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1 WOMC-Vintners708 6/16/08 3:00 PM Page 1 JULY 2008 WINES Evaluated: 132 WINES Rejected: 124 WINES Approved: 8 WINES Selected: 4 T he sun of this month cures all. ~ANNE SEXTON HIGH NOTE, CABERNET SAUVIGNON. PASO ROBLES, CALIFORNIA. Mediocre singers cannot hit the high notes and neither does mediocre wine. High Note Cabernet Sauvignon hits it and stays there. This wine makes the top ten lists. MOUNT FISHTAIL, SAUVIGNON BLANC. MARLBOROUGH, NEW ZEALAND. Made by a close-knit family with an eye on quality, Mount Fishtail promises value for the quality. VINTAGE INK, RED BLEND. CALIFORNIA. Vintage Ink is made under the auspicious Constellation Brands Wine Company where only the finest grapes and the most talented winemakers are allowed. It s a great wine from a great vintage. Enjoy! SHERWOOD, SAUVIGNON BLANC. WAIPARA, NEW ZEALAND. Sherwood Estates invites you to experience their delicious wine. They are honored to share their many years of hard work with you. INSIDE THIS MONTH THE VINTNERS SERIES NEWS 1 WHAT S NEW THIS MONTH 2 VINT. #1, CABERNET SAUVIGNON, HIGH NOTE 3 VINT #2, SAUVIGNON BLANC, MOUNT FISHTAIL 4 ADVENTURES IN GOOD FOOD 5 TASTING NOTES 6 EARLIER SELECTIONS 7 GIFT ORDERS 8 Join us on the Web:

2 WOMC-Vintners708 6/16/08 3:00 PM Page 2 Ever have a graduating senior in high school? This is tough. Everything is the last." The last awards banquet, the last at-bat, the last softball game, last prom, last this, last that...and of course you cannot miss the last" anything... I'm not complaining... I wouldn t miss it for the world! Salud! A NOTE FROM YOUR CELLARMASTER Paul Kalemkiarian Paul Kalemkiarian WHAT S NEW THIS MONTH? Our special sale on several wines from our Regular, Vintners and Limited Series will begin JULY 1, 2008 AND END JULY 31, We are giving you advance notice on the sale so that you can review the list and check it twice. Remember which wines were your favorites and then get ready to order these great wines at fantastic prices before they are gone forever! For this promotion only, we are allowing all members from the Regular, Vintners and Limited Series to mix and match any combination of wines from any series. Take advantage of this promotion to try something new or bring an old favorite home. Remember, first come first serve! The asterisk * means very limited quantities. ITEM DESCRIPTION REGULAR SALE PRICE PRICE 107A6 Merlot, Canyon Oaks $11.99 $4.99 L1107C Cabernet Sauvignon, Totino $22.99 $ A Brut Sparkling, NC. Toso $13.99 $4.99 L1207C Sparkling Brut, NV. Moingeon 1415 $21.99 $9.99 L1207D Banyuls, NV. L Etoile $19.99 $9.99 V1207E Sparkling Brut, NV. Charles Ninot $24.99 $9.99 L108D Cabernet/Merlot, Camelback $22.99 $10.99 V108E Zinfandel, Bargetto $17.77 $10.99* 208A Merlot, Spinner Red $18.99 $ B Chardonnay, St. Lucas $10.99 $ B Merlot, PKNT $12.99 $5.99 V308F Pinot Grigio, Tutu $15.99 $ EMZ Zinfandel, Oak Grove $11.99 $4.99 SOLD OUT Membership in THE VINTNERS SERIES is open to anyone with an interest in and an appreciation for superb wines... and excellent wine values. Membership is FREE. For more info write: WINE OF THE MONTH CLUB P.O. Box , Arcadia, CA Call: WINE (9463) or (626) FAX: (626) Online: Newsletter written by: Elizabeth Schweitzer, Master Sommelier WINE

3 WOMC-Vintners708 6/16/08 3:00 PM Page 3 THIS MONTH S SELECTION #1 P aso Robles is a city in San Luis Obispo County, California with a winemaking heritage dating back to It is named after the local trees: El Paso de Robles which means The Pass of the Oaks. The name was shortened in the mid 1800 s when California gained its independence from Mexico. Paso Robles has more than 170 wineries and boasts 26,000 acres under vines. The region is gifted with distinct micro-climates and diverse soils. The days are warm and the nights are cool, which, of course, makes for ideal growing conditions for many different varietals. There are over 40 wine varietals growing in Paso Robles. The trendy Paso area has its share of large wineries, foreign investors, and boutique wineries. Cabernet Sauvignon is one of the five red Bordeaux grapes. It s also the most highly planted grape in Paso Robles. It s known for high levels of extract and often dry and searing tannins. The grapes for High Note Cabernet Sauvignon were sourced from two awesome vineyards in the heart of Paso Robles: Firehouse and Branch. These grapes grow in soil that is chalky clay with lots of limestone. This imparts a richness and density to the finished wine. High Note Cabernet Sauvignon was fermented at cooler temperatures to maintain more aromas of strawberry and cherry. There was also very limited oak treatment which also allows the fruit to shine through. In the heat of summer, this is a great choice for a red wine without the weight offered by many other Cabernet Sauvignons. The alcohol does not soar over 14% and the tannins are soft yet substantial. The color is classic dark ruby. The nose is assertive and friendly with black cherry fruit, new leather, cassis and dried cherry. It s full-bodied with warm and lush cherry fruit, cassis, jam and just enough oak for added complexity. It sports a delicious and lengthy finish. Try this wine with pepper steak topped with grilled onions, sausage pizza, or strong cheese HIGH NOTE Cabernet Sauvignon (ka-bur-nay saw-veehn-yawn) Paso Robles California Color: Dark ruby Nose: Black cherry, dried cherry, new leather Palate: Full-bodied, warm lush cherry fruit, soft tannins, cassis Finish Lengthy finish WOMC Rating 85 Points CELLARING SUGGESTIONS Drink now or cellar through 2010 V708E Retail Price: $18.90/each Special Member Price: $15.99/each Reorder Price: $12.99/each 31% Discount $155.88/case WINE 3

4 WOMC-Vintners708 6/16/08 3:00 PM Page 4 THIS MONTH S SELECTION #2 M ount Fishtail is made by Konrad and Sigrun Hengstler of Konrad Company Wines. Konrad and Sigrun migrated from Germany to Australia and then to New Zealand. The cool weather and pristine environment are similar to their German homeland. It s a family endeavor Konrad, his wife Sigrun, and their two sons are all involved in the winemaking business. Konrad says, "Through everyday personal involvement, we focus on quality and a commitment to reasonable pricing. We sincerely hope you will gain as much pleasure from our wine as we have had creating them. Quality is their absolute focus throughout the process, from pruning to harvest. The family handcrafts each of their wines. The high quality has paid off as the wines have won medals through the world at major wine competitions. The Mount is actually a mountain in the Richmond range which borders Marlborough on the north. Marlborough sits on the north tip of the South Island of New Zealand. This is the land of Sauvignon Blanc, gaining world-wide recognition from this region. With over 2,500 sunshine hours per year combined with cool nights, this area makes crisp, clean Sauvignon Blanc with ripe tropical fruit flavors. The 2005 Mount Fishtail Sauvignon Blanc has a pale straw green color. The bouquet is full of ripe fruit, passion fruit, mango, melon, and kumquats. The palate is soft and dry, complex with plenty of flavor, yet delicate and easy to drink. The finish is clean, crisp, and cheerful. Mount Fishtail is irresistible for its limited production and the artisan care from Konrad Hengstler. Un-oaked and uncomplicated, Mount Fishtail Sauvignon Blanc will be your new best friend this summer. This is a wine to enjoy with seafood, poultry, and Asian dishes MOUNT FISHTAIL Sauvignon Blanc (saw-veehn-yawn blahn) Marlborough New Zealand Color: Pale straw green Nose: Passion fruit, mango, melon Palate: Soft, dry, weighty tropical fruit, guava, lychee Finish Clean dry finish WOMC Rating 84 Points CELLARING SUGGESTIONS Drink now, chilled, through 2008 V708F Retail Price: $18.99/each Special Member Price: $13.99/each Reorder Price: $11.99/each 37% Discount $143.88/case WINE

5 WOMC-Vintners708 6/16/08 3:00 PM Page 5 ADVENTURES IN GOOD FOOD Even in the summer heat you can enjoy chili. Make this in the cool of the evening the day before. Pair it with the High Note Cabernet Sauvignon for a delicious, simple meal. DAY BEFORE CHILI INGREDIENTS: 1-1/2 lbs ground beef 1 tsp extra virgin olive oil 2 onions, chopped 4 cloves garlic, minced 1 tsp salt 1 tsp ground black pepper 1/2 cup green bell pepper, chopped 1/2 cup sweet red pepper, chopped 7 tbsp chili powder 2 tsp garlic powder 1 tsp Tabasco 2 ~ 15-oz cans red kidney beans, drained 1 ~ 15-oz can diced tomatoes 1 ~ 15-oz can tomato sauce 1/2 cup beer 3 tbsp ground cumin 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce Grated cheese and chopped onion for garnish PREPARATION: In a large pot, brown the ground beef in olive oil with onion, garlic, salt and pepper. Drain off fat. Add green and red bell peppers, chili powder, garlic powder, and Tabasco. Cook on low heat for 3 minutes while stirring. Add remaining ingredients and gently bring to a boil. Reduce heat and simmer for 15 minutes. Turn off heat then allow to cool. Reheat when ready to serve. Top with grated cheese and chopped onion. Refreshing Mount Fishtail Sauvignon Blanc paired with this refreshing salad is sure to cool your jets on even the warmest days. ASIAN CHICKEN SALAD DRESSING: 2 tbsp brown sugar 2 tsp soy sauce 1 tbsp sesame oil 1/2 cup vegetable oil 3 tbsp rice vinegar SALAD: 1 8-oz package dried rice noodles (as found in Top Ramen packages) 1 head lettuce, chopped 4 boneless chicken breasts, cooked and shredded 3 green onions, chopped 1 tbsp sesame seeds, toasted PREPARATION: Combine brown sugar, soy sauce, sesame oil, vegetable oil, rice vinegar and set aside. In a large bowl combine lettuce, cooked shredded chicken, green onions and toasted sesame seeds. Keep chilled. Heat skillet with oil and fry noodles a few at a time as they will puff up when cooking. Remove and drain them on paper towels. Just before serving add the cooked rice noodles to the salad. Serve the dressing on the side, or toss with the salad just before serving WINE 5

6 WOMC-Vintners708 6/16/08 3:00 PM Page 6 TASTING NOTES WINE: Tested Color Nose Tasted Tracking Notes WINE: Tested Color Nose Tasted Tracking Notes THE VINTNERS SERIES CELLAR NOTES A report on how previous VINTNERS SERIES Selections are faring with age. July 2005 Cabernet Sauvignon, Cellar No. 8. Drink up. Torrontes, Maia. Drink now. July 2006 Cabernet Sauvignon, Mile Road. Drink now through Rosato di Sangiovese, Iron Horse. Drink now. July 2007 Merlot/ Nero d Avola, Ramione. Drink through Sauvignon Blanc, Wairau River. Drink up. Need Another Binder? When your binders bulge with newsletters, just call us and we ll send you additional binders WINE

7 WOMC-Vintners708 6/16/08 3:00 PM Page 7 EARLIER SELECTIONS MEMBER ITEM # & DESCRIPTION QTY REORDER TOTAL PRICE To order by phone call TOLL FREE WINE ( ) Monday Friday 8 am 5 pm (Pacific Time) To order by mail or fax please complete this order form. Fax (24 hours a day) Or mail to: WINE OF THE MONTH CLUB P.O. Box , Arcadia, CA Or shop online at: *For shipping and handling charges, see other side. #V708E Cabernet Sauvignon, High Note Black cherry, dried cherry, new leather Retail Price $ % Discount #V708F Sauvignon Blanc, Mount Fishtail Passion fruit, mango, melon Retail Price $ % Discount #V708G Red Blend, Vintage Ink Anise, chocolate powder, berries Retail Price $ % Discount #V708H Sauvignon Blanc, Sherwood Tropical, smoky, fig, gooseberry Retail Price $ % Discount #V608E Valpolicella Ripasso, Villalta Dried red fruits, almond, maple syrup Retail Price $ % Discount #V608F Sauvignon Blanc, Two Angels Dried thyme, melon, lemon peel Retail Price $ % Discount $12.99/Each $155.88/Case $11.99/Each $143.88/Case $11.99/Each $143.88/Case $12.99/Each $155.88/Case $12.99/Each $155.88/Case $12.99/Each $155.88/Case Sub-Total 8.25% CA Sales Tax S & H* EARLIER SELECTIONS TOTAL Check # in the amount of $ enclosed (made payable to Wine of the Month Club) Please charge total to my: Discover Visa Mastercard American Express Card # Exp.: / MONTH YEAR Name (Please Print) Signature Shipping Address (We do not ship to P. O. Boxes) City State Zip ( ) ( ) Phone (day) Phone (evening) Address IMPORTANT DELIVERY INFORMATION: We can ship to CA, CO, ID, IA, IL, MO, ND, NE, NH, NM, NV, OH, OR, TX, WI, WV, WY. Shipments cannot be made to a Post Office box. If an adult is not regularly at this address during normal UPS/Federal Express delivery hours, please specify a neighbor s, or office address, for the shipments.

8 WOMC-Vintners708 6/16/08 3:00 PM Page 8 GIFT ORDERS It s the Perfect Gift for a... Thank You, Housewarming, Wedding, Anniversary, Congratulations, Holiday, Father s & Mother s Day, Valentine s Day, Christmas & New Year s. Business Thank You, Bon Voyage... or just to say I Love You! GIFT # THE VINTNERS SERIES GIFT MEMBERSHIPS QTY PRICE TOTAL 1OV 2 Bottles Current club selections $33.50* 2OV 6 Bottles Assortment of recent selections $94.00* 3OV 12 Bottles (1 Case) Assortment of recent selections $185.00* 4VQGP 4 Month Membership in THE VINTNERS SERIES $123.50* 5VGP VGP Subscription: 2 Bottles every quarter for one year (8 bottles total) 6 Month Membership in THE VINTNERS SERIES Subscription: 2 Bottles every other month for one year (12 bottles total) 1 Year Membership in THE VINTNERS SERIES Subscription: 2 Bottles each month for the next 12 months (24 bottles total) $183.50* $363.50* SHIPPING AND HANDLING FOR GIFT ORDERS FOR EARLIER SELECTION ORDERS Gift Number CA Shipping Out-of-State Shipping Number of Bottles CA Shipping Out-of-State Shipping Gift #1OV $ 6.97 $ $ 6.97 $ 9.02 Gift #2OV $10.95 $ $ 7.95 $11.30 Gift #3OV $15.65 $ $10.95 $16.90 Gift #4QGP $27.88 $ $12.85 $21.15 Gift #5VGP $41.82 $ $14.20 $24.25 Gift #VGP $83.64 $ $15.65 $27.60 Please call for shipping prices outside CA in states where permissible. Sub-Total 8.25% CA Sales Tax S & H GIFT ORDERS TOTAL *Gift wrapping included. Check # in the amount of $ enclosed (made payable to Wine of the Month Club) Please charge total to my: Discover Visa Mastercard American Express Card # Exp.: / MONTH YEAR Name (Please Print) Signature Shipping Address (We do not ship to P. O. Boxes) City State Zip ( ) ( ) Phone (day) Phone (evening) Address To order by phone call TOLL FREE WINE Monday Friday 8 am 5 pm (Pacific Time) ( ) To order by mail or fax please complete this order form. Fax (24 hours a day) Or mail to: WINE OF THE MONTH CLUB P.O. Box , Arcadia, CA Or shop online at: 1. All wine assortments, as well as the first month of WINE OF THE MONTH CLUB membership, will be handsomely gift boxed. A card will be attached with your greeting. 2. Shipments are made by United Parcel Service and are guaranteed to arrive in perfect condition. 3. All recipients must be 21 years or older. 4. If any of the items to be included is out of inventory, we guarantee that we will substitute a product of equal or superior quality. Call us for weekend delivery.

9 WOMC-Vintners708 6/16/08 3:00 PM Page 9 THIS MONTH S SELECTION #3 It s easy to make bad wine. Getting it right is a magical combination of nature, human skill, and art. The 2005 vintage was very successful in most of the world, so just about anything from that vintage should be worth opening. That being said, Vintage Ink falls into the Do Not Miss Out category. Vintage Ink is a blend of four grapes. Most red wines are blended with a splash of something it s only when one varietal dominates 75% or more of the blend that the winery is required to put that varietal on the label. So, the label may say Merlot because it s 78% Merlot and 22% Cabernet Sauvignon. The winemaker chose the Cabernet Sauvignon to balance the wine. The 25% leeway gives the winemaker the opportunity to balance a wine in a rainy season, or to soften a tannic wine. This practical reason underlies the labeling law in California. Making blended wines gives winemakers a chance to display their artistic blending abilities. When the grapes in the blend contain grapes that are used in Bordeaux, the wine can be called a Meritage (rhymes with heritage). These red grapes are Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc, Malbec, Merlot, and Petit Verdot. When grapes used are not part of the Bordeaux family, the wine is simply called a Red Blend. Vintage Ink is an innovative red blend of Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Petite Sirah and Petit Verdot. It sounds like a mouthful of fruit, and it is! Each grape adds its own personality. Cabernet Sauvignon has structure and deep fruit. Merlot offers soft tannins, Petit Sirah gives spice and color, and Petit Verdot provides structure and ripeness. Vintage Ink expresses the very best that the fruit has to offer. Vintage Ink has a deep crimson color and the nose beams with crushed blackberries, anise, chocolate and oak. The palate is a juice bomb with rich voluptuous black and red berries, sorbet and soft tannins. It has a smooth lengthy finish. Enjoy this wine with grilled meat, chili, and antipasto VINTAGE INK Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Petite Sirah, Petit Verdot (ka-bur-nay saw-veehn-yawn, mare-low, peh-teet searah, peh-teet vare-doe) California Color: Deep crimson Nose: Juicy black berries, anise, chocolate powder, oak Palate: Dry, full, lush bright berry, soft milk chocolate, black cherry sorbet, soft tannins Finish Smooth lengthy finish WOMC Rating 85 Points CELLARING SUGGESTIONS Drink now, chilled, through 2008 V708G Retail Price: $18.99/each Special Member Price: $12.99/each Reorder Price: $11.99/each 37% Discount $143.88/case WINE

10 WOMC-Vintners708 6/16/08 3:00 PM Page 10 THIS MONTH S SELECTION #4 S herwood Estates is owned and operated by Dayne and Jill Sherwood. Their dream came true in 1987 when they planted their first vines. In 1990 they made their first wine. The New Zealand wine industry is barely twenty years old; thus, they are pioneers and highly respected in the wine industry. Sherwood Estates now owns vineyards in Wairapa as well as in Marlborough, and is one of the largest Waipara wineries. It s one of the most innovative and internationally successful boutique winemakers in New Zealand. They use a blend of traditional winemaking techniques combined with the most modern and technologically advanced winemaking equipment available. We are privileged to be able to present this wine that we believe equals the best wines available throughout the world, says Dayne. This Sherwood 2007 Sauvignon Blanc was produced from grapes grown on three separate vineyards in Waipara: Stirling Vineyard, McKenzie Road and Winery Vineyard, and the Church Road Vineyard. The grapes were harvested in the cool morning and pressed directly into old oak barrels. Fermentation took place over five weeks. The wine was then aged for 10 months in barrels and went through partial malolactic fermentation. Each vineyard was treated separately and the wine was not blended until just before bottling. By fermenting in barrels and allowing the wine a partial second fermentation, Sherwood Sauvignon Blanc gains complexity and weight. This is not a typical grassy and herbaceous New Zealand Sauvignon Blanc. It pours a straw yellow color and the aromas greet you with gooseberry, passion fruit, smoke and figs. The palate is crisp and complex with melon, blond raisins and ripe fruit. The wine has a long clean finish and will pair nicely with swordfish, creamy pasta, and spinach goat cheese salad SHERWOOD Sauvignon Blanc (saw-veen-yawn blah) Waipara New Zealand Color: Straw yellow Nose: Tropical, gooseberry, passion fruit, smoky, fig Palate: Full-bodied, intense, crisp, oily, complex, melon, blond raisins Finish Beautifully balanced finish WOMC Rating 86 Points CELLARING SUGGESTIONS Drink now, chilled, through 2008 V708H Retail Price: $17.99/each Special Member Price: $15.99/each Reorder Price: $12.99/each 27% Discount $155.88/case WINE