WINE OF THE MONTH CLUB - FEATURED WINES FOR NOVEMBER 2009
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Resting Vines - Napa California
Resting Vines' unconventional and alternative approach to winemaking has created wines of unparalleled character. They are
sourced from some of the best wine growing regions in the world: Napa Valley, Monterey, Sonoma and Lake County. Each appellation
has its own unique terroir, resulting in wines that are dynamically different in varietal intensity, flavor, concentration and
structure. Using a state-of-the art winery in the Napa Valley, Resting Vines' winemakers are able to use the most innovative
winemaking techniques and equipment to focus on producing premium wine.
FEATURED WINE: 2007 North Coast Red
This wine is sourced from North Coast fruit and is a Rhone style blend of 52% Mourvedre, 27% Syrah, 12% Counoise, 4% Grenache, and
5% Muscat Blanc. A bright cherry in color, this wine is both exotic and simple with fruit flavors of cherry, raspberry and spices
of cinnamon and black pepper. A medium bodied wine with smooth textures and soft tannin. This is a flexible wine that will pair
with a variety of foods such as grilled meats, tapas, burgers, sausages and medium flavored cheeses.
Maison L. Tramier & Fils - France
Maison L. Tramier & Fils is based in the heart of the Burgundy region, near Beaujolais. Louis Tramier, an innovative and
dynamic man, created his own wine business in 1842. He chose to establish his activity in Mercurey, whose wines already had a
long-standing reputation, and acquired both a promising vineyard and one of Mercurey's finest cellars. Over the generations his
descendants have been eager to expand and improve the family estate with prestigious parcels of Musigny, Clos de Vougeot and
other well known Burgundy names. At the beginning of the sixties, the domain launched its own vintage wine: the Rocarel. Several
generations of expertise were combined to produce a high-quality wine and the vintage has now made a reputation for itself. It
has contributed to the company's rapid growth, pushing it up among Burgundy's top 50.
FEATURED WINE: 2006 Rocarel
Made from a combination of Pinot Noir and Gamay sourced near Beaujolais. Pale ruby in color, this wine has a light cherry aroma,
sweet fresh fruit flavor and a soft finish. A supple and elegant wine that pairs well with poultry, cooked ham, cold roast beef
sandwich or soft cheeses. This wine is perfect now and will not benefit from further ageing.
Altas Cumbres - Argentina
Altas Cumbres 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. This region has a long-standing reputation for producing excellent wines, acquired
mainly due to the outstanding natural conditions of the valley with excellent soil, and weather conditions. In addition, pure and
fresh water from melting snows and glaciers in the Andes Mountains runs into the Mendoza desert through extensive man-made
irrigation systems.
FEATURED WINE: 2007 Altas Cumbres Viognier
Made from 100% Viognier. To the eye, this wine shows an intense amber color. To the nose, this wine is fresh and clean with
powerful, complex and lingering aromas of apricot, peach and melon. To the mouth, this wine is smooth, firmly structured with
impressively long persistent after-taste, offering a full body. Over all this elegant Viognier is well balanced and ideal to
enjoy with salmon, trout and seafood.
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Finca la Estacada - Spain
In this land of horizons and silences, stands Finca la Estacada, a beautiful winery among the hard, poor soils that create the
best environment for high quality wines. The Cantarero Rodriguez family has been involved in the wine world for several
generations, showing an amazing knowledge about the area, its soils and the grapes that they have been cultivating for so long.
FEATURED WINE: 2007 Vinansar Roble
Vinansar is a beautiful purplish ruby in color. It is a perfect young combination of the elegance and freshness of the Tempranillo
(50%) grapes and the character of the Cabernet Sauvignon (50%). In the nose, it is easy to recognize ripe raspberries, currants
and some earthiness typical of this region. In the mouth it is fresh and well structured, with nice tannins and a medium lasting
finish. An incredibly successful blend that will pair perfectly with Mediterranean dishes; it is perfect for "tapas".
Terre del Grico - Italy
Located in the dry, red deserts of Puglia, where the people are proud and the growing conditions are rugged, Forte Canto and
Terre del Grico are the names of two properties owned and operated by the handsome brothers, Marcello and Massimiliano Apollonio.
Just as Sicilians often view themselves as separate from the rest of Italy, Puglians often exhibit the same level of independence.
Although humble in speech, Massimiliano is a serious man on a serious mission-to elevate not only the status of their own wines,
but to shine a light on their beloved Puglia.
FEATURED WINE: 2003 Rosso Salice Salentino DOC
Made from 80% Negroamaro, 10% Malvasia Nera di Lecce, and 10% Malvasia Nera di Brindisi. The name, Negroamaro has Latin and Greek
roots, and actually means "blackest of the blacks". One peek at this dramatic fruit, with its darkly-hued skin to ward off the
southern heat, and its equally inky flesh, and it's not hard to imagine how this grape earned its reputation. This is a wildly
impressive wine. It nearly defies logic in its balance of powers, with both a sense of opulence and wonderful elegance. Its
classic dense, raisiny fruits and scintillating old Mediterranean spice aromas make it a superb everyday Southern Italian
experience. Drink now through 2012.
Valle de Salinas - Spain
Based in Yecla, a small Denomination situated north-east of the province of Murcia on a high plateau, Bodegas y Vinedos Valle
de Salinas is a new and exciting project established in 2004 and situated 12 km south-east of the town of Yecla on the road to
Pinoso. Their vineyards are located in the northern foothills of the Sierra de Salinas, a range of mountains which separates Yecla
from Alicante and is an area of outstanding natural beauty.
FEATURED WINE: 2005 Roble Yecla DO
Made from 60% Monastrell, 20% Merlot, and 20% Cabernet Sauvignon. Brilliant dark cherry with purplish rim. Pronounced ripe berry
fruit nose with hints of toast, nutmeg and vanilla. Velvety, rich, powerful, dense red fruit flavors of damson, plums,
blackberries, herbs, combined with toasted, spicy tannins, well-structured, full bodied and balanced. Splendid intense finish.
Ronco della Rocca - Italy
Gianni Maccari, and his wife Silvana, are very serious about their wines. Having sprouted out of the rocky soils of Friuli
Venezia Giulia themselves, they are sturdy and authentic, perfectly at home in their vines that trace a leafy green barrier
between the mountains and the sea. The Ronco della Rocca vineyard is so loved and manicured, it reminds one of an out of place
topiary garden, with each leaf having been singularly pruned or left in place, to allow just the right amount of sunlight and
energy to reach each beautiful, grey-tinged berry.
FEATURED WINE: 2007 Pinot Grigio delle Venezie IGT
From the greatest place in Italy to grow Pinot Grigio, the Maccari family puts their heart into a wine that delivers the true
flavors of the zone - slate, white flowers, pencil lead, and citrus. Only when yields are low enough (less than 2 bottles per
plant) can Pinot Grigio credibly express itself - and when you taste this one, you may just feel like you're tasting Pinot Grigio
for the first time. Drink now through 2010. Perfect with steamed asparagus, and radicchio risotto.
Fairview Wines - South Africa
The home of Fairview wines is a 300ha farm on the south-west-facing slopes of Paarl Mountain, a granite rock outcrop in the
heart of the Paarl wine district, viticulturally among the most historic and influential areas of the Cape wine lands. Winemaking
on the farm can be traced back to 1699, not quite a half-century after the first European settlers arrived in southern Africa. But
its wines entered the modern era with the first bottling under the Fairview label in 1974 by the Back family, owners since 1937.
Today, some three decades later, grandson Charles Back II has brought Fairview wines to world markets.
FEATURED WINE: 2008 Sauvignon Blanc
Made from 100% Sauvignon Blanc harvested from vineyards in the Darling, Swartland and Stellenbosch areas. This wine is a pale
straw color. It has punchy green fig aromas with a hint of flintiness on the nose. Capsicum flavors are balanced by riper fruit
which comes through on the palate, creating fullness and leading to a well balanced finish. Drink now through 2011.
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Contado Mankas - St. Helena, California
Contado Mankas is a family-owned enterprise located in the upper Suisun Valley, just a few miles east of the southern slopes of
the world-renowned Napa Valley. At Contado Mankas they believe that great wines are made in the vineyard. Committed to quality in
all aspects of wine making, they focus on growing ultra-premium grapes and crafting them into the highest quality wines.
FEATURED WINE: 2003 Cabernet Sauvignon Suisun Valley Mankas Hills Vineyards
Made from 100% Estate grown Cabernet Sauvignon. The color is deep red revealing complexity and elegance Within this Cabernet you
will discover rich aromas of vanilla, black cherry, raspberry and subtle oak. Upon tasting the wine you will detect blackberry,
cassis and a lingering spicy finish of clove and cinnamon. Silky tannins and a velvety mouth feel make this a vibrant and refined
wine. Drink now through 2011.
Okanogan Estate - Oroville, Washington
Okanogan Estate & Vineyards is located in Oroville, Washington, a turn of the century gold mining town, just five miles
south of the Canadian Border on U.S. Highway #97 and minutes from British Columbia's renowned Okanagan Valley wine region. Due to
the northern location, the winery is truly unique to the State of Washington and presently the only winery found on the U.S. side
of the Okanogan Valley.
FEATURED WINE: 2004 Bench Rock Red
The 2004 vintage of their signature red blend is a true delight for fans of hearty reds with structure and integrity. Their blend
of Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Cabernet Franc, and Syrah is a joy to sip. Over 20 months of barreling yield aromas of spice,
cocoa and vanilla. The palate carries intense jammy black fruit flavors with juicy, spicy, and lingering finish. An excellent
food wine. Pair with roasted lamb, grilled rib-eye steak, or any other red meat of choice. Drink now through 2010.
San Juan Vineyards - Friday Harbor, Washington
San Juan Vineyards is locally owned by Yvonne Swanber, Tim Judkins and his daughter, Madison. The winery was established in
1996 when the property was purchased, the vineyard planted, and the old schoolhouse was renovated. San Juan Vineyards was on its
way to becoming a destination winery with the winery building, chapel and other buildings constructed in early 1998. All wines are
produced and bottled at the winery on Roche Harbor Road. The grapes purchased in the Yakima and Columbia Valleys are trucked to
the island where full production takes place.
FEATURED WINE: 2005 Syrah Yakima Valley
A mix of vineyard sources accentuates the strawberry and cherry-preserve fruit flavors with dappled herb and earth. The effect is
to add detail without mass, and it makes for a wine whose flavors belie its almost-15% alcohol. Sweet black-cherry fruit and a
lick of espresso from the mix of barrels make this an exceptional Syrah. Drink now through 2012. Pair with Indian cuisine, game,
grilled meats or medium to hard texture cheese.
Clubhouse - Woodinville, Washington
Clubhouse is a leading negociant-style wine producer in Washington. Clubhouse 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 Sauvignon Blanc Red Mountain
Sauvignon Blanc, the noble white grape from the Bordeaux region, is a favorite match with much of the lighter cuisine popular
today. Made from 100% Sauvignon Blanc and intended to compliment food. This wine exhibits concentrated citrus flavors dominated by
ripe lemon, chiffon and grapefruit with hints of melon and tropical fruit. Balancing the fresh fruit flavors is a firm backbone of
bright acidity. Preserved with cold fermentation in stainless steel this wine has a refreshingly clean finish. Pair with
shellfish, white sauce pastas, chicken, and fish.
Joel Gott - St. Helena, California
A small family winery focusing on excellent quality wines. Joel Gott is a rising star in California and a legend in Amador
County... he started making wine for the fun of it 18 years ago at the ripe old age of 20. Napa scion Joel Gott was born to make
wine. His grandfather was winemaker and president of Inglenook in the 1960's and 1970's while his father, Cary Gott, is the
founder of Montevina and continues to consult for wineries such as D.R. Stephens. In addition to this activity, Joel co-owns
Calistoga's coolest grocery, Palisades Market and he runs Napa Valley's hottest burger stand, Taylor's Refresher.
FEATURED WINE: 2008 Riesling Columbia Valley
Made from 100% Washington State Riesling. Joel Gott traveled to Washington to get their grapes because Riesling thrives in cool
Northern latitudes and river valleys. The grapes were crushed and chilled in Washington, then shipped to St. Helena. This wine is
an off-dry Riesling with aromas and flavors of citrus blossom, orange peel, white pepper, star fruit and honeycomb. This wine
pairs well with spicy poultry dishes but is interesting too with fish dishes with ginger in the ingredients.
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Contado Mankas - St. Helena, California
Contado Mankas is a family-owned enterprise located in the upper Suisun Valley, just a few miles east of the southern slopes of
the world-renowned Napa Valley. At Contado Mankas they believe that great wines are made in the vineyard. Committed to quality in
all aspects of wine making, they focus on growing ultra-premium grapes and crafting them into the highest quality wines.
FEATURED WINE: 2003 Cabernet Sauvignon Suisun Valley Mankas Hills Vineyards
Made from 100% Estate grown Cabernet Sauvignon. The color is deep red revealing complexity and elegance Within this Cabernet you
will discover rich aromas of vanilla, black cherry, raspberry and subtle oak. Upon tasting the wine you will detect blackberry,
cassis and a lingering spicy finish of clove and cinnamon. Silky tannins and a velvety mouth feel make this a vibrant and refined
wine. Drink now through 2011.
Finca la Estacada - Spain
In this land of horizons and silences, stands Finca la Estacada, a beautiful winery among the hard, poor soils that create the
best environment for high quality wines. The Cantarero Rodriguez family has been involved in the wine world for several
generations, showing an amazing knowledge about the area, its soils and the grapes that they have been cultivating for so long.
FEATURED WINE: 2007 Vinansar Roble
Vinansar is a beautiful purplish ruby in color. It is a perfect young combination of the elegance and freshness of the Tempranillo
(50%) grapes and the character of the Cabernet Sauvignon (50%). In the nose, it is easy to recognize ripe raspberries, currants
and some earthiness typical of this region. In the mouth it is fresh and well structured, with nice tannins and a medium lasting
finish. An incredibly successful blend that will pair perfectly with Mediterranean dishes; it is perfect for "tapas".
Rolf Binder Wines - 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: 2004 Halliwell Barossa Valley
Made from Shiraz - 60% and Grenache - 40%, a combination that has consistently worked well in Rolf's years of experience with this
particular fruit. To retain the luscious and rich fruit flavors, he uses mostly older shaven oak, with about 10% newer oak. The
true key to the wine is the Grenache. In the years Shiraz is strong and bold, the Grenache is somewhat subdued but in others, the
Grenache leaps out with spice cherries and strong tannins. Drink now through 2012.
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Maison L. Tramier & Fils - France
Maison L. Tramier & Fils is based in the heart of the Burgundy region, near Beaujolais. Louis Tramier, an innovative and
dynamic man, created his own wine business in 1842. He chose to establish his activity in Mercurey, whose wines already had a
long-standing reputation, and acquired both a promising vineyard and one of Mercurey's finest cellars. Over the generations his
descendants have been eager to expand and improve the family estate with prestigious parcels of Musigny, Clos de Vougeot and other
well known Burgundy names. At the beginning of the sixties, the domain launched its own vintage wine: the Rocarel. Several
generations of expertise were combined to produce a high-quality wine and the vintage has now made a reputation for itself. It has
contributed to the company's rapid growth, pushing it up among Burgundy's top 50.
FEATURED RED WINE: 2006 Rocarel
Made from a combination of Pinot Noir and Gamay sourced near Beaujolais. Pale ruby in color, this wine has a light cherry aroma,
sweet fresh fruit flavor and a soft finish. A supple and elegant wine that pairs well with poultry, cooked ham, cold roast beef
sandwich or soft cheeses. This wine is perfect now and will not benefit from further ageing.
Altas Cumbres - Argentina
Altas Cumbres 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. This region has a long-standing reputation for producing excellent wines, acquired
mainly due to the outstanding natural conditions of the valley with excellent soil, and weather conditions. In addition, pure and
fresh water from melting snows and glaciers in the Andes Mountains runs into the Mendoza desert through extensive man-made
irrigation systems.
FEATURED WHITE WINE: 2007 Altas Cumbres Viognier
Made from 100% Viognier. To the eye, this wine shows an intense amber color. To the nose, this wine is fresh and clean with
powerful, complex and lingering aromas of apricot, peach and melon. To the mouth, this wine is smooth, firmly structured with
impressively long persistent after-taste, offering a full body. Over all this elegant Viognier is well balanced and ideal to
enjoy with salmon, trout and seafood.
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Mazzocco Vineyards - Healdsburg, California
Mazzocco is a small family-owned artisan winery situated in the rolling hills of Sonoma County, nestled between the acclaimed
Dry Creek and Alexander Valleys. Mazzocco is known for their vineyard-designate Zinfandels-each robust and sumptuous yet
individual in nature-from some of the most breathtaking mountain vineyards in Sonoma County. Along with their
single-vineyard-designate Zinfandels, they produce award-winning Chardonnay, Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon and more. Their history
and tradition, combined with a reputation for innovation, have made Mazzocco one of the most distinctive and sought-after brands
in California.
FEATURED WINE: 2007 Stone Zinfandel Alexander Valley
Made from 97% Zinfandel and 3% Petit Verdot from Stone Ranch vineyard. Violets and lush black fruit aromas greet the nose while a
core of rich raspberry and boysenberry flavors with hints of cherry jam entice the mouth. This Alexander Valley Zinfandel is
boldly textured with supple tannins leading to a seamless finish with hints of molasses and Cayenne pepper. Drink now through
2012.
Podere Ciona - Italy
Podere Ciona is located in the commune of Gaiole, in the heart of Chianti Classico's wine producing region, symbolized by the
Gallo Nero. Home to proprietors Franco and Franca Gatteschi, it is surrounded by picturesque vineyards which produce one of the
region's highly rated Chianti Classico Riservas. Podere Ciona is currently producing a Chianti Classico Riserva and two I.G.T.
(Indicazione Geografica Tipica) wines. The internationally renowned enologist and agronomist Dr. Stefano Chioccioli supervises the
grape growing and the wine-making.
FEATURED WINE: 2006 Chianti Classico DOCG Riserva
Made from 95% Sangiovese, 4% Merlot, and 1% Alicante Bouschet. This beautiful Riserva boasts a direct approach with intense aromas
of cherry, wild berry, vanilla bean and Spanish cedar. The mouthfeel is bright and well-toned with good crispness and pretty spice
nuances on the close. This mid-weight Chianti Classico should continue to drink well for a number of years. Anticipated maturity:
2009-2016. Pair with grilled steak.
Rolf Binder Wines - 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: 2004 Heinrich Barossa Valley
The Heinrich is named after Rolf Heinrich Binder, father and founder of the family winery. This wine was created because of his
love of the combination of the three classic Barossans - Shiraz - 45%, Grenache - 35%, and Mataro - 20%. The wine was blended to
taste and style, utilizing the body and strength of the Shiraz, the ripe confectionary fruit of the Grenache and the fine earthy
tannins of century old Mataro. Drink now through 2010.
FEATURED WINE: 2004 Halliwell Barossa Valley
Made from Shiraz - 60% and Grenache - 40%, a combination that has consistently worked well in Rolf's years of experience with this
particular fruit. To retain the luscious and rich fruit flavors, he uses mostly older shaven oak, with about 10% newer oak. The
true key to the wine is the Grenache. In the years Shiraz is strong and bold, the Grenache is somewhat subdued but in others, the
Grenache leaps out with spice cherries and strong tannins. Drink now through 2012.
Milbrandt Vineyards - Mattawa, Washington
Butch and Jerry Milbrandt planted their first vineyard in 1997. In the ensuing decade, Milbrandt Vineyards earned a reputation
for growing some of Washington State's finest grapes. These grapes have found their way into many of Washington's most
sought-after wines and the Milbrandt name and vineyards are featured on many prestigious labels. In 2006, under the talented
direction of winemaker Gordon Hill, they began crafting signature wines using selected grapes from their reputable vineyards.
Their first wines were released in June 2007. The tradition for excellence established in their vineyards is inherent in every
bottle of Milbrandt Vineyards wine.
FEATURED WINE: 2006 Legacy Sundance Chardonnay
Made from 100% Chardonnay. Milbrandt's 72-acre Sundance Vineyard was planted in 1997 in the Wahluke Slope AVA of Eastern
Washington. The wine is ripe and tropical with broad aromas of peach, pineapple and banana. The palate is rich but not cumbersome.
The flavors are lush and balanced with a subtle touch of vanilla from time spent in oak. Drink now through 2010. 2,300
cases made.
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Bodegas Emilio Moro - Spain
The winery is family-run and has links with the wine world going back three generations. It is located in Ribera del Duero, a
land of dry summers and long, hard winters. Emilio Moro, the founder of Bodegas Emilio Moro, was born in Pesquera de Duero, a
wine area of time-honored traditions, where some of the flagship wines of the Ribera del Duero appellation are now produced.
It was in this year that the winery's first vineyard, Finca Resalso, was planted. One advantage that the Bodegas Emilio Moro
winery has in its vineyards is that some of them have belonged to the family for many years and have the purest clone of the
indigenous Tempranillo varietal, known in Spain as "Tinto Fino". This clone has been used to graft all the vine plants of the
winery's vineyards, which have gradually grown in surface over time.
FEATURED WINE: 2004 Tinto Ribera del Duero
Made from 100% Tinto Fino (Tempranillo). The wine is a medium red color. It is floral and spicy on the nose, with fresh red fruit
aromas and notes of minerals and coffee. Sweet, nicely focused red fruit flavors (especially pomegranate) are lifted by bright
acidity. Terrific texture, super purity, an opulent, full-bodied palate, and a long, heady finish suggest it will keep for another
5 years. Drink now through 2014 and decant it for roast venison. 92 Points Robert Parker.
Three Rivers Winery - Walla Walla, Washington
Three Rivers Winery is a destination winery located just west of Walla Walla, Washington in the Columbia Valley wine country.
Their award-winning white and red wines are sourced from established vineyards and famed appellations from across Washington
State. The name Three Rivers represents the three most prominent rivers in the appellations from which the winery sources its
grapes-the Columbia, Snake, and Walla Walla Rivers. In August 1999, ground was broken on a 16-acre site which is now the home of
the new 18,000 sq. ft. Three Rivers Winery facility. Set atop a small knoll overlooking the surrounding vineyards and Mill Creek,
the winery features stunning views of the Blue Mountains in the distance and the nearby Whitman Mission. Inside, the winery
includes two distinct areas: a 14,000 sq. ft. cellar and barrel room used for the production and storage of fine wines and a
4,000 sq. ft. tasting room, meeting room, and retail space open to the public. In addition, the winery features three short holes
of golf for winery guests.
FEATURED WINE: 2004 Meritage Red Columbia Valley
Meritage is a category of handcrafted wines blended from traditional Bordeaux grape varietals. Meritage (rhymes with "heritage")
is an invented word, neither French nor English that combines "merit" and "heritage". Made from an artful blend of Cabernet
Sauvignon, Merlot, Malbec and Petit Verdot. Dense and chewy, with eucalyptus overtones to the blackberry and green olive flavors.
Firm, well focused tannins will allow this Red Meritage to age elegantly into the future. 90 Points Wine & Spirits.
aMaurice Cellars - Walla Walla, Washington
The Schaefer family, long-time farmers in the Walla Walla region, recently began the aMaurice winery with Anna Schaefer serving
as winemaker. The exquisite wine at aMaurice starts with respecting the land - healthy vines mean healthy wines. aMaurice is
committed to sustainable viticulture in the pursuit to produce the highest quality grapes, and to craft superior red and white
wines. Their 13-acre vineyard is located upland from Mill Creek, just east of Walla Walla on the south-facing slope. At 1,400 feet
of elevation, this location is ideal for grapes due to long, warm summers and cool nights, an average rainfall of 20 inches per
year, and fantastic cold air drainage. aMaurice means "to Maurice" in French. The winery is dedicated to Maurice Schafer - father
of aMaurice founder Tom Schafer.
FEATURED WINE: 2008 Viognier Columbia Valley
Made from 100% Viognier - all neutral barrel fermented and aged. The 2008 Columbia Valley Viognier is a blend of three Viognier
blocks. Each vineyard is selected as a component to compliment to the blend as a whole. The color is a pale straw yellow. The nose
is delicate with an intricate blend of lemon, orange blossom and peach. The mouth is a medium weight, round and crisp. The wine
lingers with a peach pit finish. Drink now through 2011. Only 294 cases produced. 90 Points Robert Parker.
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Bodega Numanthia Termes - Spain
Numanthia is located in the Toro region of Spain. Its four vineyards are located along the south bank of the Duero River. The
wine is named after a legendary Spanish city that was destroyed (after 20 yrs of resistance) by Roman legions. It is to Spain what
the hilltop village of Masada is to Israel: a monument of history. Its 40 hectares of land are covered with an abundance of
elements derived from the disintegration of Pliocene grit, clay and limestone. Numanthia's first vintage was produced in 1998 and
received a 95-point rating from Robert Parker. Since then, the Toro region has been producing wines that have begun to rival those
of Spain's richest wine-producing regions of Ribera del Duero, Rioja and Priorat.
FEATURED WINE: 2006 Numanthia Toro DO
Made from 100% Tinta De Toro (Tempranillo). Dense and dark, with huge black-fruit aromas, toasty oak, chocolate and balsamic
notes. Numanthia is ripe, rugged and intense, with in-your-face black fruit, coffee and burnt-toast accents. The feel and finish
are deep as a cool well, and smooth as a whistle. Masculine to the max, and pretty close to being ready to drink. Best from 2011
through 2017. 93 Points Wine Spectator. 93 Points Wine Enthusiast.
Betts & Scholl - France
Betts & Scholl is a cooperative effort between Master Sommelier Richard Betts, Sommelier to all friends at the Little Nell
in Aspen, and Dennis Scholl, contemporary art collector and joyous wine drinker who typically finds himself in Aspen or Miami
Beach. Together they have forged special relationships with star growers and winemakers from around the world to share in their
project. This partnership is totally dedicated to making great wine. Their shared aesthetic spoke for elegant, complex, balanced
wines of great perfume, and finesse with the power to seduce. The object of their fancy is neither the obvious nor the forceful.
Instead it is those wines that transport: They taste only of the place from where they've come. Their dream of working in France
forged a partnership with the Chave family who have been making wine there for six centuries. With their help Betts & Scholl
would like to take you on a trip to Hermitage.
FEATURED WINE: 2004 Hermitage Blanc
Made from a proprietary blend of the traditional Hermitage white grapes Marsanne and Roussanne. This combination has created a
ripe, forward style Hermitage, with sweetened butter, almond, wheat biscuit and candied citrus notes carried by a rich, waxy
texture. Solid, creamy finish has good definition. Drink now. 375 cases imported. 92 Points Wine Spectator.
Tablas Creek - Paso Robles, California
Tablas Creek Vineyard was founded by the Perrin family of Chateau de Beaucastel and Robert Haas, longtime importer and founder
of Vineyard Brands. They chose the hilly Las Tablas district of west Paso Robles for its similarities to Chateauneuf du Pape:
limestone soils, a favorable climate, and rugged terrain. The partners imported the traditional varietals grown on the Perrins'
celebrated estate, including Mourvedre, Grenache Noir, Syrah, and Counoise for reds, and Roussanne, Viognier, Marsanne, and
Grenache Blanc for whites. These imported vines passed a rigorous 3-year USDA testing program, and are propagated and grafted in
an on-site nursery. All Tablas Creek wines are estate grown and organically farmed on our vineyard. Tablas Creek follows the
centuries-old Chateauneuf du Pape tradition of blending chosen varietals, which produces wines that are more complex, better
balanced, and richer than single varietal wines. Each varietal is hand-harvested when completely ripe and fermented separately.
Winemaking, including native yeast fermentation and neutral French oak barrels, preserves the wines' ties to their soil,
climate, and varietal character.
FEATURED WINE: 2007 Tablas Creek Esprit de Beaucastel
The Esprit de Beaucastel is a blend of four estate-grown varietals, propagated from budwood cuttings from the Chateau de
Beaucastel estate. The wine is based on the dark red fruit, earth, spice and mid-palate richness of Mourvedre, with additions of
Grenache for forward fruit, approachability and lushness, Syrah for mineral, aromatics, and back-palate tannins, and Counoise for
brambly spice and acidity. The 2007 vintage is considered the best vintage et seen at Tablas Creek. Made from 44% Mourvedre, 29%
Grenache, 21% Syrah, and 6% Counoise. The wine is delicious and unusually approachable right now, with a complex nose of red
plum, ripe cherry, fresh figs and candied orange peel, a velvety, layered palate with spicy plum and cherry fruit, pepper and
nutmeg spices, and excellent breadth. The finish shows more mineral, plum, and spice, and a little gentle oak from the foudre
aging. It is delicious now, if very young, and should evolve elegantly in bottle for 10-15 years or longer. 97 Points Robert
Parker.
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Cantine Riondo - Italy
In the municipalities of Soave and Monteforte d'Alpoine we find the original and most ancient area of the production of Soave,
know as the Historic Area. It is here, in the heart of the Soave production that Cantine Riondo is located. It is a dynamic winery
and a leader in modern production technologies.
FEATURED WINE: NV Prosecco Raboso
This sparkling wine is produced in full respect of ancient traditions, using Prosecco grapes grown on the Veneto hills with some
Raboso for color. Raboso is a rare red-wine grape grown primarily in Italy's Veneto region, where it's thought to have originated.
Raboso's known for its deep color and is thus deserves credit for this wines beautiful pink hue. This delicious sparkler displays
fine bubbles loaded with aromas and flavors of sweet cherries and fresh picked strawberries. It is light to medium boded, lively,
fresh and explosively fruity. Best if drunk young. It's best accompanying light fare, such as smoked trout spread or salmon
mousse. This will make a nice addition to your sparkling repertoire.
Weingut Ewald Gruber - Austria
The pursuit of quality without compromise, courage to try new things, enthusiasm and passion for wine have turned Weingut
Ewald Gruber vineyard into something special. For generations, they have been managing vineyards in the heart of Weinviertal.
The winery owns 7 hectares of Gruner Veltliner vines that stretch out along the border to the Manhartsberg. This location fulfils
all conditions necessary for the production of wine with a terroir that is typical of the region. They strive for sensation,
especially with their Gruner Veltliner and their wines may win you over with their natural vitality and that clarity which is
typical of wines coming from this area. Continuous salon nominations, yearly Falstaff Awards and good reviews in specialist
magazines all attest to Ewald Gruber's philosophy.
FEATURED WINE: NV Punkt Genau Sparkling Gruner Veltliner
"Punkt Genau" (On the Dot) is produced exclusively from Gruner Veltliner grapes grown in the heart of Austria's Weinviertel. This
sparkling wine unites the refined and refreshing character of Veltliner with a delicate effervescence. With the scent of freshly
peeled apples and a long finish that includes the taste of exotic fruits, "Punkt Genau" suits occasions from casual to
celebratory.
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