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Cheers 2 Wine News - June 2008 Issue
June 26, 2008
Cheers from Steve and Kathy Howe!


Wine Quote


"I am drinking the stars!"

- Dom Perignon, after his first sip of Champagne








Chateau Montelena
WINE OF THE MONTH

Our latest wine of the month is 2005 Chateau Montelena Estate Napa Zinfandel This wine was released in March after 18 months of aging in oak barrels. It is deep red in color with aromas of spicy berry and subtle briar. It is less fruity than many Zinfandels with delightful flavors of berry and peppery spice. This is a balanced and complex wine that is both medium bodied and elegant. ($30.00)

Chateau Montelena is located in a stone castle built against a hillside with views of the Chinese gardens and lake. This Calistoga winery was one of the U.S. wineries to upset the French wine world during the Paris Tasting of 1976 by winning first place for a white wine. This was a turning point for world recognition for California wines. Stroll the beautiful wooded grounds of Chateau Montelena and enjoy wine tasting daily 10 AM until 4 PM.



Be sure to check back each month for our wine of the month.




Southern California Wineries

If you are planning a summer vacation to Southern California, you will be happy to know that there are wineries worth visiting in the southern part of the state.



The largest concentration of wineries will be found in With more than 25 Temecula wineries to choose from, there are more wineries than you will have time to visit.

All of the wineries are located off of Highway 15 on or just off the Rancho California exit. Most wineries have free wine tasting maps for you to pick up in their tasting rooms to help in navigating your Temecula wine tour. Many of the wineries have lavish grounds, colorful landscaping, and picnic facilities. Pack your lunch for a romantic picnic or you can even pick up deli supplies at one of the wineries on your Temecula wine tasting trip.



San Diego wineries are spread throughout San Diego County. Many of the tasting rooms are located in the rural foothill towns of Ramona, Julian, and Warner Springs. Others are located not far off of Highway 15 in the towns of Escondido, Rancho Bernardo, and Fallbrook. If you are on your way to San Diego's Wild Animal Park near Escondido, be sure to stop and taste a few glasses of great wine at Ofilia Vineyards. Use the Orfilia Coupon for free wine tasting and a free logo glass.



Los Angeles Area Wineries are spread out into different directions making it difficult to visit more than one or two wineries on the same day. However, there are some fun wineries that have wines worth sampling.




Things to Do in San Diego




San Diego is a beautiful city known for its wonderful weather and spectacular sunsets. There are so many things to do in San Diego. Many people visit this city to explore the famous San Diego Zoo, Wild Animal Park, Sea World, and Lego Land. While visiting this gorgeous area, discover some of the many other things to do from a local San Diego resident. Our daughter went off to San Diego to go to college eight years ago and has never returned. These are her San Diego Tips








Top Wine Picks


Valley of Moon 2006 Pinot BlancWhite Wine by Valley of the Moon from Sonoma County, California. This traditional Alsatian-style wine is a blend of grapes from vineyards that are located in the Russian River Valley and the Southern Sonoma Valley. Both viticultural areas have deep alluvial soil and a cool climate due to the moderating influence of the Pacific Ocean and the San Pablo Bay. These cool microclimates are responsible for preserving the crisp acidity and fresh fruit character of the wine. Aromas of honeysuckle, pear and lime are accented with a hint of hazelnut. Rich and complex tropical and citrus fruit flavors lead to a creamy finish balanced with crisp green apple tartness. This perfectly balanced Pinot Blanc pairs well with seafood, shellfish (particularly oysters), poultry, salads, fruits, light pastas and mild cheeses. Its structure and fruity flavors also complement spicy cuisine. ($13.79)

Vavasour 2007 Sauvignon Blanc White Wine by Vavasour from Marlborough, New Zealand. The fruit for the 2007 Vavasour Sauvignon Blanc was harvested in the cool of night to retain flavour and freshness. Careful winemaking, and specific yeast strains, were used at the Awatere Valley Winery, so that the vibrant fruit flavors from the vineyard could be preserved. This wine shows lifted tropical fruit, melon and citrus notes. The palate exhibits the same fine fruit flavours with an underlying flinty note typical of Awatere Valley fruit. The finish is crisp and dry. This Sauvignon Blanc is ready to drink now, and over the next 2-3 years. ($18.29)

Robert Sinskey 2004 Merlot - Red Wine by Robert Sinskey from Carneros, California. A dark, yet brilliant, ruby color augurs pleasure for the other senses. Halfway to the glass, the olfactory sense meets fennel-laced plums and vanilla cassis, while aromas of violets and bay leaves vie for attention. A tipping of the glass reinforces these flavors on the palate and wraps them in the plush texture that makes Merlot so appealing. A refreshing snap and ripe, polished tannins work together to provide structure and balance following through to a never-ending finish. Merlot is a great companion to food. Its bright red fruit flavors and semi-soft tannin structure make it eminently quaffable with many of the same foods that pair well with Pinot Noir. Duck is a prime example. ($28.99)

Chateau Suduiraut 2004 Sauternes (half-bottle) - Dessert WineDessert, Fortified & Fruit Wine by Ch?teau Suduiraut from Sauternes and Barsac, France - Bordeaux. Displays focused aromas of lemon curd, spice and dried apricot. Full-bodied, medium sweet and quite oily, with a lemon rind and spice aftertaste. Long and racy for the vintage. Best after 2010. Wine Spectator 91 Points ($37.99)

Lucien Albrecht 2005 Reserve Pinot Gris Romanus - Pinot Gris/GrigioIt's 100% Pinot Gris and expresses the rich yet dry power and character of this exceptional varietal. Sweet floral flavors alongside crisp mineral notes make for an elegantly balanced wine. The clay/limestone soil gives the wine a creamy, velvety texture with a long finish. Enjoy this wine with Cobb & shrimp salads, shellfish, poultry, and Asian inspired dishes. Semi-soft cheeses like Brie and Chevre will also complement it well. Alsatian whites characteristically age well due to their high acidity and lower percentage of alcohol. You can age this wine for another 2-4 years however it's fresh and delicious tasting now! ($17.29)

Keller Estate 2003 La Cruz Syrah - Syrah/ShirazRed Wine by Keller Estate from Sonoma County, California. Black is the word that keeps coming up when describing this wine: black color, blackberry jam, black pepper, black leather (OK, it could be any color leather, but doesn't black leather sound better?). In addition, there are notes of chocolate, tobacco, sweet oak and mint. The core of hedonistic sweet fruit is kept lively by bright acidity and the texture is rich, long and full. While still quite young and enjoyable for its copious fruit, this wine is probably best enjoyed 2006 - 2012. ($35.99)

J 2002 Brut - Champagne & SparklingVintage by J from Sonoma County, California. Blend: 49% Chardonnay, 49% Pinot Noir, 2% Pinot Meunier The 2002 J Brut exudes enticing aromas of Asian pears, nectarines, lime zest, and light honeydew melon in its initial aromas. The pear and lime notes follow through in the mouth with a mix of honeysuckle and vanilla cream flavors that lead to a lengthy finish highlighted with a hint of ginger. This wine will pair nicely with light brunches as well as elegant dinner fare. ($36.99)

Santa Margherita 2006 Pinot Grigio Santa Margherita Pinot Grigio is a wine of great character and versatility. It is the most popular imported wine in the United States. Color: A pale straw yellow Aroma: Clean and intense Taste: It is medium bodied with a fresh crisp character and firm structure, as well as a pleasant golden apple aftertaste. ($21.99)

Sterling 2006 Sauvignon Blanc Light straw in color, this wine offers expansive aromas of grapefruit, melon, figs, citrus and pineapple. The notes of grapefruit, melon and fig are echoed on the palate, mingling with bright notes of citrus zest. Crisp, with a pleasant acidity, this wine has a rich mid-palate and a lingering, fruity finish. An ideal food wine due to its balance of fruit and acid, it pairs well with lime-marinated shrimp, chicken salad with walnuts and tarragon and grilled trout. ($14.29)




Do Your Own Wine Search

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Wine Tasting Coupons
As a subscriber to Cheers 2 Wine News you can access our pages of free wine tasting coupons. Some of these coupons allow you to taste for free while others let 2 people sample wine for the price of 1. The password for these pages is:
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Mark Your Calendars!

The summer months are popular times for winery concerts. Enjoy an evening of live entertainment in the relaxing setting provided at some of California's great wineries.

Concerts at Wente Vineyard - Livermore
Wente Vineyard in Livermore is the ideal location to relax and enjoy great food and wine as you enjoy a concert in a truly intimate and beautiful setting.

Crosby Stills & Nash 6/9/2008

Earth, Wind and Fire 6/24/2008

Chris Isaak 7/08/2008

Lynyrd Skynyrd 7/21/2008

Clint Black 7/22/2008

Boz Scaggs 7/30/2008

Lyle Lovett 7/31/2008

Frankie Valli 8/4/2008

Huey Lewis and the News 8/15/2008

Back to the Future 8/18/2008

Dana Carvey 8/20/2008

This is a small amphitheater and every seat is a good one. For more information call 925-456-2424. Tickets are also available from Ticketmaster.

More Details




The Mountain Winery's Concert Series - Saratoga
The Mountain Winery near San Jose offers an enchanting and unique entertainment experience, by offering fine dining before you enjoy a concert by top name headliners. Enjoy a memorable evening of entertainment. For more information call Ticketmaster at 408-998-8497. Prices start at $29 but will vary depending on the artist.

Styx 7/2/2008

Jazz at Lincoln Center Orchestra with Wynton Marsala 7/6/2008

Boston 7/7/2008 and 7/8/2008

Bob Weir & Tat Dog/Gov't Mule 7/9/2008 and 7/10/2008

Kathy Griffin 7/11/2008

Hippiefest The Turtles 7/13/2008

Aimee Mann/Marc Cohn 7/14/2008

Peter Frampton 7/15/2008

Lynyrd Skynyrd 7/16/2008

Tom Jones 7/17/2008

Chris Isaak with Nicole Atkins 7/18/2008, 7/19/2008, 7/20/2008

Brotherhood Tour 7/22/2008

Ringo Starr 7/23/2008

Doobie Brothers 7/24/2008 and 7/25/2008

Steely Dan 7/28/2008

George Thorogood and the Destroyers 7/29/2008

Lyle Lovett 8/1/2008

Beach Boys 8/3/2008

Bill Maher 8/7/2008

Brian Regan 8/8/2008

Boz Scaggs 8/10/2008

Donna Summer 8/13/2008

Jonny Lang 8/15/2008

Michael Lang 8/15/2008

Comedy Central's Lewis Black Let Them Eat Cake with John Bowman 8/17/2008



More Details:




Thornton Winery's Champagne Jazz Series- Temecula
Enjoy the music of nationally acclaimed jazz artist at this Temecula winery. Call the Box Office to make your arrangements for the 2008 Series today: (951) 699-3021

Mindi Abair Keiko Matsui 7/12/2008

Jesse Cook Warren Hill 7/19/2008

Chris Botti Sophie Milman 7/27/2008 More Details:




Robert Mondavi Summer Concerts - Napa Valley
Attended by thousands every year, the annual Summer Festival has come to be a resounding success and the highlight of Napa Valley�s summer season.

Preservation Hall Jazz Band 7/5/2008

Dave Koz with special guest David Benoit 7/12/2008

Tiempo Libre 7/19/2008

Pat Benatar and Neil Giraldo 7/26/2008

UB40 8/2/2008

For more information call 888-769-5299. More Details




Jessie's Grove Winery's Groovin' in the Grove Cencert Series - Lodi Jessie's Grove is nestled between the Sacramento-San Joaquin Delta and the foothills of the Sierra Nevada in Lodi, the perfect environment for growing premium winegrapes and producing premium wines. Concert tickets are only $18 per person.

Frankie Lee 6/28/2008

Shane Dwight 7/12/2008

Mick Martin and the Blues Rockers 8/2/2008

Leah Tysse and the OG's 7/23/2008

More Details








Cooking With Wine Recipes

"I cook with wine; sometimes I even add it to the food."

W.C. Fields



Salmon

2 salmon steaks, 1-inch thick
Juice of 1/2 lemon
Kosher salt
Fresh ground pepper
1 cup Pinot Noir
1 to 2 tablespoons butter

1. Wash salmon steaks and pat dry and pour lemon juice over the salmon.
2. Sprinkle with salt and pepper to taste.
3. Place salmon in a 2 inch deep frying pan and add wine and water. Cover and simmer for 10 to 12 minutes to desired doneness.
4. Remove from pan.
5. Boil the liquid left in the pan until reduced to 1/3 cup. Add butter to the liquid and pour over the salmon.

Makes 2 servings.






Steamed Clams

50 small clams in shell
2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
6 cloves minced garlic
1 cup dry white wine
2 tablespoons butter
1/2 cup chopped Italian parsley

1. Wash clams thoroughly to remove dirt.
2. Heat oil over medium heat in a large pan.
3. Saute garlic until tender.
4. Add wine and boil until wine has reduced to about half.
5. Add clams, cover, and steam over medium heat until clams begin to open.
6. Add butter, cover, and continue to cook till most the clams open. It may be necessary to discard any that do not open.
7. Sprinkle with parsley and serve.

Makes 4 servings.








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