WINE OF THE MONTH CLUB - FEATURED WINES FOR JANUARY 2010
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Terras d'el Rei - Portugal
Terras d'el Rei is one of the many wines produced by the legendary Portuguese Cooperative: CARMIM. CARMIM (Agricultural
Cooperative of Reguengos de Monsaraz) was created in 1971 by a group of sixty wine growers. Thirty seven years later, the quality
of CARMIM wines has become a byword for excellence. Their wines have already been distinguished by over two hundred and fifty
prizes in various national and international tenders. The long experience of combining traditional know-how with state-of-the-art
vinification technology have meant that CARMIM wines and olive oils are a regular feature at the table of a consumer who is
increasingly more sophisticated and better informed.
FEATURED WINE: 2007 Vinho Tinto
Made from a unique blend of indigenous Portuguese grapes Moreto, Castelao, Trincadeira, and Aragones. The wine is a crystal-clear,
crimson color, with slight violet reflections. It carries a vinous strong aroma with a fruity and spicy high bouquet. The
mouthfeel is bright and lively with a soft, rich velvet-like texture. Excellent fruit and a subtle tannic structure with flavors
of ripe fruit carry over to long lasting clean finish. The wine is ready now but can be cellared through 2010. Enjoy at room
temperature with Fejoada (mixed stew of beans and meats), roast chicken, pizza, pasta dishes and stewed rabbit.
Bodegas Lopez Panach - Spain
Lopez Panach was founded in 2002 and is a family run business located in Albacete, Spain. Surrounded by 35 acres of vines and
15 hectares of nurseries, (all on their property), Lopez Panach is one of the youngest wineries in the region. The varieties of
their vineyards are mainly 60% Tempranillo, 30% Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot and 5% 5% Syrah. Because everything from grape growing
to winemaking is done in house, Lopez Panach can keep absolute control on the product to create fantastic and consistent wines.
FEATURED WINE: 2006 Tempranillo
Made from 100% estate grown Tempranillo. The color is a deep dark garnet. It carries aromas of black fruit with new oak. On the
palate the wine is flavorsome with more black fruit. The finish is smooth and lingering. The wine is ready to be enjoyed now or
through the next three years. Serve at room temperature with tapas, pizza, pasta dishes, and medium aged cheeses.
Fishbone - Australia
Fishbone is the highly successful second label for the Blackwood Wines winery in Western Australia. Fishbone and Blackwood work
together to create a range of Super Premium wine sourced from the highest quality fruit from the Southwest of Western Australia
including Margaret River, Pemberton, Manjimup and the Blackwood Estate vineyard within the Blackwood Valley. The Fishbone symbol
represents their philosophy of winemaking stripped bare of all pretension to produce wines of quality and style.
FEATURED WINE: 2006 Chardonnay Unwooded
Made from 100% premium Chardonnay fruit from Western Australia. In fact, the bulk of the grapes for this wine were picked from the
home vineyard in the Blackwood Valley. The wine is a pale straw color with hints of green. Aromas of white peach and vanilla are
present along with green apple. The palate is rich and complex with peaches, cream, with vanilla leading to a full round fresh
finish. This wine is perfect now and will not benefit from further ageing. Serve chilled with simple crepes, a fresh salad with
goat cheese or fish dishes.
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La Chiesetta - Italy
La Chiesetta "Little Church" is produced by Azienda; a company born to a passion ripened during the holidays in wine areas of
France. A passion that led Marco and Daniela to buy, in 1999, a small vineyard on the Mezzomerico's hills. Since then just a hobby
became gradually an activity that leads three hectares of vineyard entered the designation of origin controlled Colline Novaresi.
From the outset their philosophy is based on "low yields to work on the quality". About 20,000 bottles a year are produced with
enthusiasm, passion and a commitment to transfer, in each bottle, unique imprint of the grapes of the territory.
FEATURED WINE: 2006 Schioppettino Colli Orientali del Friuli DOC
Schioppettino (meaning "gunshot" or "little crack" is grown predominately in the Friuli-Venezia Giulia region of northeast Italy.
Once thought to be extinct it is starting to make a comeback because it produces very aromatic, medium bodied wines with
Rhone-like qualities of deep dark coloring with violet, raspberry and pepper notes. This vintage has produced a full-bodied wine,
with a good fixed acidity, fresh and citrusy. Red color with violet shades; a nose of wild blackberry, raspberry, and blueberry.
With ageing, it evolves into an elegant bouquet of underwood, musk, and aromatic wood. Drink now through 2012. Recommended for
pasta with hare, wild boar, and deer.
Chateau Xanadu - Australia
There were two names, Lagan and Sheridan, on the sign that leads to Chateau Xanadu vineyard, just south of the town of Margaret
River. That was because Dr John Lagan and his wife Dr Eithne Sheridan Lagan both owned the vineyard first planted in 1977. They
had come from Ireland, not to grow wine but to be doctors in Margaret River. Today, Xanadu is one of the most recognized wineries
in the district. Their philosophy is strongly held, but extremely simple: grow great fruit, pick it at the right time and guide
it through to the bottle without too much intervention. Which sounds easy, but actually requires a profound depth of knowledge,
years of experience, and nerves of steel. Winemaker Glenn Goodall has been at Xanadu since 2003, and the wines express his
personality.
FEATURED WINE: 2005 Shiraz Margaret River
Made from 100% Shiraz. The color is a deep red with purple hues. The bouquet is of blackberry with lifted violets and spice,
framed by toasty oak characters. The full-bodied palate is packed full of juicy ripe blackberries, dark cherries and liquorice
characters with hints of spice in the background. The fleshy fruits, supple tannins and firm acid backbone combine to produce a
generous, structured wine with a lingering berry fruit finish. This wine is perfect now and will drink fine through 2011.
Yering Station - Australia
Victoria's first vineyard, Yering Station, is located in the 'heart' of the Yarra Valley only one hour's drive from Melbourne.
As a family-owned winery, Yering Station has been recognized for its commitment to excellence, recently being inducted into the
Australian Tourism Awards 'Hall of Fame' for Best Tourism Winery, 2005. Yering Station is renowned for producing award-winning
wines of world-class quality and distinction. Now led by Winemaker Willy Lunn, Yering Station was honored with the prestigious
'Winemaker of the Year' at the International Wine and Spirit Competition in London, 2004.
FEATURED WINE: Yering Station MVR Yarra Valley Victoria
Made from 54% Marsanne, 36% Viognier and 10% Roussanne. Light yellow in color. Uplifted fruit aromas of fresh peach, apricot and
pear, with hints of orange blossom and ginger are present on the nose, with a fine dusting of talc-y minerals. The palate is firm
and dry, with energetic pit fruit and citrus flavors and medium-bodied, chewy texture. The blend gains a bitter lemon zest quality
on the focused, persistent finish. Drink now through 2010.
Selbach-Oster - Germany
The Selbach-Oster estate continues the long family tradition producing top quality Riesling. The 20 hectares (49 acres) of the
estate are all on the steep slopes of the Mosel in top vineyard sites like Wehlener Sonnenuhr, Zeltinger Sonnenuhr and Graacher
Domprobst. The production is approximately 12,000 cases per year. Selbach - Oster wines are enjoyed in fine restaurants and hotels
throughout Germany, the neighboring European countries and many countries overseas and have a widespread distribution in fine wine
stores. The wines have been continuously rewarded by high scores and ratings, endorsing our commitment to highest possible
quality.
FEATURED WINE: 2008 Riesling Qualitatswein Dry
Delicate bouquet of peach and apricot, on the palate appears brilliant minerality combined with rich fruit of green apple and a
long finish. This wine is perfect now but will cellar extremely well through 2012. Classic German pairings include schnitzel,
wurst, braised cabbage dishes and lightly pickled vegetables, illustrating the affinity between food and wine from the same
region. Other ethnic cuisines can find a match with this wine. For example: Asian and Southeast Asian culinary building blocks of
soy sauce, garlic, ginger, black bean sauce, and lemongrass are enhanced by Riesling.
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Shady Grove Winery - Dallesport, Washington
Shady Grove Winery is located in Dallesport, Washington in the Columbia Gorge. This location is along the Washington-Oregon
border off Highway 14. Shady Grove works with a number of varietals not currently seen elsewhere in the state. Albarino, also
called Albarin Blanco and Cainho Branco, is a white wine grape grown in northwest Spain and northwest Portugal. Shady Grove is one
of, if not, the first to cultivate this varietal in Washington. The Graziela is a mixture of Tempranillo, Graciano, and Juan
Garcia. Graciano is grown primary in Spain in Rioja. Juan Garcia is native to the Fermoselle area in Zamora, Spain
FEATURED WINE: 2007 Big Nose Red Blend
This ruby red gem is a soft and supple Bordeaux-style blend of 39% Cabernet Sauvignon, 34% Syrah and 24% Cabernet Franc. It is
very drinkable right now with notes of cherry, and plum along with cola and licorice. This dense, thick wine will please any lover
of hearty quaffing wines with an eye for quality. This wine is a pleasure to drink either by itself or when served with grilled
meats, roasts, pasta with red sauces or hearty cheeses. 1,000 cases produced.
Beauchemin Vineyards - Graton, California
The concept of transporting premium fruit from the vineyards to a separate winery is not new. In the 18th century, the quality
of roads in France became progressively better, which facilitated commerce in Burgundy wines. Thus the first negociant houses of
the region were established in the 1720s and 1730s. Beauchemin Vineyards uses the same concept of sourcing Napa fruit to Graton
in Sonoma County. It is here that all fermentation, bottling, and oak aging take place. The result is a benchmark Napa wine
brought to the market without a Napa winery overhead.
FEATURED WINE: 2006 Merlot Napa Valley
Traditionally, the Merlot grape has been used as a blending component in Cabernet Sauvignon. Americans, like their European
contemporaries, have discovered the unique quality of California Merlot, a full bodied red wine with softer tannins that is quite
enjoyable on its own. This mouthwatering Merlot, aged in oak barrels for up to two years, lends distinct aromatics of oak balanced
with ample flavors of ripe cherries, blackberries and plum. Right and full, truly and elegant wine from the nose to its long
velvety finish. Drink now through 2011.
Novelty Hill Wines - Woodinville, Washington
Novelty Hill winery grew out of a dinner-party conversation between Tom Alberg (one of the early investors in Amazon.com) and
Mike Januik (a talented winemaker who has more than a quarter-century of Washington wine harvests under his belt) four years ago.
Alberg and his family had long suspected that their 300 acres of Columbia Valley land would make an excellent vineyard but they
had let it remain fallow for more than 30 years. Januik offered to tour the site, found it suitable for grape growing and started
planting vines in 2000. The two, along with Alberg's wife, Judi Beck, founded Novelty Hill that year and started making wine
using grapes from some of Washington's best growing sites.
FEATURED WINE: 2006 Sauvignon Blanc Stillwater Creek Vineyard
This vintage is made from 88% Sauvignon Blanc and 12% Semillon. This is a wonderful mix of racy, bracing tropical and stone fruit
flavors, nicely matched to toasty flavors of almonds and biscuits. Elegant, detailed and ripe, yet clearly varietal, this is a
beautiful, seductive example of barrel-fermented Washington Sauvignon Blanc. Only 900 cases produced. 92 Points Wine Enthusiast.
FEATURED WINE: 2006 Semillon Stillwater Creek Vineyard
Made from 100% Semillon. Novelty Hill's estate vineyard, Stillwater Creek, is a steep, south-facing site on the Royal Slope of the
Frenchman Hills in Washington State's Columbia Valley. Semillon is planted on the north section of the vineyard in an area
filled with unique soils containing fractured basalt, and anomaly in the Columbia Valley and perhaps one reason Semillon from
here is so distinct. Delicious aromas of melon and a hint of butterscotch wrap around a juicy core of melon, fresh fig and honey.
The finish is polished and round. A unique and delightful wine! 92 Points Wine & Spirits.
Apex Cellars - Sunnyside, Washington
In the late 1980s, Harry Alhadeff, one of the Northwest's most knowledgeable wine retailers and distributors, and Brian Carter,
a winemaker of extraordinary depth and experience, launched Apex Cellars. The combination of Harry's knowledge and experience in
the wine business and Brian's uncanny ability to combine the science and art of winemaking resulted in extraordinary wines - and
extraordinary success. Today Apex Cellars is one of Washington's most respected wineries.
FEATURED WINE: 2007 Riesling Columbia Valley
Made from 100% Riesling grown in the Columbia Valley. This Riesling has brilliant focus and clarity. The ripe peach nose echoes
in the mouth with apricot, grape-fruit and mineral flavors. The light sweetness is counterbalanced by fine acidity and drapes
the finish with an elegant framework on the passion fruit and pineapple notes. Drink now through 2011. Dedicated for aperitifs or
to match with Asian food.
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Bodegas Lopez Panach - Spain
Lopez Panach was founded in 2002 and is a family run business located in Albacete, Spain. Surrounded by 35 acres of vines and
15 hectares of nurseries, (all on their property), Lopez Panach is one of the youngest wineries in the region. The varieties of
their vineyards are mainly 60% Tempranillo, 30% Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot and 5% 5% Syrah. Because everything from grape growing
to winemaking is done in house, Lopez Panach can keep absolute control on the product to create fantastic and consistent wines.
FEATURED WINE: 2006 Tempranillo
Made from 100% estate grown Tempranillo. The color is a deep dark garnet. It carries aromas of black fruit with new oak. On the
palate the wine is flavorsome with more black fruit. The finish is smooth and lingering. The wine is ready to be enjoyed now or
through the next three years. Serve at room temperature with tapas, pizza, pasta dishes, and medium aged cheeses.
Beauchemin Vineyards - Graton, California
The concept of transporting premium fruit from the vineyards to a separate winery is not new. In the 18th century, the quality
of roads in France became progressively better, which facilitated commerce in Burgundy wines. Thus the first negociant houses of
the region were established in the 1720s and 1730s. Beauchemin Vineyards uses the same concept of sourcing Napa fruit to Graton
in Sonoma County. It is here that all fermentation, bottling, and oak aging take place. The result is a benchmark Napa wine
brought to the market without a Napa winery overhead.
FEATURED WINE: 2006 Merlot Napa Valley
Traditionally, the Merlot grape has been used as a blending component in Cabernet Sauvignon. Americans, like their European
contemporaries, have discovered the unique quality of California Merlot, a full bodied red wine with softer tannins that is quite
enjoyable on its own. This mouthwatering Merlot, aged in oak barrels for up to two years, lends distinct aromatics of oak balanced
with ample flavors of ripe cherries, blackberries and plum. Right and full, truly and elegant wine from the nose to its long
velvety finish. Drink now through 2011.
Chateau Xanadu - Australia
There were two names, Lagan and Sheridan, on the sign that leads to Chateau Xanadu vineyard, just south of the town of Margaret
River. That was because Dr John Lagan and his wife Dr Eithne Sheridan Lagan both owned the vineyard first planted in 1977. They
had come from Ireland, not to grow wine but to be doctors in Margaret River. Today, Xanadu is one of the most recognized wineries
in the district. Their philosophy is strongly held, but extremely simple: grow great fruit, pick it at the right time and guide
it through to the bottle without too much intervention. Which sounds easy, but actually requires a profound depth of knowledge,
years of experience, and nerves of steel. Winemaker Glenn Goodall has been at Xanadu since 2003, and the wines express his
personality.
FEATURED WINE: 2005 Shiraz Margaret River
Made from 100% Shiraz. The color is a deep red with purple hues. The bouquet is of blackberry with lifted violets and spice,
framed by toasty oak characters. The full-bodied palate is packed full of juicy ripe blackberries, dark cherries and liquorice
characters with hints of spice in the background. The fleshy fruits, supple tannins and firm acid backbone combine to produce a
generous, structured wine with a lingering berry fruit finish. This wine is perfect now and will drink fine through 2011.
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Bodegas Lopez Panach - Spain
Lopez Panach was founded in 2002 and is a family run business located in Albacete, Spain. Surrounded by 35 acres of vines and
15 hectares of nurseries, (all on their property), Lopez Panach is one of the youngest wineries in the region. The varieties of
their vineyards are mainly 60% Tempranillo, 30% Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot and 5% 5% Syrah. Because everything from grape growing
to winemaking is done in house, Lopez Panach can keep absolute control on the product to create fantastic and consistent wines.
FEATURED RED WINE: 2006 Tempranillo
Made from 100% estate grown Tempranillo. The color is a deep dark garnet. It carries aromas of black fruit with new oak. On the
palate the wine is flavorsome with more black fruit. The finish is smooth and lingering. The wine is ready to be enjoyed now or
through the next three years. Serve at room temperature with tapas, pizza, pasta dishes, and medium aged cheeses.
Fishbone - Australia
Fishbone is the highly successful second label for the Blackwood Wines winery in Western Australia. Fishbone and Blackwood work
together to create a range of Super Premium wine sourced from the highest quality fruit from the Southwest of Western Australia
including Margaret River, Pemberton, Manjimup and the Blackwood Estate vineyard within the Blackwood Valley. The Fishbone symbol
represents their philosophy of winemaking stripped bare of all pretension to produce wines of quality and style.
FEATURED WHITE WINE: 2006 Chardonnay Unwooded
Made from 100% premium Chardonnay fruit from Western Australia. In fact, the bulk of the grapes for this wine were picked from the
home vineyard in the Blackwood Valley. The wine is a pale straw color with hints of green. Aromas of white peach and vanilla are
present along with green apple. The palate is rich and complex with peaches, cream, with vanilla leading to a full round fresh
finish. This wine is perfect now and will not benefit from further ageing. Serve chilled with simple crepes, a fresh salad with
goat cheese or fish dishes.
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Pendulum Winery - Grandview, Washington
Pendulum is an interesting project. This wine is co-produced by Allen Shoup of Long Shadows (Walla Walla) and Andrew Browne of
Precept Brands (offices are in Seattle, but the wines are made in Sunnyside). Interestingly, these two were rivals when Shoup was
CEO of Ste. Michelle and Browne was CEO of Corus Brands when it owned Columbia Winery (which is across the street from Ste.
Michelle in Woodinville, Washington). Their initial goal was to produce a high quality red blend showcasing Washington States
best vineyards; recently they have added a Pinot Gris now doubling their lineup.
FEATURED WINE: 2004 Red Blend Columbia Valley
The wine is a blend of five red grapes: Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Syrah, Cabernet Franc, and Barbera. The grapes come from some
top vineyards, including Alder Ridge, Clifton, Pepper Bridge, Les Collines and Weinbau. The resulting wine has good dark fruit
aromas and flavors, heavy toward plums and boysenberries. Integrated oak is supported by balanced tannins on the long finish.
This wine is perfect now. Serve at room temperature with venison, steaks, rack of lamb, and aged cheeses.
Vinos de Terrunos - Spain
Vinos de Terrunos is a project of importer Jose Pastor & famed winemakers from throughout Spain who have crafted these
custom cuvees. All of the Terrunos wines are organically farmed and represent traditional regional style and, most importantly,
terroir or "terrunos". Their producers emphasize Spain's indigenous grape varietals and above all else, work with their land to
handcraft honest wines with a sense of place. To this end, they use indigenous yeast during fermentation, and oak treatment and
altering is kept to a minimum.
FEATURED WINE: 2005 Lamilla Jumilla Red
Produced from 100% Monastrell (Mourvedre) from 60- to 80-year-old vines in Jumilla. Aged for 8 months in old oak (a combination of
French and American), it was bottled unfiltered and unfined. This wine has softened with its bottle age, showing the gobs of dark
fruit and licorice flavors it previously showed, but with softer, rounder tannins. Enjoyable on its own for fans of robust wine,
or with any type of grilled meat and poultry.
Basel Cellars - Walla Walla, Washington
Basel Cellars Estate Winery is in the heart of Washington's Walla Walla Valley which was named by Sunset Magazine as "The 2005
Wine Destination of the Year". Basel Cellars produces 6500 cases per year, with a focus on Bordeaux-style red and white blends.
Basel Cellars began the journey into the wine business in 2002. Their Estate vineyards were planted prior to this in 1997. All of
their production is done on site in their 9,600 sq. ft. underground winery. They are proud to be able to produce Estate wines from
Pheasant Run their Estate Vineyards.
FEATURED WINE: 2005 Syrah Columbia Valley
They combined 74% Pheasant Run vineyard Syrah with 26% Lewis vineyard Syrah. The wine was aged for 19 months in 100% French oak,
of which 18% of the barrels were new. Pheasant Run vineyard is the true star here. It begins with an earthy elegance, then moves
on to the blueberry and plum flavor. Hints of raspberries on the long, fine grained finish round out this beautifully complex
wine. Drink now though 2012.
Domaine J.P. Lafond - France
Pascal Lafond's beautifully made wines from Tavel, Lirac and Chateauneuf-du-Pape are among the finest values the region has to
offer. This 65-hectare family-run estate, located in the rose-only appellation of Tavel, produces what is widely considered (by
Robert Parker, among others) to be the best Tavel available. The first vineyard were planted during the settlement of the Roman
Empire but today's cellar was built in 1970, with several extensions made over the years to accommodate the Domaine's fairly
robust production. These wines are simply stunning.
FEATURED WINE: 2008 Lirac AC
Made from 50% Grenache Blanc, 30% Roussane, and 20% Viognier. This blend displays the elegant varietal characteristics of Grenache
Blanc, Viognier and Roussane; vibrant floral aromas of citrus blossom and jasmine are followed by ripe stone fruit flavors, hints
of pear, pineapple and honey overtones. Solid minerality lends complexity and structure. The mouth feel is full, while bright
acidity cleans the palate and offers ease and versatility to food-pairing. A wine of excellent balance and complexity, the 2008
will age beautifully over the next decade. Serve with fine or gently spiced dishes (saffron), grilled fish or fish soup
(bouillabaisse).
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Vina Concha y Toro - Chile
In 1883, Don Melchor de Concha y Toro and his wife, Dona Emiliana Subercaseaux, brought the most noble of the Bordeaux region's
wine grape stocks to Chile, founding Vina Concha y Toro. Don Melchor planted his first vines in the Maipo Valley, and it was there
that he built his home, known today as the Casona de Pirque. In October 1994, Concha y Toro became the first Chilean winery to
have its shares traded on the New York stock exchange. In 1997, Eduardo Guilisasti and Baronness Philippine de Rothschild endorsed
a joint venture between Concha y Toro and Baron Philippe de Rothschild, creating Vina Almaviva. Its goal was to produce the first
Bordeaux Grand Cru Classe equivalent in Chile, a "Primer Orden" wine. Concha y Toro contributed 40 hectares of its best Puente
Alto vineyards for the production of Almaviva, and built a chateau-type cellar for this unique wine, to be run the same way as for
a "Grand Cru Classe". Dedicated to producing wines of unprecedented quality that fully demonstrate the potential of Chile's
natural resources, Concha y Toro has become the quality leader in Chilean winemaking.
FEATURED WINE: 2006 Carmenere Peumo Terrunyo Block 27
Made from 85% Carmenere, 12% Cabernet Sauvignon, 1% Cabernet Franc, and 2% Petite Sirah. This masterpiece is a dark, deep red. The
nose offers up spice box, mineral, plum, black cherry, and blueberry. This is followed by a round, mouth-filling plush wine with
ripe underlying tannin, complex, spicy flavors, excellent density, and a long, fruit-filled finish. Give it 2-3 years and drink it
from 2012 to 2021. 94 Points Robert Parker. 92 Points Wine Spectator. 90 Points Stephen Tanzer.
Hard Row to Hoe Vineyards - Manson, Washington
Hard Row to Hoe is a small boutique winery on the north shore of Lake Chelan in picturesque Manson, Washington. Their southwest
facing vineyard looks out over the lake and the peaks of the North Cascade Mountains which provide the clear, glacial water to
irrigate their vines. They are a real 'working winery' handcrafting all the wine on the premises. They specialize in small batch
processing, emphasizing quality over quantity. Passion for grapes and wine is their business.
FEATURED WINE: 2006 Cabernet Franc Riverbend Vineyard Wahluke Slope
This is a pure Washington State Cabernet Franc, stylish and varietal. The new oak was limited to just 30%, giving a kick to the
natural toastiness of the grape. The fruit mixes blueberries, black cherry and a streak of cassis, and then runs into luscious
mocha and espresso, with highlights of black pepper and cedar. The tannins have been beautifully managed. Drink now through 2015.
90 points Wine Enthusiast.
Belle Pente Vineyards - Carlton, Oregon
Belle Pente (bell-pont') means "beautiful slope" - a perfect description for their hillside vineyard site in the
Yamhill-Carlton District of Oregon's Willamette Valley. Their inspiration comes from the exquisite wines of Burgundy and Alsace,
and follows the guiding principle that great wine is made in the vineyard and merely nurtured in the winery. Their standard
practices include organic & biodynamic viticulture, carefully managing vineyard quality and yields, and meticulously hand sorting
the grapes that arrive at the winery to remove all underripe or damaged fruit. Belle Pente is owned and operated by Jill &
Brian O'Donnell. The 70 acre property is located on a historic farm 2 miles east of the town of Carlton in the new
Yamhill-Carlton District viticultural area.
FEATURED WINE: 2006 Chardonnay Willamette Valley
Since 2004, their Chardonnay has been 100% estate grown from their 2 acre Dijon clone vineyard planted in 1999. This vineyard sits
on a steep south-west facing hillside that soaks up the afternoon sun and promotes slow, even ripening. This 2006 version is a
classically styled Chardonnay in the old world tradition. Yellow-gold in color with smoky anise and peach aromas that are lively
and precise. Broad, palate-coating pit fruit flavors are firmed by dusty minerals, gaining a spicy lift with air. Deftly combines
depth and energy, and finishes with impressive clarity and persistence. 90 Points Stephen Tanzer.
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Rolf Binder - Australia
Rolf and his sister Christa are a second generation wine family based in the heart of the Barossa Valley. After graduating from
Roseworthy, Rolf joined his father in 1982 in their old winemaking 'shed' in Langmeil Road. A new winery was built up the road in
1999. Christa worked for Wolfblass and overseas where she specialized in white wine production. With three Parker 99 ratings under
his belt, Rolf has forged a world wide reputation for himself and his wines. The quality of the fruit and a very recognizable
style of winemaking are the hallmark through all his wines.
FEATURED WINE: 2005 Hanisch Shiraz Barossa Valley
This is Rolf Binder's flagship wine and, because of that, he lives in fear at what the critics will say each vintage. This is of
course a style much appreciated by American connoisseurs, and a wave of the magic wand of Parker is very important to maintain the
status of a wine such as Hanisch. The wine comes from grapes harvested from the same six vine rows each year. This makes the wine
rare and exclusive with under 400 dozen being made each vintage. The grapes are fermented in one batch and the must is managed
for at least six to eight days on skins. The grapes are then pressed and the free run juice is added back. During the fermentation
we will ferment some of the juice in new oak barrels for twenty four hours, and then pump this juice back into the fermentation.
In the January of the year following crushing we taste all of the barrels, and then blend together 'like' barrels. These blends
are put back into oak for another twelve months, and then reassessed for final blending. The wine is handled with minimal
interference and bottled after a very gentle filtering. The resulting wine has a fabulous perfume of cedar, tobacco, vanilla,
spice box, truffle, pencil lead, plum, and blueberry. Voluptuous, intensely flavored, and already complex, it will unfold over
the next decade and drink well through 2025. 98 Points Robert Parker. Cellars Wine Club's highest rated wine ever featured.
Catena Alta - Argentina
In 1994, Nicolas Catena made the first premium varietal Malbec to be exported world-wide from Argentina. It took fifteen years
of vineyard research and three years of experimentation at the winery before Nicolas and daughter Laura could decide to bottle the
first Catena Malbec. Over the next two years, head winemaker Jose Galante identified his best vineyard rows of Cabernet Sauvignon,
Chardonnay and Malbec and made the first vintages of the Catena Alta wines in very small quantities. Catena Alta continues to be a
limited production of single varietal wines made from a selected few rows in the Catena family's vineyards. These special barrels
undergo a rigorous second selection at the winery. The Catena Alta wines can usually be drunk starting at three years after
harvest and into the following one to two decades.
FEATURED WINE: 2006 Malbec Mendoza
Made from 100 % Malbec that spent 18 months in French oak, 70% new before bottling. This vintage presents a dark, opaque violet
color, almost blackish in hue. The nose offers freshly ground, ripe berry fruits with layers of wild flowers, cinnamon spice, and
a touch of citrus. The mouthfeel is full and coating, with exceptional weight and concentration but with a soft, supple texture.
The mid palate offers rich cassis and black currant fruit flavors interwoven with hints of chocolate, vanilla and black pepper.
The lengthy finish shows wonderful minerality, with finely grained tannins and lively acidity. Drink now through 2016. 93 Points
Wine Spectator. 93 Points Robert Parker.
Newton Vineyard - St. Helena, California
Widely acclaimed as a California wine trailblazer, Newton was one of the first wineries on Spring Mountain. Newton Vineyard was
established in 1977, the vision of founders Dr. Su Hua and Peter Newton, who recognized the potential of Spring Mountain as a
prime viticultural region. The founding mission of Newton Vineyard, one carried on to this day, is to make wines of purity fully
expressing the unique terroir of the mountain estate for red Bordeaux varietals and cool climate, marine-influenced vineyards for
Chardonnay. Respect for nature is reflected in all aspects of Newton Vineyard, from the terraced vineyards and organic winery
design to the meticulous winemaking practice. The vineyard blocks are interspersed with forested land to maintain a balance with
the natural habitat, and the winery itself was built to blend in with the natural surroundings. Whenever possible, Newton wines
are fermented using indigenous yeast to preserve the natural fruit characteristics achieved in the vineyards.
FEATURED WINE: 2006 Unfiltered Chardonnay Napa Valley
Their Unfiltered Chardonnay has a devoted following of wine lovers who appreciate this rich, unfiltered style of wine. The
Chardonnay vineyard in Carneros was planted nearly 30 years ago and this region has since become known for producing superb
cool-climate Chardonnay. A classic expression of unfiltered Chardonnay; it is an inviting dark straw hue in color. This powerful
wine opens with rich creme caramel, butterscotch and fresh vanilla bean aromas, later revealing baked apple and nutty characters.
Flavors of white peach and caramel with a touch of honey round out this full-bodied, balanced wine with a lingering creamy finish.
This opulent Chardonnay can complement a wide variety of dishes. Lobster bisque would be a natural match; it would pair well with
poached fish or even pasta with a cream sauce. This wine has not been rated. The previous four vintages have scored garnered
scores of 96, 93, 95, and 96 Points respectively from Robert Parker.
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Shooting Star Wines - California
Steele and Shooting Star Wines were founded in 1991. Prior to that time, winemaker/owner Jed Steele was the founding winemaker,
general manager, and VP of Production at Kendall Jackson for the first nine vintages of that company. From an idea born in the
Land Down Under they proudly unveil their newest creation, Black Bubbles. Always on the lookout for something different,
Jed Steele's son Quincy discovered sparkling Shiraz, an Aussie tradition, while working in d'Arenburg. Bringing home the idea of a
Northern California version inspired Jed to formulate a unique Syrah blend from some of their finest contracted vineyards in Lake
County.
FEATURED WINE: NV Black Bubbles
Made from 100% Syrah. The final Syrah blend was finished here at Steele Wines, using a mix of French and American oak barrels. We
then sent it off to a sparkling wine producer to be infused with bubbles. It came back as effervescent, crisp and lively Black
Bubbles. From the launch of this wine, Black Bubbles has been a hit. Although well made, cutting edge, and rare, you will find
that anytime is a good time to enjoy it. Surprisingly good with various hors d'oeuvres, it also complements any special occasion.
Truly a wine for all seasons!
Santa Julia - Argentina
At the foot of the Andes Mountains, in the vast desert province of Mendoza sits Familia Zuccardi, makers of the brand Santa
Julia and Argentina's largest family-owned winery as well as one of the leading exporters of Argentine wines. For over 40 years,
Familia Zuccardi has produced wines of exceptional quality and value from the soils of Maipu and Santa Rosa. Every Santa Julia
wine at Familia Zuccardi is handcrafted from estate grown, hand picked fruit and is estate produced in a state-of-the-art
facility. In total, there are nearly 1,400 acres of noble grapes under cultivation.
FEATURED WINE: NV Extra Brut
Made from 53% Pinot Noir, 36% Chardonnay, and 11% Viognier. The appearance is a bright yellow with green hues and steady strings
of fine bubbles. It aromas are very floral with notes of fruits such as green apples, pineapples and plums. Notes of bread crumbs
hint at the time in contact with lees. A soft sweet entry, creamy and fresh with good volume in the mouth. In the palate, there's
a delicate presence of dry fruits, white plums and citrus notes. Finishes well balanced with good persistence. Drink chilled
(7-8°C/45-47°F), its lightness and freshness makes it the perfect companion for drinks either before or throughout the meal.
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