In the Air · 2018-06-01 · region. This stunning operation was founded in 1996 by billionaire agribusiness magnate, Gonzalo Vial. Gonzalo grew up in a farming culture, as his family

WINE OF THE MONTH CLUB • 123 W POMONA AVE, MONROVIA, CA 91016

www.wineofthemonthclub.com • 1.800.949.9463

MAY 2018

THE TASTING ROOM

Membership in the Wine of the Month Club is open to anyone with an interest in and appreciation for superb wines... and excellent wine values. Membership is FREE.

@WineoftheMonthClub @Wineof theMonth

WINES EVALUATED LAST MONTH: 203 • REJECTED: 169 • APPROVED: 34

Something is in the air (or the wine for that matter). Something is brewing. Something that is intriguing. Something that maybe only experience can define. Your Original Wine of the Month Club is becoming quite popular, not only amongst wine enthusiasts, but winemakers and wineries alike.

The former is easiest to define; the reasoning just as easy. After all, when you taste as much as I do, and you taste how much bad wine there is out there, it is not hard to know that by culling through these bad wines and selecting the best of the bunch, you are bound to please palates in such a way that those palates tell their friends. And through the attendance at our monthly tastings, you can wit-ness the enthusiasm for my wines firsthand.

Add to all this my new clubs - Pinot Noir, Rosé, Bordeaux and Napa Series - and the volume and diversity of the wines I am tasting rounds out not only our selections, but gives the wineries and im-porters more chances (choices) to participate in being a Wine of the Month Club selection. As well, the wine drinking public is becoming more specific and more experiential; they want to call out the vari-etal and the manufacturer as well as delve into new and interesting varietals.

In the Air

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Paul Kalemkiarian, Owner/Cellarmaster


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Becoming more popular with winemakers and winer-ies can only be rooted in our tenure. What I mean by “more popular” is this: The level (pedigree?) of winemakers and proprietors I am interviewing in studio is astounding. Folks such as Bruce Neyer of Neyer Vineyards, iconic in the Napa Valley, Jacques Lardière of Louie Jadot in Burgundy, France, Stephen Ross of Stephen Ross Vineyards, Cyril Chirouze of Château des Jacques and many more. These are fine wine-makers and upper-tier proprietors coming to see me…coming to have an interview with me!

Some reasons: 1) We do a good job of uncovering the spirit of the winery and their philosophies. 2) It is impressive; I have a nice soundproof studio equipped with lighting, sound, timer and props. And they get excited about you, our members who have the oppor-tunity to watch the interviews. 3) This is the wave of the present; video and audio blogs are in and will remain in until new ways of expressing our humanity are developed. In other words, some of these wineries are very old school, and the chance to be on YouTube and other social networks makes their job easier - and we benefit from their wisdom! Have a look at our YouTube channel for the latest.

The more I think about it, the more I get it now. Expe-rience, as in many aspects of life, is king…and we got the experience.

So…hang on for the ride…great wines, great people… You can become Wine Proud.

Salud,

Shooting an interview in the WOMC studio.

Jacques Lardière of Louie Jadot sharing his expertise.

Stephen Ross brings a sense of pride to his work.

AWNING ESTATE2014 CABERNET SAUVIGNONApalta, Colchagua Valley, Chile13.5 % Alcohol by Volume

C L U B S E L E C T I O N

www.wine of themonthclub.com • 1 .800.949.9463

Ripe Raspberries

Coffee, Tobacco

Now through 2025

NOSE

PALATE

CELLAR

Red Meat

Deep Violet

Goes On and On

PAIRING

COLOR

FINISH

Awning is produced by the large, impressive and expansive Chilean estate, Viña Ventisquero, in the Colchagua Valley region. This stunning operation was founded in 1996 by billionaire agribusiness magnate, Gonzalo Vial. Gonzalo grew up in a farming culture, as his family raised chickens and grew grapes. His business savvy took the family company to great heights, and he now enjoys making exceptional wine alongside his other passion, raising thoroughbreds.

Completely family owned, Awning only makes wine from its estate vineyards. The property is sustainably farmed in accordance with Chile’s strict requirements.

Felipe Tosso has been winemaker here since the first vintage was released in 2000. Felipe’s remarkable resume includes making wine on three continents, with experience in Spain, France, Italy and the United States. He was awarded Winemaker of the Year in Chile in 2012.

With this impressive background, one expects the wine to be exemplary, and it certainly is. Because there is no threat of rain or hail during harvest, the grapes are allowed to soak up the sun’s rays at their leisure, while feasting on the nutrient-rich soil.

The result is a monumental offering, with dense, dark color signaling the depth and breadth of the wine to follow. The nose is an engaging amalgam of ripe red fruits and berries leading to a walloping finish that seems to never end.

95points

Item ID: C0518R1ICMSRP: $18.99

Member Price: $12.48Reorder Price: $7.99

“ CAB • burr • NAY SAW • veen • YON ”


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SPELLBOUND2015 CHARDONNAYCalifornia13.5 % Alcohol by Volume



Pineapple and Cinnamon

Pear and Spice

Now through 2020

NOSE

PALATE

CELLAR

Seafood, Vegetarian

Pale Gold

Lively Spice

PAIRING

COLOR

FINISH

Rob Mondavi’s introduction to wine began almost 40 years ago. The son of Michael and Isabel Mondavi, and grandson of the late wine icon Robert Mondavi, Rob was raised in Napa Valley and spent much of his time as a child playing among the vines and barrels at the Robert Mondavi Winery.

He worked in a variety of roles at the family winery, from vineyards to cellar to hospitality. On his summer breaks, he took on a range of positions in the family company to gain experience in all aspects of vineyard and winery management and business operations.

In 2003, Rob and his wife, Lydia, partnered with their friend Patti Romano to follow their passion and start producing their own wine. The focus was to produce wines from unique, maturing vineyards in California, harvesting their favorite grape varietal, Zinfandel. The venture was appropriately named Medusa, after the gnarly old vines.

The partnership quickly grew and, in 2007, their friend Geoff Whitman joined the group as Managing Partner. This allowed Rob the time to focus on the winemaking for both Medusa and Spellbound Wines.

Spellbound has been making great wines for years, and this Chardonnay is no exception. From beginning to end, its firm, luscious flavors and mesmerizing finish satisfy at all levels.

96points

Item ID: C0518W1DCMSRP: $17.99


“ SHAR • doh • NAY ”


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OAK GROVE2016 CABERNET SAUVIGNONCalifornia13.0 % Alcohol by Volume



Black Cherry and Cedar

Dense Berry and Chocolate

Now through 2023

NOSE

PALATE

CELLAR

Red Meat, Game

Medium Crimson

Lovely Spice, Cedar

PAIRING

COLOR

FINISH

Oak Grove’s Jeff Dye is known as the Wine Wizard of California. Jeff has been crafting distinctive wines from Monterey County and Paso Robles for nearly 20 years and, incredibly, the wines just keep getting better.

The grapes for this beauty come principally from Paso Robles, which sports a greater day-to-night temperature swing than any other appellation in California. Distinct microclimates, diverse soils and a long growing season make Paso Robles a unique wine region. More than 40 wine grape varieties are grown in Paso Robles, ranging from Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot, to Syrah, Viognier, Roussanne and Zinfandel, the area’s heritage wine varietal.

Cabernet Sauvignon is one of Jeff’s main wine passions. It’s easy to tell when you taste his Cabernets, which we do every chance we get. Interestingly, we’ve tasted the same varietal from the same area made by other winemakers, and Jeff’s seems to always be better and less expensive.

Who are we to argue? This selection is another gem. The nose almost screams Cabernet with hints of blackberry, cranberry and cedar atop flashes of earth and leather. The palate is full and rich, going just to the edge of propriety but still staying within the bounds of extraordinary.

As with all of Jeff’s wines, the finish is mesmerizing, tying each flavor into a cohesive whole that lasts as long as you can wait. And it’s always worth the wait.

94points

Item ID: C0518R2DCMSRP: $15.99


“ CAB • burr • NAY SAW • veen • YON ”


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RED DIAMOND 2015 CHARDONNAYWashington13.5 % Alcohol by Volume



Green Apple

Apple, Pear, Spice

Now through 2020

NOSE

PALATE

CELLAR

Seafood, Fowl, Vegetarian

Limpid Gold

Fresh, Clean

PAIRING

COLOR

FINISH

Red Diamond is a label from iconic Washington State winery Chateau Ste. Michelle. For over 10 years, Laura Sorge has been crafting wines for them under the Red Diamond label, and has earned a reputation for creating wines of substance that are also great crowd pleasers.

Chateau Ste. Michelle is one of the oldest wineries in Washington. It was founded in 1967, when California’s most famous winemaker, André Tchelistcheff, was hired as a consultant to plan a vineyard for them. He chose the sites and grape varietals to be planted and, as a result, the wines were exceptional. (André was the first winemaker at Beaulieu Vineyard in Napa and made the first BV Private Reserve Cabernet in 1936.)

Chateau Ste. Michelle was pretty much under the radar until the Los Angeles Times did a tasting of wines from around the world in the mid 1970s. At this tasting, Chateau Ste. Michelle Riesling came out first and, to this day, it is still the number one wine on most wine lists in the United States.

Though known for Riesling, Chateau Ste. Michelle makes some of the best wines anywhere, and our Chardonnay selection is no exception. Like many Washington wines, this lovely example exhibits balanced flavors that seem to roll around on your palate without any one of them being prominent.

This selection, with its apple and pear mingling with a hint of spice, is fresh and fruity. Best of all, the flavors finish with a tingling aftertaste that brings them all back into focus.

95points

Item ID: C0518W2DWMSRP: $15.99


“ SHAR • doh • NAY ”


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BICYCLETTE 2016 MERLOTFrance13.0 % Alcohol by Volume



Blueberry, Earth

Black Cherry, Spice

Now through 2023

NOSE

PALATE

CELLAR

Red Meat, Game

Medium Crimson

Long and Subtle

PAIRING

COLOR

FINISH

Bicyclette pays homage to the fascination the French have for bicycle riding. Think Tour de France. It’s probably safe to assume that some 100 years ago they even delivered the wine on bicycles.

Our selection comes from Mas Pellier, in the coastal appellation of the Languedoc near Nîmes. Christophe Pellier is the fifth generation of his family running the winery and the most dynamic of his ancestors. Until he took over, they were selling most of their production to other wineries. Christophe thought they should be making their own wine, so he spearheaded this effort.

He increased their land holdings to 75 acres of vineyards, released his first wines in 2010 and has never looked back. His success is a testament to his skill and determination, as Mas Pellier is now considered one of the finest and most progressive wineries in the Languedoc.

Christophe was one of the first to plant Merlot here. He thought the soils were so diverse that planting the same grapes as the Rhône vineyards, just a few miles away, was an injustice to the land. And he was right. At this point, he is making the best Merlot in the area.

Our selection is 80% Merlot and 20% Syrah. We weren’t sure the combination would work, but it does. It is absolutely spectacular. The blend of power and finesse just eases into the glass and onto your palate as if it was meant to be.

95points

Item ID: V0518R1IFMSRP: $19.99


“ mer • LOH ”


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MECEDORA2015 SAUVIGNON BLANCMaule Valley, Chile13.5 % Alcohol by Volume



White Peach, Nectarine

Lovely Peach, Citrus

Now through 2021

NOSE

PALATE

CELLAR

Seafood, Shellfish

Very Pale Straw

Fabulous Kiwi, Lime, Guava

PAIRING

COLOR

FINISH

Mecedora’s winemaker, Jaime Munoz, has been crafting wines for over three decades. His adventurous spirit has taken him to several continents and many of the most revered regions in France, Italy and the Unites States.

His experiences taught him that anything can happen in the vineyard and winery and to always expect the unexpected. It also made clear to him that his favorite spot was back in his home in Chile, where the conditions for growing grapes are about as good as it gets.

Chile’s vineyards are high enough above the heat of sea level that temperatures are almost of a Mediterranean nature, where many of the greatest wines in the world are nurtured.Munoz can’t ever remember a “bad” vintage. There have been some that were difficult, but never a disastrous one like those seen in France and Italy. As a result, winemakers concentrate on making wine, not correcting it.

Sauvignon Blanc has made a quiet entry into the Chilean wine world, but a truly substantial one. The only problem we have is choosing one, as they are all incredibly luscious. We’ve encountered few areas that produce Sauvignon Blanc so successfully as this.

Here is everything you could want in a glorious Sauvignon Blanc. Lovely peach and citrus tones harmoniously blend with fresh herbs and a resounding finish that seems to never end.

96points

Item ID: V0518W1ICMSRP: $18.99


“ SAW • veen • YON BLONK ”


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MARC CELLARS2016 PINOT NOIRCalifornia13.0 % Alcohol by Volume



Candy Apple, Spice

Rich Flavors, Soft Tannins

Now through 2025

NOSE

PALATE

CELLAR

Seafood, Game, Fowl

Medium Magenta

Lush Cherry

PAIRING

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Marc Cellars is the brainchild of superstar winemaker, Joe Tapparo. Joe grew up in Sonoma County’s Dry Creek Valley, where his grandfather grew grapes. Throughout his childhood, Joe was fascinated by the winemaking process and learned it literally from the ground up.

Joe went on to earn a degree in Fermentation Science at the University of California at Davis and, upon graduation, split his time between Gallo’s research facility in Modesto and Geyser Peak in Sonoma. In 2008, he was hired by the mega wine operation in Sonoma, Purple Wine Company, where he continues to help craft some of the best wines in the state, including his own, Marc Cellars.

The 2016 harvest benefited from exceptional weather conditions, which allowed the grapes to sit on the vines longer than usual. This, coupled with an early flowering, meant that the grapes’ “hangtime” on the vine was as good as it gets, and this is reflected in the wine.

The ripe, delicate grapes were picked at night to assure that no instantaneous fermentation would take place before it was supposed to. Ergo, the grapes arrived at the winery in perfect condition, where they were fermented to dryness and then laid to rest in French and American oak barrels to develop the spicy components and soft tannins.

The result is yet another Tapparo winner, with all the Bing cherry and candied apple notes we expect from great Pinot Noir. And this is great Pinot Noir.

97points

Item ID: V0518R2DCMSRP: $22.99


“ PEE • noh NWAR ”


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AURAMARIS2015 VermentinoMaremma, Toscana D.O.C., Italy13.0 % Alcohol by Volume



Pear, Apple, Citrus

Lively Fruit, Medium Body

Now through 2021

NOSE

PALATE

CELLAR


Very Pale Straw

Exceedingly Long

PAIRING

COLOR

FINISH

One of the most fascinating districts in Tuscany, the Maremma is on the coast and very close to some of the most heralded wine estates in Italy. The region had everything going for it except one thing: there was a swamp in the middle that was a breeding ground for malaria. It wasn’t until the 1950s that the swamp was drained so that the area could be explored and considered for development. Since then, it has certainly been a wine region to watch.

Like most of Tuscany, the principle grape here is Sangiovese. But if you’re going to make a white wine, as Auramaris does here, there is no finer grape in the land than Vermentino. That, undoubtedly, is what drew owners Anna Crudiata and Hugh Maxwell to it in 2003, when they purchased the property for its beauty and planted 25 acres of grapes.

The vineyard is all organic and sustainable. These practices create a healthier atmosphere for the grapes to mature and, in the end, result in heartier wines with incredible staying power. Mother Nature has a way of rewarding those who honor her.

Our selection is 85% Vermentino and 15% Grechetto. This is a classic combination, as Grechetto subtly supports and balances the Vermentino, an exotic grape that exhibits flavors that are utterly unique to it.

Vermentino’s notes of Asian pear, Pippin apple and hints of apricot open the show, while the Grechetto adds swashes of minerality and a cool, citrus finish. This is an absolutely beautiful expression of one of our favorite grapes and it is bound to add pleasure to any palate it touches.

98points

Item ID: V0518W2IIMSRP: $19.99


“ VAIR • men • TEE • noh ”


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LÉGENDE DE ROTHSCHILD2016 BORDEAUXBordeaux, France12.5 % Alcohol by Volume



Fresh Raspberry

Vanilla, Oak, Berry

Now through 2027

NOSE

PALATE

CELLAR

Red Meat

Deep Violet

Silky Tannins

PAIRING

COLOR

FINISH

It isn’t often we can get a wine of this pedigree at this price. After all, it is made by the people at Château Lafite Rothschild, one of the most famous names in the world, and not just wine.

Lafite is in the village of Pauillac, where three of the five first-growth Bordeaux are crafted. It is considered the finest village in the finest appellation in the world.

What is interesting here is that our wine has a simple Bordeaux appellation. Just the word Pauillac would add $50 to the price tag. Bordeaux is a huge area and there are a lot of wines that are simply labelled as such.

However, when the château doing the labeling is Lafite, everything changes. All of a sudden, this is not just Bordeaux, and for good reason. These people have a reputation to uphold as well as the responsibility to do so. And they do so very well. They only know how to make wine one way and, regardless of where the grapes come from, the process here is as meticulous as it is for Lafite. You can taste it in the glass.

The yields are held to a minimum. The grapes are hand-picked and sorted so that only the best of the lot are used. The wine is finished with slow fermentation and oak aging. Every step of the process is monitored and controlled so that the result will be worthy of the name.

From the raspberry notes in the nose, to the vanilla and berry flavors on the palate to a finish with tannins like silk, this wine is the perfect example of great Bordeaux. And one that proudly upholds the Lafite Rothschild reputation.

95points

Item ID: L0518R1IFMSRP: $22.98


“ bore • DOH ”


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MECEDORA 2015 CARMÉNÈREMaule Valley, Chile13.5 % Alcohol by Volume



Blueberry, Leather

Cherry, Vanilla

Now through 2024

NOSE

PALATE

CELLAR

Red Meat, Game, Fowl

Medium Violet

Clean Fruit, Nice Grip

PAIRING

COLOR

FINISH

Mecedora is another superb Chilean find from a plethora of finds that continue to amaze us. Some 40 years ago, Chilean wines represented outstanding value, as they do to this day. However, today, the value is even more pronounced, as the quality has improved - but the prices are almost the same. We wish this happened everywhere.

Mecedora’s vineyards are over 2,000 feet above sea level, where the sun’s rays are unobstructed by pollutants and dust. There is virtually no rain here, so vineyard owners can meticulously monitor the amount of water they allow the vines to soak up from the ample supply of the runoff from the Andes Mountains.

Vines require less water than most crops. The less water, the better for them, which makes Chile’s Maule Valley so ideal. Here, the vines must dig for water and, in so doing, benefit from the nutrients and minerals in the soil.

Carménère came from Bordeaux, France, where it was confused with Merlot. But that confusion was only scientific, as the grape can make wine as good as Merlot, it’s just a different grape.

It’s easy to see, and taste, how one could think they’re the same. Here is the telltale blueberry and soft pink cherry components we love in Merlot. Then comes the wave of cocoa, earth and sweet pepper with swashes of leather and vanilla. Everything is held perfectly in check by the soft, but present, tannins that bring it all together and then some.

94points

Item ID: L0518R2ICMSRP: $22.98


“ CAR • men • YAIR ”


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EICH2015 Pinot BiancoAlto Adige D.O.C., Italy13.0% Alcohol by Volume



Intense Passion Fruit

Wild Mango, Citrus

Now through 2025

NOSE

PALATE

CELLAR

Light Meats, Fowl

Golden

Mesmerizingly Long

PAIRING

COLOR

FINISH

Funny thing about wine. You do this long enough and when you come across a wine from a winery named Eich, you figure maybe German or Austrian. Then you see that it’s Pinot Blanc, so you nail it down to Austria because I don’t know of any Pinot Blanc in Germany.

But then you see that it’s labeled Pinot Bianco, which means Italy and also means Alto Adige, and then you get chills. Finally, you read that the family that owns the winery is Brigl, and you almost faint.

It is very difficult to put into words what these wines taste like because you will never taste anything like them. This is not a sales pitch; they really are that unique. And, just as unique, are the people who make them. Their passion is legendary.

Eich was originally the Kornell Estate, founded in 1372. That’s not a misprint. The Brigl family purchased the property in 1927. Other parts of the Brigl family make some of the most amazing wines you’ll taste in Austria. It’s in the blood.

Most of the grapes grown here are white and most are truly extraordinary. They excel in the same varietals you’ll find in Alsace: Pinot Blanc, Sauvignon Blanc and Gewürztraminer. It’s no secret that these are some of the greatest wines made in the world.

Be prepared for aromas you’ve never encountered before. From lilac to passion fruit, guava, mango and the like, to the almost godly presence of flavors in the mouth, you will gasp with delight.

96points

Item ID: L0518W3IIMSRP: $23.99


“ PEE • noh bee • AHN • koh ”


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SOALHEIRO2016 Alvarinho/LoureiroMinho, Portugal11.0 % Alcohol by Volume



Fresh Flowers

Peach, Apricot

Now through 2020

NOSE

PALATE

CELLAR


Very Pale Straw

Lively Peach

PAIRING

COLOR

FINISH

At first glance this wine was a bit confusing. After all, these are the same grapes used in Vinho Verde, but the wine isn’t called Vinho Verde. That’s because Vinho Verde is one of those unique wine areas that refers to both the area and the grapes. In this case the wine is made in the Minho region, the same region as Vinho Verde, but not in the appellation.

Soalheiro is made in the Melgaço, where owner António Luís Cerdeira was born. He grew up in the wine industry in Portugal and now runs his winery with his wife Maria and daughter, also named Maria.

Together they pour their heart and soul into crafting wines that would make their ancestors proud by sticking to the traditional grapes of the area, yet improving the quality at every turn, in every vintage.

The principal grape here is Alvarinho, also known as Albariño in Northern Spain. As a matter of fact, the area best known for Albariño is Rías Baixas, literally a few miles north of Minho.

This is an enticing grape as it exhibits thrilling nuances of peach and nectarine blended with floral components such as lilac, rose petals and jasmine. It is also quite fussy as it likes areas that most grapes would find abhorrent. That being cool and relatively damp weather. Other grapes would develop mold and mildew, but Alvarhino develops more of its exciting flavors that keep building as this wonderful elixir is consumed.

96points

Item ID: L0518W4IPMSRP: $23.99


“ all • vah • REEN • yoh / loh • RAY • roh ”


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TASTING NOTES

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C0318R1DC - Cabernet Sauvignon, 2015. Shadow Ridge Rich Cherry, Licorice $14.99 $7.99 $95.88

C0318R2IS - Tempranillo, 2015. Toro Loco Spice to Spare $14.99 $7.99 $95.88

C0418R1DC - Cabernet Sauvignon, 2015. Crusted Pie Violets, Black Cherry $16.99 $7.99 $95.88

C0418R2DC - Syrah, 2013. Zaca Mesa Blueberry, Dark Chocolate $22.99 $7.99 $95.88

V0318R1-5IS - Merlot, 2014. Seis de Azul y Garanza Large and Lovely $22.99 $12.98 $155.76

V0318R3II - Salice Salentino Riserva, 2011. Tenuta Boncore Black Plum, Spice $22.99 $12.99 $155.88

V0318R4DC - GSM, 2012. Delayed In Glass Black Grape, Black Pepper $29.99 $12.99 $155.88

V0418R1-1II - Negroamaro Salento, 2014. Tenuta Boncore Pomegranate, Anise $22.99 $12.99 $155.88

V0418R1-2IF - Carignan/Grenache, 2012. Cht. Saint-Estève Plum, Leather $22.99 $12.99 $155.88

V0418R1-3II - Primitivo, 2013. Primius Strawberry Jam $22.99 $12.99 $155.88

V0418R1-4IS - Garnacha/Tempranillo, 2014. Azul y Garanza Spice, Violets, Berry $22.99 $12.99 $155.88

L0318R1IS - Crianza, 2013. Pagos de Aráiz Lilac, Spice, Cherry $24.99 $15.99 $191.88

L0318R1-2IF - Grenache/Syrah, 2014. Cht. Saint-Estève Spice, Leather $24.99 $15.99 $191.88

L0318R2II - Montepulciano, 2013. Orsetto Oro Long, Luscious, Gripping $25.99 $15.99 $191.88

L0418R1IC - Cabernet Sauvignon/Carménère, 2015. Key Cherry Pie, Soft Tannins $25.99 $15.99 $191.88

L0418R2IF - Bordeaux, 2011. Brun-Despagne Héritage Soft, Engaging Plum $26.99 $15.99 $191.88


V0418R2DC - Pinot Noir, 2014. Magnolia Court Cotton Candy, Cherry $19.99 $12.99 $155.88

R0418R1DC - Rose, 2017. Dragonette Lilting Pear $25.00 $16.00 $192.00

R0418R2IF - Rose, 2016. Cht. de Berne Grande Recolte Candy Apple $25.00 $16.00 $192.00

P0418R1DO - Pinot Noir, 2016. Omen Hints of Cranberry $25.00 $16.00 $192.00

P0418R2DC - Pinot Noir, 2014. Coho Earthy Complexity $65.00 $35.00 $420.00

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C0318W2IC - Chardonnay, 2014. Sawbuck Asian Pear, Apple $14.99 $6.99 $83.88

C0418W2DW - Chardonnay, 2014. Pacific Oasis Lovely Citrus $18.99 $6.99 $83.88

V0318W2IF - Chardonnay, 2015. Domaine Saint-Estève Nuanced Quince $20.99 $11.99 $143.88

V0418W2IO - Riesling, 2015. Premiat Rich Apricot, Spice $22.99 $12.99 $155.88

L0318W3IF - Gewürztraminer, 2013. Martin Schaetzel Musk Oil, Pumpkin $24.99 $13.99 $167.88


C0318W1DC - Sauvignon Blanc, 2017. Indigo Eyes Nectarine, Fresh Herbs $14.99 $6.99 $83.88

C0418W1DC - Grenache Blanc, 2015. Zaca Mesa Stone Fruit, Lime $22.99 $6.99 $83.88

V0418W1II - Grillo, 2016. Cantine Paolini Nectarine, Lilace $21.99 $11.99 $143.88

L0418W4DO - Pinot Gris, 2015. David Hill Peach, Rose Petals $24.99 $13.99 $167.88 SO

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PREPARATIONWrap peppercorns in a clean dish towel, then crush, either by pressing firmly with the bottom of a heavy skillet or by tapping gently with a mallet. (Peppercorns should be cracked, not ground.) Transfer pepper to a plate, then roll filets in it so that they are evenly coated. Season liberally on both sides with salt.

Heat butter and oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add filets and cook until well browned, about 4 minutes on each side for medium rare. Transfer steaks to four warmed plates. Cover loosely with foil to keep warm while you prepare sauce.

Add cognac to hot pan, then carefully ignite with a long-handled match. (Keep lid handy so flame can be extinguished, if necessary.) Allow alcohol to burn off, about 1 minute, then add stock. Cook until reduced by half, about 4 minutes. Add cream and cook, stirring occasionally, until thick, 3-5 minutes. Season with salt and pour over steaks.

Steak au Poivre Serves: 4 Crawfish Etouffée Serves: 4

Serve with Awning Estate Cabernet Sauvignon, Bicyclette Merlot or Legende de Rothschild Bordeaux.

INGREDIENTS 3 tbsp. black peppercorns4 6-oz. beef filets, about 1½” thick⅓ tsp. salt total for all four steaks2 tbsp. butter1 tbsp. vegetable oil⅓ cup cognac1 cup beef stock½ cup heavy cream

Recipes

Cellar NotesCLASSIC SERIES VINTNERS SERIES LIMITED SERIESMay 2016:Cabernet Sauvignon, 2015. Hermoso Hermosa. Years to go.Chardonnay, 2013. Dominion. At its best.Tempranillo, 2008. La Gozada. Ready.Pinot Grigio, 2014. Backhouse. Perfect.

May 2017:Garnacha, 2012. Clos de Nit, Crianca. Ready.Sauvignon Blanc, 2014. Babcock Vineyards. Ready.Winemakers Reserve, 2014. Crusted Pie. Drink or hold.Pinot Grigio, 2016. Noble Vines. Best now.

May 2016:Grenache/Syrah, 2014. Acantalys. Can go another year or two.Syrah/Carginan, 2012. Gérard Bertrand. Still going strong.Sauvignon Blanc, 2015. Le Grand Clos. Drink or hold.Chardonnay, 2013. Magnolia. At its best.

May 2017:Cabernet Sauvignon, 2013. Freemont. Still going strong.Brolo Campofiorin Oro, 2011. Masi. Drink or hold.Tempranillo Blanco, 2015. Fernandez de Pierola. Best now.Viura Malvasia, 2015. BS. Ready.

May 2016: Cabernet Sauvignon, 2010. Serena’s Vineyard. Still going strong.Sauvignon Blanc, 2014. The Rule. At its best.Sangoivese, 2011. Noceto. At its best.Chardonnay, 2013. Whoa Nelly. Drink up.

May 2017:Reserve Red, 2014. PDQ Estates. Still going strong.Grillo, 2015. Tiamo. Best now.Pinot Noir, 2013. Vinewood. Perfect.Sauvignon Blanc, 2016. Calcu. Ready.


A report on how previous selections are faring with age. Obtained from actual tastings of wines under optimal storage conditions.

PREPARATION

Heat bacon in a 6-qt. saucepan over medium-high heat until rendered, 3 minutes. Add butter, scallions, garlic, celery, onions, tomatoes and peppers; cook until soft, 7 minutes. Stir in thyme, paprika, cayenne, bay leaves, salt and pepper; cook 1 minute. Stir in flour; cook 2 minutes. Add stock and bring to a boil. Reduce heat to medium and cook until reduced by one-third, 12 minutes. Add crawfish; cook until hot. Stir in cream, hot sauce, Worcestershire and parsley. Serve with rice.

Serve with Spellbound Chardonnay, Mecedora Sauvignon Blanc or Eich Pinot Bianco.

INGREDIENTS4 slices bacon, finely chopped½ stick unsalted butter6 scallions, finely chopped3 cloves garlic, finely chopped2 stalks celery, finely chopped1 yellow onion, finely chopped1 large tomato, seeded and finely chopped1 green bell pepper, minced½ tsp. dried thyme1 tsp. paprika½ tsp. cayenne pepper2 bay leavesKosher salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste¼ cup flour2½ cups fish or chicken stock2 lb. cooked peeled crawfish tails

⅓ cup heavy cream3 tbsp. hot sauce, plus more for serving2 tsp. Worcestershire sauce⅓ cup finely chopped parsley, plus more for garnishCooked white rice

Documents

In the Air · 2018-06-01 · region. This stunning operation was founded in 1996 by billionaire agribusiness magnate, Gonzalo Vial. Gonzalo grew up in a farming culture, as his family