Custom Wine Marketing, LLC Wine-O-Wednesday
From the Vineyard | Special Value Wines
The Word on Washington Cabernet Sauvignon
Portland, OR - July 14, 2010
 
I'll set aside for purposes of this newsletter, the occasional debate about whether Washington can compete with California for
cabernets in the very top ranks.  There are a few, boutique cult wines from our neighbors to the south that are stellar and without true competition, but there are enough Washington top names strong at doing what they have long done: making well-crafted, affordable wines.  If $60 feels expensive in Washington, there is much to embrace in the $20-$40 realm.  This week I am featuring a few of these well-priced gems - and each one of them will taste exquisitely paired with the recipe below.  Hmmmm a juicy, perfectly grilled steak impresses even the pickiest carnivore!  Oh, yes, and by the way, I have featured some tasty whites for you to consider with the pre-steak dinner salad. 
 
Cheers!
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Perfect Cab Sauvignon Pairing:
Grilled Rib-Eye Steaks with Gorgonzola Butter

Ingredients

  • 1  teaspoon  salt
  • 1/2  teaspoon  garlic powder
  • 1/2  teaspoon  chili powder
  • 1/2  teaspoon  dried oregano
  • 1/4  teaspoon  ground red pepper
  • 4  (8-ounce) rib-eye steaks
  • 3 Tablespoons butter, softened
  • 1 Tablespoon Gorgonzola cheese

Preparation

Combine first 5 ingredients, and rub over steaks. Let stand 1 hour.

Grill, covered with grill lid, over high heat (400° to 500°) 7 minutes. Turn steaks, and grill 5 more minutes or to desired degree of doneness.  While steaks are grilling, combine butter with Gorgonzola, dividing into 4 servings to be dabbed on the steaks just before serving.

Enjoy! 
 
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Cellar Club Memberships Available

The week of July 12, 2010 was Wine Delivery week to Cellar Club members.  The White Select, Red Select and Barrel Select choices were awesome this quarter.  We ran the gamut from an interesting S. Oregon red blend to California Syrah to Oregon Pinot, not to mention three delicious, salad- and seafood-friendly whites (Riesling, Soave Classico, and white Bordeaux).  If you missed out on the July selections, there is still time to become a member and be eligible to receive the members only invitation to the fall wine tasting event.  E-mail me today at customwinemarketing@hotmail.com, and I will e-mail you the application which allows you to select from one of three levels of membership. 
 
Unlike wine clubs at individual wineries where you are required to purchase only their wine, CWM's Cellar Club will provide you the opportunity to taste wine from numerous wineries - locally and globally.  You've trusted my palate before with your business....and you won't be disappointed with my quarterly selections.  Remember, you can always share a membership with a friend or family member!!
 
Don't limit yourself - Join Today!
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 CWM's Promise to YOU!
 
Custom Wine Marketing is dedicated to the concept that direct-to-consumer sales of wine provides the best price point possible for the customer.  My relationships with local distributors and wineries, are essential to securing wine, including hard to find gems, at the best price for you including personal delivery to your residence or place of business.  If you haven't tried the services of CWM, today might be the day.  For all first-time customers, you will receive an additional 10% off your first three bottles.  Let me show you how easy it is!  
 
Salud!   
Washington Splendors*:
 
Amavi Cellars:  2008 Cab Sauv.  $25.20  Excellent value. Jean-Francois Pett's own label when not making for Pepper Bridge.  This is an unapologetic Cabernet, slightly herbal and full of cassis and sage flowers.
 
Ch. St. Michelle Canoe Ridge Estate:  2007 Cab Sauv (Horse Heaven Hills).  $25.20
Sweet licorice and black tea, with oak and violet-edged black fruit.  This wine is rich but not the least bit heavy.  
 
Dusted Valley Vintners: 2007 Cab Sauv (Walla Walla)  $23.40 
This emerging label brings a chewy, warm, soft-edged profile from a mix of vineyard sites.  Subtle, soft notes of plum, cocoa powder and sandalwood. A perfect wine to take to the summer barbeque!
 
Januik:  2007 Cab Sauv.  $27.00
A big kirsch presence takes up the nose with a good deal of oak coming through.  Fresh plummy fruit and tight-knit, stylish tannins.  It's young now but with another year of aging this wine will compete nicely with the $50 and up Cab Sauvs.  
 
Seven Hills:  2007 Cab Sauv (Klipsun Vineyard - Red Mountain).  $28.80
Best Cab in a while from the Seven Hills label.  Lively and slightly oak-spiced, with nutmeg and rip kirsch-edged fruit.  Plenty of rich fruit to match the tannins.  This is an amazing wine for a 13.5%alcohol content.  
 
Saviah Cellars. 2009 Star Meadows white blend (53% Sauv Blanc and 47% Semillon. $18.00
This classic white Bordeaux-style blend starts with brisk aromas of white peach, apricot, minerals and a hint of citrus. Rich and layered, this delicious wine is mouthwateringly fresh and crisp on the palate, with a long pretty finish. 
 
Columbia Crest: 2009 Pinot Gris (Horse Heaven). $13.00
This eloquent Pinot Gris opens with lively scents of orchard blossoms, cling peaches and hints of citrus fruits. Vibrant flavors of white fruits with a touch of lemon zest culminate to the juicy, mouth-watering finish. 
 
Columbia Crest: 2009 Chardonnay (Horse Heaven). $13.00
This Chardonnay from Columbia Crest's Estate vineyards presents aromas of apples, pears and slight flint with nuances of cinnamon, toast, coconut and vanilla. Ripe fruit flavors are enhanced by a hint of butter and creaminess on the palate followed by a perfectly balanced, long, lingering finish.
 
*3 BOTTLE MINIMUM