wine book club

‘97 MERLOT NAPA VALLEY

Made exclusively from grapes grown on Lewelling’s family vineyard at the foot of Spring Mountain in St. Helena, this elegant 100% Merlot offers inviting aromas of ripe berry and plum followed by luscious blackberry flavors and a hint of mint.

Twenty-two months of barrel aging in French oak kelps create the creamy texture and velevty smooth finish that will invite you back for continued pleasure and enjoyment.
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1999 Chardonnay The Sculptor Reserve

VINTAGE: 1999

APPELLATION: Napa Valley

COMPOSITION: 100% Chardonnay

WINEMAKING: The wine was 100% barrel fermented (80% new French oak) and aged on the lees for 8 months.
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1999 Pinot Noir Yountville, Napa Valley

VINTAGE: 2000

APPELLATION: Yountville, Napa Valley

COMPOSITION: 100% Pinot Noir

WINEMAKING: Small hand punched lots aged 14 months in French Oak barrels (80% new).
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1999 Cabernet Sauvignon Reserve

VINTAGE: 1999

APPELLATION: Napa Valley

COMPOSITION: 85% Cabernet Sauvignon and 15% Cabernet Franc.

WINEMAKING: Punch cap fermented in one ton bins. Each lot was separately aged in French oak barrels for twenty-six months. The wines were racked only once at blending, just prior to bottling. The wine is unfined.
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Origin of wine varieties (Part 2)

Germany
It is known for its white wines since Roman times. To the extent that the vineyards of Johannisberg, Steinberg is back to 1106 and 1131.
The German wines of the Rhine region, are renowned for their finesse, their bouquet.

Italy
It is known for being the second largest wine producer in Europe. Several Italian wineries are renowned for the quality of their wines, however, are not rivals of the French and German wines.
Within the recognized strong wines, is the production of Marsala in Sicily.
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Beef Braised in St. Clement Cabernet

• Vegetable Oil
• 1 - 4 lb. chuck roast
• 1 T butter
• 3 T chopped yellow onion
• 2 T chopped carrot
• 2 T chopped celery
• 1-1/4 c. St. Clement Cabernet
• 1 c. beef broth or bouillon
• 1-1/2 T chopped Italian tomatoes
• Pinch of thyme
• 1/8 tsp. marjoram
• Salt and freshly ground pepper

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Nana Susanna’s Rich Ragout

• 1/2 cup extra virgin olive oil
• 3 cups red onion, diced fine
• 1 pound ground beef
• 1 pound ground pork
• 1 pound ground lamb
• 1 pound ground veal
• 1 1/2 tsp ground nutmeg
• 1 1/2 tsp ground cloves
• 1 Tbl red pepper flakes
• 1 bottle 1995 St. Clement Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon
• 2 Tbl garlic, minced
• 1 large can Pomi chopped tomatoes, plus
• 8 fresh Roma tomatoes, chopped
• Salt, to taste
• Black pepper, to taste
• 2 cups water (optional)

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Blessing the Harvest – Field Stone Winery

This time of year, along with gondolas trundling down the road and crushers running night and day, many of the wineries in the Napa Valley and Sonoma County – and probably every other wine grape growing region in California – are calling on the good services of local prelates to bless the harvest as the first load of the vintage arrives.
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At the Winery: Caymus Vineyards

Caymus Vineyards
Rutherford, Napa Valley CA
Phone 707-967-3010

As you cruise up Route 29 through Rutherford and possibly pass all 500 or so residents you will see many well-known wineries and vineyards. If you are lucky enough to know about Caymus Vineyards then you will know to turn off the main drag and find the winery. Whether you cross the Pope Bridge built in the late 1800’s and take a right as we did or if you take a more direct route, once you get there, you will enjoy.

However, make sure you made your tasting reservations in advance. They recommend up to ten days prior, although we made ours one day in advance and they happen to have a couple spots open. The tasting is free and it will be memorable. It’s not the typical pile up of people at a counter waiting for others to finish.
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CALIFORNIA: Napa Valley

Caymus Vineyards
Phone: 707.967.3010
8700 Conn Creek Road
Rutherford, CA 94573

Make a reservation for the tasting, it’s free. Excellent Cabernet. The Special Selection Cab from a dry harvested 15-acre parcel is outstanding. The tasting is limited in size so it’s comfortable, relaxing, and you might even learn a thing or two. Purchases of the Special Selection were limited to 3 bottles at our visit – and of course we bought the limit. See detailed review.

PlumpJack Winery
Phone: 707.945.1220
620 Oakville Cross Rd.
Oakville, CA 94562

Well what can I say – the first winery to offer a metal screw off top in their top end $145 per bottle cab. Should last forever… This winery is neat, comfortable, and fun. Interesting Sangiovese too. Enjoy a sandwich outside while drinking wine (your bring the sandwich).
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