Uncorked Ventana 4C - The California Wine Club

Celebrating 20 years of wine adventures!
Volume 20 • Issue 11
Your
California Wine Adventure®
OUTSTANDING WINES FROM A LITTLE-KNOWN REGION
AND A CHARMING WINERY
PIETRA SANTA WINERY
2006 Cienega Valley
Sangiovese
1
1
FOUR
2006 Central Coast
Chardonnay
STARS
• The Wine Buzz: “Lush tropical aroma
…crisp, light-bodied, nicely balanced
and refreshing, with flavors of tart
green apples and honeydew.”
• Platinum Winner – LA International
Wine Tasting; Gold Medal, San
Francisco International Wine
Competition; “Exceptional” 4 Stars,
Beverage Experts (July 2009):
“Complex and hedonistic. Super.”
• “This wine tastes of cranberry and
Morello cherry with undertones of
anise with a supple finish,” notes
winemaker Alessio Carli. “Its depth
and complexity has made it an annual best seller and the ultimate
companion to great Italian cuisine.”
• All the fruit for this Sangiovese was estate grown and hand-selected
by Alessio. “He had so much experience with Sangiovese in Italy –
it’s one of his favorites,” says Jayme Nunn, Marketing Director and
family member.
• Each wine lot was fermented and aged separately, then kept on the
skins for 20 days to maximize color and flavor. This red wine aged
for two years in French oak.
• Prior to bottling, Alessio added 8% Cabernet Sauvignon to the final
blend for ageability.
• Pear, melon and citrus on the nose
are mirrored on the palate. This
Chardonnay has bright fruit and a
soft, supple mouthfeel.
• Fruit for this wine was sourced
from premium vineyards on the
Central Coast.
• After hand harvest, grapes were delivered to Pietra Santa where
Alessio gently crushed them and began fermentation in stainless
steel tanks.
• The wine remained in the tank on the lees for six months to
develop a luscious texture. Alessio stirred the tanks periodically.
• “This is the first time I fermented our Chardonnay in 100%
stainless steel tanks, no barrels,” says Alessio. “I
did this because the fruit was so well-balanced
and fresh.”
• “Less oak makes it easier to pair this wine
with food. At Pietra Santa, we are about the
marriage of food and wine,” says Jayme. This
Chardonnay is a great apéritif or companion
to chicken or fish.
• “Sangiovese is a fabulous food wine,
and this is one reason it’s gaining
popularity,” notes Jayme. It goes well
with roasted veggies, spaghetti with red
sauce and parmesan, lasagna, roast
chicken and more.
• Enjoy now, while the fruit flavors are still
vibrant.
• Enjoy now or hold five to seven years.
• Alcohol: 14.0%; pH: 3.44;
T.A.: 0.66g/100 mL; Cases Produced: 3,151;
Bottling Date: February 2009;
Release Date: June 2009.
Tasting Room Retail $18
Restaurant Wine List Price
(If you can find it) - $27 - $33
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• Alcohol: 14.2%; pH: 3.62;
T.A.: 0.81g/100mL;
Cases Produced: 2,993;
Bottling Date: August 15, 2007;
Release Date: December 2007.
Member Reorder Price - Just $10.99/Bottle
Save 39% off Tasting Room Retail
Tasting Room Retail $15
Restaurant Wine List Price
(If you can find it) - $22 - $28
Member Reorder Price - Just $10.99/Bottle
Save 27% off Tasting Room Retail
It’s Easy to Reorder These Wonderful Wines!
800.777.4443
Save up to 39% while these wines are available.
Call today or visit our online wine store at cawineclub.com
For other available wine selections, please see page 10.
Page 2
The California Wine Club® · www.cawineclub.com · 1-800-777-4443
Pietra Santa Winery
Location:
Cienega Valley, San Benito County
(25 miles east of Monterey Bay)
The Story Behind The Wines...
Beauty in Your Glass
at Pietra Santa Winery
Owners:
The Blackburn Family
Winemaker:
Alessio Carli
Established:
1989
Annual Production:
25,000-30,000 cases
Website:
www.pietrasantawinery.com
CWC Selections:
• 2006 Cienega Valley Sangiovese
• 2006 Central Coast Chardonnay
“Penicillin cures, but wine makes people
happy.”
—Alexander Fleming
Pietra Santa Marketing Director and family member Jayme Nunn flanked by CWC
proprietors after a steep ride up to one of the winery’s hillside estate vineyards.
IN THIS ISSUE:
To Your Health . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4
Fun Fact . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4
Recipe: Stuffed Flank Steak . . . . . . . . . . . . 4
The Game Room:
A Cellarful of Stars! . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7
Sharing Your Pairings . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7
Vinous Gold . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8
In Our Email Bag . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8
Reorder Your Favorites . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10
Recession Buster Wine Tip . . . . . . . . . . . . 12
What’s In A Name?
So often, wineries are named after their founders, but not Pietra Santa.
Its name expresses something unique about this small, family winery. It
is Italian for “sacred stone” and refers to the extraordinary soils that yield
such exquisite wines. It is also a lovely name and reflects the beauty that
seduces every guest. “In our 20 years of exploring every corner of
California wine country, Pietra Santa ranks among the most beautiful
wine estates we have ever seen,” note CWC founders Bruce and Pam.
Pietra Santa occupies its own mini-valley in the Cienega Valley
appellation 25 miles east of Monterey Bay. This is the Central Coast’s
most northerly appellation, a sleepy, secret corner of California wine
country with just a handful of wineries. Terraced vineyards march
down Pietra Santa’s hillsides and surround the mission-style stone
facility with its red-tiled roof. The view from its tower tasting
room just makes you want to sit back, sip fabulous Pietra Santa
wine and smile.
Continued on page 5
Pietra Santa “Heritage
Guest House” Drawing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12
On the Cover: Pietra Santa Winery
in the Cienega Valley.
Why Wait? Give an Armchair Tour
of California’s Wine Country!
Reserve now and your gift recipients will receive our 20th Anniversary
Calendar with original wine art by Bettie Grace Miner.
See page 12 for more details.
800-777-4443 • www.cawineclub.com
A Recipe From
Pietra Santa Winery
To Your Health
Relaxing With
the Stories
in Your Glass
Is relaxation important to
our health? You bet it is.
Study after study has confirmed that taking time out
to kick off your shoes and let the day’s cares fall
away is vital to a sense of well-being. A glass of wine
can be an intriguing part of that daily ritual.
Swirling it in your glass, you may find yourself
contemplating that particular kind of wine,
remembering other bottlings from other places and
other times.
Stuffed Flank Steak with
Spinach and Mushrooms
This recipe from Jayme’s Grandma is definitely a
Pam’s Pick!
“Last night I made this recipe to go with our Pietra Santa
Sangiovese,” says CWC proprietor Pam Boring. “I couldn’t find
Flank steak, so I substituted boneless thin New York Steak. I left
out the mushrooms (which I don’t like) and substituted fresh thin
sliced chives. And, I added Parmesan/Romano cheese to the
stuffing. While I sauteéd the meat, I added aged balsamic
vinegar…the older the better (the kind that is like syrup).
Served it with garlic mashed potatoes, fresh green beans and of
course, Pietra Santa Sangiovese. It was fabulous and easy.”
1 lb. flank steak
1 cup of red wine
1/4 cup good quality olive oil (I use our Baracchi Olive
Oil from Italy!)
6 cloves fresh garlic, finely minced
1 tsp. salt
1 tsp. pepper
Pound steak to even thickness of approximately 1/4 inch.
Sunlight through a golden Chardonnay can evoke
Mix all marinade ingredients in a large zip-lock bag. Add
memories of a perfect day, a day that makes you now
meat and marinate 1-4 hours.
sigh with satisfaction as you relax with your wine.
Stuffing
Wine is indeed a bridge to pleasure, a friend in
5-6 oz. fresh spinach
moderation, a magic carpet to happy memories, a
6 medium-size mushrooms, finely chopped
champion of relaxation. Here’s a toast
3-4 cloves fresh garlic, minced
to a red or white, and a mini1 Tbsp. olive oil
vacation at the end of
Salt and pepper to taste
2 Tbsp. Italian style breadcrumbs
your day. Salud!
Sauté all stuffing ingredients together excluding the
breadcrumbs. When garlic is soft and spinach is wilted,
spoon into small mixing bowl pressing out all liquid. Drain
There are more than 100
and let cool. Mix in bread crumbs.
wine grape types being grown in
Lay out steak and spread a thin layer of the stuffing over
California within the Golden State’s 108
entire piece. Tightly roll and tie with kitchen string. Pan
sear meat on all sides and move to a roasting pan; cook
appellations (federally designated American
at 350°F for 30-40 minutes or until cooked to your
Viticultural Areas, or AVAs). Chardonnay is
liking. Let meat stand for 5-10 minutes before
the most planted grape in California, followed
slicing.
by Cabernet Sauvignon.
Serve with your Pietra Santa Sangiovese. Salud!
Friends from the past might be seen in your day’send glass, good friends and good times. Or, rich
aromas of blueberries from a Cab might recall that
summer day when you were in the vineyards,
perhaps on a tour of California wine country…or
a very special dinner you shared with someone
equally special, years ago.
Fun Fact
Page 4
The California Wine Club® · www.cawineclub.com · 1-800-777-4443
Pietra Santa Continued from page 3
“… too special to resist…”
“I couldn’t understand why my parents were buying this
winery – until I saw it,” adds Jayme Nunn, who left her own
advertising agency four years ago to head up Pietra Santa’s
marketing efforts. “The roots of my family are in farming;
my family has farmed around here for 50 years and we also
grow grapes elsewhere. So the winery was just a natural
extension for us.”
“Pietra Santa was just too special to resist,” notes Jayme’s
mom, Phyllis. “We look forward to the opportunity it offers
our family to continue our stewardship of the land.”
Vintage car at Pietra Santa.
Land of Plenty
The land is the star at Pietra Santa. Not only is the setting charming,
but also, the soils are terrific for winegrowing thanks to California’s
San Andreas fault line. Millions of years ago, shifting tectonic plates
churned up the earth and brought limestone and shale to the surface
here. “Our soil has very unique mineral content which is
the basis of the flavor
profile of our wines,” says
Jayme. Steep hillsides,
benchlands and valley floor
offer several microclimates.
Morning and afternoon fog
are crucial to the terroir of
Pietra Santa’s 140 planted
acres (450 total), now home
to Pinot Noir, Chardonnay,
Pinot Grigio, Merlot,
Sangiovese,
Zinfandel, Dolcetto
and Cabernet
Sauvignon. The
estate supplies 90%
of the fruit for
Pietra Santa wines.
gant
, Jess; Ele m
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ith her m
Jayme w eld in this stately the vineyard.
:
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Above fro ker dinners are h am stroll through
winema w: Jayme and P
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venue; b
Jayme, Bruce and Pam among the fermentation tanks.
Vineyard manager (and Jayme’s brother), Cort Blackburn, works
tirelessly to constantly enhance the estate. He is focused on
sustainable farming techniques and new irrigation systems,
trellising and pruning programs. Forty acres were recently
replanted. It’s all part of growing the best fruit for a winemaker
who will make the most of it…
The California Wine Club® · www.cawineclub.com · 1-800-777-4443
Continued on page 6
Page 5
Pietra Santa Continued from page 5
Alessio Carli, Cellarmaster
Pietra Santa winemaker Alessio Carli is a native of
Siena who learned how to make Chianti from his
father growing up in Tuscany. After making wine at
the Tuscan winery, Badia a Coltibuono, he joined
Viansa in Sonoma and then Pietra Santa. He has
worked with Pietra Santa’s grapes since 1991 and
handcrafts its three tiers of wine: Sacred Stone (ready
today wines); Pietra Santa (mostly single variety,
estate-grown); and Signature Collection (reserve tier,
limited production).
Alessio especially enjoys making estate Sangiovese
Winemaker Alessio Carli evaluates a Pietra Santa vintage.
(our CWC selection) because the rocky soils remind
him of those in Siena. Pietra Santa’s Chardonnay (our
CWC selection) gives him the chance to work with fruit from other
premium Central Coast vineyards. This year, Alessio will release Pietra
Santa’s first vineyard-designate wines – another sign of premium
winemaking in this hidden part of California wine country.
In addition to making wine, Alessio is an olive oil expert who uses Old
World techniques to produce Pietra Santa olive oil from the estate’s 5,000tree grove. In the winery’s frantoio (olive press room) he presses the olives
with a Pieralisi press from Italy “and the fragrance in there is so heavenly!”
Jayme says. “I’m always finding excuses to visit!”
Cherry
on Top
Unsurpassed beauty,
superlative terroir,
active family
ownership, an
outstanding
The winery’s tasting room is small and charming.
winemaker, fine wines,
olive orchards – your
cup runneth over at Pietra Santa. Yet, there is a cherry on top:
an exquisite, prairie-style farmhouse designed and built in
1905 by architect Burley Griffen, Jr. who was an associate of
world famous Frank Lloyd Wright. This gorgeous, historic
two-story house beside the vineyard is in pristine condition
and it is waiting for…you! Some lucky
CWC member will receive a
complimentary two-night stay and
winetasting for four at this Heritage
Guest House (see details on page 12).
Meanwhile, enjoy beauty in the glass
with Pietra Santa! Visit Pietra Santa at
10034 Cienega Rd., Hollister, CA 95023;
Phone: 831-636-1991.
Page 6
The California Wine Club® · www.cawineclub.com · 1-800-777-4443
The
Game Room
A Cellarful
of Stars!
Sharing Your Pairings
our
Jane Seym
Fess Park
er
Sam Neill
Gérard
Depardieu
Chardonnay Chops
Madonna
Match the star to their wine activity...
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
Makes wine in New Zealand
Paints wine country scenes
Heads up a family winery
Grows grapes in several countries
Lends famous name to dad’s wine
Answers:
1. Sam Neill, who played the Jurassic Park
paleontologist cornered by dinosaurs, produces Pinot
Noir at his winery Two Paddocks, where he also
raises never-to-be killed potbellied pigs.
2. Jane Seymour, wine country artist and actress who
especially loves to paint fields of lavender and her
Wine Women Series.
3. Fess Parker heads up Fess Parker Winery in Santa
Barbara County.
4. Gérard Depardieu has vineyards in Bordeaux,
Languedoc, Spain, Morocco and Argentina
5. Madonna: The Material Girl’s father, Tony Ciccone,
recently decided to advance his winery business by
releasing “Madonna Wine,” which is available in five
varieties — Pinot Grigio, Pinot Noir,
Gewürztraminer, Cabernet Franc and Chardonnay.
The California Wine Club® · www.cawineclub.com · 1-800-777-4443
Frank Sorosky of Moon Township, Pennsylvania shares his
“Chardonnay Chops” recipe! Frank and wife, Georgette
Sorosky have been CWC members since 2003. They love
CWC wines! During our anniversary membership drive,
Frank referred several friends and three joined CWC. He is
using his CWC wine rewards to stock up his cellar. Thanks,
Frank, for sharing your pairing! Salud!
(serves 4)
Ingredients:
1-2 bottles Kiara Private Reserve, 2006
Chardonnay (Sylvester Vineyards)
4 center cut pork chops
3 tsp. olive oil
2 tsp. minced garlic
1/2 tsp. crushed dried rosemary
1/2 tsp. dried basil
crumbled feta cheese
Directions:
1. Chill the Kiara Private Reserve Chardonnay in the
refrigerator 24 hours prior to serving.
2. Pour full glass of Chardonnay, empty 1/2 glass in bowl
(balance is for the cook!). Add and stir the garlic,
rosemary and basil.
3. Heat the olive oil in large skillet. Dip and drag chops
in the Chardonnay mix, and then sear chops on both
sides about 7 minutes per side.
4. Reduce heat to low and drizzle balance of Chardonnay
mix over the chops. Sprinkle each chop with generous
amount of feta cheese.
5. Cover skillet (glass cover works best) and cook until
cheese begins to melt, about 2 minutes.
Serve with:
• Green vegetable of choice
• Balance of Kiara Private Reserve Chardonnay
(one glass at a time!)
Page 7
Thankful for All
Kinds of Vinous Gold
by Charles Olken, Uncorked Guest Editor,
Editor/ Publisher, Connoisseurs’ Guide To
California Wines
My friend Matt Smith is one heck of a
winemaker. He is not one of those famous guys
up in the Napa Valley working for a rich man’s
winery. Matt has been making wine for a decade
and a half and most recently was working in
relative obscurity up in Suisun Valley sort of
near Vallejo and Fairfield, and not all that far by
the crow to the Napa Valley. But Matt’s wines
are light years from Napa in choice and style,
and his success with some of California’s
less famous varieties reminds me that
not all vinous gold is made out of
Chardonnay and Cabernet
Sauvignon, Merlot and Sauvignon
Blanc and Zinfandel.
Matt makes many wines, most of
them with recognizable names and
quite good for the money, but it is
when he steps off the beaten path that
I become most interested. Take his
Chenin Blanc for example. Here is a variety
that was once a staple in California. It was far
more popular than Chardonnay a few decades
ago. Now, it is practically gone, and yet it makes
wines like Matt’s fruity, dry, crisp, pear-andlightly-melon-flavored bottling.
Matt also makes Torrontes. Here is a grape that
has been exiled from Italy where it did nothing
noteworthy and wound up in Argentina where
it turns out to have thrived as a light, fruity,
fragrant white wine. Now, it is finding its way
here, and Matt makes one of the better versions.
Matt shows me that many winemakers are
looking to less well-known varieties because
there may not be room in this world for another
Chardonnay. Be on the lookout for wines with
funny grape names like Tannat,
Gewürztraminer, Torrontes, Chenin Blanc,
Verdelho, Tempranillo and Albarino. Just one
more thing about California winemaking for
which we can be thankful.
Special Signature Series®
2 Pack Offer
Here’s a great opportunity to try a
Only $63,
couple of Signature Series® wines,
save money, AND receive a free
Wine in Everyday Cooking
recipe book.
Two pack includes:
Luna Vineyards 2004
Napa Valley Merlot
• Full in the mouth, with
black fruit flavors and
a luxurious finish.
Maloy O’Neill Vineyards
2004 Windy Hill
Paso Robles Syrah
Plus FREE
Shipping and
122-page Wine
Recipe Book
• Bright, refined dark fruit flavors combine with a dusty, flinty, anise
and tobacco earthiness to create a richly textured mouthfeel.
1-800-777-4443 • www.cawineclub.com
Offer expires November 30, 2009 or while supplies last. Order cannot be
combined with any other offer.
In Our Email Bag
“…tours you lined up were fantastic…”
“Dear CWC,
“Just wanted to drop you a note to let you know that our trip was
absolutely wonderful. The two tours that you lined up were fantastic. The first
was with Zina at Sylvester. We learned so much that you never hear about on
one of the ‘normal’ tours…After the tour we had a wine and cheese pairing
that was wonderful, and of course we each bought a case of wine!
“Our next tour was Castoro. Michael, the assistant winemaker, did the tour,
and it was, again, fantastic! Since it was harvest, we got to see the trucks
come in and dump the grapes, and got to follow the whole process through
to the tanks…Of course we found a couple more wineries to visit as
well…okay, maybe it was about 5 or 6 others…and we had so much fun.
The wine was wonderful, the people were even better. All in all, it was just
about a perfect trip…On Tuesday all of the boxes started arriving at the office
with all of the wine we’d ordered – it was so much fun taking them home
and unpacking them and remembering each place. Thanks SO MUCH for
lining the tours up. They were fabulous. All in all, a great part of the world.”
—Dennyce Korb, South Dakota
UNCORKED® is published monthly by Bruce and Pam Boring, Proprietors.
The California Wine Club® · 600 Via Alondra, Camarillo, CA 93012
Reorder your favorites, update your account and send gifts online at www.cawineclub.com.
Pam Boring: President
Bruce Boring: Vice President Sales and Marketing
Page 8
SAVE 34%
Judy Reynolds: Editor, writer, photographer
Tapia Studios: Graphic designers
To send or receive information on the CWC and a complimentary issue of Uncorked®,
please call us at 1-800-777-4443 or fax toll-free at 1-800-700-1599.
www.cawineclub.com
The California Wine Club® · www.cawineclub.com · 1-800-777-4443
Take a look at this month’s upper level club
Signature Series® and our
International Selections:
You Be The
JUDGE
A Real Blend of Judgments
You CWC Judges reached deep into you cellars this month
for a lively assortment of CWC selections. Were you on a
“staycation” with extra time to explore your wines?
Whatever the reason, every Judging Card you sent goes
into our year-end drawing for a free case of CWC wines of
the winner’s choice. Comments printed in Uncorked® earn
an extra bottle in your next shipment! Keep on judgin’!
(Wines are rated on a 20 point system....with 20 points being the highest.)
20 pts X Winery 2006 Lake County Cabernet Sauvignon “This wine is
excellent and full of body. An absolute find with rich dark flavors
full of taste.”
®
A beautiful quartet of wines is on hand for Signature Series®
members this month, and three out of four hail from the
Napa Valley. Find out the joy that limited production, highlyrated wines can bring to your table. For information, call
1-800-777-4443.
Bella Vetta Vineyards 2005 Rockpile Zinfandel, Jack’s Cabin
Vineyard
• 94 points, Connoisseurs’ Guide; 91 points, Wine Enthusiast;
91 points, Wine X Magazine
• Only 380 cases made.
Grgich Hills Estate 2006 Napa Valley Chardonnay, Estate Grown
- Wib Evans & Joellen Evens, TN
• 90 points, The Wine News: “…lingering notes of clove and toasted
oak.” 90 points, Connoisseurs’ Guide: “Classically Grgich…”
• This Chardonnay can age up to 10 years!
20 pts Clos LaChance Winery (2007 Unoaked Chardonnay/2005 Meritage Red)
Bacio Divino Cellars 2005 Proprietary Red Wine
“Both the red and white were great. I will tell my daughter about
this when she is looking for a nice Christmas present for me
next year.”
Monticello Vineyards 2006 Corley Estate Grown Pinot Noir
• 92 points, Robert M. Parker, Jr., The Wine Advocate: “…Sexy, opulent,
fleshy, full-bodied and loaded with character …”
• Just 840 cases produced.
19 pts Handley 2006 Anderson Valley Gewürztraminer “If you are looking
• 92 points, Wine Enthusiast: “…it’s delicious…it shows Pinot’s
opulent side, with a silky, velvety texture…”
• Only the 6th Corley Reserve Pinot since 1984.
for a nice Gewürz, look no further! This one is very nice. Crisp,
dry, clean and delicious.”
Ready to give it a try? Try a 2- 3- or 4-bottle selection
and receive half off your first month!
- Joyce Benvenuto, MI
- Paul Pyrch, VA
18 pts Perry Creek 2006 Syrah/Zinfandel Blend “From the moment I
smelled it. I was hooked. De-lish! My 1/2 case is already on its
way to Atlanta!”
- Julia Sherfield, GA
18 pts Baywood 2006 California Pinot Grigio Vineyard Select
Not found
anywhere
else in the
U.S.!
“Nice light clean taste of grapefruit.”
- Milt Ayley MD
Signature Series®:
20 pts Juslyn Vineyards 2003 Perry’s Blend Bordeaux
“UNBELIEVABLE!!
This is one of the finest wines I have ever received from CWC.”
- Michael & Beth Boyle, NH
International Selections:
20 pts Baracchi Smeriglio, Ardito and Olive Oil
“May I stow away in your
suitcase the next time you ‘have to’ visit Italy and the gorgeous
Baracchi family? Everything about this shipment was heavenly!”
- Kim Loxton, FL
19 pts Groom Wines 2007 Barossa Valley Shiraz “This wine is nearly
black in the glass. Love the hint of oak, full of fruit. Bring me this
Aussie’s wine anytime.”
- Edward Scow, NC
®
www.cawineclub.com · 1-800-777-4443
Our two featured South African wineries each represent distinct
winegrowing appellations. Lomond Winery is pioneering the
southernmost tip of South Africa where a cool climate and varied soils
show winemaking promise. Eikendal Winery occupies one of South
Africa’s most established wine regions at the base of the Helderberg
mountains near Stellenbosch, this country’s second oldest town.
Gesondheid!*
*to your health in Afrikaner
Eikendal Stellenbosch 2005 “Classique” (red) This full-bodied Bordeaux
blend serves up a complex bouquet of berry notes. On the palate, you’ll find
juicy, ripe black fruit infused with spicy, peppery flavors.
Lomond Pincushion Vineyard 2008 Sauvignon Blanc This South African
Sauvignon Blanc delivers lush aromas of gooseberry, ripe fig and sweet
tropical fruit.
Try this spectacular shipment from our International
Selections. Cost is $98 (includes shipping, handling and
import charges.) Call 1-800-777-4443.
America’s only wine service featuring
real working, smaller family-owned wineries.
Page 9
YOUR WINE STORE – Reorder Your Favorites!
BAILEYANA & TANGENT - The Edna Valley
Baileyana 2005 Curtain Call
Cabernet Sauvignon,
San Luis Obispo
98
points!
89
points!
Tangent 2007 “Ecclestone”
White, San Luis Obispo
• Double Gold, 98 points, California State Fair;
89 points, Wine Enthusiast.
• This exotic white wine has intriguing aromas of
flowers and notes of orange blossom, peach,
ripe apple and mineral.
• A terrific match with salads, Asian food, Mexican
cuisine, spicy dishes, shellfish.
• This is a classic, elegant, medium-bodied cool climate
Cabernet. It has smoky notes and leather aromas that
lead to dark berry, fig and anise on the palate.
• A wonderful companion to grilled steak, veal chops,
roast duck, pizza or bittersweet chocolate cake.
Normal Retail: $28
Normal Retail: $20
GNEKOW FAMILY WINERY - Collegeville
88
86
85
points! points! points!
Campus Oaks 2006
Old Vine Zinfandel
95
points!
1
Campus Oaks 2007
Sauvignon Blanc
1
• 95 points, Z Magazine, Gold Medal, Amenti
del Vino; Silver Medal, “Best of Appellation
Award,” San Francisco International Wine
Competition.
• A crisp, tingly wine with a wonderful citrus
nose ranging from lemon to lime.
• A perfect pairing with many kinds of foods
including pungent cheeses, seafood, poultry
and pasta.
Normal Retail: $15
• 88 points, Beverage Testing Institute, “Highly
Recommended”; 86 points, Wine Enthusiast;
85 points, California State Fair, “Honorable
Mention.”
• A fruit-forward nose of raspberry and cherry
announces a jammy blend of mixed berry and
vanilla flavors.
Normal Retail: $17
1
1
R. MERLO ESTATE - Trinity County
1
2002 Trinity County Merlot
• Silver Medal, 2006 Los Angeles County Fair,
Our latest
Wines of the World; Bronze Medal.
Special
• This is R. Merlo’s second vintage of Merlot.
Edition!
• The Merlo family recommends roasted pork loin
with a sage and cracked peppercorn rub, garnished
with caramelized red onions and paired with roasted
beets.
Normal Retail: $18
1
1
2003 Trinity County Syrah
• Gold Medal, 2009 Los Angeles County Fair; Silver
Medal, 2006 West Coast Wine Competition; Bronze
Medal.
• This full-bodied Syrah starts off with aromas of
blueberry pie, fresh plums and mild Kona coffee.
• A winner with rare prime rib roast topped with
horseradish sauce and garnished with Yorkshire wild
berry popovers.
Normal Retail: $23
A Message from Bruce & Pam
We are often asked “which wines have you featured in the past and
how can I reorder them?” The wines listed here are all recent club
features, each one has been hand-selected by us and comes with our
100% guarantee. Whether you would like to try one or all of them,
please call or visit our website to place an order…in fact, feel free to
mix a case with 12 different wines!
Please remember that the wines we feature come from small
“mom & pop” wineries and supply may be limited.
1.800.777.4443
Page 10
Page 10
The California Wine Club® · www.cawineclub.com
These Recent Selections are Available, Just $10.99 per Bottle.
2
MISSION TRAIL VINEYARDS - Monterey County
2
2006 Monterey County Syrah
2
2007 Monterey County
Sauvignon Blanc
• Two Gold and Two Silver Medals.
• Longer hang time in 2006 yielded a Syrah with dark
fruit aromas and flavors, great depth and a lengthy
finish. Blackberry, cocoa and wood smoke on the
nose lead to flavors of fruit, plum and coffee.
• A great pairing with ripe cheese and anything grilled.
• Two Silver Medals.
• Herbal and floral on the nose, this wine offers
delicate tropical notes on the palate with a crisp
citrus finish. A lovely quaffer!
• This is a great wine with vegetables, Coconut Shrimp,
Curried Chicken or roasted turkey.
Normal Retail: $19
Normal Retail: $17
MARTIN RAY WINERY - Sonoma County
Courtney Benham 2007 Paso Robles “Lucca” Red
CWC
Member
Favorite!
• A parade of luscious red fruit flavors
delivers a complex nose. On the palate,
ripe cherry and blackberry flavors
dominate, with subtle notes of
vanilla and oak framing the finish.
• A delicious companion to stew,
roast beef, spaghetti and meatballs
with red sauce, hamburgers and
pizza.
Courtney Benham 2008 Lake County
• A tropical delight! Fragrances of honeydew
Sauvignon Blanc
melon and grapefruit are echoed in
the flavors and joined by juicy island
pineapple. Smooth as a rumba on a
moonlit beach, bright as a summer
sunrise.
• Enjoy with a spicy dish of prawns
tossed with chili pepper and olive
oil, shrimp and broccoli fettucine,
grilled Ahi tuna or Thai cuisine.
Normal Retail: $16
Normal Retail: $20
1
CLOS LaCHANCE WINERY - San Martin
89
88
points! points!
2005 Meritage Red Wine,
Central Coast, “Hummingbird
Series, Crimson Topaz”
• Gold Medal, San Francisco Chronicle Wine
Competition. 89 points, Wine Review Online;
88 points, Wine Enthusiast.
• Good choice with hard or soft goat cheeses, or
New York Striploin rubbed with a Cajun spice and
grilled with Roma tomatoes and onions.
89
points!
88 • 89 points, winereviewonline.com; 88 points,
points! E-Zine on Wine; 86 points, Wine Enthusiast.
86 • Give it a go with grilled garlic shrimp or pineapple,
points! mango or a tropical fruit salad.
NEW
VINTAGE!
Normal Retail: $18
MERRIAM - Russian River Valley
2007 Chardonnay, El Dorado
93 • 2 Silver Medals; 93 points Wine News.
points! • A deep, dark ruby color, bouquet of dark ripe
berries, raspberry, reduced cherry tones, with a
touch of mint.
• Just 747 cases produced.
chardonnay 2007
el dorado
Normal Retail: $31
“Old World”
vs.
“New World”
Wines
Normal Retail: $15
PERRY CREEK - Sierra Foothills
2004 Merriam Merlot
2
2008 Unoaked Chardonnay,
Monterey County, “Hummingbird
Series, Glittering Throated Emerald”
• Exotic aromas of guava, banana, mango, citrus
and wild roses pair with crisp minerality, smooth
vanilla and cedar on the palate. The flinty finish is
fresh and lively.
• Light foods like pasta primavera, fresh caught
fish and scallops or roasted chicken offer a good
starting point for this Chardonnay.
Normal Retail: $18
France, Italy, Germany and other European countries are known as “Old World” wine producers. They are
generally in cool climate regions where grapes may struggle to ripen. Also, their winemakers are steeped in
tradition and knowledge backed by experience. Starting in the 1970s and 1980s, “New World” wines arose
from countries where commercial wine was a new game. California, South Africa, Australia, New Zealand
and Chile are among these New World wine countries. Their climates are generally warmer than the Old
World, so their fruit ripens well. Consequently, the style of New World wines is fruitier than Old World wines.
New World winemakers have evolved from making mostly 100% varietal wines (Chardonnay, Cabernet
Sauvignon) to exploring how to blend wines. As wine lovers, we benefit from the contrasts and contributions
of Old and New World wine.
Win a Weekend at the Pietra
Santa “Heritage Guest House”
This holiday season share your love of wine
with the friends, family and business associates
on your gift list...give a gift from The California
Wine Club.®
Your gift recipients will be treated to the same
limited production, award-winning wines you
yourself receive every month.
Send as many months
as you wish!
For every case (12 bottles) of Pietra Santa wine you
purchase from CWC by December 21, 2009,
your name will be entered into our drawing for a
two-night stay and complimentary wine tasting for
4 at Pietra Santa’s incredible Heritage Guest House
(4-bedroom, 2 bath). This gorgeous landmark was
designed by an associate of Frank Lloyd Wright, the
equally acclaimed architect, Burley Griffin Junior, in
the early 1900’s.
Just $34.95/mo.*
Gifts include:
U Two bottles of hand-selected,
award-winning wine
U 12-page, full color
magazine,Uncorked ®
U Discounts of up to
50% on reorders
Order now
and your gift
recipients receive our
U 100% satisfaction
guarantee
20th Anniversary
Discounts on gifts of
3, 6, 9 and 12 months.
ORIGINAL WINE
ART CALENDAR
FREE!
Visa · MC · AMEX · Discover · Void where prohibited
*Plus s/h and sales tax where applicable.
1-800-777-4443
www.cawineclub.com
The winner will be chosen by January 15, 2010.
Reservations are subject to availability. A gift
certificate will be provided that is valid for 6 months.
The more cases you buy, the more chances to win!
Good luck!
CWC Recession
Buster Wine Tip
Pack Your Bags!
Longing to go on a wine adventure to Italy,
France, New Zealand and more but think you
can’t? You can, with CWC’s monthly
International Selections Club.
Welcome the world of wine on your doorstep,
with regional recipes, fun tips about
international wine regions, wine history
and more! Save a bundle on airfare with
International Selections!
Check out this month’s selections on page 9.
Call for details!