Crus Bourgeois Bordeaux: A Category Whose Time Has Come
The Cru Bourgeois category of Bordeaux wine has a long and illustrious history in this famed region, but many people may not know about these chateaux and unsure of their current status in the market. Come taste a selection of these wonderful wines and see why they are worth knowing about.

On Friday, April 22 Tracy Ellen Kamens, Ed.D., DWS, CWE will be our guest host. A wine educator, writer and consultant who combines her passion for teaching with her love of wine. Tracy has taught at the International Wine Center, New York University, Cornell University and Baruch College. She has written for various publications including Wine Enthusiast, Palate Press magazine, and The SOMM Journal and was a Fellowship Recipient for the Professional Wine Writers’ Symposium. As a Certified Wine Judge, Tracy is a judge for the Ultimate Wine Challenge. Tracy holds a doctorate of education from the University of Pennsylvania, the Certified Wine Educator credential from the Society of Wine Educators and the Wine & Spirits Education Trust’s Diploma of Wine & Spirits.

   **** RSVP is required for this event.  

This month was a blast!   We like to extend a special thanks to Larry Cox, representing Ste Michelle Wine Estates.   A delightful job in providing the group with insightful information about the Washington State environmental conditions, soil and climate that makes these wines distinctively beautiful and easy to drink.  

Wines presented:     All of these range between $12 - $16

2014 Horse Heaven Vineyard Sauvignon Blanc

2014 Columbia Valley Chardonnay

2014 Columbia Valley Dry Riesling                                                another favorite #3

2014 Columbia Valley Cabernet Sauvignon

2014 Horse Heaven Hills H3 Cabernet Sauvignon

2013 Indian Wells Merlot                                                               – Group Favorite #2

2013 Horse Heaven Hills H3 Merlot

2012 Horse Heaven Hills H3 Les Chevaux Red Wine Red Blend – Group Favorite #1

Additional data on these wines can be found at the listed links: https://www.ste-michelle.com or https://www.columbiacrest.com/shop/h3-wines

News and Updates:    

AWS Meadowlands Chapter is now over 40 members!  In part due to a stellar membership drive and friendship!    Thank you all for the ongoing support & participation.

·         National Wine Tasting Project; We will have all required bottles by end of this month. We will then provide several dates to begin Tasting Project. 

·         Wine Barrel - if you purchased any of the AWS cases, please be sure to follow up with Diann to make sure you’re squared away.  

·         Next month,   April 22^nd   French wines Cru Bourgeois.  Tracy Ellen Kamens is a wine educator, writer and consultant.  Update your calendars now.  RSVP is required.

·         River Cruise for Wine Lovers, hosted by Paul Wagner and Madeline Triffon scheduled for April 2017.   Read about the Blue Danube Discovery by visiting the AWS.org website for more details.

·         Comedy Night here at Make Wine With Us for Saturday April 16^th starting at 8 PM – 11PM be sure to get your tickets early at Make Wine With Us. 

·         Next Barrel Sampling takes place on Sunday April 10^th   from 1 – 4PM. 

·         Thanks to everyone for bringing additional snacks for the tables.  Very generous and are all greatly appreciated!  

Special Thanks:
Beth Muller of Ste Michelle Wine Estates for providing local resource.
Rich! And of course John and Diann for their hospitality.

Update your calendars now:   Ste Michelle Wine Estates will be doing a presentation for our March 24th Meeting.    RSVP is required - Send us an email if you like to attend so that we can reserve a seat.    

Don't forget... Next Barrel Sampling takes place this Saturday March 12 from 1 – 4PM.   

As promises, yet another great night of wine and merriment to remember.  

AWS Meadowlands Chapter reviewed and challenged your senses with various wines and did a stellar job in matching them to the aroma wheel.   

Wine list:

2014 Chateau Ste Michelle – Gewurztraminer – Columbia Valley WA

2014 Burgans - Albarino - Spain

2014 Simi - Sauvignon Blanc - California

2012 FreakShow - Cabernet Saivignon – California   ( #1 Group Favorite )

2014 Le Sabbie dell’Etna Rosso- Nerello Mascalese - Nerello Cappuccio – IGT Sicily Italy ( #2 Group Favorite ) Prunes, jam, berries, minerals and spices, ballanced, medium finish and body.  

2012 Casas Patronales Private Reserve - Carmenere  - Chile

News and Updates:

* National Wine Tasting  = 10 individuals have elected to participate. 

* Wine Barrel - if you purchased any cases, please be sure to follow up with Diann to make sure you’re paid up and cases accounted for.  IF anyone else needs cases, I need to know if what/which one it is, because some are sold out.  1 case of Zinfandel  /   0 case of Cabernet Blend ( Sold Out ) /  1 case of California Red Blend.  

* Next month, March 24, Special Event:  Ste Michelle Wine Estates will present Washington state wines.   

* April 22^nd  will be Cru Bourgeois:   The Cru Bourgeois classification lists some of the châteaux from the Médoc that were not included in the 1855 Classification of Crus Classés, or Classed Growths. Notionally, Cru Bourgeois is a level below Cru Classé, but still of high quality (formerly there were additional grades of Cru Artisan and Cru Paysan).  Plan to be here and learn more about these exceptional French wines.

* May 19^th , another special event: Wines that go BOOM!:  Wines that grow on volcanic soils.

* Comedy Night here at Make Wine With Us for Saturday April 16^th starting at 8 PM – 11PM be sure to get your tickets early. 

* Next Barrel Sampling takes place on Saturday March 12 from 1 – 4PM. 

* Wine Riot in New York City. March 4^th and March 5^th –  I will be managing the South American wines booth, Danny will be at the Washington State booth. 

                                                     AWS NJ Meadowlands Chapter

Topic:   Aroma Wheel - Yes, What About It?

When:    Thursday February 25,   7-9 PM    

Location: Make Wine With Us @ 21 Currie Avenue in Wallington, NJ

$15 per person

During our upcoming meeting, AWS Meadowlands Chapter will review the next phase of wine appreciation…  Bouquet!    Test your senses with various wines from Chile, Spain, USA and Italy and lets match their bouquets to the aroma wheel.  

Please RSVP to WineClub201@gmail.com and let me know if you plan on bringing a friend.

Cheers,

AWS NJ Meadowlands

FANTASTIC TURNOUT!     Thanks to everyone who came out to the wine barrel tasting... it was wonderful seeing such a good crowd - Thank you all for your participation.