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2009 Chardonnay Red Mountain

Gourmet — Fri, 09 Mar 2012 17:57:40 +0000

Terra Blanca : Benton City, Washington : West Coast Wine Club
Terra Blanca Winery and estate vineyard is located on nationally recognized Red Mountain. Estate-grown grapes from this unique location allow for red and white wines of immense depth and complexity. Terra Blanca is dedicated to growing the highest quality wine grapes possible though controlled yield practices, the resulting wine grapes achieve greater concentration and complexity of flavors. Made from 100% Red Mountain Estate grown Chardonnay. A bouquet of crisp apple and tropical fruit intermingle on the nose while proceeding to the palate accompanied by a touch of vanilla and citrus. Hints of oak and butter are subtle, yet distinct. Mango, pineapple, citrus, and spice linger on the long finish, perfectly balanced with the crisp natural acidity of the wine. Drink now through 2014. Serve chilled with poached trout, baked oysters, grilled tuna steaks, and cream based soups. 1145 cases made.

2006 Rubystone Red

Gourmet — Fri, 09 Mar 2012 17:57:17 +0000

Ventana Wines : Monterey, California : West Coast Wine Club
Great wines are made in the vineyard, and the Ventana Vineyard has the perfect combination of water, soil, climate, art and science to create superb, world-class wines. Their success is evidenced by the number of awards that we have won over the years on wine made from this remarkable property. In fact, wines from the Ventana Vineyard have earned more medals and awards than any other single vineyard in America. Ventana Vineyards is fortunate to have winemaker Reggie Hammond, who has devoted his talents to continuing this outstanding record of quality and integrity. Building on the incredible success of their white wines, he has expanded Ventana’s range to create world-class red wines as well. In every case, Reggie crafts the wines in a classical style, with elegance and true varietal character from the Ventana vineyard fruit. For Ventana reds they personally hand-punch the cap at least two times a day for optimum contact of the juice to the skins. Ventana’s red wines age a minimum of 18 months and rest in bottle approximately another 6 months prior to release. The open top fermentors allow some of the alcohol to dissipate resulting in a more fruit forward wine profile without “hot” alcohol aromas. The beautiful deep ruby color of this robust, Rhone-style blend grown in their rocky soil gave rise to the name “Rubystone”. The 2006 vintage is made from 62% Grenache Noir and 38% Syrah. Liquid silk caresses the palate with intense flavors of black cherry, black current and candy apple. Delightfully full bodied with luscious rich flavors and a bit of spice on the lingering finish. This gem of a wine is sure to become a favorite. Drink now through 2013.

2006 Barbera Santa Barbara County

Gourmet — Fri, 09 Mar 2012 17:56:52 +0000

Mandolina Wines : Solvang, California : West Coast Wine Club
Originally planted from cuttings brought from Italy’s legendary vineyards, Lucas & Lewellen’s Italian varietal vineyards of Toccata thrive in the Los Alamos Valley, where warm summer days and cool coastal nights provide the perfect growing environment. Louis Lucas, a pioneer in the development of the Santa Barbara County wine industry, carefully tends to the vines’ every need, just as his ancestors tended their vineyards near the Adriatic Coast years ago. Winemaker Megan McGrath Gates keeps true to the vines’ Mediterranean heritage, masterfully blending ripe fruit into aromatic full-flavored wine, while maintaining the varietal character that has made these Italian wines popular for generations. Toccata features thirteen distinct wines from estate grown Italian grape varietals and unique blends including the Mandolina line. From the Los Alamos Vineyards, this wine brings an unmistakable cranberry aroma infused with ripe, black cherry which is fresh and clean. Added notes of complexity come from a spicy melange of sage, cumin and black pepper. Typical of Italian reds, this wine is quite soft and low in tannin. This wine is ready now. It was crafted for maximum versatility with food, ranging from pizza and pasta and other Mediterranean inspired cuisine to typical American fare like simple grilled meats such as chicken, pork or beef.

2007 No.11 Chardonnay Orange

Gourmet — Fri, 09 Mar 2012 17:56:28 +0000

Philip Shaw : Australia : International Wine Club
Philip Shaw Wines are made only from the grapes grown on Koomooloo, a 46ha vineyard, most of which was planted in 1988 and 1989. Philip has been making wine in Australia for more than 4 decades and approaches each aspect of winemaking with a healthy mix of innovation and unrelenting quality standards. After 3 vintages, Philips son Damian is now running the business side of the vineyard/winery, with Philip spending more time building a relationship with his wines. “No.11 is the number of my dream Chardonnay plot. It slopes to the south, away from the sun making it one of the coolest sites in the vineyard : ideal for Chardonnay….” – Philip Shaw. Made from 100% Chardonnay. Brilliant clear gold in color with green flashes, with complex white peach, grapefruit and orange blossom aromas, balanced with barrel fermented characters. Ripe stone fruit flavors, with the delicate richness of oak. Long elegant lemon acidity with a lovely depth of fig and dried banana, apples and pears. Finishes long, with well integrated oak. Ideal for drinking in the next 2 years. 90 Points Wine Enthusiast.

2009 Vinho de Mesa Tinto

Gourmet — Fri, 09 Mar 2012 17:56:00 +0000

Robusto Wines : Portugal : International Wine Club
As Portuguese winemakers become more skilled at working with their native grape varieties, some fantastic single-varietal wines have resulted. However, most wine aficionados still firmly believes that Portugal’s best wines are its blends. Aragonez, Baga, Camarate, Touriga Naçional, Touriga Francesa, Tinto Cão, Tinta Miuda, Castelão, Trincadeira : they all sound like tongue twisters to the uninitiated. Stick with these Portuguese grape varieties, though, and you find that they also offer an intense range of new flavors capable of reviving palates deadened by the onslaught of commercial Chardonnays and Cabernet Sauvignons. Robusto has combined the three native Portuguese grapes Aragonez, Camarate, and Tinta Miúda to produce a young and very easy drinking red. It features ripe red berry and cherry aromas with earthy, dark undertones and spice and vanilla. On the palate look for sweet ripe berry fruits, leather and loads of peppery spices. Medium-bodied and quite bright on the palate it lingers with smoked spices. Drink now through 2014. It’s good flavor profile will help it match with a variety of foods including meat, poultry and pasta dishes.

2007 Montepulciano d’Abruzzo DOC

Gourmet — Fri, 09 Mar 2012 17:55:38 +0000

Pisato : Italy : International Wine Club
Montepulciano d’Abruzzo is a type of wine grape as well as a type of red wine made from these same grapes in the Abruzzo region of east-central Italy. The grape is however recommended for 20 of Italy’s 95 provinces. Up to 10% Sangiovese is permitted to be added to the blend. It is typically a fruity, dry wine with soft tannins, and as such is often consumed young. If aged by the winery for more than two years, the wine may be labelled “Riserva”. This wine should not be confused with Vino Nobile di Montepulciano, a Tuscan wine made from Sangiovese and other grapes, but not the Montepulciano variety. The quality of Montepulciano wines produced in Abruzzo (especially in the provinces of Pescara and Chieti) has been constantly improving in the last ten years, making Abruzzi, once a backwater in winemaking, one of the most interesting locales in the Italian scene. Pisato has hit a home run with this vintage. The wine pours a nice garnet color in the glass. Aromas of boysenberry compote, chocolate, lavender talc, and creamy nougat follow through on a bright entry to a dry-yet-fruity medium body with gentle cedar and candied ginger notes. It finishes with crisp, tart cherry skin and nutshell accented fade. Overall a nice dry Italian red that is fruity enough to be consumed by itself. It will pair nicely with typical Italian fare such as Spezzatino (Italian Beef Stew), roast leg of lamb, steak Pizzalola (pan sautéed steaks with tomato sauce), Malale al Vino Rosso (pork with red wine and juniper).

2009 The Royal Chenin Blanc

Gourmet — Fri, 09 Mar 2012 17:55:11 +0000

Valley Vineyards : South Africa : Premium Wine Club
Established in 1941, Valley Vineyards is situated in Riebeek Kasteel, at the foot of Bothma’s Kloof Pass, on the western coast of the Cape Province of South Africa. The winery sources its grapes from the Riebeek Valley where the climate is very similar to the Mediterranean. The Riebeek Valley has become a popular tourist destination for travelers that are passionate about wine, exceptional fine-dining and exquisite artwork. As the unofficial drink of the Riebeek Valley, Chenin Blanc is the perfect every day wine that offers uncomplicated quality for the novice and connoisseur alike. The Royal is made from 100% Chenin Blanc sourced from 48 year-old vines. It is un-oaked 100% and channels some of the best acidity and fruit characteristics found in many French and New Zealand white wines. Packed with upfront melon fruit, the nose charms with an abundance of guava and gooseberries as well as the signature hint of honey. The palate follows through with fruit flavors balanced by a crisp acid to ensure a fresh and fruity style of wine. Drink now through 2013. Enjoy well-chilled as a lovely crisp glass on its own but ideal for al fresco dining and with light summer fare. Beautiful with salads, anti pasta and seafood.

2006 No.17 Red Blend Orange

Gourmet — Fri, 09 Mar 2012 17:54:45 +0000

Philip Shaw : Australia : Premium Wine Club
In 2003 Philip Shaw jumped off the corporate train to fulfill his family dream. For the original ‘square peg in a round hole’, Shaw has found his winemaking home and is realizing his family dream at Koomooloo. Shaw has been making wine in Australia for more than 4 decades and approaches each aspect of winemaking with a healthy mix of innovation and unrelenting quality standards. He steps out with conviction and carves his own way, a new way, time and time again. He has pioneered dozens of popular Australian wines during his career and is renowned for his commitment to advancing Australian wines through relentless testing of varietal and clonal suitability for optimum site selection, winemaking innovation, and ultimately, crafting modern, vibrant, and high-quality wines. This 2006 Bordeaux blend is made from 55% Merlot, 25% Cabernet Franc, and 20% Cabernet Sauvignon. The wine’s nose is intense yet elegant with lifted bright, sweet Cabernet Franc fruit. Dark fruit is definitely in charge while the oak plays a supporting role. On the palate there is a clean, precise and powerful expression of dark berry fruits with a subtle savoriness. Lovely softness from the Merlot and Cabernet Franc fruit on the front palate. There is a harmonious presence of tannin from the Cabernet Sauvignon in the back palate, along with good acid balance to ensures a wonderful length of flavor. Drink now through 2015. 90 Points James Halliday.

2006 Climbing Cabernet Sauvignon Orange

Gourmet — Fri, 09 Mar 2012 17:54:18 +0000

Cumulus Wines : Australia : Premium Wine Club
The Climbing name refers to the high altitude vineyards from which the fruit is sourced – as well as highlighting their continual quest for achievement and higher goals. The label celebrates this with exciting imagery and the wines have won numerous trophies and medals. All fruit for Climbing wines is sourced from their vineyard estate. The winemaking philosophy is that a powerful and rich, elegant fruit flavor will be supported by the highest quality oak barrel maturation and winemaking nuances. The Orange appellation (or geographical indicator) is defined not just by latitude and longitude, but also by altitude. The Orange region starts at 600 meters above sea level: one of the highest viticultural regions in Australia. The 2006 offering is made from 100% Cabernet Sauvignon. After fermentation the wine was matured in French and American oak barriques in Cumulus’ underground barrel cellar for 12 months. The wine exhibits tremendous vibrancy, whilst retaining the characteristic elegance of the high-altitude terroir. Aromas of fresh blackberry fruits, plum, tobacco and licorice lift from the glass. Overall on the palate it is a medium bodied wine, with hints of cool climate leafiness. The taste reveals fruit intensity backed by the subtle integration of oak. Fine, firm tannins give the wine structure and length on the finish. Drink now through 2014. Pair with BBQ Steak with Spinach & Garlic Butter or Lamb Shanks in Cranberry Sauce.

2008 L’Envol de Familongue Blanc – Domaine Familongue France

Gourmet — Sat, 18 Feb 2012 05:04:02 +0000

2008 L’Envol de Familongue Blanc (France) is one of the fantastic wines recently featured by the Cellars Wine Club International Wine Club. Each month, club members are delighted by new wines from around the world. For more information on the International Wine Club, please visit the Cellars Wine Club website. A wine club is an excellent way to enjoy new delicious wines. Why not join the club today? It will definitely give you something to look forward to each month! Wine club memberships also make GREAT gifts for wine lovers!

Wine Tasting Notes

Tasting notes from the Cellars Wine Club International Wine Club
Familongue winery is located 30 km west from Montpellier, producing mainly AOC wines. At the beginning of this project, they owned only 4 hectares but now Familongue vineyards cover 25 hectares and is situated in the north and south of their village on specific geological soils. Their vines are located in the north and south of the village “Saint André de Sangonis” on well drained soil where their grapes are emerged with the smell of “garrigue” and are ripened under the Languedoc sun. As self-made wine growers, they learned wine-making skills from experienced wine growers and oenologists concentrating on long moments of tasting and direct observation. Domaine Familongue focuss on the quality , care for the grapes and on good environmental management of the vineyard. They are also very close to nature conservation. Keeping and rearing birds is their second strong passion. That is why their birds are the emblem of their winery and are printed on our wine labels. The 2008 L’Envol de Familongue Blanc is a dry White wine made from 65% Grenache , 20% Clairette, 10 % Roussane, and 5% Viognier. This wine is very fresh and delicate with an attractive pale gold color and green hints. The nose is intense with citrus aromas and subtle peppery, ginger notes. The taste has a supple mouth-feel with fresher acidity and lovely burst of jasmine on the finish. Excellent with fish and a perfect deck wine. Drink now through 2013.

White Wine Blends

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