We Have A New Watering Hole: Love Wine, Learn Wine, Speak Wine
We Have A New Watering Hole: Love Wine, Learn Wine, Speak Wine
LO V E WIN E , L E A R N W I N E , S P EA K WI N E …
Wines evaluated last month: 298 • Rejected: 242 • Approved: 56 • Selected: 12 AUGUST 2016
Paul Kalemkiarian
Owner/Cellarmaster
Membership in the Wine of the Month Club is open to
anyone with an interest in and appreciation for superb wines...
and excellent wine values. Membership is FREE.
It is here though that my father decided to buy his competition out and
he insisted that Palos Verdes Liquor and Spice be part of the transaction. The
owner agreed and from there sprung the first and original Wine of the Month
Club… having its first selections chosed May 1972. You know, I am going to look
those selections up… and offer them to the members! Salud.
F BOMB
Grenache Mourvedre, 2013.
Region: Santa Barbara, California • Alchohol: 14.5%
NOSE
Violets, blackberry,
cinammon
PALATE
Very rich
CELLAR
Now through 2018
PAIRING
Red meats, game
COLOR
Deep Magenta
FINISH
Refuses to be swallowed
VIÑA EGUÍA
Rioja, 2009.
Region: Rioja, Spain • Alchohol: 13.5%
NOSE
Violets, earth, spice,
leather
PALATE
Elegant, elongated,
engaging
CELLAR
Now through 2020
PAIRING
Red meat, game,
tomato sc.
COLOR
Ruby with brick
FINISH
Just keeps on
Paauudll&
Member Price $1 1.98/each
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Reorder Price $7.99/each
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5 WINE OF THE MONTH CLUB • 1-800-949-9463
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WINE OF THE MONTH CLUB SELECTION
WINDRUN
Chardonnay, 2013.
Region: Santa Barbara, California • Alchohol: 13.8%
NOSE
Fresh apple and kiwi
PALATE
Balanced fruit, oak
CELLAR
1 - 2 years
PAIRING
Light meat, fish
COLOR
Medium straw
FINISH
Lively acidity
DOMINIOS DE CASTILLA
Verdejo, 2014.
Region: Castilla, Spain • Alchohol: 12.5%
NOSE
Lovely nectarine
PALATE
Full stone fruit, citrus
CELLAR
Now through 2017
PAIRING
Shellfish, seafood
COLOR
Pale Yellow
FINISH
Lip smacking
FREEMONT
Pinot Noir, 2013.
Region: Santa Maria, California • Alchohol: 13.9%
NOSE
Peppermint candy
PALATE
Nuanced cherry
CELLAR
Now through 2019
PAIRING
Seafood, light meats,
game, fowl
COLOR
Medium crimson
FINISH
Long, but soft
DENEUFBOURG
Syrah/Marselan, 2014.
Region: Roussillon, France • Alchohol: 14%
NOSE
Spice, cranberry
PALATE
Medium to full body
CELLAR
Now through 2018
PAIRING
Red meats, game
COLOR
Medium magenta
FINISH
Exotic
FERROCINTO
Greco Bianco, 2012.
Region: Calabria, Italy • Alchohol: 12.5%
NOSE
Guava, quince
PALATE
Bold
CELLAR
Now through 2017
PAIRING
Shellfish, seafood,
vegetarian
COLOR
Light golden
FINISH
Clean, tart
Ferrocinto is the property of the Cam- the land (ergo the grape) and called it
poverde cooperative in Calabria located Oenotria, meaning the land of vines. In this
at the “toe” of Italy’s boot. One of the case, it also means the land of staked vines.
interesting facts about Campoverde is
An important distinction because the
that more than 80% of their products
vines were perched around olive trees in
are sold in Italy. We surmise this is due
order to lift them off the ground. This al-
to the fact that they have resisted the
lowed the grapes to get more sunlight so
temptation to plant “international” va-
that the wines taste better and last longer.
rieties like Cabernet Sauvignon, Char-
As a result, the practice of “trellising” came
donnay, Merlot, and others. Instead, they
into fruition.
favor local varieties such as our Greco,
which are still in the hearts and palates Intriguingly, this particular grape is
of the Italians as it is part of their heritage. not Italian, it’s Greek, hence the name
Greco. However, this grape flourishes
Heritage is important in Calabria since
in Italy and has forged a place for itself
it is the oldest settlement in Italy. There
enough to be considered an Italian wine.
is evidence of human occupation
from over 700,000 years ago. A mere Our Greco allows the grape to literally
3,500 years ago, the Greeks inhabited shine. It is a tough customer and requires
a long, sun drenched season to ripen to
ITEM #: L0816W4II perfection. Not a problem here where
Retail Price: $24.00/each the delicate apricot and guava fruit come
Member Price $22.48/each out, along with roasted nuts and spice.
Paauudl‘sl&
P dtin‘gs:
Reorder Price $13.99/each
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6 WINE OF THE MONTH CLUB • 1-800-949-9463
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WINE OF THE MONTH CLUB SELECTION
PETIT
Rosé, 2015.
Region: S. Africa • Alchohol: 13.5%
NOSE
Fresh flowers
PALATE
Lovely strawberry
CELLAR
Now through 2016
PAIRING
Seafood, light meats,
vegetarian
COLOR
Pale salmon
FINISH
Piquant
JAMES MITCHELL
Cabernet Sauvignon, 2013.
Region: Lodi, California • Alchohol: 14.3%
NOSE
Berry, earth vanilla
PALATE
Impeccable balance
CELLAR
Now through 2020
PAIRING
Red meats, game
COLOR
Medium red
FINISH
Never stops
The name James MItchell comes from health and welfare of not just the plants
the founders of the winery, James Rob- and the soil, but also the employees and
erts and Mitchell Clark, who both worked the habitat that provides a beneficial
for Mondavi and started their own label ecosystem. This includes planting grasses
some 15 years ago. The winery was pur- which conserve water instead of wasting
chased by Spain’s Aveniu Brands, owned it and promoting beneficial insects that
by Codorniu Raventós Bodegas Y Viňedos, prey on those that can harm the system.
the largest sparkling wine company in
All this attention to the details of or-
Spain, and maybe even the world.
ganic farming and sustainable practices
Codorniu is one of the oldest companies wouldn’t mean a thing if the outcome
in the world. It was founded in 1551 and didn’t reflect that effort. Well, we can cer-
is still operated by the 17th generation of tainly say that it does! The wines produced
family members. from this kind of farming seem to have
more elegance, nuance and flavors than
The grapes come from Lodi, and are cer- those produced by traditional methods.
tified Green by the Lodi Rules for sus-
tainable Winegrowing. The Lodi Rules Sustainable farming adds more complex-
members have to protect the safety, ity to the wines it yields. Yes, there is the
telltale black cherry and earth mixed with
some licorice. But there are also hints of
ITEM #: V0816R2DC
cocoa, mint, vanilla, spice and touches of
Retail Price: $18.00/each cranberry that seem to just swirl around
Member Price $ 1 6.98/each
l
Paualud‘s&
the palate and never give up. Nothing
s
&Eadtin‘g:
P Reorder Price $12.99/each short of spectacular.
E
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5 WINE OF THE MONTH CLUB • 1-800-949-9463
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WINE OF THE MONTH CLUB SELECTION
PROJECTION
Cabernet Sauvignon, 2015.
Region: Clarksburg, California • Alchohol: 14.5%
NOSE
Cherry, vanilla
PALATE
Medium body
CELLAR
Now through 2020
PAIRING
Red meats, game
COLOR
Medium garnet
FINISH
Lovely fruit, soft tannins
TOMERO
Torrontes, 2014.
Region: Mendoza, Argentina • Alchohol: 13%
NOSE
Spice, peach
PALATE
Medium
CELLAR
Now through 2017
PAIRING
Seafood, shellfish,
vegetarian
COLOR
Very pale
FINISH
Lovely apricot
Tomero is the work of Carlos Pulenta of wine areas in the world. They experience
the Vistalba estate located in the famed near perfect weather every year with prac-
Argentine wine district of Mendoza. Pu- tically no rain and bright sunshine almost
lenta built his winery in 2002, naming it every day. Most of the vineyards are 3,000
after the heritage of the area. to 4,000 feet above sea level for the cooler
temperatures, brighter sun, and cleaner
“Tomero” represents the official assigned air. It just doesn’t get much better for a
to manage the distribution of the melted winemaker.
snow from the Andes out to the various
estates in the districts. The Tomero de- Torrontes is an extraordinarily diverse
cided when and how the water would grape. There are the fat, rich stone fruit
be distributed by opening and closing components reminiscent of California,
the water channel. Presently, that job is elongated by the soil flavors of France,
now in the hands of the government. The and the spice of Spain. A blazing pleth-
name is Pulenta’s homage to the impor- ora of luscious, ripe fruit greets you and
tance of the position and its role in assist- follows with a rich and glorious finish. In
ing the country’s wine business. the core of our selection, you will find the
lovely flavors of white peaches and gua-
Argentina is one of the most exceptional vas with hints of anise, kiwi and orange
peel. Not only distinctive, but a wondrous
ITEM #: V0816W1IA crowd pleaser.
Retail Price: $18.00/each
Member Price $1 6.98/each
&
Paudl‘s Reorder Price $11.99/each
E :
Rating WINE OF THE MONTH CLUB • 1-800-949-9463
www.wineofthemonthclub.com
WINE OF THE MONTH CLUB SELECTION
JAMES MITCHELL
Sauvignon Blanc, 2015.
Region: Lodi, California • Alchohol: 13.5%
NOSE
Herbs, peach
PALATE
Full
CELLAR
Now through 2018
PAIRING
Shellfish, seafood,
vegetarian
COLOR
Pale
FINISH
Imposing with a
citrus edge
Season the steaks all over with salt. Divide the peppercorn butter among the filets and rub to
evenly coat both sides.
Heat the oil in a large frying pan over medium-high heat until shimmering, about 3 minutes.
Add the steaks and cook undisturbed to the desired doneness, about 4 minutes per side for
medium rare. Transfer the steaks to a cutting board to rest for at least 5 minutes before serving.
Serve with Projection Cabernet Sauvignon, Vina Equia or Freemont Pinot Noir.
Place salmon in the pan skin side down. Sear for 6 minutes. Turn over and cook at lower heat
for 1-2 minutes, or until desired doneness. Should be slightly pink on the inside.
Combine salad greens and scallions in a large bowl and set aside. Transfer the salmon fillets
to four plates.
Squeeze lemon juice into the frying pan and pour the juices over the waiting undressed salad.
Toss the salad, add the bacon bits and toss again, and add to the plate with the salmon. Serve
with James Mitchell Sauvignon Blanc, Ferrocinto Greco or Castilla Verdejo.
A report on how previous selections are faring with age. Obtained from
actual tastings of wines under optimal conditions.
CLASSIC SERIES
August 2014:
Merlot, 2010. Opolo. Still awesome.
Pinot Grigio, 2013. Peralta. Drink or hold.
Cabernet Sauvignon, 2011. Leese-Fitch. Going strong.
Viognier Chardonnay, 2012. Hey Mambo. Ready.
August 2015:
Merlot, 2012. Round Hill. Still great.
Sauvignon Blanc, 2014. 2 Copas. Ready.
Malbec, 2013. Reserva Andes. Years to go.
Chardonnay, 2013. OP. Drink now.
VINTNERS SERIES
August 2014:
Cotes Du Rhone, 2011. Réserve des Capucins. Still great.
Chardonnay, 2012. Musque Clone 809. Drink or hold.
Bardolino, 2011. Cavalchina. Still terrific.
Sauvignon Blanc, 2013. Chacewater. Drink now.
August 2015:
Tempranillo, 2013. Dom Pech Rome. Years to go.
Vinho Verde, 2014. Estreia. Ready.
Cabernet/Merlot, 2012. Noble Vines. Still great.
Pecorino, 2013. La Piuma. Drink now.
LIMITED SERIES
August 2014:
Bonarda, 2010. Juana de Sol. Great now.
Merlot, 2006. Godwin. At its best.
Viognier, 2013. Vallis Queyras. Drink or hold.
Chardonnay, 2011. Fossil Point. Ready.
August 2015:
Rose, 2014. La Sangliere. Ready.
Syrah/Grenache, 2013. Dom De Rabusas. Years to go.
Sauvignon Blanc, 2014. Dom La Coche. Drink now.
Falanghina, 2013. Fannia. Drink now.
CLASSIC SERIES
C0716R1IA – Syrah, 2015. $19.99 $7.99 $95.88
Villa Atuel “Rich berry and earth”
VINTNERS SERIES
V0716R1IC – Cabernet Sauv., 2015. $22.99 $12.99 $155.88
Eden’s Eve “Elongated black fruit”
LIMITED SERIES
L0716R1DC – Sagrantino, 2013. $35.00 $15.99 $191.88
Denier Handal “Earth, licorice”
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