Reviewing two Wine Of the Month Club samples for you today I found myself once again marveling at owner Paul Kalemkiarian’s remarkable palate. He samples more wine than anyone I know, has a great 3-part rating system, and over the years has supplied his club members with the most incredible deals. And, since this wine101er is not a wine snob that bases her purchases on well-known labels or price alone…I always look forward to seeing what bargains Paul has discovered for his members.
Red Autumn
2012 California Chardonnay
Vinted and Bottled by Red Autumn, Napa, CA.
13.9% alcohol
Appearance – Pale yellow, clear and clean.
Aroma – Crisp Granny Smith apples, anise, buttered popcorn, toasted rye bread, coconut, a whiff of white pepper, aromatic and perfumy.
Taste – Buttery, oak, sliced pears in light syrup, grassy, nice creamy mouthfeel, pale acid with a medium length.
Conclusion – Wholly pleasant. Would enjoy with soft cheeses, seafood salad, and to cut through the cream in clam chowder or pasta in an Alfredo sauce.
Oak Grove
2012 California Reserve Petite Sirah
San Martin, Santa Clara County, CA
13.0% alcohol
Appearance – Opaque, black.
Aroma – Crushed blueberry, blackberry, cracked black pepper, eucalyptus, both milk and dark chocolate.
Taste – Same berry profile, nice balance for young Petite Sirah, back palate is rich with tannin and lingering fruit. Nice long peppery finish.
Conclusion – This would stand up to grilled game as well as steaks with Béarnaise sauce to grilled mushrooms, but it also makes me crave pepperoni pizza.
About Wine of the Month
Wine of the Month Club™ is the oldest mail order wine club in America. Specializing in value-oriented wines, the Wine of the Month Club is open to anyone who has an appreciation of fine wine and is interested in a monthly wine club service. Quality wine delivered to your door, guaranteed!
Our search for our wine club selections never ends. Each month I taste over 400 Italian wines, German wines, California wines, Argentinean wine, Chilean wines, and wines from all the other regions of the world—and I only select 2 to represent the best wine values in the world.
Website: http://www.wineofthemonthclub.com
Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/WineoftheMonthClub
Eve Bushman has been reading, writing, taking coursework and tasting wine for over 20 years. She has obtained a Level Two Intermediate Certification from the Wine and Spirits Education Trust, has been the subject of a 60-minute Wine Immersion video, authored “Wine Etiquette for Everyone” and recently served as a guest judge for the L.A. International Wine Competition. You can email Eve@EveWine101.com to ask a question about wine or spirits that may be answered in a future column. You can also seek her marketing advice via Eve@EveBushmanConsulting.com
