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Wine Love Letter, January, 2004

Dear Wine Lover,

Happy New Year to Everyone!

I am still trying to understand how a two week trip to South America has put me eight weeks behind but here I am running very fast to try to catch up. Harvest is over, the turkey, stuffing and pumpkin pie were devoured in November, it's time to put away the Christmas ornaments and menorah at our house, and it's 2004. Wow!

We will try to give you a complete but concise view of all that has transpired in the wine world since our last newsletter.

Having spent a quiet New Year's Eve reflecting on the past year, I am still in the mode of being thankful for all that happened. 2003 brought so many blessings. I am grateful for...a wonderful family, incredible friends, good health, good wine, art, delicious food, laughing, the people that dedicate their lives to helping others [including our firefighters (my husband included), police, medical personnel, and of course, teachers], independence, and freedom. In addition, Affairs of the Vine continues to grow at an unbelievable pace with hundreds of new members every week.

As you make (and break your New Year's resolutions, add one more). In 2004 drink what you like, when you like. At Affairs of the Vine we say, "If you like the way it looks and you like the way it smells and you like the way it tastes...it's good wine!" So let Affairs of the Vine share our opinions about the wines we taste and help you discover new wines, but above all else, remember to trust your own palate!

THE CHARDONNAY SHOOTOUT... A WINE CHALLENGE
TOP CHARDONNAY PRODUCERS SHOOT IT OUT

A unique wine competition, the 2003 Chardonnay Shootout has been completed and some fabulous Chardonnays are victorious.

Some of us did not want to have a Chardonnay Shootout. We'd gotten into the ABC (Anything but Chardonnay) habit. The over the top, over-oaked Chardonnays that had become so prevalent had encouraged other varietal choices.

Well, this Chardonnay Shootout was a real eye opener! Most of the wines we tasted were beautifully made, well-balanced and inviting.

The real winners of the Chardonnay Shootout are those of us who got to taste over 200 great Chardonnays submitted from top producers the world over to narrow it down to the best of the best. For an overview of the process visit Chardonnay Shootout Results

Because so many of the wines we tasted were excellent, the 2003 Chardonnay Shootout was a true challenge for the wines and for our panel.

• The top ranking Chardonnays had one thing in common...balance.
• The producers range from the very, very small (producing less than 5,000 cases a year) to wineries that produce over 250,000 cases per year.
• The top rated Chardonnays ranged in price from $9 per bottle to $40 per bottle.
• Although eight of the top ten were from California, there were two surprises - Mission Hill 2001 Reserve from Canada (yes you read it right) and Fantelli from Mendoza, Argentina. Although we have been aware of the quality of wines that are coming from British Columbia and South America, I must admit that I was still surprised that these wines were able to successfully challenge appellations and wineries more noted for Chardonnay.
• The wines hail from many different appellations - Napa Valley, France, Dry Creek Valley, Russian River Valley, San Francisco Bay (AKA Livermore Valley), Santa Barbara County, Edna Valley, Sonoma Valley, Sonoma County, and as mentioned above, Okanagan Valley, Canada and Mendoza, Argentina.

Everyone one of these wines had many great admirers and few, if any, detractors. For our money, you won't go wrong with any of them because they are all so well made. The determining factor will have to be - what style of Chardonnay do you like?

Begin an affair with these great wines tonight!

PASSIONATE ABOUT PINOT NOIR

The second annual Pinot Noir Shootout was completed in early December. The results will be revealed at The Pinot Noir Summit in San Francisco on February 7, 2004.

For the results of the 2002 Pinot Noir Shootout visit the Pinot Noir Shootout.

SEDUCED BY PINOT NOIR? INDULGE YOUR PASSION!

Affairs of the Vine and The City Club of San Francisco invite you to experience the ultimate Pinot Noir adventure. The Pinot Summit includes The Final Showdown of the Pinot Noir Shootout featuring 30 of the top rated Pinot Noirs, Pinot Noir workshops and tastings, the Pinot Noir Shootout Awards Ceremony, and a reception featuring top Pinot Noir winemakers showcasing their wines with specially paired hors d'oeuvres.

Attendees will pit their palates against the expert panel in The Final Showdown, a blind tasting. Each guest will taste the wines and rate their preferences. Winners will be announced at 5 PM.

$125.00 per person plus tax.

Register online or call 707-874-1975.

Affairs of the Vine will host a Pinot Noir Winemakers Dinner at The City Club of San Francisco on February 7, 2004. A four-course dinner will be paired with the wines of four outstanding Pinot Noir winemakers who will join the attendees for dinner. The evening begins at 7:00 P.M. The cost is $135.00 per person. Register online or call 707-874-1975.

Adventures In Wine - South of the Border

We were fortunate enough to be invited on a fabulous tour of Chile and Argentina, visiting 15 wineries as honored guests - sampling the wines, walking their vineyards, barrel sampling, and dining on local fare paired with the wines at each property. We have tried to chronicle our journey for you. All of our good intentions of updating you as we traveled were foiled by Internet connection problems but here are our journals. Hope you enjoy reading about our exploration half as much as we enjoyed the adventure.

2004 Wine Boot Camp^® Attracts Wine Lovers
RAW RECRUITS and WINE GENERALS
ARE WELCOME TO ENLIST

ATTENNNNSHUN!

If you love wine and want to know all there is to know, if you've always dreamed of working in a vineyard or winery, if you are intimidated by wine stewards or wine knowledgeable friends, feel out of your depth when confronted by rows of wine bottles, or unsure of which wine to buy next, then Wine Boot Camp^® can fulfill your dreams and give you the confidence you seek.

Wine Boot Camp^® offers one day of intensive wine training and is the ultimate fantasy experience for wine lovers.

Wine novices and experts experience firsthand the joys and frustrations of winemaking. You'll have the opportunity to work hands-on in the vineyard and the cellar under the tutelage of top winemakers and viticulturists. Wine workshops and tastings of outstanding wines are an integral part of the program.

Conducted by AFFAIRS of the VINE, Wine Boot Camp^® is a challenge to the senses, awareness, and understanding of fine wines. Upon completion of basic training, your marksmanship in the field of fine wines will be right on target. Business associates and friends will marvel at the leadership of Camp graduates as they storm the wine lists of America and the world.

An intensive, highly enjoyable one-day training program, Wine Boot Camp^® provides the experience and knowledge needed to become totally confident in the understanding and appreciation of fine wine.

Raw recruits and wine generals alike are welcome to attend Wine Boot Camp^®. Only the strongest will survive!

The cost of WINE BOOT CAMP^® includes all seminars and educational materials, lunch in the vineyard, dinner paired with appropriate wines, extensive wine tasting, a bottle of wine created by the recruit, transportation to all food and wine events, and an I Survived Wine Boot Camp^® T-shirt. Enlistment is $375 per person.

To enlist in WINE BOOT CAMP^® contact Major Drady at camp@affairsofthevine.com or 707-874-1975.

June 12, 2004 - Russian River Valley Wine Boot Camp^®

• July 24, 2004 - Napa Valley Wine Boot Camp^®
• August 14, 2004 - Santa Cruz Mountains Wine Boot Camp^®
• September 4, 2004 - Monterey Harvest Wine Boot Camp^®
• October 2, 2004 - Sonoma County Harvest Wine Boot Camp^®
• October 9, 2004 - Sonoma Coast Harvest Wine Boot Camp^®

LETTERS FROM THE TROOPS

Read what some are saying about their Wine Boot Camp experience.

TEAM BUILDING AT ITS BEST

Affairs of the Vine creates unique Team Building events for you.

Let Affairs of the Vine help you create RARE alliances with your team, customers and vendors with a customized wine tasting or wine workshop.

Do you want you team to work together more effectively? An Affairs of the Vine Wine Blending Workshop is the answer.

Affairs of the Vine's expert and congenial staff educate without intimidation.

Let Affairs of the Vine create a RARE event for you. We will help you accomplish your goals to enhance Relationships, create Access, activate Response, and experience Empowerment. Contact Affairs of the Vine to discuss unique programs that will help you accomplish your goals. We can customize events for your specific needs or industry. Call Barbara Drady at 707-874-1975 to discuss your event or meeting planning needs today.

MISSIONS ACCOMPLISHED...
A WINE BOOT CAMP^® PICTORIAL

WINE COLUMNISTS

CLIMATE CHANGES MAY IMPROVE VINTAGES

THE SCREW-CAP CONTROVERSY CONTINUES

Dear Affairs of the Vine,

First of all....Having a bottle wine with a screw-cap has no romance at all. Half the fun is opening a bottle with a wine opener. There's no point in saving the wine after it has been open...it loses its character due to oxidation. I haven't come across any interesting wine yet out of screw-cap bottle yet.

Eric
Atlanta, GA

Hi Eric,

Thanks for your comments.

Try the Sauvignon Blanc from Jackson Estates in Marlbrough, New Zealand. How about Plump Jack Merlot? How romantic is it to have a corked bottle? By the way, once a bottle is opened, you should try Private Preserve, it's pretty spectacular at preserving the flavors with or without a screw-cap.

Cheers!

Barbara Drady
Wine Lover

Send your comments to member@affairsofthevine.com. We'll share your thoughts in the next newsletter.

Cheers!

The Staff at Affairs of the Vine

707-874-1975