San Francisco Bay Area Wine-Tasting #1,475: Rhône-Style Reds with Our Member Jim Concannon

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VINTNERS CLUB
a California non-profit public-benefit corporation
(founded in 1971)
36 Southridge West
Tiburon, California 94920
Telephone: (415) 381-4467                                                      Facsimile: (415) 381-4460
Website:  http://www.vintnersclub.com                                   E-mail: info@vintnersclub.com
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TASTING #1,475: RHÔNE-STYLE REDS WITH OUR MEMBER JIM CONCANNON
followed by
OPTIONAL WINE-PAIRING DINNER

6:00 p.m., Tuesday, August 26, at VILLA TAVERNA, San Francisco

Of the dozens of varietals grown in the Rhône Valley of France, Syrah is widely regarded as the quality leader.  In the revered appellations of Hermitage and Côte-Rôtie, this noble red grape produces phenomenally elegant wines.  It can also produce magnificent wines bursting with fruit in locations as diverse as California and Australia (where it is known as Shiraz).  

We invite you to join our member Jim Concannon and fellow Rhône-enthusiasts in a blind tasting of the current releases of TWELVE of the finest from France, California and Australia.  For generations going back to the 1800s, the Concannon family has played an important role in the evolution of California's wine industry.  Most recently, Jim was awarded the California 2007 Lifetime Achievement Award.  We are looking forward to tasting these wines alongside this distinguished and gracious gentleman, hearing about his family's history, and his role in the development of the celebrated “Concannon Clones”. 

• Audelssa Estate Winery, Zephyr, Sonoma Valley
• Paul Jaboulet Ainé Hermitage, La Chapelle, La Roche de Glun, France
• Austin Hope Winery, Hope Family Vineyard, Paso Robles
• Chapoutier, Crozes-Hermitage, "Petite Ruche", Tain, France
• Concannon Vineyard, Reserve, Livermore Valley
• D'Arenberg, Dead Arm, McLaren Vale, South Australia
• Ramey Wine Cellars, Rodgers Creek Vineyard, Sonoma Coast,
• Rocca Family Winery, Yountville, Napa Valley
• Silkwood Wines, Stanislaus County
• Stephan Vineyards, L'Aventure, Côte a Côte Estate, Paso Robles
• Zaca Mesa, Black Bear Block, Santa Ynez Valley
• Selection of the 12th wine is being finalized

The Vintners Club provides a separate Riedel cristal glass for each wine (TWELVE glasses for TWELVE wines).  Thus, we are able to compare the wines side-by-side and to experience their evolution as the evening progresses.  Bremner wafers are provided to refresh the palate.  Comfortable seating allows us to enjoy the wines in a relaxed and elegant atmosphere--- no jostling or standing in long lines.  You only need to bring an inquisitive palate, a pencil and some good cheer.  

PRICE FOR THE TASTING: $85/member; $115/non-member 

OPTIONAL DINNER, 7:45 p.m.

Warm Poached Norwegian Salmon with a Rousanne-Beurre Blanc Sauce
2007 Rousanne, Zaca Mesa Winery, Santa Ynez Valley

Sautéed Veal Chop, Sauce Syrah, Seasonal Vegetables & Dauphin Potatoes
2001 Selected Reserve Syrah, Silkwood Wines, Stanislaus County
2003 C Côte-Rôtie, Domaine de Bonserine, La Sarrasine, Ampuis, France
2004 Heritage Petite Sirah, Concannon Vineyard, Livermore Valley
2005 Zephyr, Audelssa Estate Winery, Sonoma Valley
2006 Grenache, Austin Hope Winery, Hope Family Vineyard, Paso Robles
2003 Reserve Estate Petite Sirah, Foppiano Vineyards, Russian River Valley

Triple Mousse of Dark Belgian Chocolate
2006 Late Harvest Petite Sirah, Clayhouse Estate, Paso Robles

Coffee/Tea

PRICE FOR THE DINNER ONLY: $135/member, $165/non-member.  Price includes all wines.  Price also includes 20% gratuity, 8.75% sales tax, and corkage charges (which can be as high as $50/bottle).  It is widely recognized that the all-inclusive prices of Vintners Club dinners are a terrific value given the generous selection of outstanding and unusual wines, the quality of the food, the ambiance, and the camaraderie.  
            
DISCOUNTED PRICE TO ATTEND THE TASTING PLUS THE DINNER:  
a)  $85 (for tasting) plus $130 (for dinner)/member.    
b)  $115 (for tasting) plus $160 (for dinner)/non-member. 

Visa/Mastercard information should be faxed to the Vintners Club at (415) 381-4460.  Be sure to include your complete name, address and telephone number.

Deadline to cancel a reservation and be entitled to receive a refund is 10 a.m. on August 20.   

VENUE: Villa Taverna, 27 Hotaling Place, San Francisco, located in the vicinity of the Transamerica Building, adjacent to the intersection of Montgomery and Washington Streets.  This private dining club requests that attendees wear business attire.  To help all of us enjoy the bouquets of the wines, we would appreciate no perfumes, colognes, or after-shave.