WINE OF THE MONTH CLUB
FEATURED WINES FOR SEPTEMBER 2009
PREMIUM WINE OF THE MONTH CLUB
Castillo Del Corzo - Spain
In recent years the number of regions in Spain using the Vinos de la Tierra denomination has grown dramatically. Currently
there are some 31 such regions. The concept is similar to the Vins de Pays of France and, according to Spanish law, is seen as
sort of transitional term for areas that can, after 5 years, apply for Denominacion de Origen status. However, many wineries in
Vinos de la Tierra areas have relished the greater freedom than exists under the D.O. system to produce grapes and wines as they
wish. The result is wines that are more innovative and exciting than those of D.O.s. Once such region is the Vinos de la Tierra
de Castilla. This region is located in central Spain, the Spain of Don Quixote, noted for its hot, arid plains. The Vinos de la
Tierra de Castilla was formed in 1999 to take in those areas outside of the several D.O.s in the area. Castillo Del Corzo has
been a leading producer here for decades.
FEATURED WINE: 2000 Vino de la Tierra Castilla
Made from selected Garnacha and Tempranillo grapes with traditional Spanish vinification. Enticing nose of warm, red, juicy fruit.
Pleasant dark fruit palate of blackberries, plums and black cherries, a touch of spice and a sweet woody character brought
together with light tannins and good acid. Something a little different from and up and coming area of Spain. Drink now through
2012. With its low alcohol content (traditional Spanish vinification) this wine is the perfect quaffer by itself.
Madison Ridge - Australia
Fertile plains were discovered in the early 1800s on the other side of the Great Dividing Range near Bathurst, New South Wales.
This range divides the coastal areas from prime agricultural real estate. The Calabria family are 4th generation wine makers who
take great pride in producing Madison Ridge in the lush Riverina of Australia. Cabernet Sauvignon is their specialty. All of the
Madison Ridge's Cabernets are made with vigorous but gentle handling to extract the natural tannins and preserve the primary fruit.
FEATURED WINE: 2007 Cabernet Sauvignon
The deep purple color is accentuated by vibrant red hues. This Cabernet Sauvignon is an attractive fruit driven red, with a full
bouquet of sweet berries and violets complemented by subtle French oak. The ripe berry characters flow smoothly onto the palate,
combining with spices and vanilla oak and soft chewy tannins. A generous wine representing tremendous value for money. Drinking
well now, additional complexity may be gained with ageing. Served with Roasted Lamb and game with fresh herbs, especially thyme,
rosemary and sage also vintage cheddar, osso bucco, red capsicum, basil and garlic, also Camembert, Gouda and Parmesan cheese.
Godar Wines - Santa Barbara, California
Godar is Radog's (featured in the West Coast Club selection's) secondary label. In a world of mass produced products, Radog
stands out by handcrafting small lots of wine from carefully selected family owned vineyards. Traditional techniques and the
finest French barrels are used for aging. Radog has a passion for winemaking and loves to give his friends a great deal.
FEATURED WINE: 2005 Sauvignon Blanc
Made from 100% Sauvignon Blanc from various leftover parcels that did not make it into Radog's Arroyo Seco Sauvignon Blanc.
Aromas of grapefruit, green apple, and grassy notes fill the nose of this light straw colored wine. The palate presents flavors
of grapefruit accompanied by tropical notes of lime and hints of honeydew melon. The wine finishes with a bit of green apple
acidity that holds the finish. Drink now. Serve chilled.
INTERNATIONAL WINE OF THE MONTH CLUB
Lagarde Winery - Argentina
Lagarde winery was founded in 1897 and is one of the oldest and most traditional wineries in the Lujan de Cuyo Region, Province
of Mendoza, in western Argentina. The region of Lujan de Cuyo is well known worldwide for its great climatic conditions for
winemaking, as well as beautiful scenic views at the foothills of the Andes Mountains and the mighty Aconcagua (22,800 feet). The
region of Lujan de Cuyo is recognized as "Zona Alta" or the heights of the Mendoza River and is one of the few Argentine wine
regions with a "Controlled Appellation" system.
FEATURED WINE: 2005 Cabernet Sauvignon Lujan de Cuyo Mendoza
Made from 87% Cabernet Sauvignon, 10% Cabernet Franc, and 3% Petit Verdot. To the eye, this wine shows a cherry red color with
violet hue highlights. To the nose, this wine is fresh and clean with powerful and complex berries, plums, dried figs and black
pepper aromas that linger in the glass. To the mouth, this wine is soft with pleasant tannins and berries flavors, offering a
medium body. Over all this elegant Cabernet Sauvignon with strong personality is in perfect harmonic balance and ideal to enjoy
with red meat dishes, as well as brie, camembert, and gorgonzola cheese.
Vignerons de Caractere - France
Vignerons de Caractere is based in the Southern Rhone and is made up of 80 winegrowers with 1000 hectares of vineyards
(average age of vineyards is 50 years old) between them, representing 55% of the total Vacqueyras appellation. In 1990 Vacqueyras
was recognized as Exceptional Terroir and became the 10th Crus from the Rhone Valley. Vignerons de Caractere is also deeply
committed to sustainable viticulture and sound environmental practices.
FEATURED WINE: 2007 Syrah Grenache VdP de Vaucluse
Made from 50% Syrah and 50% Grenache. This approachable silky wine offers round and full fruit of black cherry along with tobacco
and spice notes. The finish is smooth and persistent with some defining notes of garrigue. Drink now through 2011. It is perfect
with grilled or roasted meat. It is especially recommended with a Leg of Lamb.
Chateau de la Roche - France
Dating back to the 15th century, the Chateau de la Roche towers above the right bank of the River Loire, 4 km from Amboise: the
royal town that was home to Francois I and Leonardo da Vinci. Today, it is the site of a beautiful 37-hectare vineyard, arranged
of 37 hectares in three main parcels: le Breuil; les Dessus de la Roche; Artigny - all bordering the Loire in a narrow strip of
land three kilometers long. The exceptional flint clay soils are responsible for giving their Sauvignons their distinctive smokey
taste. The vineyard is cultivated according to the principles of sustainable agriculture. A blend of vine and stone, evocative
names and major appellations!
FEATURED WINE: 2005 Touraine Sauvignon Reserve
Made from 100% Sauvignon Blanc that exemplifies just what the Touraine appellation is capable of achieving. The aroma is of
peaches rather than new world tropical fruit. It is a pale, fragile beauty to look at but is rich on the palate nicely supported
by singing acidity and a distinct note of stony Loire minerality. Drink now through 2010. Freshwater fish and cheese-based
vegetarian dishes like Alfredo-style pasta are fine with Touraine Sauvignons, but one of our absolute favorite food matches with
dry Loire whites is fresh oysters on the half-shell.
Vignalta Wines - Italy
Villa Dei Vescovi (The Bischop Villa) rises with elegant austerity in the woods of the Colli Euganei. Today it is the Vignalta
estates tasting and sales center. The sixteen century Villa is the creation of the architects G.M. Falconetto and Andrea Della
Valle. The interior was frescoed by Lambert Sutris. Vignalta was founded in 1980. Its partners are Lucio Gomiero and Graziano
Cardin. Since 1994 Vignalta is operating in the modern winery at Marlunghe, a suburb of Arqua Petrarca where the noted Renaissance
poet Petrarch Lived. This cellar, dug into the rock of the Colli Euganei, represents near perfect storage and aging possibilities.
FEATURED WINE: 2005 Sirio Moscato del Veneto
This distinctive wine is made from White Muscat grapes (Canelli) fermented to complete dryness. It was first made in 1990 and
since then has been one of the most characteristic Vignalta wines. Its floral bouquet and the long fruity finish make Sirio one of
the best aromatic wines of Italy. Perfect as an aperitif, it also compliments shellfish and seafood in general. Perfect with
asparagus, it also matches well with most Asian dishes.
WEST COAST WINE OF THE MONTH CLUB
Clubhouse Cellars - Woodinville, Washington
Clubhouse Cellars is a leading negociant-style wine producer in Washington. Clubhouse Cellars has established a new
price/quality benchmark by blending select lots of bulk wine with wines they have made themselves, always sourcing from
Washington's leading vineyards. The result is fantastic wines that fully express the essence of Washington in general and the
vintage in particular. The sum is truly greater than the parts which present aristocratic wines at democratic prices!
FEATURED WINE: 2007 Barbera Red Willow
Made from 100% Barbera. Bright, young purple-red color. Sweet, bright raspberry fruit with hints of toast. Flavors of hibiscus and
loganberry. A delicate wine with some mid-palate weight, pretty. This wine is ready now and will age gracefully through 2011 with
proper care. Pair with: chopped Italian salad; pork roast with fruit compote; Cornish hens with light stuffing of pine nuts and
dried fruit.
Stephen Vincent - Petaluma, California
Stephen Vincent Situm began his career in the wine business with the Gallo Sales Co. in 1962. Steve has over 40 years of
experience in the production, marketing and sales of premium and ultra premium wines. He has been instrumental in the building of
many major brands including Robert Mondavi, J.Lohr, Vichon, Tepusquet Vineyard, Louis Roederer, Foppiano, Stephen Zellerbach, and
Draper & Esquin. Founder of the early Boutique Winery, La Crema, Bob Goyette grew in skill and experience at the Benziger Winery
combining his French Heritage with New England up bringing. He lets traditional winemaking methods guide him while keeping an eye
on the creative use of modern technology to create superior wines of great value for the current market. Today, he leads the
winemaking team at Stephen Vincent Wines as well as the daily management of the corporation.
FEATURED WINE: 2007 Crimson
As its name implies, our Crimson has a deep, dark red color. Crimson is produced from a blend of 75% Syrah and 25% Cabernet
Sauvignon grapes from the Sonoma and Central Coast growing regions of California. Crimson is a very complex wine made in the Rhone
style. This very rich wine has beautiful ripe plum and blackberry flavor, accented with hints of toasty French oak, and cassis.
Drink now through 2012. Pair with beef, lamb, duck, turkey, and pasta.
Radog Wines - Santa Barbara, California
In a world of mass produced products, Radog stands out by handcrafting small lots of wine from carefully selected family owned
vineyards. Radog is the pet project of famed California winemaker Dan Tudor. Traditional techniques and the finest French barrels
are used for aging. Dan Tudor has a passion for winemaking and it shows in all of the wine he produces. So what's with the label
anyway? Well, Dan and the graphic designer he uses were having a beer (yes, winemakers drink beer too) and Mexican food and were
trying to come up with a name for the second project. Dan likes to surf and he wanted to have a Bull Terrier some day (now he
does; her name is Evie) so they came up with Radog.
FEATURED WINE: 2006 Sauvignon Blanc Arroyo Seco
Made from 100% Sauvignon Blanc fermented in stainless steel. Radog's Sauvignon Blanc is a fresh take on the popular style favored
in New Zealand. With fresh lime and pink grapefruit on the nose, this wine finishes with fat glycerin balanced with crisp
acidity. In the Arroyo Seco area of the Monterey AVA sits Cedar Lane Vineyard, their source. It is managed by Michael Griva of the
Griva Vineyard (where the 90 point Bernardus Sauvignon Blanc fruit comes from) and neighbor's it. Enjoy now through 2010.
Ventana Wines - Monterey, California
Great wines are made in the vineyard, and the Ventana Vineyard has the perfect combination of water, soil, climate, art and
science to create superb, world-class wines. Their success is evidenced by the number of awards that we have won over the years
on wine made from this remarkable property. In fact, wines from the Ventana Vineyard have earned more medals and awards than any
other single vineyard in America. Ventana Vineyards is fortunate to have winemaker Reggie Hammond, who has devoted his talents
to continuing this outstanding record of quality and integrity. Building on the incredible success of their white wines, he has
expanded Ventana's range to create world-class red wines as well. In every case, Reggie crafts the wines in a classical style,
with elegance and true varietal character from the Ventana vineyard fruit.
FEATURED WINE: 2007 Riesling Monterey Arroyo Seco
Made from 100% Riesling. The wine has a tart/sweet composition on the palate. The nose is explosive with apricot, orange peel and
flowers. Green apple, honey, fig and apricot mingle on the palate. The residual sugar is offset with sufficient acidity to display
a fine balance. This is not a typically sweet California style Riesling. Winemaker Reggie Hammond prefers an off-dry style that
allows the fresh stone fruit components to be forefront but with acidity for a lively mouth-feel. Try with the spicy-hot flavors
of Thai cuisine or Szechwan. This varietal is still one of the best choices with dried fruit and hard cheese
RED TRIO WINE OF THE MONTH CLUB
Madison Ridge - Australia
Fertile plains were discovered in the early 1800s on the other side of the Great Dividing Range near Bathurst, New South Wales.
This range divides the coastal areas from prime agricultural real estate. The Calabria family are 4th generation wine makers who
take great pride in producing Madison Ridge in the lush Riverina of Australia. Cabernet Sauvignon is their specialty. All of the
Madison Ridge's Cabernets are made with vigorous but gentle handling to extract the natural tannins and preserve the primary
fruit.
FEATURED WINE: 2007 Cabernet Sauvignon
The deep purple color is accentuated by vibrant red hues. This Cabernet Sauvignon is an attractive fruit driven red, with a full
bouquet of sweet berries and violets complemented by subtle French oak. The ripe berry characters flow smoothly onto the palate,
combining with spices and vanilla oak and soft chewy tannins. A generous wine representing tremendous value for money. Drinking
well now, additional complexity may be gained with ageing. Served with Roasted Lamb and game with fresh herbs, especially thyme,
rosemary and sage also vintage cheddar, osso bucco, red capsicum, basil and garlic, also Camembert, Gouda and Parmesan cheese.
Clubhouse Cellars - Woodinville, Washington
Clubhouse Cellars is a leading negociant-style wine producer in Washington. Clubhouse Cellars has established a new
price/quality benchmark by blending select lots of bulk wine with wines they have made themselves, always sourcing from
Washington's leading vineyards. The result is fantastic wines that fully express the essence of Washington in general and the
vintage in particular. The sum is truly greater than the parts which present aristocratic wines at democratic prices!
FEATURED WINE: 2007 Barbera Red Willow
Made from 100% Barbera. Bright, young purple-red color. Sweet, bright raspberry fruit with hints of toast. Flavors of hibiscus
and loganberry. A delicate wine with some mid-palate weight, pretty. This wine is ready now and will age gracefully through 2011
with proper care. Pair with: chopped Italian salad; pork roast with fruit compote; Cornish hens with light stuffing of pine nuts
and dried fruit.
Vignerons de Caractere - France
Vignerons de Caractere is based in the Southern Rhone and is made up of 80 winegrowers with 1000 hectares of vineyards (average
age of vineyards is 50 years old) between them, representing 55% of the total Vacqueyras appellation. In 1990 Vacqueyras was
recognized as Exceptional Terroir and became the 10th Crus from the Rhone Valley. Vignerons de Caractere is also deeply committed
to sustainable viticulture and sound environmental practices.
FEATURED WINE: 2007 Syrah Grenache VdP de Vaucluse
Made from 50% Syrah and 50% Grenache. This approachable silky wine offers round and full fruit of black cherry along with tobacco
and spice notes. The finish is smooth and persistent with some defining notes of garrigue. Drink now through 2011. It is perfect
with grilled or roasted meat. It is especially recommended with a Leg of Lamb.
SINGLE BOTTLE WINE OF THE MONTH CLUB
Castillo Del Corzo - Spain
In recent years the number of regions in Spain using the Vinos de la Tierra denomination has grown dramatically. Currently
there are some 31 such regions. The concept is similar to the Vins de Pays of France and, according to Spanish law, is seen as
sort of transitional term for areas that can, after 5 years, apply for Denominacion de Origen status. However, many wineries in
Vinos de la Tierra areas have relished the greater freedom than exists under the D.O. system to produce grapes and wines as they
wish. The result is wines that are more innovative and exciting than those of D.O.s. Once such region is the Vinos de la Tierra de
Castilla. This region is located in central Spain, the Spain of Don Quixote, noted for its hot, arid plains. The Vinos de la
Tierra de Castilla was formed in 1999 to take in those areas outside of the several D.O.s in the area. Castillo Del Corzo has
been a leading producer here for decades.
FEATURED RED WINE: 2000 Vino de la Tierra Castilla
Made from selected Garnacha and Tempranillo grapes with traditional Spanish vinification. Enticing nose of warm, red, juicy fruit.
Pleasant dark fruit palate of blackberries, plums and black cherries, a touch of spice and a sweet woody character brought
together with light tannins and good acid. Something a little different from and up and coming area of Spain. Drink now through
2012. With its low alcohol content (traditional Spanish vinification) this wine is the perfect quaffer by itself.
Radog Wines - Santa Barbara, California
In a world of mass produced products, Radog stands out by handcrafting small lots of wine from carefully selected family owned
vineyards. Radog is the pet project of famed California winemaker Dan Tudor. Traditional techniques and the finest French barrels
are used for aging. Dan Tudor has a passion for winemaking and it shows in all of the wine he produces. So what's with the label
anyway? Well, Dan and the graphic designer he uses were having a beer (yes, winemakers drink beer too) and Mexican food and were
trying to come up with a name for the second project. Dan likes to surf and he wanted to have a Bull Terrier some day (now he
does; her name is Evie) so they came up with Radog.
FEATURED WHITE WINE: 2006 Sauvignon Blanc Arroyo Seco
Made from 100% Sauvignon Blanc fermented in stainless steel. Radog's Sauvignon Blanc is a fresh take on the popular style favored
in New Zealand. With fresh lime and pink grapefruit on the nose, this wine finishes with fat glycerin balanced with crisp
acidity. In the Arroyo Seco area of the Monterey AVA sits Cedar Lane Vineyard, their source. It is managed by Michael Griva of the
Griva Vineyard (where the 90 point Bernardus Sauvignon Blanc fruit comes from) and neighbor's it. Enjoy now through 2010.
PLATINUM WINE OF THE MONTH CLUB
Soto De Torres - Spain
When Bodegas Torres was founded in 1870, the family owned vineyards in the Penedes region. El Penedes was always the family
home and birthplace. From the beginnings of the winery, Jaime Torres concentrated his efforts on the export of wines, especially
to the city of Havana, Cuba. The initial exports consisted especially of wine from El Penedes, but with the passing of time, the
family began to export wine from other parts of Catalonia and the rest of Spain. Thus, in early documents, we find commercial
connections between Bodegas Torres and the Rioja region.
FEATURED WINE: 2006 Ibericos Tempranillo Rioja
Ibericos receives its name from the Iberian Peninsula, and specifically from the mountain system that borders the region of La
Rioja. But to find the authentic origin of this word, we must go back to the 5th century BC to Iberos, a community of peoples
with shared traditions on the piece of geography that is today Spain. Ibericos is made from 100% Tempranillo. The wine is the
rich color of sweet cherries. Its aromas of forest fruits, blackberries and blueberries, are pronounced, intense and are in
perfect balance with the toasted notes of caramel and spices acquired by time spent in oak. On the palate, it is round and silky,
with a fine sensation of fruit and smooth tannins. The aftertaste is long and spicy. Pair with roasted meats, stews, Iberian
charcuterie and cured cheeses. Drink now through 2012.
Treasure Hunters Wines - Healdsburg, California
The Treasure Hunters are small group of wine professionals with close contacts throughout the broad range of California wine
growers and producers. They have come together to find and bottle the best wine treasures on the planet. Their core business will
specialize in purchasing exceptional single varietal wines. They seek excellence in the vast ocean of wines. They hunt for the
secret pearls and jewels hidden below those murky depths. The winemaker, Michael Loykasek of Dark Horse Winery, has been blazing
new trails throughout California for the past two decades. Fresh out of U.C. Davis with a degree in enology in 1983 , Mike spent
5 years developing his winemaking style in Paso Robles. From there, he headed to Sonoma County to head up the winemaking program
at Meeker Vineyard in Dry Creek Valley; next he worked for Armida for 6 years. Currently he is the winemaker at Dark Horse and
consults on several other projects including Treasure Hunters.
FEATURED WINE: 2006 Cabernet Sauvignon Diamond Mountain District Napa
Bright aromas of boysenberry and cassis combine with mulled spice, orange peel, and cassia bark. The palate is dense, complex and
fruitful. Wild blueberry and blackberry mingle with clove and black tea spice, which are seamlessly brought together with
integrated tannins that sustain a long and luxurious finish. Only 300 cases produced. Pair with Pan-Roasted Duck Breasts with
Onions and Crisp Pancetta, Wood-Grilled Veal Chops with Tomato-Basil Salsa, Glazed Beef with Bourbon-Roquefort Sauce.
Meadowcroft Wines - Sebastopol, California
These signature reserve wines from winemaker Tom Meadowcroft are vineyard designated, expressing the best each appellation has
to offer. The family name, Meadowcroft, means the fertile field on the meadow...a garden that has been carefully nurtured over
time. Their hallmark "honeybee" on the label symbolizes their hard work, the journey of mastering a discipline, and the process
of transforming grapes from single vineyards into outstanding wines. Tom's passion for wines comes from his experiences growing
up, working and traveling in Europe and the United States. Early in life, he started his journey in winemaking by working the
harvest of 1979 in Bordeaux. Later in life, he worked at wineries in Washington and Napa, attended UC Davis and Napa College, and
then became a vineyard manager focused on sustainable farming and environmental advocacy. Managing dozens of properties for the
top wineries in Napa and Sonoma taught him the principles of winegrowing and gave him a vision for the kinds of wines that he
makes today.
FEATURED WINE: 2008 Viognier Sonoma
Made from 100% Viognier. The wine bursts with apricot and orange blossom with flavors of fresh stone fruit (think apricots, plums
& peaches), and a hint of minerality on the end. It is a unique wine that will surely please the most discerning Viognier
lover, and those new to this varietal as well. As its beauty lies in its exotic aromatics, this is a wine that is best drunk
young, preferably on a lazy summer afternoon. Drink now through 2010. Pair with cream sauce based cuisine and most chicken or veal
dishes. Only 100 cases produced.
90+ POINT WINE OF THE MONTH CLUB
Waters Winery - Walla Walla, Washington
Waters Winery is a boutique winery located in the acclaimed Walla Walla Valley. Waters was founded in 2005 based on the
indelible belief that the Walla Walla Valley terroir is capable of producing some of the best wines in the world. Their winemaking
approach is influenced by their preference for distinct, "old world" wines that express the "time and place" of their origin.
They are inspired by wine's influence on various cultures throughout history, and the experiences around great food and
relationship and Waters is intentional about making wines that carry on these traditions.
FEATURED WINE: 2006 Syrah Columbia Valley
They purposefully make their Syrah with very limited new oak, and this wine is a great example of why. Syrah simply doesn't
integrate as well as the Bordeaux varietals with new oak, and expresses itself far better when it's not over-ripe, over-extracted
or over-oaked. This 100% Syrah was aged for 13 months in neutral French oak barrels, meaning the used barrels did not impart any
flavors or tannins into the wine. The wine has a dark iodine color, and Minick Syrah produces a consistent orange-peel essence in
the aromatics. This is a hallmark from this vineyard. Past the orange peel are hints of forest brambles and the earthiness and
gaminess found in great Syrah. There is a natural creaminess to this wine, which comes from the vineyard (not from new oak).
Through the mid-palate comes a powerful punch of dark berries and again the Syrah earthiness and gaminess. The finish is long and
creamy, coating the entire mouth. This is the ultimate wine for food pairing! It's balanced, with round, refined tannins,
plenty of acidity, a very long finish and alcohol in check with the structure. Just 980 cases produced. 92 Points Wine Enthusiast.
Beresan Wines - Walla Walla, Washington
Located in the world-renowned Walla Walla Valley appellation, Beresan Winery takes pride in producing high quality, handcrafted
wines. Beresan has 18 acres of estate vineyards that are carefully manage to produce premium fruit, and in turn, great wine. The
geologic distinctiveness of the vineyards, combined with fine winemaking of Tom Glase, is reflected in the unique character of
their exclusive, limited production wines. Owned and operated by the Waliser family, their mission is not only to make
outstanding wine and satisfied wine consumers, but to live a dream of having a fun, successful and enduring experience with
friends and family at their winery.
FEATURED WINE: 2005 Stone River Red Blend Walla Walla Valley
Made from 35% Cabernet Sauvignon, 25% Syrah, 25% Merlot, and 15% Cabernet Franc. The Stoner River is Beresan's "Classic" style,
formatted from fruit off of their "Cobblestone" Estate Vineyards and a pinch of Syrah from Pepper Bridge Vineyard. Stunning fruit
of smooth berry, plum and pomegranate provides the foundation for this outstanding blend congruent with hints of tobacco, spice,
minerals and chocolate.. It's done in the tight, racy, sculpted style of winemaker Tom Glase, a style that perfectly matches the
Waliser Family's immaculate fruit. Crisp acids and sleek tannins underscore the fruit flavors that blend into the lively finish.
Drink now through 2014. Only 420 cases produced. 93 Points Wine Enthusiast.
Gerard Morin - France
Gerard Morin took over the family's 1.5 hectares of vineyard about 20 years ago. His son, Pierre has gradually been eased into
the front line and now runs the show. More cosmopolitan, perhaps, than his father he spent time in Australia's Adelaide Hills
(where he saw nothing to make him revise any of his winemaking practices!) and, interestingly at Domaine Dujac. His time there
reflects his enthusiasm for his Pinot Noir. Meanwhile the estate has grown to a more comfortable eight hectares. The vineyards are
three kilometers from Sancerre in Bue and comprise some of the finest crus of that area, including two hectares of Pinot Noir.
FEATURED WINE: 2007 Sancerre Vieilles Vignes
Made from 100% Sauvignon Blanc. This Vieilles Vignes cuvee is very ripe, complex, and really is the archetype of what Sancerre
should be on the nose. It has mineral accents as well as bright citrus and pear aromas. Stony lemon and grapefruit flavors are
enhanced by peppery minerality. The finish is bright and racy. On the palate it is concentrated and firm, with perfect integration
of fruit and mineral tones and herbal notes. Drink now through 2012. Pair with oysters or Chavignol goat cheese. 90 Points Stephen
Tanzer.
THE ULTIMATE WINE OF THE MONTH CLUB
Behrens & Hitchcock Winery - St. Helena, California
The inaugural vintage of Behrens & Hitchcock was 1993. The following year, winemaker Les Behrens began buying grapes and
renting winemaking facilities in the Napa Valley. He purchased grapes from Staglin Family and Inkgrade Vineyards and began making
his well-received Cuvee Lola named after his newborn daughter. Co-founder Joe Bob Hitchcock is the general manager and handles the
business end of things with his wife Lily. Lisa Drinkwood is the vineyard manager and oversees the progress of the many vineyards
the winery sources grapes from. She relies on her palate more than lab results to determine when the grapes are physiologically
ripe. In 1999, Behrens and Hitchcock began constructing their own winery in the Spring Mountain wine region. Les used electricity
from a back-up generator to make the first vintage in the new facilities that year. They are constantly upgrading the winery and
recently added two caves to the property. Behrens & Hitchcock is a true success story. This is the type of winery operation that
gives hope to aspiring home winemakers who want to make it in the big time. They have followed their dreams, unearthed top
vineyards that were available to everybody, and are making non-interventionalistic wines of extraordinary personality and
character.
FEATURED WINE: 2003 Merlot Alder Springs Mendocino
Made 87% Merlot and 13% Cabernet Sauvignon. Exotic, in-your-face, and nearly over the top is the dense ruby/purple-colored 2003
Merlot Alder Springs Vineyard. Notions of mocha, blueberries, blackberries, cherry liqueur, chocolate, and espresso are found in
this sweet (high glycerin), heady, full-bodied Merlot with a heady, hedonistic, blockbuster finish. It can be consumed now and
over the next 5-7 years. 93 Points Robert Parker.
K Vintners - Walla Walla, Washington
Located at the base of the Blue Mountains in Walla Walla Washington, K Vintners opened its doors to the public on December 3rd,
2001. The property at 820 Mill Creek Road where the winery sits was homesteaded in 1853 with the adjacent farmhouse built in 1872.
The winery grounds with Titus Creek flowing through the lawn and the old pioneer planted trees, is a little slice of heartland
Americana. Charles Smith, proprietor and winemaker, came to Walla Walla after 11 years in Scandinavia. Originally from northern
California, he has been involved with wine personally and professionally his whole life and he loves to drink wine. K Vintners is
producing wines from 2 distinctive viticultural zones: Wahluke Slope and Walla Walla Valley. Charles Smith is an innovator,
marketing genius, outspoken, you name it - but above all the man is a brilliant winemaker who knows where all the great fruit is
hidden. In a region where blending is the rule of thumb, he is the ultimate terrorist. Each wine reflects the vineyard from which
it was produced but there is also a house style which lets you know immediately who made the wine. While it's way too soon to put
K Vintners on the same level as a Domaine Leroy or Domaine Zind-Humbrecht, the experience you get tasting in the cellar is much
the same as in those legendary wineries, brilliantly made wines reflecting the terroir but also a winemaking signature that makes
it totally clear which winery made the wine.
FEATURED WINE: 2006 The Creator Walla Walla Valley
Made from a unique and artful blend of 67% Cabernet Sauvignon from the biodynamic En Cerise Vineyard, and 33% Syrah from Morrison
Lane Vineyard. This is one complex wine. On the nose, look for blackberry and black pepper. On the palate it is dark and chewy,
and dense with blackberry, currant and tar flavors. The wine is glowing and pulsing against a layer of smoky tannins. This opulent
creation shows a lot of life and easily conceals enough tannin to support 6-8 years of cellaring. If you drink it soon you'd best
decant it early in the night. Best from 2012 through 2018. 365 cases made. 91 Points Wine Spectator. (The 2005 vintage garnered a
96 Point score from Robert Parker, but his 2006 rating had yet to be released by press time.)
Clos Saint Jean - France
Clos Saint Jean is a family estate founded in 1900 by Edmund Tacussel. Wine has been produced at Clos Saint Jean since 1910.
Sons Pascal and Vincent have controlled the vineyard since 1991 when owner Guy Maurel died. In 2003, Philippe Cambie became
involved as a consultant. He is, as is well-known to readers of Robert Parker's writings, one of the greatest oenologists of
Chateauneuf. Cambie has been credited with modernizing Clos Saint Jean and dozens of other Chateauneuf-du-Pape estates by focusing
on making wines with riper fruit and using small barrels for aging instead of the traditional large foudres or tanks. The wines
all display supreme physiological and phenolic ripeness, without notes of super-maturity or over-ripeness. They are all deeply
color, rich and profound, even at an early stage.
FEATURED WINE: 2007 Chateauneuf-du-Pape Blanc
Made from 33.3% Grenache Blanc, 33.3% Clairette, and 33.3% Roussane. Minerals, peach and sweet, honeyed fruit aromas jump from the
glass of the 2007 Clos Saint Jean Chateauneuf-du-Pape Blanc and the palate shows crisp acids, sweet fruit and beautiful purity.
This has nice length to the finish and is an impressive white to drink over the next couple of years. 90 Points Robert Parker.
SPARKLING WINE &amo; CHAMPAGNE OF THE MONTH CLUB
San Giovanni - Italy
In 1990, established by Silvano Di Lorenzo, the San Giovanni winery produced the first bottles of its wine. Shortly thereafter,
its wines began to gain attention and recognition for their outstanding quality and taste. Located in Offida, 350 meters above
Adriatic sea level, the winery has the good fortune to be located in Ciafone, known to knowledgeable red wine lovers as one of the
top viticultural areas in the province. The clay soil and glorious microclimate create the perfect environment for the development
of its vineyards. Today, Silvano's son, Gianni, is in charge and is assisted by eonologist Primo Nacisi. Now, 32 of their 45
hectares are under vine and recently the proportion of grapes for red wine has increased. Since this is a district of producing
wines of great concentration, that is certainly the focus of their energies. The union of ancient winemaking processes and the
most modern techniques are the result of their love for tradition together with need for progress.
FEATURED WINE: NV Prosecco Di Conegliano-Valdobbiadene DOC Brut
Made from 100% Prosecco. Brilliant straw yellow with fine, persistent perlage, fruity aromas of peach, apple, pear and citrus
fruit, the palate gracefully balances zingy acidity and a subtle hint of sweetness, richness and silky-smooth texture. Try this
wine with movie theater style butter-flavored popcorn, sauteed (or fried) calamari, or Taleggio cheese.
Louis Perdrier - France
The Louis Perdrier (pronounced pair-dree-ay) estate was founded in 1941 by Andre Boisseaux, who named the property in honor of
his mother and cousin. Ever since, Louis Perdrier wines have been made with great care, utilizing time honored techniques in the
cellar. Unlike estates in the Champagne region, which are limited in the grape varieties they may use in their cuvees, Louis
Perdrier is able to tap any number of varieties. This featured bottling, for instance, includes Ugni Blanc, Colombard, Chenin
Blanc, Folle Blanche and Menu Pineau. Ugni Blanc is best known for its contribution to fine Cognac, and often goes by the name of
Saint-Emilion. In sparkling wine, it's valued for its freshness. Colombard also is used for making Cognac, but it's a key
ingredient in many blended still wines and sparklers as well. Chenin Blanc is one of the great, if underappreciated, white
varieties. A versatile grape, it's used to make everything from dry table wines to bubbly sparkling wines to sweet dessert wines.
Folle Blanche formerly was the go-to variety for Cognac, a role Ugni Blanc now enjoys. In sparkling wines, it contributes a tart
quality. And Menu Pineau - a.k.a. Arbois - is a valued blending grape in sparkling wines made outside of Champagne. Put them all
together, and you have a fun, easy-drinking wine that's ideal for holiday celebrations.
FEATURED WINE: NV Brut Excellence
The Louis Perdrier Brut is a blend of Ugni Blanc, Colombard, Chenin, Folle Blanche, and Menu Pineau. These grape varieties as well
as the proportions chosen determine the personality of the wine. Despite the long period spent on laths, the color is still a very
pure and pale yellow. Its bubbles are extremely subtle, fine and abundant. Its bouquet is fruity, lively and fresh. A perfect
balance comes out of the slight acidity of the Chenin grape and the rich fruit of the other grape varieties which give this cuvee
greatness and roundness. Long-lasting, round and fresh, with bright acidity and abundant fruit. Ideal for any occasion, you will
enjoy the Brut Excellence as an aperitif wine or to accompany a festive meal. Best with white sauces and poultry.