A Perfectionist Working His Art

13 Nov 2012

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Azienda Agricola Meroi Davinor

Recently, I had the pleasure of meeting a true artisan of winemaking. Paolo Meroi and his son Damiano work tirelessly in their winery. Paolo is a man who is dedicated to creating excellence in the vineyard, cellar, and bottle. His vineyards span some 14 hectares in and around the town of Buttrio in the Colli Orientali district of Friuli in Northeastern Italy. The secret to his success are miniscule yields and organic production. He uses a unique oak regimen on both his whites and reds, often passing them 3 or more times through different woods and aged barrels.
His 2011 Pinot Grigio ($24.99) is truly the epitome of the heights this grape is capable of. This wine has ripe fruit and a delicate balance of mineral, acidity, and oak. There is a subtle complexity that cannot be understated – a quality normally lacking in so many Pinot Grigio.
Truly remarkable is the 2010 Sauvignon Blanc ($34.99) Straw yellow with greenish hue, an explosive bouquet and beautiful balance between the aroma of greens and white peach, rich and crisp with a great acid profile. It pairs with starters like fresh asparagus and light dishes.
The 2009 Ros di Buri (94 points WA-$48.99) was absolutely stunning in length, depth, and complexity. It was one of those “A-Ha!”moments that we as wine people live for. It has everything that describes the very essence of great Italian Merlot: “Sexy and supple, the 2009 impresses most for its length and fabulous overall balance. Graphite, licorice, white flowers, smoke, tar and new leather wrap around the finish. The intense, mineral-drenched finish is totally striking.” Antonio Galloni -Wine Advocate These wines are outstanding in every way and I hope you take the opportunity to try these works of art.

This is a terrific producer that makes tiny quantities of wine.

-Posted by Brian Holowka, Italian Specialist, Santa Ana
Current offerings on Meroi on our website.

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Producer Highlight – Weingut Egon Muller

8 Nov 2012

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egonMullerScharzhofberger

Egon Muller

There are many great producers from Germany yet no one seems to be as
revered as Egon Muller. Since 1797, the Muller family has crafted
wines that have earned the respect of winemakers and wine lovers alike
from around the world. From their 8 hectares of vineyards in the Saar,
he produces some of the most astounding wines that are just made even
more breathtaking with time – they are built to last. Even his QbAs
age 15 years easy!

WiltingenUpperMosel

The Dramatic Mosel Vineyards - Top of Wiltingen, Upper Mosel


The 2011 vintage for Germany is one of harmony, balance and
complexity. Quite a departure from the intense acid and soaring sugar
found in the 2010s. The wines are graceful and balanced and many are
charming upon release. As for Egon Muller, it was a vintage of
outstanding sweet wines. In fact, Herr Muller produced 4 different
TBA’s this vintage (!). This doesn’t mean that the rest are not of the
same superior quality, though. In fact, his 2011s outdid the ’10s at
the lower pradikat levels. No small feat considering that, for the
2010 vintage, John Gilman of View From the Cellar called Egon Muller’s
wines “utterly profound” and “amongst the greatest handful of wines to
be produced at the estate during the tenure of Egon Müller III”.

We are very fortunate to be able to get a little of Egon Muller’s
2011s. With his reputation comes a hefty price (if you can even find
his wines!). They are so worth it, though! Pricey versus most German
wines but surely some of the most ageable and profound wines you will
ever encounter.

-Posted by Anselmo Valte, San Francisco
Current offerings on Egon Muller on our website.

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Best White Wine of the Year – Terlano Quarz

27 Sep 2012

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Südtirol

Quartz Rich soil of the Suditrol

I realize we are only three-quarters through the year but I continue to be so impressed with a wine that I am announcing my white wine of the year early. I am convinced the greatest sauvignon blanc comes from Italy. The Terlano Quarz, named for the quartz-rich vineyard soil in the Suditrol area of Alto Adige. I have tasted this wine 6 times this year, including at a Beverly Hills trade event where a Master Sommelier compared the Quarz to the great Dageneau Sancerre Silex wine from France.

terlanQuarzLabel

Brian's White Wine of The Year - Terlano Quarz 2010

The Terlan wins out because of the intensity in the bouquet and on the palate and the excitement it produces with its ripe citrus and sweet grass aromas, the 50 second finish…and the price. Golden straw in the glass, it has a complex nose of apricot, white peach, papaya, lime and red grapefruit, and herbal aromas of sweet lemon grass, mint and green tea. Flinty mineral tones emerge in the background along with a hint of salt air. On the palate, the wine offers up juicy vibrant fruit with a delicate yet deliberate minerality. This wine is pure class and elegance. Don’t be afraid to decant this for 20-30 minutes to allow its flavors to emerge.

Where else can you taste the greatest version of a varietal in the world for less than fifty dollars? I have put this wine to the test again and again, with the same result… It will not disappoint. My white wine of the year – 2010 Terlan Quarz

$49.99 – Available now!

-Posted by Brian Holowka, Santa Ana

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Meet Calluna Vineyards – a Superb Find from Chalk Hill in Sonoma

6 Sep 2012

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Calluna Chalk Hill

Calluna Vineyards - Chalk Hill AVA, Sonoma

We are always looking out for new and exciting wines. So often our exhaustive searches are in vain. So it was quiet a revelation when one of our smaller vendors brought one of the biggest surprises we run across in a long while. From one of the smallest AVAs in California comes one of the largest Cab-based wines we have tasted. From Chalk Hill, a small valley with its unique geological qualities and growing season, it has long been regarded as one of the best areas to grow Bordeaux varietals (as well as Chardonnay, go figure).


Calluna Cab Chalk Hill 2009

Calluna Vineyards Chalk Hill Cuvee 2009 - Right Bank Style Bordeaux Blend

In all of Sonoma, such luminaries as Merry Edwards and David Ramey have made wine here. We can add to that list David Jeffrey of Calluna (Winemaker and Founder). You know that you are in the presence of an exceptional wine from the initial sniff of sweet dark/black fruit, loam and integrated spicy oak notes. On the palate, it mimics Bordeaux but is clearly a Californian surfer dude with hints of chocolate, plum, vanilla and rich toffee on the finish. What is most remarkable about this – being only their second offering – is how sophisticated and assured the estate is. Don’t miss out on this special price. We would happily pay double for this caliber of Cabernet.


David Jeffrey

David Jeffrey - Founder and Winemaker

$27.99 – Available now!

-Posted by David Goodwin, San Francisco

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Needle in a Haystack: Burgundy Bargain in Mercurey

30 Aug 2012

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Faiveley's Erwan Faiveley

Erwan Faiveley - Head of Domaine Faiveley

There are certain vineyards and their respective producers that seem to withstand the usual pitfalls of the Burgundy trade. These monopoles have consistently outperformed many more prestigious regions. Case in point, from the often maligned commune of Mercurey comes the spectacular Clos de Mylands from Faivley.


Faiveley's Mercurey 1er Cru Parcel Clos Des Myglands

1er Cru Monopole Parcel Clos de Mylands

This wine has always been on our short list of bargain Burgundies. The current rendition is arguably one of the best in recent memory. With the new winemaker and the quality of the 2010 vintage, they have risen from good to exceptional. Dark rich fruit leaps out of the glass with hints of wild mushroom, strawberry, sour cherry, orange peel, nutmeg and cardamon. The palate is complex with good acidity, stealth tannins and a touch of oak. This is clearly an early candidate for sleeper of the vintage. Burgundy bargains with this much personality and prowess are a rare find indeed.

$29.99 – Available in 2 weeks

-Posted by David Goodwin, San Francisco

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Our own backyard: Alexander Valley’s Lancaster

23 Aug 2012

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lancasterHarvest

Harvest at Lancaster

I have been waiting now for two years for this wine to finally be released! How great is this wine? The same day I was at Lancaster, tasting this breathtaking Cabernet, I was also at Bryant Family tasting the 2008 from that formidable property. While the $450 Bryant Family was perhaps the best Cabernet I’ve ever had from California, the Lancaster was absolutely stunning, and remarkably close in quality! What a great day for wine!


lancasterHandSorting

Hand sorting grapes

Here are the secrets to Lancaster’s great Cabernet: A maturing, mountainous, vineyard site, very close to Verite in the Alexander Valley. The vineyard was planted managed by the former Screaming Eagle vineyardist, Tom Prentice. The winemaking, beginning in 2008, was made by Jessie Katz, who had been the Assistant winemaker at Screaming Eagle. Additionally, the world renown Dave Ramey was hired as a consultant winemaker. The die has been cast: you will see Lancaster move up in stature and prominence. This is just the first big step. Here is a awesome wine, at a great price, $59.99. Limited quantities, available at all three stores. Don’t miss it!

-Posted by Dean Alexander, Buyer, San Jose

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Valpolicella: Light, Medium, Amarone!

15 Aug 2012

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Traditional way to dry grapes for Amarone


Very few wines in the world can offer the variety and versatility as the reds from Valpolicella. This growing zone in the province of Verona, northeast Italy offers up some great wines capable of pleasing any palate on any occasion. Styles range from light to heavy, depending on how the wines are produced.

Valpolicella is produced using three grapes, with Corvina Veronese being the most prominent. Basic Valpolicella is light and fruity, not unlike a standard Chianti. Valpolicella normale are great with afternoon lunches, or lightly flavored dishes.



Stefano Cesari of Brigaldara


The most famous wine from Valpolicella is Amarone. The heavy, rich flavors of dark cherry, chocolate and raisins coat the palate with a full body and layers of fruit. Amarone is irresistible to anyone who has ever tried it. It’s made by first drying the grapes on straw mats until nearly all the liquid in the grapes is evaporated. This process, called appassimento concentrates the resulting juice and it is very sweet and very strong. Flavors are concentrated and the wine is velvety in texture, with structure, sweetness, and balance. An outstanding example is the wonderful 2007 Brigaldara Casa Vecie ($64.99) One of the great gifts of Italy is Amarone!


Zenato Ripassa

Valpolicella Zenato Ripassa

But what’s in between light and full-bodied? Ripasso style! Valpolicella Ripassos are made by taking the pomace (remaining skins and must) of the Amarone and “repassing” Valpolicella wine through the dried skins. Enough yeasts are still present to allow seconday fermentation, boosting the body and alcohol levels. The result is a medium bodied wine with the hints of Amarone on both the nose and palate. Ripassos are sometimes referred to as “Baby Amarone.” Certainly one of the best and most popular is Zenato Ripassa ($24.99) a wine we literally cannot keep in stock!

-Posted by Brian Holowka, Italian Buyer, Santa Ana

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Congratulations Genevieve for passing the CSW exam!

6 Aug 2012

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Genevieve checking out the Nose of the wine

Genevieve - hard at work!

Congratulations Genevieve!

Genevieve just passed the Certified Specialist of Wine exam! Developed by the Society of Wine Educators, the CSW exam is a rigorous, comprehensive test of wine knowledge, viticulture, the science of both winemaking, and the chemical effects of wine on the body. Developed primarily for wholesale and retail wine professionals, it is the benchmark which the leaders of wholesale wine distributors have embraced and have strived to have its sales people in their organizations achieve, often not successfully. We are proud of you, and your dedication to your job, your career, and your knowledge of wine!

Cheers,
Dean


Genevieve at the store

Genevieve - at the Wine Club in Santa Clara

-Posted by Dean Alexander

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Zum Wohl! Raise a glass to Austrian Vintner Markus Huber

25 Jul 2012

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Vineyards at the Traisental Valley

Came across a killer value the other day that is a perfect wine for
our warm, summer days. It’s from a young Austrian vintner, Markus
Huber (10th generation to run the family winery). Definitely a
winemaker to watch! The wine is the 2009 Markus Huber Gruner Veltliner
Obere Steigen. It is a perfect example of the harmonious merging of
traditional and modern methods to produce what Markus refers to as
“pure wines of unique provenance and character”.



Obere Steigen Vineyard Map




Many great wines of the world are grown on limestone-rich soil and the
Traisental valley (where this wine is from) is the only wine producing
region of lower Austria where this exact soil type can be found.
Specifically, the fruit is sourced from the Obere Steigen vineyard
found in the village of Reichersdorf. It lies in small terraces
against the slope of the mountain. The subsoil consists mainly of the
region’s characteristic limestone soil blanketed by various layers of
sandy loam top soil that produces particularly good Grüner Veltliner.




Look at the soil!



The vines of Huber are between 25-80 years old and the wines from this
site distinguish themselves on the palate through their marked peppery
tang and juiciness – this one with apple, pear and anise too. In 2009,
Markus Huber looked more to spontaneous fermentation which helped in
creating what seems to be more elegance and complexity in his wines.


This wine is so refreshing with lots of complexity.


-Posted by Anselmo Valte

*Update: We are completely sold out of this wine. Email anselmo@thewineclub.com to stay connected with our future offers.*

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Buscovich Family’s Visit to Grgic Vina

13 Jul 2012

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Grgic Vina

Pat Buscovich, owner of The Wine Club, is of Croatian descent. This June 2012 Pat and his family visited Grgic Vina, the winery of Miljenko ‘Mike’ Grgich, President and Winemaker of Grgich Hills Estate, Napa Valley Legend and 2008 Vintner’s Hall of Fame Inductee. Mr. Grgich and Pat had been talking about meeting there this summer. Mike Grgich was unable to make it this year but set up for Pat and his family to visit his Winery in Trstenik ( Peljesac Peninsula ).



Pat and Angie

The wine was excellent. Their red is called Plavac Mali and their white is Posip. Both were very very good and you can find them in Croatia during your next visit. In the USA only at Grgich Hills in Napa .

Pat also saw, touched and took a photo with “the machine”. This “machine” is the wine press that Mike Grgich used to craft the 1973 Chardonnay for Chateau Montelena which was the “champion” at the famous 1976 Paris Tasting.



The 1976 Champion Machine!

Last but definitely not least, Mr. Grgich has set up a very interesting charity.

Working together with Roots of Peace turning mines to vines. Roots of Peace in Croatia.

Since 1999, Roots of Peace has been turning “mines to vines” in the war-torn regions of Croatia . Roots of Peace has supported projects in Dragalic, Bebinge, Cista Mala, Cista Velika, Ilok and Karlovac. We have funded clearance of nearly 500,000 square meters of land, removing over 50 landmines and unexploded ordinance in collaboration with the International Trust Fund of Slovenia, U.S. State Department, Adopt-a-Minefield and the Croatian Government’s Demining Organization (CROMAC).

-Posted by The Wine Club

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