Add this amount to GIFT ORDER TOTAL on line 1 on Order Form on page 10 GIFT ORDERS TOTAL
1. All wine assortments, as well as the first month of WINE OF THE 3. All recipients must be 21 years or older. MONTH CLUB membership, will be handsomely gift boxed. 4. If any of the items to be included is out of inventory, we A card will be attached with your greeting. guarantee that we will substitute a product of equal or superior 2 Shipments are made by United Parcel Service and are quality. Call us for weekend delivery. guaranteed to arrive in perfect condition. *Gift wrapping included. 9 WOMC-News10/06 9/25/06 9:34 AM Page 10
INE F THE ONTH LUB WTOTALO ORDERM INFORMATIONC
SHIPPING INSTRUCTIONS FOR GIFT ORDERS
Please Ship Gift # to: Name (please print)
Address (We do not ship to P. O. Boxes) City State ZIP
Special note on gift card:
Please Ship Gift # to: Name (please print)
Address (We do not ship to P. O. Boxes) City State ZIP
Special note on gift card: Attach another sheet of paper to list other recipients
All WINE OF THE MONTH CLUB gifts are guaranteed to arrive in perfect condition… gift boxed… and with a gift card. ORDERING INSTRUCTIONS GIFT ORDER TOTAL Check enclosed for WOMC EARLIER SELECTIONS TOTAL $ . Make check payable to: LIMITED SERIES MEMBERSHIP Wine of the Month Club. LIMITED SERIES EARLIER SELECTIONS TOTAL Charge my: 8.25% CA Sales Tax VISA Mastercard Shipping and Handling AmEx Discover GRAND TOTAL
Card # Exp. Date / /
Name (Please Print) Signature
Shipping Address (We do not ship to P. O. Boxes)
City State Zip
Phone (day) Phone (evening) E-Mail Address
SHIPPING AND HANDLING To order by phone call TOLL FREE GIFT FOR EARLIER SELECTION ORDERS ORDERS CA Out-of-State Number CA Average 1-800-949-WINE Shipping Shipping of Bottles Shipping Out of State (1-800-949-9463) Shipping Monday – Friday 8 am – 5 pm (Pacific Time) Gift #10G & LOG $6.97 $9.02 1 – 2 $6.97 $9.02 To order by mail or fax Gift #20G $10.95 $16.90 3 – 4 $7.95 $11.30 please complete this order form. Gift #30G $15.65 $27.60 5 – 6 $10.95 $15.65 FAX 626-303-2597 (24 hours a day) Gift #4GP & 4QGP $27.88 $36.08 7 – 8 $12.85 $18.55 Or mail to: WINE OF THE MONTH CLUB Gift #5B, 5BGP $41.82 $54.12 9 – 10 $14.20 $21.15 P.O. Box 660220, Arcadia, CA 91066 Gift #6GP & LGP $83.64 $108.84 11 – 12 $15.65 $24.15 Or shop online at: www.WineoftheMonthClub.com 10 Please call for shipping prices outside CA in states where permissible. WOMC-News10/06 9/25/06 9:34 AM Page 11
IMITED ERIES L TASTINGS NOTES
CABERNET SAUVIGNON, 2001. FINCA KOCH MERLOT, 2005. GRAYSON Date Tested Color Date Tested Color Nose Nose Taste Taste Tracking Notes Tracking Notes Date Comments Date Comments Date Comments Date Comments Date Comments Date Comments
CELLAR NOTES
A report on how previous LIMITED SERIES Selections are faring with age. Obtained from actual tastings on wines under cellar conditions and/or vintner, importer or wholesaler surveys.
October 2002 Grenache/Shiraz, 2000. Hamilton. Drink now. Merlot, 2000. Serrano. Drink now. October 2003 Primitivo, 2000. Casa Girelli. Drink or hold one more year. Lugana, 2002. Zenato. Drink now. October 2004 Zinfandel, 2000. Saviez. Drink or hold one year. Crossfire, 2003. Jan Kris. Hold 2 more years. October 2005 Cabernet Sauvignon, 2001. Piattelli. Drink now. Nero d’Avola, 2003. Kudyah. Drink now or hold one year.
MEMBER UPCOMING EVENTS
WINE DINNERS
If you are interested in a WINE OF THE MONTH CLUB dinner in your area, please contact [email protected] or call her at 1-800-949-9463
HOME WINE TASTING PARTIES Many members have asked us about both our wine tasting parties and about conducting wine seminars. So, in combining the two ideas we have introduced the WINE OF THE MONTH CLUB WINE TASTING PARTIES. If you are living in Southern California or the Reno area, and are interested in hosting a home wine tasting party, please call Susan at THE WINE OF THE MONTH CLUB 1-800-949-9463 or email [email protected]
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The Wine Shoppe
Gift Assortments Celebrate any occasion with Special Gifts for friends, family and business associates. Visit our website at www.wineofthemonthclub.com for gift baskets, gift memberships and various wine assortments. Give a Wine of the Month Club special gift and you will be the “toast” of the celebration!
Wine Appreciation Classes Third Wednesday of each month. For info, call 1-800-949-9463
MEMBER COMMENTS “Look forward to receiving your “Love your service, specials and selections and sharing them with especially the wine!” friends and family. Always excellent J.F., MONTROSE, CA wines.” J.C., CLOVERDALE, CA “We always look forward to our selections – every bottle is a winner! “Everyone there is so nice and the wine P.G., LA MESA, CA is always incredible. I really love the $6.00 a bottle reorder price. I stock up “We belong to all 3 Levels and have when I see that!” been Members since the early days!” N.D., ALTA LOMA, CA B.P., HUNTINGTON BEACH, CA
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ADVENTURES IN GOOD FOOD The flavors of slow cooked beef are the Add the celery, and cook for about 1 minute. ultimate match for red wines. Here is an Add the carrots, turn them and cook another autumn recipe sure to please every plate minute. Add the sliced garlic, turn over once and palate. or twice to coat them well and cook for a minute or two, stirring once or twice. BRAISED BEEF WITH VEGETABLES, RED WINE, Return the brisket to the pan, sprinkle with salt and pepper, and add the thyme and red & THYME wine. When the wine begins to bubble, turn INGREDIENTS: heat to medium low and cover. Let the wine reduce and then add the tomatoes with their 2 garlic cloves, chopped fine juices. Turn the heat to low and cover. Cook 1/3 c. salt pork, chopped fine about 2 hours, until meat feels tender at its 1 teaspoon salt thickest part. Remove brisket from pan and Peel of half a lemon, yellow part only, let cool completely. When cool slice the meal chopped fine against the grain into thin slices, slip into pan and cover with juices. (This can be done in Fine sea salt advance of serving by several hours.) Freshly ground pepper When ready to serve, heat on medium and One pound piece Beef Brisket, boneless gently reheat the sliced meat, when reheated flat cut serve on warm serving platter, pour 3 Tbsp. butter vegetables and juices onto and serve with 1 Tbsp. Vegetable oil crusty bread. 1 cup onion, sliced thin 1/2 c. celery, sliced thin This is an easy and delicious salad for 1/2 c. carrots, peeled and sliced into white wine, especially with the Bliss thin disks Chardonnay. 1 garlic clove, peeled and sliced thin INGREDIENTS: Thyme leaves, 1/2 tsp. if fresh, 1/4 tsp. if dried 1 medium fennel 1 cup dry red wine. 2 oranges 1 cup tomatoes, peeled and seeds Fine sea salt scooped away 2 Tbsp. extra virgin olive oil A warm serving platter Freshly ground pepper
PREPARATION: PREPARATION: In a small bowl mix the chopped garlic, salt Trim off fennel tops down to where the stalks pork, and lemon peel with some salt and rise from the bulbs. Cut the bulb in half several grinds of pepper. Poke several holes lengthwise. Slice fennel crosswise very thin. into sides of the brisket and pack the garlic, (Use a mandolin if possible). Cut the top and pork, and lemon peel mixture into the holes. bottom of the orange away. Cut of the peel (Note: This can be done a day in advance and and the white pulp. Detach the sections with then refrigerate until ready to cook.) a sharp knife. Put the fennel slices and orange sections in deep dish. (You can do all Put the butter and oil in a 12-inch sauce pan this ahead of time, cover and refrigerate until and turn heat to high. When the fat is hot and use). When ready to serve, toss with salt, the butter foam subsides, slip in the brisket. pour over the olive oil and toss. Grind with Brown it quickly on both sides and remove black pepper and serve. from pan. Turn down the heat to medium, add the sliced onion, and cook it, stirring occasionally, until it becomes a light nut-brown color.
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TASTING NOTES
CHARDONNAY, 2005. BLISS CABERNET SAUVIGNON/MERLOT, 2005. SOUTHERN MOST Date Tested Color Date Tested Color Nose Nose Taste Taste Tracking Notes Tracking Notes Date Comments Date Comments Date Comments Date Comments Date Comments Date Comments
WINE OF THE MONTH CLUB CELLAR NOTES
A report on how previous WINE OF THE MONTH CLUB Selections are faring with age. Obtained from actual tastings on wines under cellar conditions and/or vintner, importer or wholesaler surveys. October 2002 Cuvee de Pena, 2001. Profonde. Drink now . Chardonnay, 2000. Crow Canyon. Drink now. October 2003 Chardonnay, 2001, Monument. Drink now. Vidigal Reserva, 1999. Caves Vidigal. Drink now. October 2004 Chardonnay, 2003. Canyon Oaks. Drink now. Barbera, 2003. Vinas de Cuyum. Drink or hold one year. October 2005 Cabernet Sauvignon, 2004. Canyon Oaks. Drink or hold one year. Sauvignon Blanc/Semillon, 2004. Newen. Drink now. MEMBER INQUIRY There are several factors translates roughly as – ‘The which affect the character, How does the weather character of a wine is personality and quality of affect wine from year to determined by its terroir, any wine. Some of these are year? Also, are there any its place and home, its the climate, the soil type, the new trends that you can personality by its vintage age of the vines, the type tell us about? and its quality to its of vine, the aspect of the – K. ROSSMAN, HELENDALE, CA. influence of man.’ vineyards, the amount of As for trends: Like fashion, rainfall, the number of can see, more than weather things go in and out of style. sunshine hours, wind, pests, makes wine. That said, the trellising and pruning, and weather can make or break a There seems to be renewed last but far from least, is the vintage in certain regions interest in Semillon, the winemaker and his or her such as Italy, when there is white grape of Bordeaux artistry and skills. Each too much rain and the and now grown successfully grape varietal, and there are grapes never have time to in Australia and California. over 100 different ones ripen or when the heat And the latest buzz for red made into wine, grows best burns the delicate skin of wine is Shiraz (Australia) in its own place where these Pinot Noir in Burgundy. and Syrah. But, any new mentioned factors help the Making wine is mostly wine you try is the ‘latest grape to ripen fully with nature’s miracle. There is trend’ and you should keep balance and flavor. As you a French saying which open to all of them. Cheers!
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WORD FOR MEMBERS ONLY... ON THE STREET Can’t find it? What others are saying about our selections! Gotta have it? July 2006 Selections: We source wine from all over the Coppola Sauvignon Blanc world. Special vintages for birthdays, This wine has been seen on the wine list at Z Tejas anniversaries, you name it. We also Southwestern Grill in have access to old and rare cellars. Nevada for $38.95 a bottle! Let us help you find a rare wine. Also at Smiths grocery store Call or email us with your rare wine for $15.99 a bottle. specifications and let us do the work. Our reorder price is $5.99. It’s good to be a member, We can’t guarantee we’ll find it, but don’t you think? we can guarantee a great effort.
Discover the Limited Series now and receive a set of Swarovski Crystal Wine Charms FREE! Here’s a charming idea for your next party or dinner. Slip one of these attractive wine charms around the stem of each person’s glass. Designed with a wine theme, each YOURS charm is different so your guests will know FREE! they aren’t mistakenly picking up someone else’s glass. Made from pewter and world- famous Swarovski crystal beads from Austria, the charms are yours FREE just for trying the Limited Series. A $24.95 value.
Join now and receive a set of Swarovski Wine Charms free. ❏ Sign me up for THE LIMITED SERIES Each month $40.00 plus tax and $6.97 shipping & handling. (Outside of California, slightly higher).
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IMITED ERIES L S SELECTION
ugged mountains, of the same process,” Alfaro thin soils, high says, “it’s fermentation land prices, science.” Alfaro had always R earthquakes, loved wine and collected Pierce’s disease; wine since his college days. it sounds like we are in Santa When he sold his bakery, he Cruz California. Santa Cruz went into business with his is difficult terrain for school friend, Martin. Martin viticulture and yet more had been in the wine than fifty wineries operate business for 25 years. Alfaro here. The appellation is very credits him for the success of large, crossing the borders of the winery. “He’s the mad 2004 Santa Cruz, Santa Clara and scientist and I’m kind of the Martin Alfaro San Mateo. Because of the owner guy,” Alfaro says. natural difficulties of Together they comprise a Chardonnay growing, there are less than team of energetic, (shar-doe-nay) 1,500 acres under vine. The enthusiastic, and passionate microclimates are important winemakers whose greatest Santa Cruz as the climate can change joy is to bring you a dramatically depending on California great tasting wine at a which side of the mountains reasonable price. the vines are on and at what Color: Golden straw elevation. The coolest areas They certainly succeeded are at the lower levels on the with the 2004 Chardonnay. Nose: Pacific side. The region has The color is a golden straw. Tropical fruit, citrus, vast potential for growing The nose invites you with oak, butterscotch grapes at a premium level. tropical fruit, citrus, toasty oak and butterscotch. The Palate: Alfaro is a relatively new palate is lush with vanilla, Lush, vanilla, winery. Located in the hills papaya and grilled papaya, grilled around Corralitos, it was pineapple. The finish is pineapple founded in 1998 when refreshing and lingering. A Richard Alfaro sold his well- Finish: glass alone or paired with known Watsonville Bakery. Refreshing lingering grilled lemon chicken would For Alfaro, the wine business finish be perfect! was a natural shift. “It’s kind
CELLARING SUGGESTIONS L1006E Retail Price: $19.99/each Special Member Price: $16.99/each Drink now or Reorder Price: $14.99/each hold one year 25% Discount $179.88/case
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IMITED ERIES L S SELECTION
pain is the third Today Vinos Jeromin is the largest producer flagship of wines from and exporter of Madrid. For more than half a wine in the world century, their philosophy for S after France and making excellent wines has Italy and has the most acres withstood the tests of time. under vine than any other The Malvar White is a country. The consumption of unique blend of the wine in Spain per capita is Malvar grape and the Airen about two glasses per grape. Malvar is the most 2004 person, per day. Sounds like commonly grown white we should be drinking more grape in Madrid and is not Spanish wine on a daily grown anywhere else in the Grego basis as well! world. The grapes are small with tough skins so they can Malvar / Airen The history of Spanish wine- withstand the heat and making goes back at least when left to ripen long (mel-vahr / ahy-rain) 2,000 years when the land enough makes some was colonized by the Greeks excellent dessert wines. Madrid and Phoenician traders. Airen is the most planted Since then, most of Spain has white grape in all of Spain. Spain been continually making It is used in both red and wine. Spain is located white wine production and Color: in Southwestern Europe, loves the arid climate and Clear light yellow bordering the Bay of Biscay, harsh conditions. the Mediterranean Sea, the North Atlantic Ocean, and This wine is clear light Nose: the Pyrenees Mountains, yellow color. The nose is Fresh lime, lemon southwest of France. It is fresh with lime, lemon peel slightly more than twice the and a hint of almond. The peel, almond size of Oregon. The climate palate is dry, crisp with clean is temperate, clear with hot acidity, medium-bodied Palate: summers in the interior with flavors of orange, Dry, crisp, medium- and more moderate and walnut and citrus. The finish cloudy along the coast, is lively and invites you back bodied, supple, much like California. to the glass for another sip. orange, lemon, This is a wine for many walnut Spain claims to have 600 occasions but will pair different grape varieties of wonderfully with paella and Finish: which only 20 make most of Spanish tapas. Enjoy! the wines fit for drinking Lively finish Vinos Jeromin has been making wine since 1948.
CELLARING SUGGESTIONS L1006F Retail Price: $11.99/each Special Member Price: $10.99/each Drink now Reorder Price: $9.99/each slightly chilled 17% Discount $119.88/case
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