The Sarah Jane English Newsletter:  60th Edition
November 21, 2003



MONTREAUX  BRUT SPARKLING WINE:  Stephen Corley tells me his family's quest to produce California’s finest vintage Brut prompted the development of Montreaux in 1983.  "Montreaux is entirely hand crafted, from the vines to labeling each bottle. This quality guarantees the enjoyment by our customers.  Our estate-owned grapes come from the region of Napa Valley that provides a cool climate for our lush  grapes, rich with flavors and an abundance of fruit.  Adopting some of the oldest champagne making techniques (used today by only a few producers in the world), Domaine Montreaux is barrel fermented and barrel aged.  These ‘old world’ techniques coupled with long aging time in the bottle (10 years or more en tirage) produces the creamy richness and depth that is the hallmark of our Montreaux style.

TOP PICKS OF THE MONTH (prices vary store to store)


 


top

WINERY OF THE MONTH, Monticello I first visited Jay Corley when he was building Monticello, his winery in Napa Valley.  Jay Corley's admiration for Thomas Jefferson prompted the construction of a miniature replica of our third President's home as a hospitality center for the winery.  It was a thoughtful beginning to the lovely collection of wines now under the direction of his three sons: Kevin, Chris and Stephen.  The oenological President Jefferson would have been proud to serve these elegant wines at his table.

The Short Story from the desk of Stephen A Corley: " We're very proud to be family owned and managed.  Our father, Jay Corley, purchased land  for our first vineyard in 1970.  Thirty plus years later, sons Kevin, Chris and Stephen manage the winery: Kevin is our Winegrower and President, Chris is our Winemaker, and Stephen is our Director of Wine Sales and deputy to Kevin. We are a small winery producing approximately 15,000 cases of wine annually designated MONTICELLO VINEYARDS, CORLEY RESERVE and most recently CORLEY.  We are an estate winery with five vineyards in the Napa Valley exclusively:  • Home Ranch Vineyard - Oak Knoll District, planted to Chardonnay, Pinot Noir, Merlot and Cabernet Franc •  Knollwood Vineyard – Oak Knoll District, planted to Merlot and Cabernet Franc •  State Lane Vineyard – Yountville, planted to Cabernet Sauvignon •  Niebaum Lane Vineyard - Rutherford, planted to Cabernet Sauvignon •  Elhers Lane Vineyard – St Helena, planted to Cabernet Sauvignon.

MONTICELLO VINEYARDS WINES: The majority of our wines are labeled MONTICELLO VINEYARDS. They're distinctive representations of Napa Valley wines--styled to be rich, full bodied and well-balanced and elegant. We have always produced the wines in limited quantities and they are:

CORLEY RESERVE: In certain years, individual lots of our wine are exceedingly exceptional, so we  produce a CORLEY RESERVE wine to showcase them. They represent Monticello's very finest expression of Napa Valley varietal designated wines: rich, ripe, complex and full-bodied, and age worthy.  Extremely limited quantities are produced (100 - 500 cases). These offerings are: CORLEY RESERVE Estate Grown Chardonnay (1982);  CORLEY RESERVE Cabernet Sauvignon (1982); CORLEY RESERVE Estate Grown Pinot Noir (1994);  CORLEY RESERVE Estate Grown Merlot (1994). CORLEY:  The Flagship of our CORLEY wine is our Proprietary Red Wine--a rich, opulent blend of Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc and Merlot. The wine displays the full, rich, deep, dark concentrated flavors of Cabernet Sauvignon with the body and spiciness of Cabernet Franc and the fruit and suppleness of Merlot with sensuous aromas of ripe red berry and black fruits and spice. The flavors are characterized as supple with a generous velvety texture on the palate with layers of berry and black fruit flavors and compelling cocoa, anise and sweet vanillin oak flavors. The finish is elegant, richly textured, long and lingering.   CORLEY Proprietary Red Wine (1999)

CORLEY Single Vineyard, Single Block and Clone Designated Wines: We're fortunate to farm five estate vineyards in Napa Valley.  Each vineyard, and blocks within each vineyard, is planted to maximize the quality of the grapes.  Each planting within each block may differ from the neighboring planting with regard to microclimate and soil. In search of growing rich ripe fruit to produce our wines we have specially selected the rootstock, variety, clone of variety, spacing and trellis system to maximize the quality from each site. Together the various plantings bring layers of subtle complexity to our wines, yet often a distinguishing characteristic shows through that identifies the wine as ours, as Proprietary. When possible we capture the essence of this Proprietary characteristic in a special bottling. We have released two wines in this continually evolving series: CORLEY Home Ranch Vineyard Chardonnay, Block No. 1 – Heirloom Clone; CORLEY Home Ranch Vineyard Chardonnay, Dijon Clone.   Our philosophy is one of 'sunshine to wine' in which our family directs each aspect of winegrowing and winemaking from the initial selection of the vineyard sites, planting, farming, harvesting, fermenting, and blending through to uncorking the wine for your enjoyment.  We're committed to producing wines that are true to the grape variety, true to the high quality and the distinct terroir of the estate vineyards that we farm and are the finest expressions of Napa Valley wine.   Over the last 20 plus years we have had the opportunity to create two additional wines: MONTREAUX, a Brut sparkling wine; and CHATEAU M, a naturally botrytised blend of semillon and sauvignon blanc.

NEWS

BERINGER ANNOUNCED Master Series: "The Master Series is heading Down Under in 2004 for some fabulous food and wine adventures! Check out the exciting itinerary and sign up  so you don't miss out," invites David Mitchel.  "We expect this trip to be extremely popular. You can register at www.beringer.com, call David Mitchel at 707-967-4451 or email david.mitchel@beringerblass.com for more information.

MESSINA HOF WINES MEDALS: At th e 2003 San Francisco International Wine Competition, Messina Hof Winery 2002 Pinot Grigio American won a Silver Medal and Bronze for its 2001 Merlot, Private Reserve among a total of 3,865 wines entered from 21 countries.   "Messina Hof has had its best year of international medal winners," said Paul Bonarrigo, wine maker and co-founder of Messina Hof Winery & Resort.   "We are showing the world Texas is the next great wine producing region," he said.

BISTRO COOKING at HOME by Chef Gordon Hamersley has been released by Broadway Books, 150 classic and contemporary dishes, hardback $35.  "Americans have fallen in love with Bistro food," Chef says.  "I see them every week at my Boston restaurant Bistro.   My food is truly comfort food: roasted chicken, slow-cooked soups and stews, creamy gratins, light salads--I call it walk-away cooking.  After some preliminary work, you can simply walk away and tend to the rest of your life."  Cooking methods accentuate simmering, braising and roasting and Chef has included some of his favorite restaurant recipes: Classic Onion Soup au Gratin; Lemon-Scented Risotto with Morels and Chives; Potato and Portobello; Cornish Hens Stuffed with Onions, Bacon and Chanterelles, for example.   While many dishes have a French origin, Chef gives the recipes a distinctly American accent.

FALL CREEK:  The U.S. Embassy in Switzerland to Introduce A Taste of Texas with Fall Creek Vineyards Wines:   The Honorable Pamela Pitzer Willeford, newly confirmed United States Ambassador to Switzerland and the Principality of Liechtenstein, plans to introduce a taste of Texas to the Swiss and other diplomatic guests during her tour of duty at the Embassy in Bern by offering Fall Creek Vineyards wines during official functions.                Ambassador Willleford requested Fall Creek Vineyards wines:  Fall Creek Vineyards Merlot, Granite Reserve,  Chardonnay, Chenin Blanc, as well as their super-premium label, Meritus.   In addition to managing a staff of 109 employees, the Ambassador’s duties will include public appearances, diplomatic meetings, state dinners, and fostering business relationships between the United States and Switzerland.    “We are honored to have our wines spotlighted at the Embassy in Switzerland and are pleased the Ambassador wants to present the best of Texas wines and products to Europeans,” says Ed Auler, CEO, Fall Creek Vineyards.     Fall Creek Vineyards daily tours and tasting are complementary,  Monday – Friday 11-4, Saturday 12-5 and Sunday 12-4.   www.fcv.com or call 325-379-5361 for additional information on Fall Creek Vineyards.  Contact: Susan Auler (512) 379-5361        

Becker Vineyards' will have two events in December:  Port & Stilton and then the Boxing Day Celebration.  Visit the Newsletter page of www.beckervineyards.com    

MESSINA HOF WINERY & RESEORT's  Annual Celebration Highlights New Wines from Harvest, Education and History:  Special events and presentations will recognize this year's new wines on Saturday, November 15  in Bryan, Texas, at the winery.  Messina Hof Winemakers Paul and Merrill Bonarrigo will showcase several medal-winning wines with events starting at noon with  The Wine & Food Pairing Luncheon including  a winemaker's port blending lab.  The father of American wines Thomas Jefferson, portrayed by author and food critic John DeMers, will be at the winery along with othr events.  Messina Hof is the largest tourist attraction in the Brazos County second only to Texas A&M University.  Contact: Carolyn Allen,  (979) 778-9463 ext. 30 www.messinahof.com
HISTORIC SPRING MOUNTAIN VINEYARD REOPENS:   After a decade, Spring Mountain Vineyard has opened its gates to visitors by appointment.  The 19th century Saint Helena estate has an 8,000 square foot Victorian hospitality house for tasting the winery’s handcrafted wines, wine caves dating to 1885, exotic gardens, and an Eastlake barn full of antique winemaking equipment.    Spring Mountain Vineyard closed in 1992 to focus on restoration and winegrowing.   It is reopening in response to requests from wine lovers who remember its beauty desire its wines.  Tastings and tours will be limited, by reservation and with a tasting fee of $25 (applicable to wine purchases).   Contact Valli Ferrell, 707-967-4188, 707-963-2753, valli@springmtn.com http://www.springmountainvineyard.com   

EUROPEAN HEAT WAVE MAKES IDEAL CORK HARVEST for 2003:  Overall yield from the two top cork producing countries, Portugal and Spain, was 301,203,000 pounds (217 million pounds for Portugal and 84,203,000 for Spain), a drop of nearly 39 million pounds from 2002.    2003 harvest marks the low point in a 9-year cycle that the cork industry has experienced for many decades.  While quality improved, lower yields actually were not much of a concern since the growth of wine consumption worldwide had also slowed due to the current economic environment. 

ST. SUPERY Newsletter, November 2003 "SHIPPING NEWS, CHAPTER 12" : We've written a great deal about the issue of who can ship wine to whom--legally--and who cannot (or shouldn't),  important because the more open the market place the better for us and for you.  Ittestts an interesting topic, one worth serious examination.  If studied it in depth there would be much to learn---about economics, the balance of power between the feds and the states, testfree trade,test jurisprudence and, of course, the wine (and alcohol) industry.
    In short, on one side are the state run liquor commissions, regulatory agencies, and in particular, alcoholic beverage wholesalers, who are never happy whenever anybody moves in on their turf. On the other side are the increasing numbers of wine consumers who have been joined by all manner of state regulations from shipping wines they purchase directly to their homes.  Consumers challenging these regulations have led to contests in legislatures and courts across the country.  Early on, it appeared that the statetests rights advocates were prevailing over the free traders, but of late we think the tide has turned.
In recent weeks, courts declaring current shipping bans unconstitutional have opened both Texas and Michigan to shipping. There also court cases pending elsewhere and, in another leap forward, many consumers who buy wine in winery retail rooms may now (finally) legally ship their wine directly to their homes.
    In the past they've had to hand carry their purchases on planes or revert to illegal and often creative ways of shipping the wine. However, because of increased security at airports, wine-carrying travelers are being hassled and, occasionally, having their wine confiscated.
    In response, 17 states recently relaxed their restrictive regulations and are allowing their residents to direct-ship wine (using carriers such as Fed Ex and UPS) from wineries.  Word is definitely out.  Our visitors are responding with enthusiasm, buying and shipping more wine than ever before.
    Of course, there are the many (currently 19) enlightened, forward thinking, wine-friendly, humane, and reasonable states that have no restrictions on shipping wine. There are differences in the regulations from state to state. Our staff in our visitor center can fill you in on the details.
    Finally, an item that will interest all of you, no matter where you might be in the political spectrum, would you believe Ken Starr vs. Robert Bork? These two jurists, Starr, famed for his tenacious pursuit of the Whitewater case and Bork, as a result of the historic hearings that denied him a seat on the Supreme Court, are now matched against each other in this ongoing wine shipping issue. Starr is for us, Bork for them. Place your bets. www.stsupery.com

 


 

NEW RELEASES
(quotes are winemakers' comments)

HERZOG family wines:   Baron Herzog wines, founded in 1985,  "result from the tireless commitment to quality and constant supervision from grape harvest to bottling. The wines have received numerous reviews with high ratings in the Wine Spectator, Wine & Spirits as well as the Wall Street Journal and the New York Times and won over 400 gold medals and several hundred silver medals in prestigious wine competitions such as the California State Fair and the Tasters Guild."

              _______________________________________________________________________________________

                     ______________________________________________________________________________________________

DUTTON-GOLDFIELD makes a Chardonnay that gives Russian River Valley poetic proportions.   "For our 2001 Dutton Ranch Chardonnay (Russian River Valley)  we blended grapes from three of our favorite vineyards: Mill Station, Morelli Lane and Rued. The Mill Station grapes give the wine its lively citrus brightness and acid backbone.  Morelli Lane contributes notes of stone fruit and pear. And Rued provides its exotic tropical and mineral overtones along with an extra bit of thickness on the palate. The resulting wine is our vision of a classic Russian River Valley Chardonnay--fruit intensity, great acid structure and richness even after full barrel and malolactic fermentation. Released August 2003. www.dutton-goldfield.com
                ___________________________________________________________________________________

TOP of the LINE REDS: SPRING MOUNTAIN VINEYARD has released a new reserve wine named ELIVETTE.  Tom Ferrell has come home to the land after an extended rest.  His wife Valli has joined him at the vineyard to direct publicity.  I've known Tom at several properties and the Spring Mountain project is his most exciting.  Here's some background from Tom.  "When I first met Jaqui Safra, it was apparent that he collected the greatest wines of the world.  Despite a steady stream of the finest wines to his table he confided to me that he really only liked a few: maybe less than one in ten.   He didn't know why he was so jaded.   But he knew finding a wine with a beautiful fragrance; a rich, lingering flavor; a graceful balance and elegance and style was a disappointing task.  I told him some of it could his personal taste, but added that winegrowing was a business and trade-offs were inevitable between making the best wine and what the winery could afford. He asked, 'If you found property with great diversity of soils and microclimates, and never made tradeoffs between quality and cost, could you produce great wine more frequently?'  So the two of us searched and found the answer, SPRING MOUNTAIN- four historic properties that adjoined  one another to create an  850-acre hillside estate.  We closed the winery and transformed everything--dug spacious caves, bought the best equipment and French oak, changed vines to meter-by-meter densities and trained them to the ancient gobelet form.  When the Wine Spectator ratings caused our 1996 and 1997 reds to sell out in days, I felt the property was ready.  After two more successful vintages, we decided to start the new millennium with a special wine.  Jaqui named it ELIVETTE  ($90)."  The SPRING MOUNTAIN VINEYARD 2000 ELIVETTE Napa Valley, Spring Mountain District $90 is predominantly Cabernet Sauvignon (90%) with ten percent Merlot.  Tom says, "This new Reserve wine is the ultimate viticultural and artistic expression of our Estate.  Every vintage there are certain lots of wine that demonstrate personality and quality that set them apart.  These are the lots destined to create ELIVETTE.

 

               ________________________________________________________________________________________________

BERINGER has released three new wines.  Winemaker Laurie Hook discussed them.  "When people learn that our Knights Valley ALLUVIUM could be labeled Merlot,  they often ask me why we make three Merlots.  The Bancroft Ranch, of course, has an identity all its own and expresses that one vineyard.  Our Knights Valley Alluvium and our Napa Valley Merlots, however, share similarities in that they are both made from grapes grown on  valley floors.  But, that's where the similarity ends, and that's why we bottle them separately.  Our newest releases of these wines are the 1999 Knights Valley Alluvium and the 2000 Merlot.  Our Napa Valley Merlot is a blend of fruit grown in several of our vineyards that span a variety of climates from the warmer Spring Mountain area all the way south to the Carneros--it represents the valley.  We ferment all lots separately, and after aging assemble them into a wine that has good complexity and depth, and highlights Merlot's juicy, red fruit aromas and flavors with a supple texture.  The Alluvium, however, speaks of where it is grown in Knights Valley.  I think of  this area as a beautiful, rolling landscape of hills that are really just rock piles from an ancient alluvial fan.  The nightly fogs that creep up into Napa Valley take a little longer to get up into this area, and in the morning, the sun peaks out a little earlier, so the vines enjoy a good, long day of sun.  The Merlot grown here makes wines that are more toward the dark fruits like sweet plum and blackberries, and it has a really nice structure--that grips somewhat with a wonderfully balanced with acidity."  The Sauvignon Blanc comes from Bale Lane and Gamble Ranch vineyards.  "Sauvignon Blanc has been a mainstay of our estate for some time, although as with every vintage, my mentor Ed Sbragia and I are constantly tinkering, always trying to raise the quality and fruit-expression bar.  I love Sauvignon Blanc's vibrant acidity and I'm really pleased with the results of our decision to send the fruit directly to the press in this vintage--it has wonderful backbone and stays fresh-tasting and lively."    

                       ______________________________________________________________________________________________

TWOTONE FARM is a collaboration between two Napa Valley winemakers and launches as the first Napa Valley winery to bottle exclusively with screw cap closures.  Created by Tres Goetting, assistant winemaker at St. Clement Vineyards, and Danielle Cyrot, assistant winemaker at Stags' Leap Winery, and owned by Beringer Blass Wine Estates, the inaugural TWOTONE releases are 2002 Napa Valley Chardonnay and 2001 Napa Valley Merlot

                        ______________________________________________________________________________________________


YORKVILLE CELLARS:  Yorkville proudly proclaims the title "The most awarded Californian winery using certified organic grapes!"  
Located in Mendocino County, 100 miles north of the San Francisco Golden Gate Bridge,  plunges through the Redwood forest to emerge at the Mendocino coastline.  The vineyard is 1,000 feet above sea level, where sun-filled days and cool nights, tempered by coastal fogs, combine to produce premium quality grapes.  Edward & Deborah Wallo discovered this special place in the mid-eighties--'a highland valley where the waters of the Russian and Navarro Rivers start and part, and where the giant coastal redwoods and valley oaks come together.'  
"Intuitively convinced that such a place would foster complex and interesting grapes, we bought a 110 acre ranch in the town of Yorkville. There were already a few acres of neglected Sauvignon Blanc but the quality of the small amount of fruit that these vines yielded was encouraging. It is truly due to the dedication of our vineyard manager, Steve Williams, whose knowledge and interpretation of the latest organic practices has restored those vines to fine, healthy plants. The vineyard has been expanded to 30 acres and the first estate wines were bottled in 1994.
The demand for our wines continues to grow. And given that we typically handcraft less than 1,000 cases of each of the nine wines we make, demand will again exceed supply. We are sincerely flattered by the confidence you, our customers, have consistently shown in our wines.

SCHRAMSBERG's several methode champenoise sparkling wines will serve your holiday celebrations very well indeed.  For starters, try the Blanc de Noirs, a wine style Schramsberg pioneered in 1967.   If you like, you can have wines shipped to Texas now.   For information:   www.schramsberg.com

                 ________________________________________________________________________________________________

IRON HORSE   On Ross Station Road, 300 acres comprise Iron Horse Ranch and Vineyards.   The  rolling hills are covered with grape vines.  Care was taken to preserve the natural beauty, and founding partners Audrey and Barry Sterling and Forrest Tancer shared the conviction that Iron Horse would produce great wines.   Once a railroad stop, the site was re-discovered by Sonoma Winemaster Rodney Strong, who found the unique location and climate ideal for vineyards.  He hired Iron Horse Winemaker, Forrest Tancer  in 1971 to plan and develop the vineyards.  Before he could complete the plan, the vineyard ownership had changed hands.   After a seven-year search, Barry and Audrey Sterling had found the winery site they'd longed to find.   As Forrest Tancer took them around the property, they appreciated his viticultural knowledge, dedication to the land and desire to develop Iron Horse into a premier vineyard.  They bought IRON HORSE in 1976 with Forrest as manager and he eventually became their partner and son-in-law.  Trellising, replanting and other projects kept them busy.  IRON HORSE grapes are used exclusively from the estate vineyards and from Forrest's family estate, the TbarT Ranch in the Alexander Valley.   I can't praise these wines highly enough.  I really like!

Marketing Director and Partner, Joy Sterling, joined Iron Horse in 1985.  Joy and Forrest were married in 1990. That same year Laurence Sterling, his wife Terry and their children moved to Iron Horse.  Iron Horse is truly a family affair.  Laurence is Director of Public Affairs and Terry designs most of the winery's labels. The family all live on their land giving daily care and attention to their vineyards.

1998 Classic Vintage Brut  This mainstay sparkling wine has a traditional blend of 75% Pinot Noir and 25% Chardonnay, aged four-plus years on the yeast in the bottle. Wonderfully rich and creamy, sends all kinds of memory bells that say "champagne", though the fruit is unmistakably Sonoma. Vintage quality in every sense of the word.   The ultimate food wine, it goes with everything. 

1994 Blanc de Blancs  This most elegant and sophisticated cuvee is 100% Chardonnay.  Aged seven years sur lees, "it's ethereal - like drinking a cloud," Joy says.  It seems to effervesce away in your mouth with tastes of  perfectly browned sourdough toast.   A natural with, juicy melon, it is a traditional match with oysters, smoked salmon, caviar and pate.  Ideal with roast chicken because it adds a clean, lemony flavor to the dish.

1998 Russian Cuvée uses the same base wine as Classic Vintage Brut, but with a richer dosage, making it more opulent, slightly sweeter and heightening the fruit.  Originally designed for the historic Reagan-Gorbachev Summit Meetings ending the Cold War,  USA Today reported, "an intertwining of the arts of diplomacy and gastronomy."   Delicious before, during or even as dessert.

2000 Wedding Cuvée is a  Blanc de Noirs, made from predominately Pinot Noir, with a beautiful, pale-peach hue. Rich and creamy, like pure strawberries and cream, this is without doubt the most romantic of our Sparklings. Dangerously easy to drink, many favor it and Iron Horse is probably best known for this cuvée.  Marries well with mushroom dishes such as a grilled Portobello sandwich or wild mushroom risotto, as well as Chinese chicken salad, poached salmon, chocolate dipped strawberries 

1998 Brut Rosé "is the wildest of our Sparklings and surprisingly the driest," Joy says.   Bold and vibrant in both color and taste. Pure exuberance. The color and richness come from cold soaking the Pinot Noir on the skins. Brut Roses are the most versatile of food wines. A favorite combination is with steak. Another is steamed lobster. It also goes with Mediterranean cuisine, including seared Ahi tuna with tomato, olive oil and garlic. An excellent choice with duck or venison. Perfect for Easter ham and Thanksgiving turkey. This is Mark Miller's recommendation as the most versatile with Asian flavors. And the experts agree that it is the best of all possibilities with bar-be-que.

1996 Brut LD "is our Tête de cuvée, our top of the line.  It is composed of our favorite lots of wine from a fabulous vintage and  bottled and laid down in March 1997.  Then in 2003,  it is freshly or "late" disgorged after six plus years.  Everything about this wine is a lift.   It is extremely refined, almost weightless, yet incredibly rich and has a freshness and crispness that belies the wine's age.  It is delicious with warm endive salad with shaved Parmigiano and truffles, Maine lobster and corn cakes, caramelized guinea fowl with morel risotto. 

                         _____________________________________________________________________________________________

                        ______________________________________________________________________________________________

MATUA VALLEY WINES grow in New Zealand's rolling hill country not far from Auckland. The winery is approached through the vines of the home block and  the company's home vineyards across the road.  The cellar door lies in a park-like setting with trees providing shade for picnic spots on the lawn.  There are all the facilities needed for a relaxing afternoon: petanque, croquet, children's play area and a barbeque area. The cellar door offers a selection of gourmet treats to accompany the wines should guests wish to picnic within the grounds.

                     ________________________________________________________________________________________________

TOP of the LINE REDS: J.LOHR wines have been well-made wines for decades.  (Please see upcoming, JANUARY NEWSLETTER 61st Edition:  J. LOHR, WINERY OF THE MONTH).    You should really enjoy these stunning red wines during the holidays for a some very lovely occasions.

 J. Lohr Cuvée Series - limited production produced only during extraordinary vintages.  CUVÉE PAU blends at least 50% Cabernet Sauvignon with Merlot, Cabernet Franc, Petite Verdot and Malbec. CUVÉE  St. E is produced from over 50% Cabernet Franc the remainder comprised of Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon and Petite Verdot.  CUVÉE  POM blends 50% Merlot with Cabernet Franc, Cabernet Sauvignon and Petite Verdot.  Each of these wines competes with the most expensive wines produced in Bordeaux and California. We have positioned the Cuvée Series as our "artistic expression of flavor".     

                ________________________________________________________________________________________________

                    ________________________________________________________________________________________________

CAMBRIA is a family-owned estate winery that has a reputation for producing lush, tropical Chardonnay, velvety- textured Pinot Noir and rich, spicy Syrah since its inception in 1987.  They're all so good that I've never been able to decide which one I like best.   I visited the winery in the early 1990s and was escorted through the vineyards, which begin just steps out the front door.  Everywhere you turn in Santa Barbara County seems to reflect partiality by the gods.  The wines were no exception.

                    ________________________________________________________________________________________________

STONESTREET ranks right up there among my favorites.  Founded by the Jess Jackson and Barbara Banke family in 1989, the winery is located on the Mayacamas Mountain range above Alexander Valley. 

                    ________________________________________________________________________________________________

STUHLMULLER VINEYARDS has released its 2001 Estate Alexander Valley Chardonnay for your pleasure with holidays feasts--or anytime!  The vineyards are in chardonnay country in a unique site along the Russian River where Alexander Valley, Chalk Hill and Russian River Valley Appellations come together.  Consistent with past vintages, the STUHLMULLER VINEYARDS 2001 Chardonnay is light yellow with a faint green hue.  Layers of aromas from indigenous yeast fermentation melds with the ripe fullness of the wine.  Known for its tropical richness and mineral definition, the wine has bright acidity and a long, textured, elegant finish."

                     ________________________________________________________________________________________________

                     ________________________________________________________________________________________________

ROTHBURY ESTATE 2002 Chardonnay, Australia $7: "Vibrant tropical notes, aroma is classic chardonnay with peach and green apple characters with a subtle oak influence.  Palate is medium weight with rich fruit flavors and supporting oak.  Finish is refreshing, dry and crisp."

                


 

KORBEL Tips to Avoid Blundering Marriage Proposal; also, see Annual Proposal Contest www.korbel.com    Planning ahead is the number one tip for the perfect marriage proposal; however, remain aware that even the most detailed blueprint is subject to the vicissitudes of Mother Nature, Murphy's Law, fate and even traffic jams.  Suggestions for those about to pop the question: devise a plan for a creative, heartfelt and romantic proposal . . . but don't forget a back-up plan. 

Stage Fright: You decide to surprise your girlfriend by performing your proposal at her favorite piano bar--in front of a packed house. But what if you get onstage so nervous that you can't remember her name, let alone the proposal? Don't push your luck if you're not a natural before crowds. Make sure there's a private VIP table for a private proposal, just in case.

Dessert Displays: Creatively presenting the ring in a chocolate box or on an ice cream sundae can make for a memorable dinner, but be forewarned that mixing diamonds and desserts is risky.  This proposal requires very detailed instructions for the wait staff so the dish does not get bussed away to the trash before you ask the question, or that your girlfriend doesn't swallow the surprise along with her dessert.

Public Display of Affection:  Having a crowd at your proposal, whether at a sports arena or family dinner, can be overwhelming for your intended if her dream proposal idea is very private.  Proposal expert Jason R. Rich, author of ''Will You Marry Me? Popping the Question with Romance and Style'' advises, make sure your bride-to-be isn't too bashful -- or won't be too shocked--to accept a proposal in front of others. 

Practice Makes Perfect: Proposals equal pressure, so it's common to slip up.  Expert Rich advises making a list of ideas, sentiments and emotions you want to convey. Practice a few times in advance so your moment is natural and the words flow confidently.

Wrong Rock: Korbel' 2003 proposal survey revealed 77 percent Americans feel the engagement ring is most important to the proposal. To ensure that the ring makes her heart skip a beat, secretly research her ring size and preferred style (metals, stone, shape, etc.) before shopping.  Ask her friends for tips or sneak one of her favorite rings to the jeweler as a style example.  Blue Nile (www.bluenile.com), guarantees satisfaction and rings can be returned within 30 days for a full refund.   For more: www.korbet.com


 

© 2003 Sarah Jane English

Sarah Jane:


Webmaster:Texas Computer Technologies