Wine Club Vol. 5 No. 12

Past Newsletters

Vol. 5 No. 12

Standard Selection - (1) Red, (1) White
Chapel Hill McLaren Vale Shiraz 1999 Australia
Chateau Bonnet Entre-Deux-Mers 2001 France

Red Wines Only Featured Selections
River Heights California Merlot 2001 USA

White Wines Only Featured Selections
Chapel Hill Unwooded Chardonnay 2001 Australia

Chapel Hill McLaren Vale Shiraz 1999 Australia

Chapel Hill is a beautiful small winery in McLaren Vale, South Australia. We have featured some of the highly allocated wines of this great estate in the past, and we are pleased to announce that we are once again the happy recipients of a Chapel Hill dandy. Due to the many favorable comments from club members and the enthusiastic reception shown by our loyal membership, we were able to beg, borrow and cajole enough of this winery's famous McLaren Vale Shiraz to send to our club members. Hopefully, the future will hold additional opportunities to feature more fine fare from Chapel Hill.

Needless to say, Chapel Hill remains one of Australia's hottest wineries, turning out small quantities of several premium varietals, beginning with the estate's outstanding McLaren Vale Shiraz a rich expressive wine that is perennially in short supply. In addition, limited quantities of a brilliant, barrel-fermented Reserve Chardonnay are produced, along with a rare un-wooded Chardonnay and an interesting Verdelo. A beautiful, highly extracted Cabernet Sauvignon and a tiny quantity of a proprietary blend, the Vicar, round out the estate's portfolio.

Unlike many New World wineries, which become obsessed with expanding production regardless of the impact on quality, Chapel Hill prefers to limit both its production and number of offerings in order to continue to guarantee the ultimate quality to its customers. Chapel Hill's dedication to limited, high quality wines is what makes it a true boutique winery; this same dedication is also the reason why it takes years to procure enough of any Chapel Hill wine to offer our members.

The driving force behind the success of Chapel Hill is undoubtedly the highly talented, individualist, Pam Dunsford. Ms. Dunsford is widely considered to be one of Australia's most gifted winemakers. She is also a much sought after consultant, export inspector and wine judge. Always a pioneer, several decades ago Pam was the first female graduate of Roseworthy, Australia's most prestigious school of Oenology, and that was just the first of many accomplishments for Pam. Since she took over the winemaking helm at Chapel Hill in 1989, the winery has been honored repeatedly in national and international shows and competitions. Aside from being a regular gold medal winner at Australian shows, Pam's wines have garnered gold at the prestigious London International Wine and Spirit Competition and the 1998 International Wine Challenge in London where thousands of wines from dozens of countries were tasted. Thoroughly dedicated to producing great wines and tenacious in her approach to excellence, Pam Dunsford has made Chapel Hill a force to be reckoned with.

Chapel Hill sources fruit from its own vineyards in some of the most prized appellations in South Australia: McLaren Vale, Coonawarra, Padthaway, and nearby Eden Valley. In addition, the winery draws selected fruit from the greatest vineyards in those appellations. Individual wines of style and flavor which reflect their vineyard of origin is the result. How we wish more wineries would adhere to Chapel Hill's philosophy of producing small quantities of balanced, full flavored wines, which truly reflect their appellations of origin.

Tasting Notes: One of the most consistently endowed wines from vintage to vintage, the 1999 Chapel Hill McLaren Vale Shiraz is a deep purple potion with the scent of blackberry, kirsch, and plum. Rich and long in the mouth, this Shiraz offers up copious quantities of blackberry, cassis, and spice, along with soft, ripe tannins. Emanating from a twenty-month stay in French and American oak barrels, a cachet of vanilla spice permeates the wine's long, rich, immensely pleasing finish. Although generous and structured, and built to last, the Chapel Hill is immediately rewarding upon opening, making it the quintessential dinner party wine. However, a little aeration, even decanting, will further release the subtle nuances of flavor, which lay coiled in the wine's lush hedonistic fruit, and provide additional gustatory pleasure. If by some gift of providence you are able to forego the immediate allure of this handsome Shiraz, additional bottle age will only increase the wine's intensity and complexity, but that may afford more pleasure than any of us can bear.

Accompaniments: Rich holiday fare provides an expert showcase for the 1999 Chapel Hill McLaren Vale Shiraz. Filet mignon or beef tenderloin, served medium rare with grilled or sautéed portabella mushrooms, would be our premier suggestion: In this case, the wine and the meat complement each other, allowing for the full flavor of each to be released. Lamb, rabbit, venison, and rich stews provide other excellent choices with this Chapel Hill Shiraz. Homemade lasagna and either eggplant or zucchini Parmigiana also make rewarding partners to Pam Dunsford's handsome Shiraz. We suggest serving these dishes with a rich homemade tomato sauce, containing plenty of fresh herbs. Lastly, a selection of creamy, un-crusted cheeses and several appreciative guests is a great accompaniment to the decadent 1999 McLaren Vale Shiraz. However, whatever you decide to serve with this wine, the wine is not likely to get lost in the shuffle: now isn't the Chapel Hill Shiraz the perfect guest. Enjoy!

Recipe for Red Wine:

Veal Stew

3-4 lbs. Veal (boneless leg) cut into 2 pieces
2 cloves Garlic minced
¼ cup Flour
¼ tsp. Nutmeg
½ stick Unsalted Butter
1 Onion finely chopped
1 ½ cup Chicken Stock
1 cup Water
1 cup Carrots - sliced
1 Leek finely sliced
½ cup Cream
Salt & Pepper

In a large casserole, melt ½ of the butter and brown the veal in the pan. Season with salt and pepper, to taste. Saute over medium heat until the meat is cooked on the outside (8-10 minutes). Add the onions and garlic and cook for 5-8 minutes or until the onions are soft, not burnt.

Sprinkle the meat with flour and nutmeg, stir for 1-2 minutes and add the chicken stock and water. Bring to a boil and reduce heat, cover and simmer gently for 30-45 minutes. Stir occasionally.

In a large fry pan, melt remaining butter and sauté the carrots and leek for 5-10 minutes. Add the vegetables to the casserole and slowly stir in cream. Bring to a boil one more time and serve.

Chateau Bonnet Entre-Deux-Mers 2001 France

Château Bonnet is the boyhood home of the legendary, masterful Bordeaux vintner Andre Lurton. Situated on clay-chalk slopes in the north of the Entre-Deux-Mers, just outside the old village of Grezillac, Chateau Bonnet overlooks Saint-Emilion and the vast valley of the Dordogne. This is a part of ancient Gascony a land steeped in history.

Chateau Bonnet has produced wine during five centuries and played host to many historical events and notable personages. In the 17th century, the Chateau belonged to Pierre de Reynier, a knight and the Seigneur de Barre et de Bonnet. Subsequently, one of the king's ministers acquired the property. In a later epic, just before the fall of the Ancien Regime, the estate was destroyed and rebuilt. Chateau Bonnet had a part in the French Revolution, too, when the then current owner, Jacques de Chillaud, was forced to hide in a well on the property to escape execution during the Reign of Terror. Corsairs and other colorful figures had their day at Chateau Bonnet, as well, before Leonce Recapet purchased it in 1889 and the estate passed into the hands of the Lurton family.

Andre Lurton inherited Chateau Bonnet in 1956 from his grandfather with approximately 65 acres of dilapidated vines. Since then Lurton has dedicated himself to replanting and restoring the vineyards that were planted by his forbearers. Today, Chateau Bonnet comprises nearly 500 acres of well-tended vines. Moreover, Lurton has constructed a vast wine empire, consisting of more than a dozen historical properties in Entre-Deux-Mers, Graves and St. Emilion. Among these renowned properties are the great Chateau La Louviere in Graves and until recently Clos Fourtet in Saint-Emilion, both historical properties that are now at the top of the Bordeaux hierarchy. And in order to continue his great success at Les Vignobles Andre Lurton, Andre has created a special vine-nursery, which produces over 200,000 vine plants each year to replenish his vineyards.

Andre Lurton

Very few people in modern memory have had more of an impact on Bordeaux and the quality of its wines than Andre Lurton. An energetic and passionate individual, no one could ever accuse Lurton of self-effacement, viticultural indifference or lackluster performance. Here is what Lurton and others say about the man and his legendary wines:

He is not an easy man, on first impression even quite austere, but once past his forbidding exterior, he is one of the world's warmest and most charming individuals. Jean-Paul Kauffmann

Like a bird building its nest, twig by twig, I have built up my business step by step. Unlike some I was not fortunate enough to inherit enormous capital. Andre Lurton

This delicious, fresh, vibrant, dry white from Bordeaux is made at the home property of Andre Lurton. This wine is impeccably made. Robert Parker The Wine Advocate. (Chateau Bonnet)

Les Vignobles Andre Lurton, more than an appellationa hallmark whereby earth and man meld together for true sensual delight. Jacques Lamalle

Tasting Notes: A bright, energetic wine, not unlike the man who makes it, the 2001 Chateau Bonnet Entre-Deux-Mers exhibits a staggering array of sensual pleasure in its aromatic profile. Herb, gooseberry, lime and a vibrant minerality caress the nose. An artful blend of Sauvignon Blanc, Semillon, and Muscadelle (an other indigenous Bordeaux grape that should not be confused with Muscat or Moscatel), the Chateau Bonnet possesses the finest attributes of each varietal and offers long, lush flavors in the mouth, as well as a dramatic well balanced finish. The 2001 Chateau Bonnet Entre-Deux-Mers is an extroverted, multi-dimensional white that has not surprisingly become the reference point for its appellation and the yardstick by which all others are measured. You can enjoy this delightful white Bordeaux either well chilled or slightly cool as you like it.

Accompaniments: The 2001 Chateau Bonnet pairs well with so many different types of foods that it is difficult to recommend only a few of our favorite accompaniments. At the top of our list is a salad consisting of smoked turkey and goat cheese, served on a bed of mesculin greens, with a creamy fresh basil and herb dressing. Roast turkey, with onion and sage stuffing and all of the trimmings, is another perennial favorite among the panel. And of course, there is seafood. It is hard to resist the 2001 Chateau Bonnet Entre-Deux-Mers with oysters, raw, roasted or sauteed. Shrimp, served cold in a cocktail or steaming from the scampi pot, are other delicious ways to enjoy Andre Lurton's marvelous Entre-Deux-Mers. However, whatever you choose, you're not likely to be disappointed. Enjoy!

Recipe for White Wine

Roasted Holiday Oysters

1 dozen Large Oysters opened and loosened
1 lb. Fresh Spinach rinsed well
Roasted Red Peppers/Pimentos or Sun-dried Tomatoes (12 strips)
Pinch of Red Pepper Flakes
¼ cup Olive Oil

Steam spinach leaves slightly, drain and set aside. Mix red pepper flakes into olive oil and set aside. Slip a spinach leaf underneath each oyster in the shell. Place a strip of the red pepper, pimento or tomato on top of each oyster.

Line oysters on a shallow baking sheet and bake for 5 minutes in preheated oven at 400°. Remove from oven and sprinkle with olive oil mixture. Serve while hot.

River Heights California Merlot 2001 USA

River Heights Merlot is a tiny 3000 case production by the highly talented Jeff Runquist, chief winemaker for California's McManis Family Vineyards. Jeff specializes in fashioning superlative wines, especially Cabernet, Merlot, Syrah, and Zinfandel from small lots of old vines that grow along the confluence of the San Joaquin and Stanislaus Rivers in what is now recognized as the River Junction Appellation. This is one of central California's few relatively cool growing areas, possessing a number of microclimates perfect for California's top red varietals.

Jeff Runquist's style of winemaking is simple: he conjures bold ripe flavors from physiologically ripe fruit and rounds them out with new oak and minimal intervention. Most of Jeff's wines are bottled unfiltered, testimony to his philosophy and the meticulous care and handling afforded the premium grapes he uses for his highly acclaimed wines.

Hopefully, we will be able to procure more Runquist selections, before the world discovers them, so for now mum is the word. That means: Don't tell too many friends about these delicious wines just yet!

Tasting Notes: The 2001 River Heights Merlot has been dubbed the great wine with the non-descript label by the tasting panel. Perhaps, we have been a little easy on the label. We have never believed that one could or should drink a label or a price tag, but if there were ever a case for the preceding adage it is the River Height Merlot. Certainly, the wine's somewhat homely label doesn't prepare the taster for the wonderfully ripe, pure blackberry scents and flavors that leap from the glass of River Heights Merlot. Cedar and spice mingle with the fruit, and ripe tannins add backbone without the burn, making this Merlot perfect to drink now. Every mouthful provides hedonistic pleasure. Allow the 2001 River Height Merlot to breathe for a half hour or so for maximum pleasure. We enjoyed this wine best at high cellar temperature, about 65° F.

Accompaniments: Versatility is the hallmark of the 2001 River Heights Merlot. This handsome Merlot pairs well with a wide variety of foods. We have enjoyed it with everything from chicken salad to tuna steak, with universal praise. Roasted or smoked meats, provolone cheese and tomato based sauces are some of our favorite accompaniments with the River Heights Merlot. Herb charged soups, salads, and vegetables provide other excellent pairings. Complex sauces are hardly lost on the River Heights Merlot either; so don't feel like you need to baby this wine. Enjoy!

Chapel Hill Unwooded Chardonnay 2001 Australia

Chapel Hill is a beautiful small winery in McLaren Vale, South Australia. We have featured some of the highly allocated wines of this great estate in the past, and we are pleased to announce that we are once again the happy recipients of a Chapel Hill dandy. Due to the many favorable comments from club members and the enthusiastic reception shown by our loyal membership, we were able to beg, borrow and cajole enough of this winery's famous 2001 Unwooded Chardonnay to send to our club members.

Needless to say, Chapel Hill remains one of Australia's hottest wineries, turning out small quantities of several premium varietals, beginning with the estate's outstanding McLaren Vale Shiraz a rich expressive wine that is perennially in short supply. In addition, limited quantities of a brilliant, barrel-fermented Reserve Chardonnay are produced, along with a delicious, designer Unwooded Chardonnay and an interesting Verdelo. A beautiful highly extracted Cabernet Sauvignon and a tiny quantity of a proprietary blend called the Vicar round out the estate's portfolio.

Tasting Notes: Au naturalunadorned Chardonnaythe real thing, constitutes some of the tasting panel's descriptions of the 2001 Chapel Hill Unwooded Chardonnay. Although there is hardly another New World producer of Chardonnay that doesn't use copious quantities of oak to augment or adulterate the natural flavor of Chardonnay, unwooded Chardonnays are now in vogue in Australia. Created in 1991 by Pam Dunsford as a designer white for the winery's corporate owners, the 2001 Chapel Hill Unwooded Chardonnay is a bracing, bright wine with lovely, round fruit and an attractive freshness, allowing the wine to finish dry and completely refreshing. Instead of wearing on the palate or becoming preponderant, the Unwooded Chapel Hill becomes more interesting with each sip, revealing a mélange of subtle citrus and floral tones in the bouquet and flavor. Serve the delicious Unwooded Chapel Hill well chilled, about 45° F.

Accompaniments: After work, before dinner, or in the evening with friends, the 2001 Unwooded Chapel Hill Chardonnay is a refreshing respite from the weather stained cares of life. Although we highly recommend this Chardonnay on its own, it also loves to accompany food, especially light hors d'oeuvres, such as salmon mousse, simple pates, and fresh fruits and vegetables. Roast chicken or turkey would be other noteworthy choices with this un-wooded Chardonnay. A spicy pasta and shrimp dish, with plenty of garlic and parsley, also complements the 2001 Chapel Hill Chardonnay. Enjoy!

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