| Custom Wine Marketing, LLC |
|
|
|
|
Bud Break in the Vineyards!
Greetings!
Yes, it's bud break time in the vineyard! The bare vines, dormant all winter, are just starting to spring back into action. The fuzzy white buds in the early-ripening varietals (Chardonnay, Pinot Gris and Pinot Noir) are now bursting open to reveal the very first of the tender green leaf tips. This is the first emergence of growth that will eventually bear fruit. This is an exciting yet delicate process as threats of frost can come as late as May as seen in past years. The transition from dormancy to bud break comes as the days lengthen and the soil is warmed by the sun, awakening the vine from its dormant state.
It's a time of expectancy - watching and waiting for the seasons to unfold and the warm days and cool nights work to ripen the fruit to its maturity. Take a drive out into the Willamette Valley and experience the beauty of this early stage, knowing that the juice from the mature plant may someday very well end up in your glass!
Cheers! |
|
|
There's a revolution brewing in the restaurant world. Everyone knows the effect the slow economy has had on the wine industry, particularly those wineries featuring high-end, pricey wines. And restaurants have felt the pinch as well. But change is afoot!
Wine lists are beginning to reflect more accurately the desire of the restaurant patron. More and more "affordably priced" wines are showing up on the menu, featuring local, smaller-producing wineries. This is good news for the customer. Also, many restaurant owners are rethinking the length of the "wine by the glass" list. This option allows the consumer to enjoy a glass of wine without having to commit to a whole bottle of an unfamiliar varietal or an unknown winery. Another advantage of wines by the glass is it allows the restaurant patron an opportunity to change varieties as their dinner evolves - a pinot gris with the salad course, a pinot noir with the grilled salmon, a lovely dessert wine with the panna cotta.
On other thing for you to consider when dining out is taking your own bottle. It is advisable to call the restaurant in advance to check on the corkage fee. If it's reasonable, there are times when you might want to take your own special bottle - whether celebrating an event or just sharing a unique bottle with your dinner party. Many of the wines offered in today's newsletter would be a perfect compliment to Northwest cuisine.
Happy Dining!
See my Wine Picks - reflecting the best of what Oregon and other West Coast wineries have to offer. Call me (503-310-4576) or e-mail me (customwinemarketing@hotmail.com) with your order. |
|
The Changing Face of CWM ~~
Okay, so I'm putting the finishing touches on Cellar Select Wine Club, which I will launch July 1, 2010. Cellar Select will be a quarterly reflection of my "favorite picks" -- white and red. There will always be an "under $12" bottle and two additional bottles (usually in the $18-25 range) but occasionally a very special bottle will find itself in the selection! Charter Members of Cellar Select (limited to the first 20 folks who register for a minimum of a one-year membership) will receive an extra 10% off their quarterly shipment price for the first year so you can see it is to your advantage to be one of the Charter Members. At the time of registering, you will be asked to choose one of the following options:
White Select: An all-white 3 pack of wine. $40/every 3 months
Red Select: An all-red 3-pack of wine. $45/every 3 months
Barrel Select: A Selection of 2 whites and 2 reds. $60/every 3 months
Payment for Cellar Select can be made by cash, check or online payment through your bank. Remember, personal delivery of your wine is one of our hallmarks, whenver possible.
As part of your membership, you will be notified of early release wine, special small-lot production of wine, news alerts in the vineyard, and an invitation to join me and other participants for special at local wineries. If you are interested in becoming a member of Cellar Select, please e-mail me at customwinemarketing@hotmail.com, and I will e-mail you the membership form for you to complete and return to me as soon as possible . Charter membership is limited to the first 20 who return the completed form.
Questions? Give me a call at 503-310-4576. |
| * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * |
|
This Month's Special Wines
Mother's Day is early this year so it's not too soon to begin planning your menus. And the warm weather that is promised in the next several days turns the mind to outdoor grilling. I have selected these two special, good value wines for you to consider.
L'Ecole No. 41 2008 Recess Red Blend:
One of my favorite red blends - very food friendly. 42% Merlot, 27% Syrah, 22% CabernetSauvignon, 5% Grenache, 2% Petit Verdot, 2% Cabernet Franc. So good with a grilled burger!
Our Reg Price: $ 16.00
Sale Price: $ 14.50
L'Ecole No. 41 2009 Chenin Blanc:
Fresh, tart, and delightfully fruit. Aromas of Asian pear, perfumed honeysuckle and orange bloss with flavors of apple, apricot, and grapefruit on a crisp mineral, lightly sweet finish.
Our Reg Price: $12.60
Sale Price: $ 11.25
Check out the rest of my recommendations under Featured Wines.
* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * |
|
So another newsletter in the history books. Great wines to choose from; options to pay (cash or check on delivery or online options); membership in Cellar Select Wine Club; personal service; and monthly specials.
Check out the April wine selections and call or e-mail me with your order* Today! And remember delivery within one week of order.
Warmest regards,
Chris Hardy
Custom Wine Marketing, LLC
Phone: 503-310-4576 *3-bottle minimum order |
|
|
Featured Wines
Bethel Heights 2008 Gewurztraminer: Floral aromas featuring orange blossom and roses with an under-lying current of citrus rind and minerality. Full yet crisp on the palate, developing lemon, mango and passion fruit flavors while retaining firm acidity and a great finish. $15/bottle
Gino Cuneo Cellars 2009 "Tre Nova" Rosato (Rose'): Lively cherry and floral aromatics, good acidity and ripe red fruit flavors. Wine will pair beautifully with more robust foods from grilled artichokes, pork tenderloin to spicy Asian foods. This wine is made from Sangiovese grapes.
Purple Hands 2008 Red Blend: 15% Pinot Noir, 35% Syrah, 50% Merlot. Again, one of my favorite all around red blends. Wonderful Pinot introduction and finish, with the Syrah mid-fruit palate and Merlot body. Fully integrated and food friendly. Winemaker is Cody Wright - son of renowned winemaker, Ken Wright. $15.00/bottle
Iris Vineyards 2007 Pinot Noir: Beautiful deep garnet in color. Aromas of black cherries and cola nuts. Tempting flavors of plum, cherry and red raspberry, joined by sweet oak spice mid-palate. Long finish of cherry with a hint of sage. $15.00/bottle
St. Innocent 2009 Pinot Gris: Aromas of baking spices, tangerine zest, and white peach. Smooth texture and intense on the palate. 90 pts. Robert Parker, Wine Advocate. $17.25/bottle
Joseph Phelps 2007 Cabernet Sauvignon: Bordeaux blend that is easy on the palate. Very approachable wine with aromas of baking spice, bing cherry and milk chocolate. Dark red fruit flavors transitioning seamlessly to soft tannins and balanced acidity. I had a chance to sample this wine recently and fell in love with it! 75% Cab Sauv with remaining 25% mix of Cab Franc, Merlot and Syrah. $21/bottle
GD Vajra 2007 Barbera d'Alba:
A plumy, generous wine with definition and focus in its aromas and flavor. Wonderful minerality that frames the long, delicate finish. Sweet raspberries, menthol, licorice and spices add complexity. Received 90 pts from Robert Parker, Wine Advocate.
$21.50/bottle
St. Innocent 2008 Pinot Noir Villages Cuvee: Lovely nose of bright red fruit and sweet spices. Cherry and red berry flavors are layered with pie spices and hints of flowers. Deep ruby and quite rich. 13.5% alcohol makes for a perfect wine for long, conversation
-filled dinner parties. A fantastic Pinot Noir for less than $25. Now only $22.00/bottle
Availability and prices guaranteed through April 30, 2010 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
