The Sarah Jane English Newsletter:  69th Edition
January 28, 2005
TOP PICKS OF THE MONTH (prices vary store to store) $Best Buy
REMEMBER PORTS AND CHOCOLATE FOR VALENTINE'S DAY. Here are Ports that tasters are  considering at my table: 
 

 
WINERY OF THE MONTH: In 1976, Dan and his wife Margaret co-founded Duckhorn Vineyards with a small group of friends.  Daniel Duckhorn, President/CEO, has been a leader in the Napa Valley wine community for over three decades.  He became involved in wine in 1971 as president of Vineyard Consulting Corporation (VCC)-- a major vineyard technical services company involved in viticulture consulting, vineyard management and grapevine propagation.  He honed his abilities for assessing vineyard sites and pairing varietals with their most suitable terroir.     Influenced by France, Dan decided to cultivate Bordeaux varieties in Napa Valley.  He focused on making a world-class Napa Valley Merlot and pioneered the crafting of a premium stand-alone Napa Valley Merlot.  The first Duckhorn harvest (1978) made 1,600 cases: 800 Merlot and 800 Cabernet Sauvignon.  Proving Dan's belief that great wines begin in the vineyard, 1978 was an excellent first vintage for Duckhorn.  "It was a great year," says Dan. "We could have made wine out of walnuts."        DUCKHORN Wine Company is a collection of small estates with site-specific wines from Napa and Anderson Valleys. They include DUCKHORN Vineyards, PARADUXX, and GOLDENEYE.  Grapes come from ten estate vineyards as well as other special sites to give each winery prized lots for blending premium wines. Careful grape selection, innovative winemaking techniques and a premium barrel-aging program are integral to Duckhorn's pledge to quality.  Limited quantities of all wines are available from the winery, throughout the U.S. and internationally.    Co-founded by Dan and Margaret, Duckhorn Vineyards has crafted Bordeaux varietals in Napa Valley for nearly 30 years.  Its seven meticulously farmed estate vineyards, located throughout various microclimates in Napa Valley, are an essential element in making wines of the highest quality.   Duckhorn Vineyards produces four elegant Merlot wines and four distinctive Cabernet Sauvignon that showcase the characteristics of its various vineyard sites.  In addition, the winery produces a full-flavored Sauvignon Blanc, and an exceptional red Bordeaux blend under the Decoy label.
PARADUXX is a unique Napa Valley blended red wine using Zinfandel and Cabernet Sauvignon.  It was created in 1994 to let the winemaking team explore other varietals.  Paraduxx is appreciated for  its own personality and style.  Blended with estate fruit from Napa Valley mountain and Valley floor grapes, Paraduxx has rich fruit flavors and soft tannins that make it complement a wide array of foods. For each vintage, an artist's interpretation of a pair of ducks native to the Pacific Flyway is featured on the label.
GOLDENEYE is a premium quality Pinot Noir from its estate winery in the Anderson Valley. The wine is blended from five estate vineyards planted to 19 Pinot Noir clones on 11 different rootstocks.  Its wines are concentrated, elegant and complex, showing the true potential of Anderson Valley's cool climate.  The winery also produces an elegant, sister Pinot Noir label called Migration.    
SPLURGE WINE OF THE MONTH: QUINTESSA 2001 Napa Valley Red Wine, Rutherford $100 is a lovely lusciousness of elegance.  "In 1989 Valeria and I found the property that would be Quintessa.   A most remarkable property of great beauty and potential in the heart of the renowned Rutherford appellation of Napa Valley.       Although never before planted to vineyards or any other crop, it had all of the characteristics desirable to a great wine estate; rolling hills, several micro-climates and a diversity of complex soils with limited vigor. How could this magnificent property have escaped the planting fever of the 1970's and 1980's, we wondered? We discovered that it had formerly been owned by a famous San Francisco restaurateur. He had purchased the property in the late 1940's, after extensive research, for its potential to be a grand wine estate. He died before realizing his dream. In the years following his death, many a Napa vintner tried and failed to acquire it. Valeria and I consider ourselves very fortunate to have been entrusted by destiny with the development of this unique property.        The fact that the property had never been planted to grapes before spoke to the vivacity of the soil and the absence of grape pests.  Starting with a clean slate permitted us to take advantage of a wealth of knowledge and wisdom that has been accumulated in the Napa Valley over 25 years of quality viticulture. Terrace design, soil preparation, density of planting, trellis systems, and most important, selection of rootstock and clones were just some of the aspects of vineyard innovation that we were able to apply.          Today the vines have lost their youthful exuberance and are showing that they will conform to a harmonious, balanced low vigor vineyard, which needs little manipulation to produce the low yields and high concentration required for quality wine.      The diversity of the vineyard gives our winemakers wide stylistic options. Guided by master blender, Jacques Boissenot of Bordeaux, we have also discovered that finesse and elegance best express the character of the vineyard. We blend for harmony, balance and length of flavors. Above all, our objective is a delicious wine that is complementary to food.
NEWS
PIERCE'S DISEASE RESEARCH SYMPOSIUM: Efforts in the fight against Pierce’s Disease (PD) and the Glassy-Winged Sharpshooter (GWSS) got a shot in the arm last week when more than 175 scientists from around the globe met in San Diego to share their latest research findings.   The Symposium was coordinated by the California Department of Food and Agriculture Pierce’s Disease Control Program and supported by the PD/GWSS Board to facilitate the flow of information, accelerate progress and increase scientific collaboration.  “Research will give us the solution to Pierce’s disease,” said Bob Wynn, head of CDFA’s Pierce’s Disease Control Program.  “This symposium gives all of our researchers an ideal venue to report their progress and to learn from each other’s work.  This event is helping our scientists generate new ideas about how they can help growers deal with Pierce’s disease and the glassy-winged sharpshooter.”  Researchers listened to several reports, including one from the National Academy of Sciences, and a panel discussion on research funding.  “This symposium is a great place to meet and share ideas,” said Dr. Andrew Walker, a researcher at UC Davis.  “Each year I come away having to rethink some of my ideas, usually in the area of insects.”   Dr. Alexander “Sandy” Purcell from UC Berkeley expressed the positive effects the PD Research Symposium has had on his research efforts.  “I was an early disbeliever in the exclusion (PD control) program.  In 1996, I felt that Pandora’s box had already been opened and that it was too late.  But I see now that I was wrong and that it is working. Although it is expensive, the program is saving hundreds of millions of dollars in crops, especially in the wine industry.”

FALL CREEK VINEYARDS was invited by The Texas State Society of Washington, D.C. to the 44th Presidential Inaugural galas.  "We were honored to attend the Black Tie and Boots Ball and pleased to be a part of the Texas Fair & Market Place," says Susan Auler, co-owner of Fall Creek, who helped organize the Fair.  "The Marriott Wardman Park hosted the D.C. events where guests enjoyed Fall Creek Merlot, Chardonnay, and Chenin Blanc with our specially designed commemorative labels.  Our commemorative t-shirts were popular at the Fair & Market too, where a multitude visited the various Texas exhibits that featured everything from the Fort Worth Zoo to NASA, and shopping booths with delectable treats, specialty clothing, fine leather goods, jewelry, and other gifts.  An estimated 10,000 attendees were eager for warm reminders of home … All Things Texas Inspired!    Fall Creek Vineyards owners Susan and Ed Auler, modern pioneers in the Texas wine industry, poured their wines at a  reception for 1,500 Texas State Society special invitees and their guests as well as at the Black Tie and Boots Inaugural Ball, in honor of President and Mrs. George W. Bush.  "The Black Tie and Boots Ball honors America’s First Families, members on both sides of the aisle in the Congress and Senate, legions of celebrities, performers, and sports giants with a passion for the Lone Star State," Susan says.  "We proudly support America’s twice elected leader, President George W. Bush, who has featured Fall Creek Vineyards and other Texas wines at Presidential and state official functions."

JACKSON-TRIGGS CANADIAN WINE is now available in the U.S.  As co-founder of Jackson-Triggs, Don Triggs has been a tireless promoter of Canadian wine both at home and abroad, a role for which he has received industry-wide recognition.  Allan Jackson, co-founder of Jackson-Triggs, has over 30 years of outstanding service to the Canadian wine industry and heads the research and development team at Jackson-Triggs.  The success of Jackson-Triggs stems from the proprietors' vision of making outstanding Canadian wine, and they emphasize that strong teamwork has been key to their achievements in both the domestic and international marketplace.  www.jacksontriggswinery.com  (please see wine information below)

JACK STUART writes me that after 25 years he is stepping down from full-time management at SILVERADO Vineyards, the winery he helped found in the early 1980s.  "I'll continue in a part-time advisory role, providing perspective from my long experience with the vineyards, wines and the market.  I also plan to take on a handful of clients to assist with vineyard development, winemaking and winery operations, management, marketing and sales. And, I'll be an associate of NewLevel Group, a new Napa firm that advises wineries, businesses and nonprofits."   Jack recalls his early years at U.C. Davis in the mid-1970s, when most California wine was sold in jugs and Chenin Blanc and  Johannisberg Riesling were still important varieties in Napa Valley.  "In 1977, the year I worked for Robert Mondavi, the winery released its highly-prized 1974 Oakville Cabernet for an astonishing $8 a bottle."  He continues, "Even though our wines are better than ever, the industry still faces huge challenges.  Consolidation of the wholesale business has made it difficult for wineries to get effective distribution.  Grape surpluses have forced prices down and trilled profit margins.  The  proliferation of new brands and good wines from overseas is making it harder than ever to get shelf space, wine list placements and press.  New regulations and challenges from environmental groups make it difficult to plant new vineyard or expand a winery.  Our industry is cyclical, and down times have always presented opportunities for risk takers to get into the game.  Every suitable piece of ground has the potential to create a distinctive wine, and today's hardworking unknowns are tomorrow's star winemakers.  With annual per capita wine consumption having only recently passed its 1970's peak, the market for fine wine has a lot of room to grow."  Jack expresses his gratitude to all his friends and invites correspondence, jstuart@newlevelgroup.com

STONELEIGH Estate Vineyards in Marlborough, New Zealand, has been re-launched  by Allied Domecq.  ( Please see below) www.stoneleigh.co.nz
HART DAVIS HART WINE COMPANY Lists Highlights for Chicago Auction:  Michael Davis and Paul Hart in partnership with John Hart  (hdhwine.com) announced the auction highlights they'll offer at the Chicago Athletic Association on January 29th, 2005.  Some of the auction highlights include:
KIMBERLY CHARLES, formerly with Kobrand in New York, moved to California seven years ago to work for E. & J. Gallo and then to Magnet Communications, has opened her own company CHARLES COMMUNICATIONS ASSOCIATES.  415/701-9463, charles@charlescomm.com
CLIFF LEDE Vineyards proprietor Cliff Lede announced 28-year-old Michelle Edwards has joined their team as winemaker.  She will oversee all winemaking for the Poetry, Cliff Lede and S. Anderson brands.   Edwards’ was most recently Colgin Cellars assistant winemaker and previously worked harvests at Peter Michael Winery, J Wine Company and various wineries in Washington state and Australia.    “Michelle’s terrific energy and passion made her a natural choice,” says Lede. “She has already been an insightful resource as we build our state-of-the-art winery (to open for 2005 harvest production).  She's a great addition to our team and has our full support to make great wines.”
IONA HANDCRAFTED BOOKS is a truly unique and remarkable reminder of the fine things in life.  The owner of this creative enterprise is my friend and student, Mychal Mitchell, and her partner.   Together they craft heirloom books and albums for those interested in the finest of belongings.   "We're committed to crafting books in the time-honored tradition of the Italians--by hand," Mychal tells me.  "All our leathers are selected and cut by hand, and all our archival papers are hand-torn to size.   Also, the hemp twine used to stitch the books is hand waxed with a natural beeswax.   The books and albums are crafted to last a lifetime, so no frills are added--just straightforward top quality leather, papers and twine.  We constantly refine our old world techniques to create an heirloom treasure that preserves the past, present and future forever."  1-877-466-2257                                                           www.IONAHANDCRAFTEDBOOKS.com
KEN VOLK  announced his acquisition of the original Byron Winery in Santa Maria from the Robert Mondavi Corporation, a ten-acre property along Tepusquet Creek with its winery facilities,  tasting room, tank yard, barrel and case goods warehouse, offices and permit.  This transaction is not related to any other sale of the Robert Mondavi Corporation assets.   Ken sold Wild Horse Winery to Jim Beam Wines International in August 2003.   "I  retired from Wild Horse in February of 2004, after establishing the vineyard and winery operation 23 years ago.  A modest non-compete agreement allows me to introduce new brands on or after August 1st, 2005.  Meanwhile, retirement has been busy - enjoying my family and pets, setting up my new business, traveling, blue water fishing, and gardening, as well as establishing and consulting on several start-up winery projects," Ken says. tunakahunakenvis@yahoo.com
RODNEY STRONG Vineyards Winemaker Rick Sayre Celebrates 25 years:  Rick Sayre joined Rodney Strong Vineyards in 1979 and has since been responsible for winemaking for the Winery’s Estate, Reserve and Sonoma County varietal wines since then.  As a practitioner of handcrafted wines, Rick is involved in all aspects of winemaking from vineyard management through final blending.  Since his arrival at Rodney Strong Vineyards, Rick has been instrumental in bringing worldwide recognition to the Winery’s Estate wines. Alexander’s Crown Vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon and Chalk Hill Chardonnay have set standards for Sonoma County winemaking, and have become favorites to consumers all over the United States. 
GRAND CANYON'S EL TOVAR closes to remodel and will observe centennial in 2005:  After renovation, El Tovar Hotel will reopen April 13, 2005. The extensive makeover cost, by hotel operator Xanterra South Rim, L.L.C. with the input and approval of the National Park Service,  is approximately $4.5 million.  El Tovar is renowned as one of the great lodges of the national park system.  The hotel will turn 100 in 2005.    The renovation includes upgrades in both public and service areas:  guest rooms will be painted, receive new carpet, furnishings, windows, wall sconces, draperies, bedspreads, mattresses and televisions.  All guest bathrooms will receive new tubs, sinks, toilets, fixtures and accessories and the floors will be retiled.  All common spaces will get new paint, carpet and lighting. Additionally, the entire roof will be stripped and new wood shingles installed.   Upon completion of the renovation, a ceremony to observe  El Tovar's 100th anniversary will be held, and the hotel will reopen for lunch and guest occupancy April 13.
El Tovar cost $250,000 to build and opened January 14, 1905.  The Atchison, Topeka and Santa Fe Railway hired architect Charles Whittlesey to design the hotel.  The Fred Harvey Company, now Xanterra Parks & Resorts, has managed El Tovar since its opening.  The hotel increased visitation to and international awareness of the remote Grand Canyon region.   To make reservations at El Tovar and all other in-park lodges, call 1-303-297-2757 or toll free at (1) 888-297-2757 or go to www.grandcanyonlodges.com.
FIRESTONE MEADOW, hosts the 2005 Vintner's Festival at Los Olivos, APRIL 9, 2005, 1:00pm – 4:00pm: Experience the fine wines, live music, gourmet foods and art of the scenic Santa Barbara County Wine Country!  Please see the website www.sbcountywines.com for up-to-date details or, call us at (805) 688-0881.
MESSINA HOF Co-Owners Paul and Merrill Bonarrigo and son Paul Mitchell Bonarrigo trekked to Washington, D.C. to celebrate President George W. Bush's  incumbent victory at the Black Tie & Boots Inaugural Ball.  They celebrated with Messina Hof's Paulo Meritage Red Wine;  Private Reserve Papa Paulo Port;  Private Reserve Chardonnay, and Angel, Late Harvest Johannisberg Riesling.
RESTAURANT AT DOMAINE CHANDON has a redesigned dining room and new menu.  Chef Ron Boyd is praised for versatility and deftly borrowing from many cultures to create a sophisticated fare.
WINE INSTITUTE, The Voice for California Wine, reports that the 2004 California wine harvest was early, light and of high quality.   The 2004 was one of the fastest and earliest in the state's history, starting at the beginning of August two or three weeks earlier than normal.  Throughout the state, wineries reported a crush of excellent quality fruit and yields per acre that were normal to light.  The California Department of Food and Agriculture's latest prediction for a crop estimate is 2.7 million wine tons, down six percent from 2003.  The record high crush was in 2000 with 3.32 million tons of wine grapes.
GRAYSON COUNTY COLLEGE announces the "Viticulture & Enology Spring 2005 Class Schedule.  For information contact: www.grayson.edu
COUSINO-MACUL 2003 Chardonnay Antiguas Reservas was rated the Best Chardonnay in Chile at the annual judging by Guia de Vinos de Chile.
MESSINA HOF Winery & Resort founders and owners Merrill and Paul Bonarrigo announced that their son Paul Mitchell (7th generation winemaker), now a forth-year Mid-shipman at the US Naval Academy, was selected to serve as an officer of the United State Marine Corp and will fulfill those duties after his graduation in May 2005.

 
NEW RELEASES
(quotes are winemakers' comments)
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CLOS DU BOIS Classics are consumer favorites that reflect the winery's accessible and elegant winemaking style.  The fruit is sourced from regions best suited to each varietal, allowing the winemaker a palette of flavors to craft his blends.
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CHATEAU ST. JEAN has introduced three wines from the 2003 vintage.  Winemaker Margo Van Staaveren tells me, "It had a cool, wet spring that pushed picking back to late October and November (unlike the early 2004 vintage!).  The long hang time and lower yields combined for maximum sugar development in the Fume Blanc and Chardonnay--yet  with plenty of balancing acidity.  The result is a pair of fruit-soaked wines with nerve.  Pinot Noir is a really tough variety: it fights back all the time.  I rely on Carneros to give me the black cherry and cola character and I blend in Russian River fruit for earthy, bacon-fat an leather flavors."
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HANDLEY CELLARS Mendocino Country Pinot Noir comes from two appellations: Anderson Valley and Yorkville Highlands--further inland with a warmer climate.  Anderson Valley has many microclimates whose small pockets depend on elevation, exposure and many other factors.  Ripening times are different in different locations.  Both these wines have won gold medals.
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J. LOHR VINEYARDS & WINES has released three wines, including one of my favorite red wines--J. LOHR VINEYARDS & WINES 2002 Seven Oaks Cabernet Sauvignon, Paso Robles $15.  Everyone I've introduced to this wine immediately puts it at their top of regular-drinks wine list. 
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NAPA RIDGE wines, says Winemaker Bob Stashak, have a trademark of consistency.  "We are known to make consistently good wines and I look to regions that are known for specific grape varietals.  Than I make careful choices to have a result of delicious wines.  Two examples are the 2003 NAPA RIDGE Chardonnay and Shiraz.  Additionally, Pinot Noir is known as a finicky varietal and it's common knowledge that the wines can be tricky to make. Consequently, wine drinkers sometimes assume that you have to spend a lot of money to find a good one; however, we've proven that difficult wines don't have to cost a lot.  Our winemaking team make delicious and affordable Pinot Noir.  The 2003 Laurier and ForestVille are examples."
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RODNEY STRONG 2001 Merlot, Sonoma County $18: "Plum and blueberry flavors predominate this soft, rich, mouth filling Merlot and are enhanced by aging a full 14 months in primarily American oak for a toasty, spicy  vanilla character and a lingering finish."
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TALBOTT Vineyards Founder Robb Talbott has focused on crafting Chardonnay for more than two decades, and more recently, on Monterey County's finest Pinot Noir fruit.  He says his TALBOTT handmade wines have built a reputation for balance, finesse and extreme aging potential and the new releases show it. 
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KENWOOD 2003 Pinot Noir and Chardonnay showcase pure Russian River Valley (RRV) character with vivid fruit and uncommon complexity.  The distinguishing element is climate: Russian River Valley ranks among the coldest vineyard regions with consistent weather in California.  RRV rarely gets warmer than 80 degrees in summer and autumn, enabling the grapes to attain a perfect balance of fruit, sugar and acidity at maturity.
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    KENDALL-JACKSON  has elevated the image and wine quality of Vintner's Reserve.  "With domestic and global wine markets awash in inexpensive imports and low-cost California wines, Kendall-Jackson (K-J), America's best-selling wine producer, has taken steps  to solidify its image and position in the increasingly competitive wine world," says Public Relations Director George Rose.   "Jess Jackson, proprietor and founder of K-J, counters current trends in the wine market by introducing a new Vintner's Reserve package."   Enjoy these reasonably- priced, well-made wines.
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    LINDAUER introduced its non-vintage Brut ($10) sparkling wine to the U.S. in time for the holidays.  LINDAUER combines methode traditionelle techniques with fine pinot noir and chardonnay grape growing regions in New Zealand.  Winemaker Jeff Clarke says," LINDAUER Brut has had enormous success in NZ.  It's a premium quality sparkling wine at an affordable price and its delicious fruit quality is ideal for the American market."
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GRGICH HILLS 2002 Napa Valley Chardonnay $45 has been released.  GRGICH HILLS has always been known for its outstanding Chardonnay and the 2002 vintage substantiates the reputation.  Bouquet and flavors of green apples, acacia blossoms, some mineral undertones, rich and concentrated, Bartlett pears, honey, casaba melon and lemon drops.  The wine has food-friendly acidity, crispness, elegant balance with full-bodied flavors and a long savory, slightly nutty finish.  The wine is balanced and complex.  
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TRUCHARD Vineyards has released several new wines.
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CAIN MUSQUE 2002 Ventana Vineyard, Monterey $23is making its swan song.  General Manager and Winemaker Chris Howell announced that this vintage will be the last one for this wine.  "Each year we ask ourselves why?  Why are we making all this effort to source fruit from nearly 200 miles from CAIN, to supervise its harvest, to press it at the optimum moment, to use natural-yeast vinification and then bottle without filtration?  Why?  Because everyone at CAIN loves the wine.  Still, as the winery's red wine program grew, it became clear that all resources should be focused on the wine critical to CAIN's mission--crafting unique and exceptional blended red wines from Napa Cabernets.  So, alas,  this is the last of the Musque.  Only 600 cases are available in select markets for those of you who treasure it.  www.cainfive.com 
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DRY CREEK 2003 Fume Blanc, Sonoma $12.75: "Quintessential varietal character makes the wine a benchmark for California Sauvignon Blanc and a flagship wine at the winery.  Aromas and flavors of lemon-lime, grapefruit, melon and lemongrass, gooseberry and subtle mineral and with  crisp acidity it suits an array of foods--cheese, seafood, and oysters."
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VALLEY OF THE MOON 2003 Chardonnay, Sonoma $15: "The wine shows the artful use of small oak barrels and enhances the appealing fruit, vibrant and complex, a wine for every season.  Generous fruit, light mouthfeel, and balanced acidity, creamy texture, aromas and flavors of apples, lime, orange zest, toasty oak with a soft delicate finish."
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STONE CREEK is BERINGER's answer to an affordable wine that can be enjoyed with meals daily.   These wines are crowd pleasers because they are easy drinking and work wonderfully with a variety of foods.
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COLUMBIA WINERY Winemaker David Lake writes me, "In my 26th vintage I find myself reflecting on the many innovations I've seen.  We're proud that Columbia was first to recognize Washington's potential for growing world-class Syrah.  Similarly, we were first in Washington to explore Cabernet Franc, Sangiovese and pinot Gris and launch a range of vineyard designate wines.  This program allowed us to forge enduring relationships that are reflected in the quality of our David Lake Signature Series.  All the wines, however, are made with one objective, and that is to complement food."
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BRONCO Wine Company has released two new Forest Glen wines.  These wines are good for everyday drinking or entertaining throughout the year.
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CHATEAU SOUVERAIN Winemaker Ed Killian likes to help out in the kitchen every now and then and his current wine releases reflect a couple of his favorite red wines to suit a number of delicious dishes.
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MERIDIAN Vineyards has released two new wines.  Winemaker Signe Zoller has a preference for pasta, a food that meets her demanding and mixed-seasonal-schedule needs as well as her appetite.  "Pasta can made into a meal simply or extravagantly, with protein or not, and either way there are many tasty choices.  Pasta disihes allow for a ton of versatility when it comes to wine, and I often pair both a red and a white wine--depending on the sauce.  And I sip while I cook.  These two new wines are among my favorites."
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LINDEMANS, America's favorite Australian wine, celebrates a milestone--the 2004 flagship LINDEMANS 2004 Bin 65 Chardonnay $8 has its 20th anniversary.  Renowned for consistency and quality, the wine is recognized around the world as one of the best values available.  Winemaker Corinna Rayment says this year's Bin 65 is classic.  The bouquet has ripe honeyed melon and fig combined with sweet nutty oak and subtle malolactic fermentation characters.   The full-bodied palate has soft varietal fruit with a ripe, creamy mid-palate finishing with light toasty oak and crispy acidity." Another Bin Range wine internationally recognized for consistent quality is LINDEMANS 2004 Bin 95 Sauvignon Blanc $8.  It shows varietal character with a bouquet of fresh floral, herbal and grassy aromas.  The fresh medium-bodied style has elegant structure and no oak to mask natural fruit and finishes dry with cleansing acidity."
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KENDALL-JACKSON Winemaker Randy Ullom tells me the philosophy at K-J has remained the same for two decades.  "Our goal is to produce the highest quality wine grown from cool California coastal vineyards.  We match soil types and climate with each varietal early in the process.  Every vineyard lot is handcrafted separately to ensure maximum flavor intensity and the proper balance."
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CHALONE WINE GROUP has released four wines. 
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STONELEIGH Estate Vineyards in Marlborough, New Zealand, has been re-launched  by Allied Domecq.  STONELEIGH wines enjoyed an impressive run in the U.S. market during the mid-nineties, but the brand was sold and pulled from the U.S.   Now Allied Domecq is pleased to bring them back.  STONELEIGH Estate Vineyards are located in the northern Wairau Valley of Marlborough and are named for their distinct rocky, well-drained infertile soils.  The wines crafted from these grapes epitomize the fresh, clean fruit-forward flavors synonymous with NZ style.  Situated in the global "Wine belt," New Zealand vineyards are the most southerly in the world but share latitudes similar to Italy and a climate akin to Bordeaux or Burgundy, but cooler.   The country's first grapes were planted in 1819 by European settlers--with a major impetus around 1900 by Dalmatian settlers near Auckland.  As a major cool-climate wine producer, NZ wine commands the highest average price in major world markets.  "NZ Sauvignon Blanc, arguably the most notable new wine style of the 20th Century," hit the world markets in the late 1980s.  The three main wine regions--Marlborough, Hawke's Bay and Gisborne--account for 90% of the harvest.  NZ's rugged terrain creates a variety of local climates and most vineyards are located on the drier eastern coastal plains, sheltered from the prevailing westerly winds by mountains.  Modern screw caps are an important feature of STONELEIGH wines.  They insure the wines consistently high quality by preserving the distinct flavors and freshness while reducing the risk or cork taint and offering dependability.
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MESSINA HOF Winery & Resort founders and owners Merrill and Paul Bonarrigo have released several news wines.  In a continuation of the MESSINA HOF story, Paul (6th generation winemaker) and his son Paul Mitchell (7th generation) have collaborated on several wines.  Paul Mitchell, now a forth-year Mid-shipman at the US Naval Academy was selected to serve as an officer of the United State Marine Corp and will fulfill those duties after his graduation in May 2005. Information: 979/778-9463  www.messinahof.com
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RECIPES FROM COLUMBIA WINERY: Beef Tenderloin with Cabernet,  Seared Scallops with Chardonnay
Beef Tenderloin
Ingredients for each portion:
8  6-8 oz. Beef Tenderloin steaks
Salt & White pepper
2 lbs. Yukon Gold Potatoes, peeled
1 qt. Heavy Cream
4 oz. Blue Cheese, crumbled
1 qt. Port (your choice, tawny preferred)

For Blue Cheese Potato Puree, cut potatoes into medium dice. Place in a pot and cover with cold
salted water. Bring to a boil, then reduce to a simmer and cook until tender all the way through.
Drain well.
Heat cream and blue cheese together over low flame so it does not scorch. Slowly add to potatoes
while stirring to achieve desired consistency (you may not need to incorporate all of the cream).
Season with salt & white pepper. Keep in warm place until needed.
Season the steaks with salt and white pepper. Grill or sear to taste and allow to rest in a warm place
5-6 minutes before serving.
Meanwhile, reduce the port to syrup consistency and keep warm. To use, arrange steaks and potato
puree on plates and drizzle sauce around them.    Serves 8
Seared Scallops and Baby Greens with Orange Vinaigrette and Segments
Ingredients for each portion:
3-4 medium-size Scallops (buy from trusted vendor only)
3-4 oz. Baby Greens (organic mix is good)
Salt & White Pepper
Olive Oil

Preheat oven to 400 degrees F. Wash and spin dry the greens. Remove tough muscle from side of
scallops and pat them dry with paper towels. Season with salt & white pepper and sear in a hot sauté
pan with a little olive oil till light brown on edges. Place in 400 degree oven for 2-3 minutes, then
remove and flip. Allow them to stay in pan but not in oven for another minute or so. Place on paper
towel to absorb any extra fat.

Orange Vinaigrette, Yields 2 cups

2 cups Orange Juice
1/4 oz. Ginger, roughly chopped
1 cup Canola Oil
Salt & White Pepper
1 Orange, peeled and segments cut out for garnish

Combine the orange juice and ginger and reduce in a pot by half. Let cool and drizzle in the canola
oil while whisking. Season with salt & white pepper.
To serve: Dress the baby greens and place on plates. Set scallops and orange segments around.
Drizzle on a little more vinaigrette and serve.

U.T. RANSOM CENTER ACQUIRES WOODWARD and BERNSTEIN PAPERS: On June 18, 1972, a Washington Post front page story reported on a break-in the previous day at the Democratic National Committee offices in Washington D.C.'s Watergate complex.  Two of the reporters covering the story, Bob Woodward and Carl Bernstein, quickly began pursuing leads and tracking sources, determined to expose the full extent of what the White House dismissed as a "third-rate burglary."   In the following months, Woodward and Bernstein wrote front page stories exposing the links between the break-in and President Nixon's re-election committee.  The reporters unraveled a web of political espionage and sabotage.  In the end forty government officials were indicted and a president resigned.  In May 1973, The Washington Post received the Pulitzer Prize for Woodward and Bernstein's investigative reporting.  In April 2003, The University of Texas at Austin acquired all interviews, notes, research materials and drafts created by Woodward and Bernstein when writing their stories for The Washington Post and books All The President's Men and The Final Days.  This unique collection will serve scholars and researchers for generations.  On February 4, 2005, it will be opened to the public for the first time.
BOOK REVIEW--THE WINES OF MEXICO, Roots, Shouts and Fruits: From the early missions to the wine bars of Mexico City, the story of Mexican wine is one of adventure, hardship, adversity and achievement.  It is a story of people, local and foreign, their determination, skills and their dedication to the industry.  And the story of the many verities of grape that made their way from the old continent to take root and flourish in soil and climates ranging from semi-desert to Pacific coasts.  Thanks to the perseverance and conviction of Mexico's winegrowers, increasingly Mexican wines are competing and winning over wines from other countries with a more established production.  This is their story.
 

 

© 2005 Sarah Jane English

Sarah Jane: sarajane@onr.com

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