The French Cru Bourgeois seminar was another fun and informative evening. We would like to extend a special thanks to
Tracy Ellen Karmens, who provided a fantastic presentation and answering all of our questions on these French Cru Bourgeois.

Wines Presented:
Château Haut-Barrail – Médoc appellation – 2012 vintage
Château Les Ormes Sorbet – Médoc appellation – 2012 vintage
Château Dillon – Haut-Médoc appellation – 2011 vintage
Château Magnol – Haut-Médoc appellation – 2012 vintage
Château l’Ermitage – Listrac-Médoc appellation – 2009 vintage
Château Le Crock – Saint-Estèphe appellation – 2012 vintage
+

Louis Bouillot Cremant de Bourgogne, Perle de Vigne “Grande Réserve” Brut
Louis Bouillot Cremant de Bourgogne, Perle d'Aurore, Brut Rosé

                                                        News & Updates
AWS Meadowlands Chapter is now 50 members! Thank you for a stellar membership drive and for your on-going participation.

*  April 22 was also Earth Day.   Meadowlands Chapter handed perennial potted flowers to all guests who attended.  Plant them in your gardens and enjoy the blooming flowers thought out spring & summer.

* National Wine Tasting Project: I have accumulated all of the required Rhone style wines and will send out dates to those who requested to partake in this event. Rhone Style Wines from US.

* River Cruise for Wine Lovers, hosted by Paul Wagner and Madeline Triffon is scheduled for April 2017. Read about the Blue Danube Discovery; visit AmericanWineSociety.org for more details.

* Last Barrel Sampling takes place on Saturday May 14th @ 1 – 4 PM. Please settle up if you have AWS cases coming to you. Your receipts are key to the number of cases. April is the last month. See me if you have questions.

* Welcome to new members: Kelly & Patrick

Distinct Thanks: John and Diann of Make Wine with Us, Danny Klein AWS RVP, and our pours Dan and Phil.    Additional information on Tracy's curriculum vitae: http://tracyellenkamens.com/

 American Wine Society chapters of  New Jersey is now 242 active members.  Congratulations!

                                                                                        Post updated 4/18
      AWS Meadowlands:  Presenting:  Firriato Winery  

Sicily, the largest island in the Mediterranean sea is home to Firriato Winery.    Firriato Winery produces some of this islands spectacular wines.   We were fortunate to obtain for presentation various bottle of these precious gems.  

In this round of tastings the group sampled the listed Italian wines below from the appellation I.G.T.  Of Sicily.   Most of these varietals come from their Firriato vineyards located on the west side of the island with the exception of La Sabbie Dell Etna, these come from the foot of Mount Etna located on the eastern side of Sicily.

-          La Sabbie Dell Etna 2014; Type : Bianco :  Etna DOC /  Varietal: 60% Carricante, 40% Cattaratto
   La Sabbie Dell Etna 2014; Type : Rosso : Etna DOC / Varietal : Nerello Mascalese - Nerello Cappuccio

-          Chiaramonte  2013; Type: Red / Varietal: Nero d'Avola -  6 Months in American durmast barriques.

-          Quater  2011; Type Red ; Indicative blend: Nero d'Avola, Perricone, Frappato and Nerello Cappuccio.  * This rare red blend was a treat, made from unusual or rarely seen combinations of grape varieties which really stood out.  

-          Harmonium  2011; Type: Red / Varietal: Nero d'Avola - 12 Months in French/American durmast barriques

-          Ribeca  2011;  Type: Red /  Verietal: Perricone – 10 to 12 Months in French durmast barriques

Based on the American Wine Society scoring here are averages collected from the group. (With some brief descriptors as provided)      

Etna Bianco – score: 12.5 / Descriptors:  White Flowers, pears, bright minerals, short finish.

Etna Rosso – score: 15 /   Descriptors:  Black berries, figs, walnut, some minerals, soft spices, balanced finish and body.  

Quater 4 – score: 17 /        Descriptors: plumb, currants, black berries, fig, cedar, warm, oak, balanced, structured.

Chiaramonte – score: 15 /  Descriptors: Dark ruby, intense plum,  dates, cherry, pepper, soft leather.  

Harmonium – score: 16 /    Descriptors: Deep ruby, black cherry, white pepper, oak, raisins, coco, balanced, long finish.

Ribeca – score : 17 /          Descriptors: Red ruby to edge, heat, warm herbs, deep red berries, good balance of medium to high acidity and tannins.  (Heat is referenced as “high” alcohol detected)

* Legend: 18 - 20 Extraordinary;    15 - 17 Excellent;    12 - 14 Good;    9 - 11 Commercially Acceptable 

* These are available thought Clifton’s Stew Lenard’s store so ask for them by name,  

* Stay tuned for more FIRRIATO WINERY sessions, dates to be announced.

American Wine Society Meadowlands Chapter is Northern NJ's largest consumer based wine organization.  

          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.