The Sarah Jane English Newsletter

The Sarah Jane English Newsletter: 67th Edition
October 12, 2004

TOP PICKS OF THE MONTH (prices vary store to store) (select vintage available) $8 (best buy)

LINDEMANS 2002 Bin 75 Riesling, Australia $8
PENFOLDS 2002 Thomas Hyland Chardonnay, Australia $14
DEVIL'S LAIR 2000 Red Wine, Margaret River, Australia $13
ZACA MESA 2001 Syrah, Santa Ynez $20
GEYSER PEAK 2000 Shiraz, Sonoma County $17
PEPI 2003 Sauvignon Blanc, California $8
AMAVI Cellars 2001 Syrah, Walla Walla, Washington $20
WHITEHALL LANE 2003 Sauvignon Blanc, Napa Valley $15
PEPPER BRIDGE 2001 Cabernet Sauvignon, Walla Walla, Washington $48
CHATEAU St. JEAN 2000 Belle Terre Chardonnay, Sonoma $24
RAYMOND 2001 Reserve Sauvignon Blanc, Napa $8
HOGUE Cellars 2003 Genesis Fumé Blanc, Columbia Valley, Washington $8

SPLURGE WINE OF THE MONTH: Richard PARTRIDGE 2000 Cabernet Sauvignon, Napa Valley $75 -- If you want to treat yourself special, this wine is drinking beautifully now. You could cellar it--but why???

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WINERY OF THE MONTH: FLORA SPRINGS celebrates its 26th year with the 2004 vintage. It has been quite a ride! "Flora Springs is our family's endeavor," Julie Komes Garvey tells me. "We work hard, we're dedicated and we believe in teamwork. Our family vitality is obvious with growing great grapes and making absolutely delicious wine. Even the name Flora Springs has significance - Flora is our mother and the springs refer to the water source on the property that has flowed uninterrupted regardless of periods of drought." ¶ Jerry and Flora Komes bought the old Martini family homestead in 1978. The original property came with lots of history and great soil. Constructed in the late 1880s, the buildings were a living reminder of the birth of Napa Valley winemaking (although unused for many, many years). The Komes family has long worked in the construction business, so bringing the buildings back to life was a natural. It began over 20 years ago when Jerry and Flora Komes bought the first vineyard for retirement. Their retirement project became a lifetime passion for son John Komes and daughter Julie Garvey and their families. John talked their brother Mike Komes into joining the business. Julie’s husband Pat Garvey took over vineyard operations. Winemaker Ken Deis was hired in 1980 and he has been part of the family ever since. ¶ Napa Valley is not very large - sometimes running as narrow as one mile and expanding to five miles wide and 35 miles long, but within that finite area it has tremendous diversity. Over the past twenty years, the family has studied these differences and purchased eight unique vineyards, which provide far more fruit than is needed. "We sell about 70% of it to other top wineries and select what we need for Flora Springs," Julie points out. "Our unique wines express vineyard character, also known as terroir--the soils and exposures that give grapes their flavor and complexity." ¶ 2004 ushers in the 20th year of Flora Springs much-praised Meritage (rhymes with heritage) red wine--named Triology. Winemaker Ken says," Until the release of our Trilogy, we were considered a 'white wine' house. I don't believe there's been a release of Trilogy that's scored less than 90 points in the major wine media, so it made an impression. The 2001 Trilogy blend comes primarily from the Komes Ranch estate vineyards and is 57% Cabernet Sauvignon, 29% Merlot, 11% Cabernet Franc and 3% Malbec. Each grape contributes different characteristics to combine into the unique wholeness of the wine. Our white Meritage, Soliloquy, makes us equally as proud." As do all the wines, of course.

NEWS

FALL CREEK VINEYARDS Celebrates Texas Wine Month With the Arts of the Heart: Wine, Music and Paintings en plein air : Enjoy visiting Fall Creek Vineyards, sipping award-winning wines and the exhibit of Hill Country artists, Janey Rives and Kim Roberti, en plein air. Both artists will exhibit on weekends throughout the month. Additionally, new releases, award winning wines and tours are offered free daily throughout the month and year. Music inspired by Fall Creek Vineyards and composed, arranged and performed by multi-talented Gerardo Ramirez will be offered on Saturday, October 23rd and Sunday, October 24th, 12:00 noon, in the barrel room, as Gerardo drums the wine barrels to the music (on CD) of his composition. A seated lunch will follow the performance in the winery. The lunch/musical "barrel" performance will feature sound engineering by Steve Keifer complementing Gerardo Ramirez’s four parts of the composition: The Falls, Barrel Room, Bacchus and Grape Stomp (lyrics by Ramirez and Ritter). The "Cask" of Characters (Featured Artists) in the taped composition include: Vocals, Paul Ritter and Charlotte Williams; Rhythm Guitars, Randy Allee; Bass Guitar, John Pollock; and Lead Guitars, David Alcocer II and David Williams. Reservations @ $35.00/person are necessary (limited seating) and made by calling 325/379-5361. www.fcv.com Check for other Texas winery events

DUTTON-GOLDFIELD Winery has opened a tasting room inside The Stone Elephant, a new collective tasting room in downtown Sebastopol, ca. Located at 268 Petaluma Avenue, The Stone Elephant also houses a restaurant/wine bar and mastodon museum with a 3-million-year-old fossil of a prehistoric elephant. The tasting room allows customers to enjoy complimentary samples of featured wines, as well as purchase the limited-production wines made by Dutton-Goldfield Winery; other local wine producers will also be added to the newly opened tasting room.

CLOS DU VAL CEO David Campbell announced that the release of the flagship wine, the CLOS DU VAL 2001 Cabernet Sauvignon produced from the estate “Oak Vineyard” in the heart of Stags Leap District, will be delayed until June of 2005. Originally scheduled for a summer release, principal winemaker John Clews explained that the exceptional power and quality of this vintage merited an additional year of aging. “We are treating this wine as we treat our Reserve tier wines so that it will be more approachable upon release,” stated Clews. www.closduval.com.

PENFOLDS WINS INTERNATIONAL AWARD: For a record third time Penfolds Bin 28 Kalimna Shiraz won the "Great Value Red Wine of the Year" at the International Wine Challenge (IWC) in London--in this instance, the 2001 Kalimna Shiraz. First made in 1962, Bin 28 is named after the famous Barossa Valley Kalimna vineyard purchased by Penfolds in 1945 and from which the wine was originally sourced. The wine was honored in 1991 and again in 1995. It is the fourth time, however, that Penfolds has received the award, with 1999 Penfolds Koonunga Hill Shiraz Cabernet winning it in 2001. Penfolds won 20 medals at the 2004 IWC including Gold Medals for; 2001 Penfolds Bin 28 Kalimna Shiraz, 2001 Penfolds Bin 707 Cabernet Sauvignon, 2001 Penfolds RWT Shiraz and 2000 Penfolds Reserve Bin 00A Chardonnay. This 21st year IWC competition anniversary featured over 9,400 wines from more than 35 countries. Commenting on the win, Penfolds Chief Winemaker Peter Gago said, " international recognition like this proves Australian wine is among the best quality and value wine in the world. 2001 exhibits the characteristics our winemaking team looks for each year - balanced, robust and concentrated fruit flavor."

GEYSER PEAK WINERY receives the trophy for "BEST U.S. WHITE WINE AT INTERNATIONAL WINE CHALLENGE: GEYSER PEAK Winery continued its streak of wins at the world's international wine competitions with the trophy for "Best U.S.A. White Wine" at the International Wine Challenge (IWC) Awards in London on September 2. Geyser Peak 2002 Reserve^® Chardonnay, made from grapes grown in Alexander Valley appellation, captured the respect of the competition's judges to win the top prize among American white wines. More than forty Masters of Wine, winemakers and critics from around the globe, joined top UK wine buyers and sommeliers to judge the competition, which many in Europe hold to be one of the most impressive collection of results of independently tasted wines in the world. Final comments on the trophy-winning Chardonnay cited its structure and balance as keys to its outstanding quality: in all, said the judges, the Geyser Peak wine is "optimally ripe and lush (with) a crisp seam of acidity that keeps all the richness in check; (it is) round, harmonious and very long." The IWC is the latest accolade in a tremendous year for Geyser Peak Winery; examples, Geyser Peak Block Collection^® Cabernet Sauvignon, Kuimelis Vineyard, and the California appellation Sauvignon Blanc, the most highly awarded Cabernet and Sauvignon Blanc wines in the country, respectively, according to the August-September issue of California Grapevine, which tabulates the results of the nation's fourteen major wine competitions.

"Bon Appétit Magazine Winery of the Year", San Francisco International Wine Competition, June 2004, at which Geyser Peak was recognized for quality across a range of price points and varietals, including a "Double Gold Award" for the Geyser Peak Block Collection Sauvignon Blanc and a "Best of Class - Chardonnay" award for the Geyser Peak Chardonnay, Russian River Valley
"Sweepstakes Trophy - Best White Wine of the Competition": Los Angeles County Fair Wine Competition, for the Geyser Peak 2003 Block Collection Sauvignon Blanc, May, 2004
"Sweepstakes Trophy - Best White Wine of the Competition", Riverside (CA) International Wine Competition, for the Geyser Peak 2003 Block Collection Sauvignon Blanc, May, 2004
"Sweepstakes White Wine Award," "Best of Class Award" and "Double Gold Medal," Indiana State Fair, for the Geyser Peak Winery 2003 Late Harvest Semillon, 1999 Reserve Shiraz and 2003 Block Collection Sauvignon Blanc, respectively, July, 2004
"Best of Class - Cabernet Sauvignon" for Geyser Peak 2000 Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon, Orange County Fair Wine Competition, June, 2004
"Double Gold Medal" for Geyser Peak Winery 2001 Block Collection Chardonnay, San Francisco Chronicle Wine Competition, January, 2004
"Best of Class - Sauvignon Blanc", for the Geyser Peak Winery 2003 Block Collection Sauvignon Blanc, California State Fair, June, 2004

CHATEAU St. JEAN Winery has introduced a new tier of California appellation Merlot and California Cabernet Sauvignon priced at $14.99 to appeal to a broad audience of wine drinkers for all occasions. www.chateaustjean.com

DeLILLE CELLARS Doyenne 2002 Syrah was selected as one of the 14 "Great Syrahs from Around the World" to be served at the historic Greystone Culinary Institute America during a celebration to honor Robert Parker. www.delillecellars.com

KORBEL has extended the holiday sparkling season celebrations to include Halloween and Thanksgiving. KORBEL year-to-date shipments were up 9% through August. www.korbel.com

COUSIÑO-MACUL President Arturo Cousiño announced that Chilean Vintners have organized to create a new terroir-driven appellation. Eleven leading Chilean wine producers have joined forces to define and develop "Alto-Maipo"--known as Chile's most renowned growing region for Cabernet Sauvignon. This is an attempt to move away from political to terroir-driven boundaries. www.cousinomacul.cl

SCHARFFENBERGER CELLARS has been launched again, according to Maisons Marques & Domaines USA (MMD USA), and has acquired Pacific Echo Cellars in Anderson Valley, Mendocino County where the original brand began. The Mendocino Land Co. (wholly owned subsidiary of Champagne Louis Roederer and MMD USA), restored the name of the premium sparkling wine house that was founded in 1981 by John Scharffenberger. Scharffenberger sold the winery in 1989 to Pommery Champagne. Then the new owner changed the name from Scharffenberger to Pacific Echo. John Scharffenberger makes luxury chocolate products and will not be involved in the restored production of sparkling wines. Maisons Marques & Domaines USA acquired Pacific Echo's 120 acres of vineyards, the winery, the tasting room, hospitality facilities, and the Scharffenberger Cellars brand. This purchase consolidates MMD ownership of two sparkling wine properties since MMD USA also owns Roederer Estate in Mendocino.

YELLOWSTONE ASSOCIATION INSTITUTE announces programs and seminars: Three distinct courses are offered at Yellowstone for winter 2004-05. The educational offerings range from one-day personal adventures to multi-day in-depth programs focusing on a single subject or covering a significant portion of the park. As the educational division of the Yellowstone Association, the Institute educates visitors about the world's first national park through its Field Seminars, Lodging and Learning programs and Wildlife Ed-Ventures. Prospective program attendees are encouraged to contact the Institute at 307-344-2294 or www.YellowstoneAssociation.org.for a free course catalog and more information on the programs.

MESSINA HOF Winery and Resort has announced several upcoming events: "Mushroom Festival Kick-Off Dinner" Pairing of Wine and Mushrooms October 14, 2004; "Wine Premier 2004--Taste the New Vintages, Savor the Wine and Food Pairing Luncheon, Judge the Texas vs. The World Great Wine Shootout, Wine Premier Dinner Unveiling 2004 Texas Artist Label Competition winner!; "Lucky Luciano's Speakeasy New Year's Eve Celebration" December 31, 2004, Information: 800-736-9463 ext. 34. MESSINA HOF Shines at the 2004 Lone Star International Wine Competition - Messina Hof accounted for 20 of 198 medals awarded, making Messina Hof the most awarded winery in the competition--six gold, five silver and nine bronze medals. Gold Medal Winners: 2003 Sauvignon Blanc, 2001 Private Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon, 2001 Private Reserve Merlot, 2003 Private Reserve Cabernet Franc, 2000 Paulo, Mama Rosa Rosé. Messina Hof is one of the largest tourist attractions in the Brazos County second only to Texas A&M University.

WHITEHALL LANE WINERY has a new 18-acre Napa property planted to Cabernet Sauvignon. It has produced outstanding hillside fruit for more than 25 years and Winemaker Dean Sylvester will use the fruit in Whitehall Lane’s Cabernet Sauvignon program. Legend holds that local Indians mined neighboring Glass Mountain, turning obsidian they mined into tools. This property was a dairy farm that supplied milk to the St. Helena Sanitarium (now the St. Helena Hospital) and the 1905 barn will be restored. In 1978 Loren Sorenson purchased the land, planted the vineyard, dug a spring-fed pond and continued a small farm for the local 4-H program. The property is named Fawn Park Vineyard after the road that borders the estate. This road was originally the stagecoach road going up and over Howell Mountain to Angwin and Pope Valley. The Leonardini Family owns Whitehall Lane Winery and five additional Napa Valley vineyards that are planted to Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Petite Verdot, Sauvignon Blanc and Semillon. The properties are located in the St. Helena, Rutherford and Oak Knoll appellations. WHITEHALL LANE received 93 points for the WHITEHALL LANE 2001 Reserve Cabernet in the Wine Spectator magazine.

RED HILLS OF LAKE COUNTY receives American Viticultural Area (AVA) designation: Winegrowers of the Red Hills, Lake County, Calif. celebrated the Alcohol and Tobacco Tax and Trade Bureau decision to approve the Red Hills as a designated viticultural area. Located along the southwestern corner of Clear Lake, the Red Hills District rises up more than 2,500 feet above sea level. At this elevation, vineyards enjoy the broad temperature range of hot days and cool nights needed for flavorful grapes. The area's well-drained and relatively low-fertile volcanic soils challenge grapevines, encouraging small, concentrated berries that produce deeply hued, aromatic and complex red wines, particularly cabernet sauvignon.
"Distinctive soils and high elevation make Red Hills an exceptional place for cabernet sauvignon," said Tom Selfridge, President and CEO of Chalone Wine Group. "With the appellation, I think cabernet aficionados will begin to associate Red Hills with distinctive, rich and powerful wines."
"We went to the Red Hills in 1988 because of the red soils and cool climate," said Bob Steinhauer, Senior Vice President of Vineyard Operations for Beringer Blass Wine Estates. "The whole appellation has west-facing slopes, more or less, and the influence from the sea breezes combines with the altitude to give temperatures three to four degrees lower than other areas. We think the new Red Hills appellation boundaries (about 4000 acres) reflect these growing conditions." Dozens of wineries are expected to adopt the Red Hills Lake County label. North Coast producers Beringer Blass Winery, Dynamite (Chalone Wine Group) and Steele Winery plan to feature the newly approved vineyard designation with the 2004 vintage. For information: 707-995-3421 or www.lakecountywinegrape.org.

EDDIE V Chef John Carver, a seafood expert, shares tips that help you prepare seafood in your own kitchen like the pros. For questions or comments: seafoodexpert@eddiev.com http://www.eddiev.com/seafood_expert.html Tips of the Month: Oysters 101 (please see below)

KENDALL-JACKSON elevates image and quality of Vintner's Reserve: With wine markets awash in inexpensive wines, Kendall-Jackson's founder Jess Jackson has taken steps to solidify K-J's position in the increasingly competitive wine world by unveiling a new Vintner's Reserve package. Many critics are concluding that Kendall-Jackson Vintner's Reserve wines have never been better. Declaring Kendall-Jackson "an affordable luxury," Jackson says "Kendall-Jackson has delivered extraordinary value and quality since 1982. I have always measured the success of my wines by consumer acceptance," said Jackson. "Through improved wine quality and vineyard sourcing, we're rededicating our winemaking efforts to those who have been loyal Kendall-Jackson consumers for more than two decades."

RESTAURANT 7 on South Congress is so popular it needs to expand. One of Austin's favorite new dining places for simple fresh seafood dishes will add space. Located at 1716 S. Congress, the restaurant is open for lunch (11am-2pm) and dinner (5:50pm-10pm) Monday-Thursday, until 10:30pm Friday and Saturday and until 9pm on Sunday. For information 512/38308877

VIVO, 2015 Manor Road, East Austin, offers hearty, healthy Tex Mex food--appetizers like mini Puffy Tacos, quesadillas and nachos--on the newly opened patio. Owner Roger Diaz is cultivating herbs and flowers for quests to enjoy. Information 512/482-0300 .

RODNEY STRONG VINEYARDS receives GREEN POWER LEADERSHIP AWARD: Rodney Strong Vineyards was honored by two federal agencies and a national non-profit watchdog environmental group. The Environmental Protection Agency, the U.S. Department of Energy and the Center for Resource Solutions gave the winery a Green Power Leadership Award at their annual National Green Power Marketing Conference in Albany, New York. Of the 26 award recipients, Rodney Strong was the sole wine producer honored. In October, 2003 the winery installed 4,032 solar panels on top of its 100,000 sq. ft. barrel warehouse, which contains 40,000 barrels for aging wine and is located on the winery grounds in Healdsburg. The solar energy from the barrel warehouse will be used to supply power throughout the winery. “We're committed to conserving and protecting the environment in all our operations,” stated Tobin Ginter, Chief Financial and Administrative Officer at Rodney Strong Vineyards. Rodney Strong Vineyards, located in Healdsburg, California, was established in 1959 and owns 16 estate vineyard sites in four illustrious Sonoma County appellations - Russian River Valley, Chalk Hill, Alexander Valley, and Sonoma Coast. Rodney Strong Vineyards produces more than 500,000 cases of Pinot Noir, Chardonnay, Sauvignon Blanc, Zinfandel, Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, and Symmetry, a red Meritage wine. “All of our wines highlight the stylistic diversity and exceptional quality of Sonoma County, one of the world’s finest grape-growing regions,” explains Tom Klein, Proprietor.

STEVENOT Strikes Double Gold Twice: STEVENOT received gold medals from a number of competitions nationwide: California State Fair, double gold for 2003 Verdelho and Best of Class; El Dorado County Fair, double gold for 2002 Gabriel Barbera.

ADRIAN HOFFMAN APPOINTED GROUP CHEF OF LARK CREEK RESTAURANT GROUP; MARK DOMMEN TAKES THE HELM AT SAN FRANCISCO'S ONE MARKET RESTAURANT:   Lark Creek Restaurant Group announced that Adrian Hoffman, chef-partner at One Market Restaurant has been promoted to Lark Creek Restaurant Group's group chef. Hoffman has secured One Market Restaurant's reputation as one of San Francisco's finest restaurants and was one of five national finalists for the James Beard Foundation's "Rising Star Chef of the Year" in 2002. Chef Hoffman will work closely with Bradley Ogden to oversee kitchens at each of the group's nine restaurants.
Chef Mark Dommen has been named chef at San Francisco's One Market Restaurant. Dommen brings a wealth of talent and experience: He began with Hubert Keller of San Francisco's Fleur de Lys, spent four years with David Burke at Park Avenue Café, NY and later developing his style with Gray Kunz and Christian Delourvrier at Lespinasse. He opened Palladin as sous chef for Jean-Louis Palladin, before opening executive chef at Julia's Kitchen in Napa Valley, developing a farm-fresh, seasonal menu, developed around offerings from Copia's own organic garden. Under Dommen, the restaurant received many accolades including being chosen as Esquire magazine's 2002 "Restaurant of the Year."
Chef Adrian Hoffman says, "Mark's respect for menus driven by seasonal ingredients matches perfectly with One Market's philosophy to highlight the best products, delivered fresh each day.   His experience will be an exciting addition to One Market and further our goal to re-define the best of American cuisine."

SAUVIGNON REPUBLIC CELLARS has been formed by wine and food luminaries. The brand will focus exclusively on the Sauvignon Blanc grape. The partners are Chef John Ash; Winemaker John Buechsenstein; Paul Dolan, wine industry leader, and Restaurateur Tom Meyer. Two wines are currently in the market: 2003 Russian River Valley, Sonoma County and the 2004 Marlborough, New Zealand. (please see below)   www.sauvignonrepublic.com

NEW RELEASES (quotes are winemakers' comments)

CHATEAU POTELLE owners and first generation Americans Marketta and Jean-Noël Fourmeaux came to California in 1980 as "Official Wine Tasters" for the French government. "We came to spy," jokes Marketta. In reality, they were here on official business--to taste California wines and learn about all aspects of California winemaking philosophy and vineyard management. After six months and tasting 2000 wines, they sent a telegram back home saying "looks good, we stay." They returned to France, packed up their two young daughters, Mariette and Clarisse, and moved to California in 1983. When looking for a home, they exclusively searched in the mountains. According to the winemaking couple, hillside vineyards
have it over flat-land vineyards in every way, especially in the intensity and character of the wines. After an exhaustive search, they purchased (1988) 202 acres Estate on Mount Veeder, located among rolling hills and forests 1800 feet up. As Marketta says "To us this is more than a winery and vineyard, it is our home. We journeyed seven years and half way around the world to find it--one of the most beautiful natural settings in the Napa Valley." For the third year in a row, WINE & SPIRITS magazine named CHATEAU POTELLE "Winery of the Year."

CHATEAU POTELLE 2000 Cabernet Sauvignon VGS, Mount Veeder Estate, Napa Valley $40: " The personality of our vintage 2000 is a beautiful soft tannin structure. It charms you by its roundness and balance. Yet it has the great mountain intensity that our dry-farmed vineyards yield every year, and the quality to age for years and years. This Cabernet Sauvignon 2000 is totally and wonderfully enjoyable now. The nose is rich and elegantly balanced with red berry and some floral notes with the complexities that the oak aging brings. We use seven different French barrels for our Cabernet: each barrel maker expresses the barrel's artistic personality. I use cooperage like a delicate spice to enhance the quality and complexity of our wine in a unique way. The blend is Cabernet and Merlot, both 100% from our Estate Vineyards here on Mount Veeder. Enjoy this Cabernet now, lay some into your cellar to age. But never forget that we make our wines for your pleasure, the good moments with family and friends. Let it be fun! This is a beautiful wine and vintage. A powerful yet graceful example of our Mount Veeder winemaking style, this wine is intense. The nose is rich and focused with exuberant fruit and floral tones. In the mouth, the intensity of the wine is balanced by the well rounded, supple mountain tannins. Elegant and bold, this 2000 Cabernet Sauvignon provides a nice harmony among the fresh red fruit and the nice subtle oak finish-a balance that makes this vintage distinctive .
CHATEAU POTELLE 2003 Sauvignon Blanc, Mendocino $15: "What a pleasure to taste this wine!" says Winemaker Marietta. "When you make a wine you have a vision, you do your best, and nature takes care of the rest. This wine is exuberant with ripe, warm fruit--peach, pear, and a fresh grapefruit finish, a luscious mouthfeel although bone dry and with a sweetness created by a rich body, the fruit and from barrels. Serve with almost any appetizer, chicken dishes, cheese, salads, and spicy food."

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ZD 2002 Pinot Noir, Carneros, Gold Medal - San Francisco International Wine Competition 2004: "The fruit for the 2002 Carneros Pinot Noir was harvested from two vineyards in the highly esteemed Carneros appellation, including ZD’s own organically certified deLeuze Family Estate Vineyard. The fruit was hand harvested at optimal maturities and fermented in open top fermenters. Color and tannins were gently extracted by punching down the cap every six hours during the 4-6 day fermentation. The wine was then aged in 100% French Oak barrels for 10 months. This Pinot Noir has a medium ruby
color, with aromas of ripe cherries, strawberry jam and sweet vanilla. On the palate the wine is loaded with a core of ripe, vibrant red fruits supported by silky well-integrated tannins, and the finish is surprisingly long. This wine is drinking beautifully now, but will age and gain complexity in the years to come. Enjoy!! Pinot Noir is the grandfather of ZD Wines. It was one of the first wines ZD produced and has been produced every year since the 1969 vintage - the year ZD was bonded. The Carneros region is the home of the winegrapes used in producing ZD Pinot Noir. ZD's first Pinot Noir was proudly labeled: "Produced in Sonoma County From Grapes Grown in the Carneros Region of Napa" - making it the first wine to recognize the Carneros region on its label. It was 1981 before Carneros was registered as a recognized grape-growing appellation. Part of ZD's original plan was to produce world-class Burgundian-style varietals, but over the years, a style has developed that is distinctly Carneros. Consistent quality has earned the Carneros region a reputation as one of the premier wine-growing regions of California. A noble wine grape, Pinot Noir tends to produce wines of delicacy rather than power. ZD Pinot Noirs are crafted to reflect richness and intense varietal character in a style that uses the California sunshine in a cool grape-growing region to fully mature the grapes for intensity and flavor. ZD 2002 Chardonnay, California $38: " The fruit for this 100% Chardonnay was hand harvested at full maturity from select vineyards in California’s coolest coastal regions. A long, cool fermentation in toasted American Oak barrels and no malolactic fermentation highlight ZD’s signature style of producing rich, balanced, fruit driven Chardonnays that not only pair amazingly well with a wide range of food but also age gracefully. Bright, forward aromas of apricots, lime and tart apple are supported by lovely floral, mineral, honeysuckle and pear notes. Full bodied on the palate, with ripe apricot, honey and toast, this wine perfectly balances the forward fruit and natural acidity that leads to a lingering finish.”-Chris Pisani, Winemaker www.ZDwines.com

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KENWOOD 2002 Reserve Sauvignon Blanc, Sonoma Valley $15: "This seriously delicious wine with bright, crisp fruit and a powerful personality with uncommon complexity. Individual lots within the winery's Sonoma Sauvignon Blanc vineyards have shown their capacity to produce extraordinary character and balance. They make this wine brim with fresh peach, lemon, new-mown grass and vanilla notes, and generous tangerine, hazelnut aromas flavors. The wine's creamy mouthfeel provides dramatic contrast to its vibrant flavors and adds polish to the long, crisp finish."

KENWOOD 2002 Reserve Zinfandel $20 represents the cream of the crop. "Full, focused aromas and flavors of blackberry, raspberry, tobac, and eucalyptus announce this wine--big yet harmonious. Mouth filling and smoothly textured. the wine is complemented by a powerful profile that lingers with a graceful finish. The opulent fruit gives this Zinfandel early appeal, but an abundance of polished tannins promise additional evolution with cellaring.
KENWOOD 2002 Jack London Vineyard Zinfandel, Sonoma Mountain $20: "The red Sonoma soil found in scattered locations throughout the county is prized by local vintners for the biggest and best red wines. Volcanic in origin, the red soil is a gravelly clay loam, modestly fertile and well drained. It ripens full-flavored red grapes beautifully and concentrates fruits character through water stress. Aromas and flavors of blackberry, currant, touch white pepper, fresh cherry, raspberry accented by vanilla and spice complexity. It has polish and balance.
KENWOOD 2002 Jack London Vineyard Merlot, Sonoma Mountain $25: "The red Sonoma soil found in scattered locations throughout the county is prized by local vintners for the biggest and best red wines. Volcanic in origin, the red soil is a gravelly clay loam, modestly fertile and well drained. It ripens full-flavored red grapes beautifully and concentrates fruits character through water stress. Rich ripe aromas and flavors of French plum and fig, subtle vanilla and spearmint nuances. Generous and smooth, backed by cigar box oak hints. Enjoy with veal and Cornish game hens."

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CANYON ROAD Winery has three new, delightfully prices wines for your pleasure. All three of these wines won five or six medals each last year in the 2003 national wine competitions.

CANYON ROAD Winery 2003 Chardonnay, California $10: "This lightly oaked Chardonnay displays ripe melon, tropical fruit flavors and hints of vanilla to round out a distinctive aromas. The balanced acidity and complex palate pair well with most foods, especially piscine dishes and as an aperitif."
CANYON ROAD Winery 2002 Cabernet Sauvignon, California $10: "This complex wine offers aromas of black currant and berries, plum, chocolate and spice. The oak aging provides a subtle and alluring combination of smokiness and vanillin characters that follow through into the palate. This luscious wine finishes smooth and supple with velvety tannins. Enjoy with barbeques meats and hearty pasta dishes."
CANYON ROAD Winery 2002 Shiraz, California $10: "This Shiraz's bluish-garnet color and juicy, ripe fruit flavors signal its unabashedly Californian origins. Ripe plum and smoky vanilla oak aromas give way on the palate to complex flavors of game and exotic spices, highlighted by an excellent white pepper nose. The spicy palate has a medium body with a full, lengthy finish, meriting short-term cellar aging or consumption with hearty fare."

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TURNING LEAF Vineyards 2003 Chardonnay, California $10: "A medium-bodied wine, well-balanced mouthfeel, apple and pear flavors with white peach tones, layers of stone and tree fruit aromas accented by butter and coconut. Pair with salmon, bean salad, poultry dishes and as an aperitif."
TURNING LEAF Vineyards 2003 Syrah, California $10: "A rich, elegant medium-bodied wine that expresses blackberry, blueberry and cherry flavors accompanied by dark berry and vanilla aromas. Pair with grilled beef, sausage and lamb, vegetables and pastas."

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HACIENDA WINE CELLARS 2003 Johannisberg Riesling, California $7: "This 100% Riesling is light straw colored with a nose of intense orange blossoms followed by a crisp, yet rich flavor balanced by a sweet honey finish."
HACIENDA WINE CELLARS 2002 Merlot, California $7: "Merlot blended with Shiraz, Petite Sirah and Zin, the wine has a deep ruby, wine with rich cherry, plum and jam-filled nose, and a taste of intense cassis balanced with soft tannins and a lingering finish of toasty notes."

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MERIDIAN Vineyards 2002 Chardonnay, Santa Barbara County $10: "2002 delivered exceptionally intense fruit to us," Winemaker Zoller says. "I always ferment vineyard lots separately and then taste to determine the blend. This year the flavor profiles so impressed me that choosing was difficult--a great problem to have. This wine has highly structured mouthfeel with concentrated lemon and orange blossom, ripe peach and apple flavors. Together the wine delivers rich, tropical taste with a honeyed texture rounded by mango and melon nuances on a nice finish." .

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ANNIE'S LANE Winery 2002 Clare Valley Cabernet Merlot $13: "In the glass, deep vibrant colors are showing youthful hues. It has fragrant aromas of violets, spice and blood plums. A rich, soft blackberry palate is balanced with subtle integrated oak and fine grained tannins offer a lingering fruit finish."
ANNIE'S LANE Winery 2002 Clare Valley Shiraz$13: "The 2002 Annie's Lane Shiraz displays intense aromas of lifted blackberry and
spice integrated with subtle smoky oak. The palate is rich, soft and full bodied with sweet black cherry flavors. Fine supple tannins contribute to a balanced mouth feel and excellent length."
ANNIE'S LANE Winery 2002 Clare Valley Chardonnay$13: "Aromas and flavors of peaches, nectarines, melons with a lively, upfront fruit weight and complex oak-driven characters, medium body and excellent length."

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CHATEAU St. JEAN Winery announced its new tier of California appellation wines, created to appeal to a broader audience of wine drinkers for all occasions. The California Merlot and California Cabernet Sauvignon are priced at $14.99. "We've been listening to our customers and heard what they were asking for -- basically a 'no special occasion' wine priced at a place that is comfortable for the wallet but has the Chateau St. Jean signature," explained Winemaker Margo Van Staaveren. "To be honest, I got tired of being served wines in this price range that weren't Chateau St. Jean! You know, the great majority of our customers drink our Chateau St. Jean Sonoma County Chardonnay, and we realized we were leaving them short by not offering a couple of red wines at the same price point. It just made sense. I have access to tremendous fruit grown throughout California, so I decided it was the right time to create this new tier."

CHATEAU St. JEAN Winery 2002 Merlot, California $15: "Aromas and flavors of black fruits with hints of plum, rich, ripe and forward with black cherry and blackberry backed by hints of mint and roasted meat, lush and fleshy tannins gently surround fruit."
CHATEAU St. JEAN Winery 2002 Cabernet Sauvignon, California $15: "Blackberries, black raspberries, and hints of coffee with rich concentrated black cherries, a nicely structured wine, complex with welcomed layers of chocolate, cassis and plums and a satisfying finish."

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LINDEMANS has released four new super premium wines in its portfolio. LINDEMANS Reserve range consists of full flavored varietal wines of outstanding quality and elegance, offering a "step up" for regular Bin drinkers, still with the trusted LINDEMANS name. The Chardonnay, Merlot, Shiraz and Cabernet Sauvignon provide quality, reasonably priced wines ($10 each). They are varietally expressive and reflect the regions of their source--premium vineyards throughout South Australia: McLaren Vale, Eden Valley, Padthaway and Adelaide Hills.
Like all LINDEMANS wines, this range honors the philosophy established by Dr. Henry Lindeman when he began the winery in 1843, that the "one purpose of wine is to bring happiness." Blending grapes from several regions crafts LINDEMANS wines of a consistently high quality from vintage to vintage. "With our extensive vineyards, we can select excellent parcels of fruit from the various regions recognized for growing the best of each variety", says Lindemans Winemaker, Greg Clayfield.
LINDEMANS 2003 Reserve Chardonnay comes primarily from the Padthaway. Additional parcels came from Robe, Limestone Coast and Coonawarra. The wine was aged for six months in both new and old French and American Oak and displays fresh nectarine flavors balanced with lively acidity and a creamy complexity. The long citrus finish is complemented by a subtle vanilla character derived from oak aging.                                                    LINDEMANS 2002 Reserve Merlot was aged in French oak hogsheads. Its expressive nose has enticing aromas of violets, plum and cherry fruit combined with more earthy, chocolate tones. Vanilla and mint nuances serve to further add complexity. On the palate, its soft acid and supple tannins help make the finish long and enveloping.                                                                                                                                                                                                LINDEMANS 2002 Reserve Shiraz has a vibrant purple hue. From the marginal regions of Padthaway and Bordertown, it has attractive plum and raspberry characters with a rich underlay of black pepper and spice with subtle vanilla characters from its oak maturation. It is a medium-bodied wine, perfect for immediate consumption or a short term in the cellar.
LINDEMANS 2002 Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon is sourced from premium regions throughout South Australia including Padthaway, McLaren Vale and Barossa Valley. The wine was aged for nine months in new and used French and American oak barrels. The cool-climate Cabernet fruit provides lifted ripe dark berry and cassis aromas complemented by rich tobacco and spice.
LINDEMANS, America's favorite Australian wine, was founded in 1843 in the Hunter Valley and is one of Australia's oldest continuous winemaking operations. There are four ranges of Lindemans wines available in the Americas. The entry level Cawarra, the popular Bin Series, the Reserve range and the ultra premium Coonawarra Trio: St George Vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon, Limestone Ridge Vineyard Shiraz Cabernet and Pyrus, a Bordeaux blend.   Lindemans Bin 65 Chardonnay is the number one selling Australian white wine in the world, the number one 750ml Chardonnay in Canada and has received an unprecedented number of "Best Buy" distinctions from the world's leading wine magazine, The Wine Spectator. Lindemans is owned by Southcorp, Australia's premier winemaker.
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WHITEHALL LANE WINERY has a new 18-acre Napa property planted to Cabernet Sauvignon. It has produced outstanding hillside fruit for more than 25 years and Winemaker Dean Sylvester will use the fruit in Whitehall Lane’s Cabernet Sauvignon program. The Leonardini Family owns Whitehall Lane Winery and five additional Napa Valley vineyards that are planted to Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Petite Verdot, Sauvignon Blanc and Semillon. The properties are located in the St. Helena, Rutherford and Oak Knoll appellations. The latest Cabernet Sauvignon release is a stunning wine: WHITEHALL LANE 2001 Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon, Napa Valley $70: "Every year since 1993 the winery has isolated the fruit from the Leonardini Vineyard and Morisoli Vineyard to create this signature wine. In 2001, the Petite Verdot lot was spectacular and made an excellent addition to this reserve blend. This year marks the 18th of the wine's production. "The focus is back at Whitehall lane in the wine and in the current run of accolades for the winery and all of its wines. Today, the winery's white wine program (Chardonnay and Sauvignon Blanc) is rapidly developing into one of the finest in Napa valley. The red program (Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot and Zinfandel) is already considered in the elite class and makes up two-thirds of the winery's total production." This is classic Cabernet Sauvignon. The wine has a deep, intense color and a distinct fruit center that begins with black cherry, violet and currant aromas. It is well balanced, elegant and sleek on the palate, delivering very long berry and cherry flavors through to the finish. The good underlying tannin structure, complexity and ample fruit guarantees rewards to the patient collector.

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STONESTREET 2001 Chardonnay, Sonoma County $ has a new label. "Pears, apples, and subtle hazelnut on the nose with high fruit intensity and a slight mineral component on the palate exemplify this wines," says Winemaker Mike Westick. He blended the unique attributes of five vineyards to arrive at this dynamic wine. Sonoma Valley, Carneros, Russian River and Alexander Mountain Estate grow lovely chardonnay fruit. "It's a big wine, somewhat Burgundian in style, with flavors of tropical fruit, pear and apple, and wrapped in toasted French oak."

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KORBEL 2002 Natural, Russian River Valley--one of California's coldest vineyard regions, ideal conditions for Champagne's traditional grapes Pinot Noir and Chardonnay-- shows a fresh, crisp and complex-fruit sparkling with a delicacy achieved from premium Russian River grapes. The wine has generous fruit, light body, crisp acidity and low, non-detectable sugar. Aromas and flavors of apple, lemon, raspberry accentuated by creamy yeast notes. The members of KORBEL always request that drinkers "Celebrate responsibly." Here! Here!

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BLACK OPAL, since its introduction from Wolf Blass in 1984, has won international acclaim for consistency, quality and value. "BLACK OPAL represents the best of modern, Australian winemaking," says Winemaker Chris Hatcher, "offering full fruit flavors--we source from a variety of premium vineyard sites--at an attractive price, $8. The parcels are chosen for their intensity of color and depth of flavor."

BLACK OPAL 2003 Chardonnay, Australia $8: "Aromas and flavors of peach, melon and stone fruits, a rich long palate that creamy and complex with a long dry finish. Pair with smoked chicken.
BLACK OPAL 2002 Cabernet-Merlot, Australia $8: "Berry and spice flavors with a soft, full-flavored palate, pair with char-grilled lamb and roasted herb vegetables.
BLACK OPAL 2002 Shiraz-Cabernet Sauvignon, Australia $8: "Berry red with purple hues, aromas and flavors of berries, pepper, spice and a full-bodied palate, soft tannins and lingering finish, pair with grilled steak."
BLACK OPAL BLACK OPAL 2002 Shiraz, Australia $8: "Rich blackberry and pepper aromas and palate, soft tannins, good structure, fruit-driven, pair with barbequed meats."
BLACK OPAL 2002 Cabernet Sauvignon, Australia $8: "A wine of great finesse and character, full-flavored, rich aromas and flavors of black currant, mint and spice, a balanced palate with fruit, subtle oak and soft, well-integrated tannins--a classic Australian red, pair with pizza topped with caramelized onions and goat cheese."

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GRGICH HILLS 2001 Zinfandel, Napa $29: "This wine is one of the best from a truly superlative vintage. We had a moderate to cool growing season in our Calistoga vineyard and harvested in late September under ideal conditions. The result is a sine with all the glories of Zin: deep purple, medium to full body and good balance with exceptional elegance and finesse. Rich blackberry, currants and hints of cinnamon, pronounced strawberry and rhubarb flavors, ripe plum and hints of dried cherries followed by a crisp, elegant finish. Enjoy with game hen or pork tenderloin."

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STONE CELLARS by Beringer 2003 Sauvignon Blanc, California $8: "A sunshine-drenched, fruit-forward style that's food friendly--pair with zucchini frittata, salmon with dill and goat cheese bruschetta. A small amount of Semillon was blended to give complexity, a luscious roundness and green apple, and citrus flavors with a crisp finish.

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VALLEY OF THE MOON 2002 Pinot Noir, Carneros $20: "2002 Pinot Noir has been praised as perhaps California's finest. This wine highlights the power and personality of this superb vintage. Uncommonly intense and complex, it is for those who appreciate depth, structure and age-worthiness. Concentrated with aromas and flavors of Bing cherries, huckleberry, allspice, and earth. The weight and structure on the palate extend through the long smoky finish."

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ECHELON 2003 Pinot Noir, Central Coast $10: "Cherries, clove and rose petals with a sweet oak background with layers of richly ripe dark cherry fruit, medium tannins and a lingering, slightly oaky finish." Pair with mild cheeses, grilled salmon with a herb marinade and a rack of lamb."
DYNAMITE 2002 Cabernet Sauvignon, North Coast $17: "The wine was fermented in small batches for maximum color, aroma and flavor extraction and aged in small oak barrels--35% new--for 15 months to further enhance the varietal fruit characters, tannin structure and roundness. Added 22% Merlot to soften tannins one percent Cabernet France and Petit Verdot for spice and structure. Pair with grilled, roasted or braised meats, especially beef and lamb, full-flavored cheeses--bleu, Camembert, aged dry cheeses like Jack of Asiago."

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SAUVIGNON REPUBLIC CELLARS has been formed by wine and food luminaries. The brand will focus exclusively on the Sauvignon Blanc grape. The partners are Chef John Ash; Winemaker John Buechsenstein; Paul Dolan, wine industry leader, and Restaurateur Tom Meyer. www.sauvignonrepublic.com

SAUVIGNON REPUBLIC CELLARS 2003 Russian River Valley, Sonoma County $17: "Sauvignon Blanc more than any other grapes expresses terroir. It is compatible with the widest spectrum of foods. We use small batch production, individually crafting each wine, no oak and no malolactic. The expression 'Timing is Everything' is particularly true during grape harvest--especially in cool-climate Russian River. You need patience to let the fruit develop. We use small bins to carry the fruit and begin crush within an hour of picking. The wine has rich pineapple, tropical fruit layers and hints 'green' Sauvignon notes. The blend of three distinct vineyards gave the wine firm acidity with rich mouthfeel and good length." Pair with shellfish and fish and herbs such as basil, mint, dill and tarragon and a squeeze of lemon.
SAUVIGNON REPUBLIC CELLARS 2004 Marlborough, New Zealand $17: " "Sauvignon Blanc more than any other grapes expresses terroir. It is compatible with the widest spectrum of foods. We use small batch production, individually crafting each wine, no oak and no malolactic. The geological history (eroded glacial rock debris and diverse river deposits) of the Wairau Valley, NZ possesses many different soil types. Long, slow development on the vine in such a cool-climate peaks varietal flavor and helps berries retain acidity. This wine is a complex assemblage of regional fruit flavors. Five sites contributed flavors like gooseberry, fresh-cut herbs, celery and tropical fruits, flinty and mineral components, crisp acidity, richness and length." Pair with oysters, grilled fish, poultry and vegetables such as eggplant, peppers and mushrooms, goat cheese raviolis and olive oil, serrano ham or prosciutto, tangy cheeses and curry dishes.

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FOREST GLEN has released two heartier wine to match autumn's food needs.

FOREST GLEN 2003 California Pinot Grigio $10: "crisp flavors for everyday meals"
FOREST GLEN 2002 California Oak Barrel Selection Sangiovese $10: "complements seasonal foods like rich pasta or roasted chicken"

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CHATEAU SOUVERAIN 2003 Sonoma County Chardonnay $14: "Fruit underwent whole-cluster press (no destemming or crushing) to yield more delicate juices with lover skin phenolics and higher grape solids. Vibrant aromas of pear and citrus, luscious, creamy, round and rich mouthfeel, flavors of yellow stone fruit, pear, crème brûlée and cinnamon spice on mid palate, harmonious blend and a long, complex finish."
CHATEAU SOUVERAIN 2001Alexander Valley Cabernet Sauvignon $20: "Rich black plum, black cherry, vanilla, hints of black olive, notes of coffee, cedar and spice, cassis and chocolate, balanced, well structured mouthfeel and soft resolved tannins lead to long oak finish."
CHATEAU SOUVERAIN 2002 Dry Creek Valley Zinfandel $18: "Rich boysenberry, blueberry, wild blackberry and touch white pepper, briary notes, fresh berry cobbler, cinnamon and nutmeg, hint black pepper, fruit intensity continues, resolved tannins, succulent long finish."

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LAKE SONOMA 2003 Dry Creek Fume Blanc $15: "Draws on the best Sonoma vineyards for each grape, tailoring the winemaking to that grape. Dry Creek, where warm days and cool foggy nights, allow the grapes to develop rich, balanced fruit mature the grapes to vibrant fruit with grape character. The wine displays lemon, kiwi and pear nuances and generous flavors enriched by cream, vanilla and dough hints with uncommon grace, balanced with a long finish."

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HOGUE CELLARS 2003 Chenin Blanc, Columbia Valley $8: "Best picked when it's full mature and cold fermented to preserve its fresh fruit, this wine is classic crisp, medium-bodied with bright aromas and flavors of lively fruit character, orange peel, melon, peach, honey and vanilla. The acidity and sugar are balanced to a dry finish."
HOGUE CELLARS 2003 Cabernet-Merlot, Columbia Valley $10: "Blending these two grapes has been a tradition for centuries to give complexity and softness. Aromas and flavors of blackberry, tobac, and licorice, a chocolaty top note with berry and spice, complemented by a medium-rich mouthfeel and a toasty vanilla finish."

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KING ESTATE wines have shifted. After years of dedicated organic farming, the benefits are clear and the newly released results are in the 2001 Domaine Pinot Noir and 2003 Domaine Pinot Gris wines. "The KING ESTATE has shifted its portfolio, eliminating our Reserve tier wines in retail and restaurant sales; with our brand now laser focused on our nationally recognized 'Signature' tier, and limited production 'Domaine' tier wines," says President Ed King.

KING ESTATE 2001 Domaine Pinot Noir, Oregon $50: "This dark garnet wine has an inviting array of blueberry and blackberry with hints of oak spice, rose and forest floor spices. It displays a bright entrance of strawberry and candied cherry along with vanilla, oak and cedar spices, with rich, velvety tannins that follow through the long finish."
KING ESTATE 2003 Domaine Pinot Gris, Oregon $25: "This golden straw-colored wine exhibits intense tropical fruit like papayas and mango accented by apricot, honey and nutmeg spice, with rich and expressive tropical flavors of mandarin, papaya, pineapple and fig, balanced mouthfeel with good viscosity, a vibrant structure and long, expressive finish."

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J. LOHR Carol's Vineyard has released two wines in the Vineyard Series, meticulously cultivated from a prestigious single vineyard of well-drained, gravelly, sandy loam soil and a climate comparable to Bordeaux. This vineyard, located along the Napa River, is ideal for both varietals. Carol's yields intense red grapes with fine grain tannins and sauvignon blanc with fresh herbaceousness and hints of citrus and passion fruit. Appropriate to the location, it's the only J. Lohr vineyard to use a divided canopy system to balance the natural vigor of the vines with optimum sun exposure.

J. LOHR 2001 Carol's Vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon, Napa Valley $40: "This inaugural vintage made only 1,800 cases. Dense and dark, youthful purple, the wine has powerful aromas and flavors of blackberry, black currants, cherries and licorice with a complex bouquet of vanilla, tar, graphite and chary oak, and an incredibly supple structure."
J. LOHR 2001 Carol's Vineyard Sauvignon Blanc, Napa Valley $18: "The delicate fruit character of this wine have been preserved. Brassy straw yellow and racy perfumed aromas of grapefruit, tangelo, honeydew and gooseberry with vibrant acidity and fresh flavors make it pair well with grilled seafood or poultry."

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ST. CLEMENT has released two new wines from its Napa Valley properties. Napa Valley covers a fairly large geographic area of about 30 miles in a northwesterly direction--five miles at its widest point near the city of Napa to its narrowest at Calistoga. The valley experiences several different microclimates and a wide array of soils that produce wines unique in style and character--making it one of the most famous winegrowing regions in the world. "Capturing terroir in an individual wine is the best ay to experience these differences; hence, the two St. CLEMENT wines.

ST. CLEMENT 2002 Carneros Chardonnay, Napa $16: "A vintage that produced ripe fruit flavors with notable complexity. Rich aromas and flavors of crème brûlée and sweet pear with multiple ripe fruits, notes of vanilla and clove, toffee, quince, cinnamon, nutmeg, well-balanced, crisp acidity, mineral background, touch smoke and a toasty vanilla finish."
ST. CLEMENT 2001 Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon: $35: "The vintage is remembered for its long and ideal growing conditions that produced wines of great power and big extraction. Aromas and flavors of blueberry, blackberry, black cherry, coffee and toffee, full bodied, elegance, cola, coffee and leather, comlex and multifaceted, velvety tannins and a supple long finish."

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BUENA VISTA advocates repeat the old saying in the wine business that you can't teach location--you've either got it or you don't. BUENA VISTA vineyards claim some of the prime locations in California, 1000 acres in the Carneros and 800 of them planted. The area is defined by its diversity of soils, topography and plant material. "We've got clay; we've got sand; we've even got rocks--a rarity in the district. For plant material we have 10 clones of Chardonnay planted on 40+ blocks across 270 acres and a dozen clones of Pinot Noir on 40 blocks across 180 acres. Additionally, BUENA VISTA Winemaker Jeff Steward (formerly of La Crema) is one of the finest cool-climate winemakers in the world.

BUENA VISTA 2002 Chardonnay, Carneros Reserve $18: ". . . peach, citrus and green apple backed by tropical fruit, spice butter and vanilla, rich and bold palate, fine acid and toasty oak."
BUENA VISTA 2002 Pinot Noir, Carneros Reserve $22: " . . . ripe and forward saturated red cherry, cranberry, green tea, earth and vanilla, strawberry, chocolate and red raspberry palate, long, rich, and luscious."
BUENA VISTA 2001 Merlot, Carneros Reserve $22: " . . . rich, well structured and complex, aromas and flavors of blackberry, cherry, mocha, herbal notes, vanilla oak, layered cherry, plum anise and cocoa, rich soft tannins, smooth elegant mouthfeel with a lingering finish."

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RODNEY STRONG VINEYARDS has four latest releases from Sonoma County, where its 925 acres are planted in Chalk Hill, Russian River, Alexander Valley or Sonoma Coast regions.

RODNEY STRONG VINEYARDS 2001 Sonoma County Cabernet Sauvignon $18: "Aromas of blackberries, black cherries, vanilla and cedar carry through into the flavor of this full-bodied wine. Additional layers of cassis and cocoa are enveloped by soft, mature tannins and a long, rich finish."
RODNEY STRONG VINEYARDS 2002 Chalk Hill Chardonnay $18: "Creamy and crisp with abundant character, mineral, and toasty oak flavors. This medium to full bodied wine possesses beautiful balance and texture while displaying bright citrus, tropical and green apple flavors and delightful natural acidity."
RODNEY STRONG VINEYARDS 2000 Alexander Valley Merlot $26: "Plum and dark berry flavors predominate in this soft, rich, mouth filling Merlot, and are accentuated by the addition of small amounts of Cabernet."
RODNEY STRONG VINEYARDS 2003 Charlotte's Home Sauvignon Blanc $12: "Light, crisp and highly aromatic, the warmer climate of ?Alexander Valley fruit gives the wine ripe pear and melon character, while the ocean cooled Russian River fruit offers citrus, mineral and traditional herbaceous character."

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COASTAL RIDGE WINERY has two new releases, Merlot and Cabernet Sauvignon.

COASTAL RIDGE WINERY Merlot $7: "Rich with fruit nuances and soft tannins. Lovely strawberry, blackberry and cranberry aromas and flavors, with spicy vanilla and cedar, silky tannins and a long finish."
COASTAL RIDGE WINERY Cabernet Sauvignon $7: "Complexity of fruit and spice characters. Black cherry with hints of black olive and plum with lingering notes of vanilla, cedar and nutmeg."

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CYPRESS had releases five new wines with a fresh style and vision, that being a commitment to quality and accessibility. The Cypress winemaking team has combined its talents to craft engaging and affordable, fruit forward wines."

CYPRESS 2002 Merlot California $10: "Youthful and enticing fruit aromas and flavors of blueberry pie, black cherry and violet, plush, forward fruit with good structure, a complex wine with bright fruit, pair with roasted or grilled lamb and beef."
CYPRESS 2003 Sauvignon Blanc California $10: "Forward, racy fruit of grapefruit, gooseberry and fresh herbs. Bright favorers and palate cleansing acidity, pair with salads and grilled seafood."
CYPRESS 2002 Cabernet Sauvignon, California $10: "Bright fruit and aromas and flavors of black currants, red cherry and mixed berry. Considerable weight of fruit and structure and a complex, lovely fruited wine, pair with grilled lamb, pizza or chocolate."
CYPRESS 2003 Chardonnay, California $10: "Fruit forward aromas and flavors of pear, nectarine and pineapple with tangerine and citrus notes. Pair with grilled seafood or roasted chicken."
CYPRESS 2002 Shiraz, California $10 : "Intense boysenberry, blackberry and currants with black pepper, bright and fruity nuances, good weight and structure pair with grilled sausages, fajitas and seasoned pork."

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PEPPER BRIDGE and AMAVI WINES' TRAVIS ROBERTS delights Sarah Jane's tasters: My table was graced by friends/students of long standing and our lovely hostess, Travis Roberts, who capably presented her family wines. We all felt especially treated to these elegant, well-balanced, fruit-forward, rich wines. Everyone left the tasting with data sheets in hand to go purchase these wines. PEPPER BRIDGE WINERY, in Walla Walla Valley--home of the estate vineyards (Pepper Bridge and Seven Hills Vineyards) uses the regions' critically acclaimed grapes for its fine red wines. Pepper Bridge has a state-of-the-art, gravity-flow winery, begun several years ago when Managing Partner Norm McKibben planted his first grapes. After a successful career as a civil engineer and corporate president, Norm moved to Washington to retire in 1985. However, when he recognized Walla Walla's potential for growing quality wine grapes, he began planting vines. By 1991 Norm and his partners (Norm asked Ray Goff, RG Hess and Mike Hogue to join him in creating the winery) had planted Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot at Pepper Bridge Vineyard. Over the next several years, Norm worked closely with Leonetti Cellars, Woodward Canyon, L’Ecole N°. 41 and Andrew Will wineries to improve farming procedures and trellising on the 191-acre Pepper Bridge farm. Pepper Bridge Winery began taking shape in late 1999 and was finished in time for the 2000 harvest. The focus is on production of ultra-premium Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, and Syrah. The Washington Association of Wine Grape Growers honored Norm as “Grape Grower of the Year” in 1998. Winemaker Jean-François Pellet is Swiss and a third generation winemaker and viticulturist. He worked at Heitz Cellars in Napa prior to joining Pepper Bridge. He has an elegant touch for managing the fabulous fruit of this region. Additionally, sister-winery AMAVI CELLARS is one of Walla Walla's newest and it was created because the partners of Pepper Bridge wanted to produce Syrah and other varietals from the estate vineyard grapes, but without diminishing the focus of Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot at Pepper Bridge. The Amavi Cellars tasting room was a 1890s log cabin which stood on managing partner Ray Goff's Montana ranch, moved piece by piece to offer guests a true sight of days gone by. All in all, we had a beautiful evening in the good company of Travis enjoying her delicious wines. Do yourself a favor and ask for PEPPER BRIDGE and AMAVI CELLARS at many of the wine sellers in Austin and elsewhere.

CLICK WINE GROUP Served Australian Wines at Green Pastures: A bevy of delicious Australian wines in several types and styles made an excellent showing around the country. BUCKLEY'S, CAMPBELLS, CAPE BARREN, KANGARILLA ROAD, MITCHELL, NEPENTHE, PARACOMB, PEARSON, ROCKBARE, AND STICKS were the producers who kindly shared their fine offerings in Austin. I was especially stuck by the consistency of quality regardless of varietal or style. These were well-made wines that brought a pleasurable day's tasting. The Shiraz, not surprisingly, was a special star among the wines. The MITCHELL 2002 Peppertree was fruity and elegant. The KANGARILLA ROAD 2002 Estate Shiraz was layered and nicely textured. CAMPBELLS 2002 Bobbie Burns Shiraz was a well-structured, slightly larger style. NEPENTHE has successfully interpreted Australian pinot noir and its 2002 has upfront spice and a lovely nose while the 2002 Charleston was a light style with cherries, cola and nutmeg. PARACOMBE has full-bodied wines and the 2002 Shiraz showed chewy tannins and a tighter, delicious structure and PARACOMBE Cabernet Sauvignons were big, enticing wines. STICKS 2003 Chardonnay was an elegant, smooth, fresh fruity wine and I was surprised to learn it had been fermented in oak and did not undergo malolactic. It's superb. STICKS 2001 and 2002 both had a classic varietal nose, well integrated and complexly layered. For pure pleasure, seek out these lovely Australian wines at your favorite wine store.

BOOK REVIEW, The Wines of Bordeaux by Clive Coates, MW; The University of California Press has a distinguished history of publishing books on the art and science of winemaking and viticulture—a natural extension of the University of California's longstanding interest in these subjects. Agriculture was among the first faculties developed at U.C. Berkeley; viticultural studies remained at Berkeley from 1880 until the development in 1935 of the U.C. Davis Department of Viticulture and Enology, widely regarded as the leading academic program of its kind in the country, if not the world. Given this background, and California's commanding presence in the wine world, the University of California Press is determined to continue to cultivate its publishing program in this area. Keeping in mind its mandate to publish works of importance to scholars and general readers alike, UC Press is publishing books intended to appeal to a broad audience, from wine industry professionals to connoisseurs to those still developing an interest in wine. www.ucpress.org.

Written by the leading international expert on French wine, Clive Coates' The Wines of Bordeaux ($60), is the authoritative guide to one of the most important and complex wine regions in the world. Sumptuously produced, with a wealth of color illustrations and stunning line drawings, this book covers all the vineyards of Bordeaux--from the largest and most famous châteaux to the smallest farmsteads. Bordeaux is known for the quality, quantity, and variety of its wine. It produces twenty-five percent of the appellation contrôlée harvest in France--a great deal more than the Beaujolais, Burgundy, Alsace, Loire, or Rhône regions. It also produces all of the three main types of wine: red, dry white, and sweet white. Updating and augmenting Clive Coates's classic Grands Vins, this book shows that many of Bordeaux's wines are not only superlative but also affordable. Thirty-five years of traveling around the French vineyards has given Coates an encyclopedic knowledge of France and its wines. His love and respect for French wines is apparent as he imparts detailed information on the best vintages, tasting notes of the top wines, and up-to-the-minute advice for selecting best value wines. With clear wine descriptions that are accessible to both the uninitiated and the connoisseur, The Wines of Bordeaux increases the pleasure of traveling to this remarkable region and of selecting and enjoying its splendid wines. "While many books and periodicals give similar information on Bordeaux wines, their history, their sources and style, I know of none in English that does the job so well as here."--Charles Sullivan, author of Zinfandel "What other writer gives you the confidence that he truly knows each property, its terroir, its proprietor and its produce, and can give you a fresh and honest assessment?"--Hugh Johnson, coauthor of The World Atlas of Wine

RECIPE: EDDIE V Chef John Carver, a seafood expert, shares tips that help you prepare seafood in your own kitchen like the pros. For questions or comments: seafoodexpert@eddiev.com http://www.eddiev.com/seafood_expert.html Tips of the Month: Oysters 101 Background on Oysters: Fresh, crisp, nutritious and fragrant, oysters have a huge fan base with worldwide consumption at 4.8 million metric tons last year. Some of the varieties are Chincoteagues, Blue Points, Belons and Hama Hamas, Hood Canals, Kumamotos, Tenass Pass, Rocky Points, Wellfleets, Marennes, Malpeques, and Malaspina Inlet. "Species, environment, and method of cultivation are primary factors that impact how an oyster tastes. Most oysters in U.S. markets come from oyster farms on the Pacific coast, Atlantic coast, Gulf of Mexico and Europe. Each will have their own general taste characteristics. Pacific oysters have various taste qualities often described as: “fruity”, “smoky”, “melon-like”, “cucumber-like”, and “metallic finish”. Atlantic coast oysters might be described as having “briny”, “salty”, and “ocean-like” flavors. Gulf coast oysters are described as having a “sweet” and “buttery” taste. When in you are in a restaurant that serves fresh oysters, always ask the question: 'What are the freshest oysters in the house?' If the restaurant offers a number of different varieties, request a sampling of a few-on the half shell, of course. This is your opportunity to explore the wonderful differences in taste and texture of one our most prized foods. All oysters are at their culinary best beginning in the fall (September), through the winter months and ending in the late spring (May). You may be familiar with the rule: “Don’t eat oysters during the months without an “r” in the spelling”. More specifically, this rule speaks to the fact that oysters generate more glycogen during the summer months for spawning purposes. Glycogen is an animal starch. The presence of glycogen in the oyster dilutes the flavor profiles of the oyster. It is not dangerous in any way and is completely natural. Recipe of the Month: Sauce Mignonette, Broiled Oysters with Spinach & Asiago Fondue

Recipes Sauce Mignonette

1 cup Champagne Vinegar

2 tablespoons Cracked Black Peppercorns

3 tablespoons Minced, Fresh Shallot

Combine all ingredients. Allow to rest in refrigerator 2 hours before serving.

Broiled Oysters with Spinach & Asiago Fondue (2 Appetizer Portions)

12 ea Oysters on the Half Shell, loosened from the bottom shell

2 ea Shallots, finely chopped

2 oz Olive Oil

1 bu Spinach, stemmed, washed, chopped

½ cup Heavy Cream

½ cup Grated Asiago Cheese

½ cup Grated Parmesan Cheese

Salt & Pepper to taste

Preheat broiler on high position.

In a medium sauté pan, over medium heat, sauté the shallots until soft. Do not brown them.

Add the spinach and cook for 2 minutes. Add the cream and simmer until lightly thickened.

Remove from the heat, stir-in Asiago cheese and season with salt & pepper to taste.

Arrange oysters on two oven proof plates lined with rock salt. Make sure that oysters are level.

Place oysters under broiler and broil until the oyster’s edges begin to curl. Approximately 3 minutes.

Remove oysters from broiler. Place 1 teaspoon of spinach mixture on top of each oyster. Sprinkle each oyster lightly with grated parmesan and return to broiler.

Broil until cheese becomes a light golden brown.

Serve immediately on plate underliners and advise guests that plates are hot.

Sarah Jane: sarajane@onr.com

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