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 Vineco
Cheeky Monkey FALL 2011 Limited Editions
Cheeky Monkey 20Eleven White
This Chilean blend of Viognier and Chardonnay is sure to shake up
your taste buds with extraordinary bursts of flavour. Due to Chile’s hot summers and cool
coastal breezes this region is ideal for grape growing,
and producing outstanding wines. Fruity and fresh, you can expect notes of peach,
apricot, violet and citrus on the palate and nose. A balanced white leaving you with
a sweet and crisp finish.
Cheeky Monkey 20Eleven Red
Chile is known for its delicious Carménère grape
varietal, and Cheeky has taken it up a notch by blending it with a smooth Merlot. This spicy infusion
is sure to please as, aromas of smoke, dark cherries and mint add
a complex texture on the nose. Flavours of blackcurrant, dark berries with vibrant
fruit characteristics fill the palate leaving you with a medium-bodied, satisfying finish.
 Vineco KenRidge Showcase Collection
2012 Limited Editions
DECEMBER '11/JANUARY ’12 ~ Australia Shiraz Viognier (New South
Wales Region)
JANUARY ’12 ~
Argentina Torrontés Chardonnay (Mendoza Region)
FEBRUARY ’12 ~
Spain Cabernet Sauvignon (Penedès Region)
MARCH ’12 ~
Italy Nebbiolo (Piedmond Region)
 Cellar
Craft Showcase 2012 Limited Editions
JANUARY ’12 ~ PINOT NOIR
- Bella Sonoma Vineyard, Sonoma Coast, California
FEBRUARY ’12 ~ NEBBIOLO
- Erickson Farm, Madera, California
MARCH ’12 ~ SAUVIGNON BLANC / SEMILLON / CHARDONNAY
- Lake County, California & Yakima Valley, Washington
APRIL ’12 ~ RED MOUNTAIN TRIO
(Cabernet, Syrah, Merlot) - Sunset Ridge Vineyard
KenRidge
Showcase Collection 2012
KenRidge™ Showcase Collection is a once-a-year selection of unforgettable
wines. These ultra-premium wine kits are truly unique as only a
limited number are created each year using the highest quality varietal
grape juices and grape juice concentrates from each prominent grape-growing
country and region. No sugar is added resulting in exceptional wines that
deliver the finest bouquet and flavour characteristics that are true to each
specific varietal or blend.
DECEMBER ’-11/JANUARY ’12 ~ Australia Shiraz Viognier (New South
Wales Region)
The Region:
The New South Wales region of Australia is a rapidly expanding viticultural area located north, west and
southwest of Sydney. A diverse growing region with a generally ‘Continental’ climate with warm to hot
days, cooler nights and dry summers; this provides the perfect conditions for development of rich,
fully ripe
grapes. ‘The Big Rivers Zone’ encompasses the Riverina, Perricoota, and the New South Wales side of
the Murray Darling and Swan Hill regions. Water for irrigation comes from the mighty Murray River and
the Murrumbidgee River.
The Wine:
Body: 5 Sweetness : 0 Alc./Vol .: 14.0%
This is a blend of Shiraz and a small amount of the white grape Viognier. This classic blend of the Côte
Rôtie area of the northern Rhone wine region has shown tremendous success in Australia. The Shiraz
has great structure and depth of flavours including red and black berries, spice, chocolate and violets,
while the Viognier contributes acidity and freshness along with enhancement of the bouquet and a note of
apricot and floral.
The Food:
This full-bodied red would make a great partner for saucy barbecued ribs; short ribs; beef brisket;
pulled pork on crusty rolls; beef stews; Beemster XO Gouda; pot roast; roast leg of lamb; Moroccan spiced lamb;
peppercorn steaks.
JANUARY ’12 ~ Argentina Torrontés Chardonnay
(Mendoza Region)
The Region:
Argentina is the world’s fifth largest wine producer, with the region of Mendoza accounting for more than
70% of its wine production. The locals call this the land of ‘sol y vino’ (sun and wine). With an average
of only 200 mm of rain per year, the persistent sunny days and the relief of cool nights offer the perfect
growing conditions. Melt water from the glaciers of the Andes Mountains move through an intricate
irrigation system of aqueducts and dykes to feed the vineyards with the much needed moisture. The soils
of the region consist of loose, sandy, alluvial material with clay substructure, providing great drainage and
fertility for the vines.
The Wine:
Body: 3 Sweetness : 0 Alc ./Vol .: 13.5%
The blending of grape varieties is a way of developing a wine style that would not be possible
with only a single grape. This wine combines both Torrontés and Chardonnay. Torrontés is the fragrant
white grape of Argentina, which provides refreshing acidity to the blend. Chardonnay, grown the world
over, provides additional body and slight richness. This dry, medium-bodied white wine has aromas
of apricot, peach, melon, citrus and floral. The refreshing palate showcases notes of juicy
peach and green apple zing, followed by a touch of citrus, spice and floral on the finish.
The Food:
This lively, but easy drinking wine is perfect as a sipping wine, or try it with roast chicken; light cream
sauces on chicken and seafood pasta; Cornish hen; battered fish fillets; lightly spiced crab cakes;
turkey with garlic aioli on crusty rolls; scallops; cheese empanadas.
FEBRUARY ’12 ~ Spain Cabernet Sauvignon (Penedès
Region)
The Region:
The Penedès (peh-neh-dess) is the largest and most important wine zone in the Cataluña region, near
Barcelona in northeast Spain. Penedès rises from the Mediterranean in three distinct zones like a series of
steps. Bajo (low), Penedès, along the coast, is the warmest area where sturdy reds are produced from
the Garnacha, Cariñena and Monastrell grape varietals. The second zone, Medio Penedès, a broad valley,
is separated from the coast by a ridge of hills; this zone is a highly productive region for sparkling wines
called Cava, and for reds produced from Cabernet Sauvignon and Tempranillo. Penedès Superior, which
has the highest elevation, is on the foothills of Spain’s central plateau and is the coolest of regions where
many white varietals are grown. The Penedès region is also an important region for the production of cork.
The Wine:
Body: 5 Sweetness : 0 Alc ./Vol .: 14.0%
Since the introduction of Cabernet Sauvignon to the Spanish landscape, thanks to Miguel Torres,
Jr, this varietal has shown tremendous success. Look for deep garnet coloured wines with rich, ripe black
fruit notes, cocoa, earth, mineral and sweet spice aromas and flavours. In its youth this wine exhibits
moderate tannins, which will provide structure for mouth-feel and ageability. Also, for a touch of classic
Spanish roots, a small amount of Tempranillo has been blended in to provide a richer colour and increased
structure and complexity.
The Food:
This full-bodied red would be a great match for roast lamb; a selection of cheeses such as Manchego
and Cheddar; game meat sausages; game pâtés; slow cooked beef with bean stew; beef tenderloin
wrapped with double smoked bacon; beef stews.
MARCH ’12 ~ Italy Nebbiolo (Piedmond Region)
The Region:
Piedmonte, “at the foot of the mountains”, is located in the north-western region of Italy, between the
Alps and the Mediterranean and produces mainly red wines from three grape varietals;
Nebbiolo, Barbera, and Dolcetto. Famous for its mountain vistas, pretty villages, white truffles and premium-quality wines, this
region represents the very heart and soul of Italy’s wine culture. Nebbiolo is planted in the most desirable
locations within Piemonte, on the sunny south facing slopes. The average summer temperatures and rainfall
are very similar to those in Bordeaux, France.
The Wine:
Body: 4 Sweetness : 0 Alc ./Vol .: 13.5%
The name Nebbiolo comes from the frequent fogs which appear in the fall which the locals call
‘nebbia’. Nebbiolo is responsible for some of the greatest wines of Italy. The ruby red to garnet coloured wine has
aromas and flavours of raspberry, strawberry, cherry and plum, accented by notes of floral, earth, licorice
and spice. The palate is rich, with firm tannins, food friendly acidity, and great length, all on a medium to
full-bodied frame.
The Food:
This wonderful red would complement Osso Bucco; braised meats; stews; marinated leg of lamb;
Parmigiano Reggiano; Brasato – beef braised in Nebbiolo; blue cheese crusted filet mignon; red wine
braised short ribs; mushroom risotto.
Cellar Craft Showcase 2012 Limited Editions
JANUARY ’12 ~ PINOT NOIR - Bella Sonoma Vineyard,
Sonoma Coast, California
Fermented on Sonoma Coast, virgin, crushed grapes.
The Sonoma Coast is California’s “hottest” Pinot Noir region because it is California’s coolest temperature wine region where soils are generally demanding with high rock, gravel and clay content. These conditions result in low crop yields and wines which are concentrated, complex and elegant with ageing and attracting a rush of new plantings within the region.
The Bella Sonoma Vineyard in the south-west part of the region has rocky, shallow soil and was planted 15-16 years ago with a variety of Dijon clones. It is heavily influenced by marine fogs which flow freely inland though the Petaluma Gap keeping temperatures low for ideal flavour development.
This bright ruby-hued wine is medium-bodied with classic aromatics dominated by bright cherry, fresh raspberry, elegant spice and subtle notes from medium toast Hungarian oak introduced post-fermentation.
The palate shows more cherry, a suggestion of black fruits and licorice with a balance of vibrant coastal acidity and fine tannins.
Sensory refinement and elegance will begin to develop after 12 months and should continue through the third or forth years of cellaring to become a very special Pinot.
With moderate tannins and bright coastal acidity the wine will compliment a wide range of foods - from white fish to beef steaks and most dishes in between. Classic pairings include coq au vin, duck, pheasant, rabbit, salmon, shellfish, and smoked foods. Of course, it is also the first choice as a red, social sipper for your special guests.
Don’t fuss it – just serve it!
FEBRUARY ’12 ~ NEBBIOLO - Erickson Farm, Madera,
California
The Barolo varietal with a 2 liter, virgin crushed grape pack
The Nebbiolo grape is most famous for being the primary varietal in Italian Barolo and Barbaresco wines. It has also been slowly making inroads in California vineyards.
We have been running trials with Nebbiolo grapes from Erickson Farm in Madera, California for nearly a year and are pleased to now offer you the chance to discover Nebbiolo in our take on an American-style Barolo in this year’s Limited Release program.
The wine that we present captures the classic profile of Barolo and Barbaresco. It is indeed a very BIG wine with deep, brooding red colour, dense and traditional in style with highly extracted ripe fruit, dark spice, tobacco notes, high alcohol and very pointed tannins that give a sense of power and majesty.
The secret that enabled us to achieve this lofty profile was found when we introduced some rich Syrah juice from Rattlesnake Valley Vineyard in Yakima Valley, Washington into the main bladder and blended Yakima Syrah skins with the Nebbiolo skins into the crushed grape pack. Fermentation on robust crushed grapes seems to be essential to make this blend achieve the levels of intensity that is found in Barolos.
The assertive tannins do demand that this wine be aged at least a year (most Italian Barolo or Barbaresco wines require 5-10 or more years before they are considered approachable) but the rewards for patience are high.
After a year the cherry fruit aromas and flavours begin to show balanced integration with the spice notes, the 2- stage Hungarian oaks, the maturing tannins and the elevated alcohol level. Further ageing will pay further rewards but the wine does retain its signature chewy, dry texture.
This BIG wine demands big foods as pairings. Think game meats (venison, duck, and pheasant), braised beef and lamb, cured meats, truffles and mushrooms, heavy tomato-sauced pasta, rich risottos or break the bank and serve with foiegras. Appropriate cheeses would include Pecorino Romano and a favourite blue cheese.
MARCH ’12 ~ SAUVIGNON BLANC / SEMILLON / CHARDONNAY
- Lake County, California & Yakima Valley, Washington
This wine without borders looks to 3 grapes originally from 3 French areas – Bordeaux, Burgundy and the Loire Valley and uniquely blends them together in a new world fashion. The result is fabulous wine that still cannot be produced in their most important French Homelands.
Our exclusive blend is 37% Sauvignon Blanc from Lake County California; 35% California Semillon and 28% Chardonnay from California and Yakima Valley, Wash.
Sauvignon Blanc from cooler climate Lake County establishes a base with gooseberry, citrus and grassy notes amid a bright framework.
Semillon adds lushness, softness and fullness to the mouth feel.
Chardonnay contributes apple, pear, melon and more structure.
A flavour Reserve of Chenin Blanc is included for recommended, but optional, use.
American toasted oak is included and is optional based upon personal preference. Our panel was evenly split.
This wine drinks well after 2 or 3 months and is best enjoyed with 18 months.
The wine is a great social sipper and cries out for goat cheese as appetizers or in salads. Pairs nicely with fish, scallop, chicken, pork, veal, pasta and vegetable dishes.
Serve lightly chilled.
APRIL ’12 ~ RED MOUNTAIN TRIO (Cabernet, Syrah, Merlot) - Sunset Ridge Vineyard
Fermented on virgin Red Mountain crushed grapes.
Each of these Red Mountain varieties has been offered in prior Limited Release offerings to great acclaim. Red Mountain Cabernet has been awarded more gold medals than any other Cabernet in recent competitions and both the Syrah and Merlot have shown similar success.
While Red Mountain Cabs, Syrahs and Merlots continue to receive acclaim as single varietal wines, Red Mountain has been developing an identity and solid reputation for unique blends combing all three, as we are doing with this offering.
This offering has been styled by our Washington supplier to mimic his most successful blend: 65% Cabernet; 35% Syrah and 15% Merlot... Both juices and skins will share these proportions.
Of particular note, the Syrah stock will include a combination of Cote Rotie and Hermitage clones which have proven to be particularly well suited to Red Mountain. The wine will be truly special and unique on several levels!
The wine will be of the highest quality stock available anywhere. The power of RM Cab with its black currant, unique notes of orange essence and notable minerality and chalk will drive the blend. Syrah will add brightness, black fruit and peppery spice while Merlot helps integrate and soften the whole for earlier approachability.
Two-stage Hungarian oak treatment will add its distinctive nuances and provide the structure upon which the fruit will be built.
To say that we are excited to be able to offer this wine is an understatement.
Cellar at least a year and up to 3 or 4.
Food pairings include your favourite beef, lamb, game and pork dishes as well as hearty pastas, fowl, pizza or wherever you would be reaching for a red wine but want to make the meal more special.
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