Sep tember 2015Wine Club Ne wsle tter

A predominantly dry winter led to an early spring, causing our estate vineyards to develop slightly ahead of their normal timeline this year. We were fortunate that despite drought conditions, we experienced two significant rain events in December 2014 and in February 2015. These two storms filled the seven lakes at our Dollarhide Estate Vineyard. The vineyard team carefully manages our use of the water from these lakes for frost protection in the winter and early spring, as well as for irrigation throughout the year. We recently hired a geologist and she is diligently working on how to improve and reduce our water usage in our vineyards.

Other changes to the Dollarhide vineyard this year include the planting of a new vineyard block of Cabernet Sauvignon at an elevation of 900 ft. and replanting an older parcel of Cabernet Sauvignon including changing the row orientation to improve sun exposure. We also performed field grafting which involves transferring canes from some our favorite grapevines to propagate the highest quality fruit. Because we have farmed our Dollarhide Estate Vineyard since 1982, our team has amassed a tremendous knowledge of the soils and microclimates to best cultivate our vineyards.

The first telling sign that harvest is drawing near is when veraison, pronounced ve-ray-zhon, begins to take place in the vineyards. This is when the grapes shift from a growth stage to a ripening stage, which began in early July this year. This is most noticeable in the red grape varieties as they turn a rich purple color but the white grape varieties also change to a beautiful golden hue.

Another way we determine when it’s time to harvest is by measuring brix levels. This is measured in degrees, which represent approximately 1% of sugar per degree. While we are regularly checking brix levels starting mid to late summer, we are equally concerned with phenolic ripeness which involves a balance of tannins and mouthfeel. We prune and thin grape clusters which do not meet our ideal standard, so the remaining fruit receives all of the attention from the vine. The result is richer and more concentrated fruit.

We have been grateful for another year of wonderful growing conditions but know that Mother Nature still has plenty of input between now and the end of harvest. We’ll be sure to let you know how harvest turns out in our estate vineyards this year, and hope to see you at the winery!

Vineyard Report

This Semillon presents with brilliant, sparkling pale yellow hues. Vibrant aromas of lemon, lime and guava combine with marmalade and pear. The palate is rich with opulent lime and lemon with toasted oak and a subtle hint of fennel. This wine is bright and rich, while maintaining a beautiful balance.

This Malbec presents with deep, vibrant purple hues. Dark fruit aromas of blackberry, blueberry and plum combine with licorice and pepper with toasted oak in the background. Flavors of black plum, blueberry pie, ground pepper and a subtle oak complete the profile. This is a dark and dense wine with excellent texture and gentle finish.

Estate Club

Retail Price: $30.00Club Price: $24.00

2014 Dollarhide Estate Vineyard Semillon

2012 Dollarhide Estate Vineyard Malbec

Tandoori Chicken Slider Grilled Leg of Lamb with Eggplant

This hearty lamb dish is beautifully balanced with an herb marinade and grilled eggplant and peppers. A perfect meal as the heat of summer cools down and autumn settles in.

Our winery chef uses honey, mint and yogurt to pack a diverse selection of flavors into each bite of these tantalizing sliders perfectly suited for the last days of grilling.

Pairs nicely withPairs nicely with

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Retail Price: $50.00Club Price: $40.00

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Get This Recipe:www.stsupery.com/recipes/grilled-leg-of-lamb

Deep hues of purple and red reflect the density of this wine. Aromas of blackberry and raspberry are met with nuances of espresso, dark chocolate mocha, a hint of graphite, and toasted oak. Sweet ripe blackberry and black plum dominate the palate with notes of anise and charred oak in the background. This is a centered wine with a tremendous, supple texture.

Pale yellow hues are enhanced by youthful streaks of green. Peaches and tropical mango drive the opulent, rich fruit bowl that is filled with a bounty of kiwi, passion fruit and marmalade. These elegant flavors continue with the vibrancy of apricot, tropical melons and a zippy orange zest to complete this exciting sweet white wine.

Retail Price: $100.00Club Price: $80.00

Retail Price: $25.00Club Price: $20.00

2012 Rutherford Estate Vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon

2013 Napa Valley Estate Moscato

Divine Club Moscato Club

Grilled New York Strip Steak Peach and Ginger Galette

Chef Sean O’Toole gives the classic combination of steak and potatoes a new twist by braising the potatoes and adding a side of zucchini and a sprinkling of olives.

This divine dessert is a delicious combination of bright fresh peaches, spicy ginger, buttery pie crust and nutty, rich toasted almonds.

Pairs nicely withPairs nicely with

Get This Recipe:www.stsupery.com/recipes/new-york-strip-steak

Get This Recipe:www.stsupery.com/recipes/peach-and-ginger-galette

Dollarhide Ranch boasts 500 acres of grapevines, in addition to an orchard of 1,200 fruit trees including apples, nectarines, pluots and 87 varieties of peaches. For several years now, we have been taking the fruit to local restaurants, using it at the winery for our Interactive Wine Experiences and making fruit preserves which we sell in small quantities at the winery. Inspired by our fruit orchard, we planted an acre of gardens around the winery in Rutherford last year. Our Winery Chef, Ari Spiewak, works with our viticulture team to plant an array of produce. Vegetables can be tricky wine pairings, however, so Chef Ari joined forces with sommelier Scott Tracy to offer a Veggies + Vino tasting designed to help you pair your favorite vegetables with wine. There is an equal focus on ingredients and preparation. Members and guests have been incredibly positive about learning ways to pair healthy dishes with their favorite

wines. If you are able to visit the winery, we highly recommend the Veggies + Vino tasting. If you can’t make it to the winery this year, go online to www.stsupery.com/recipes for recipes you can try at home. Please let us know your feedback and send us pictures of your creations.

Veggies and Vino

St. Supéry Estate Vineyards & Winery • 8440 St. Helena Hwy • Rutherford, CA 94573 wineclub@stsupery.com • www.stsupery.com •1.866.612.club (2582)

2015 - 2016 Wine Club Shipments

Please contact us if you would like to combine shipments or order additional wines to save on shipping costs.

our moscato club ships in April, September and December

Estate ClubOctober

2014 Napa Valley Estate Virtú2012 Napa Valley Estate Élu

December2014 Dollarhide Estate Vineyard Chardonnay

2012 Rutherford Estate Vineyard Merlot

February2013 Rutherford Estate Vineyard Cabernet Franc

2015 Napa Valley Estate Sauvignon Blanc

April2013 Dollarhide Elevation

2015 Napa Valley Estate Oak Free Chardonnay

May2012 Dollarhide Estate Vineyard Petit Verdot

2015 Dollarhide Estate Vineyard Sauvignon Blanc

September2015 Dollarhide Estate Vineyard Semillon2013 Dollarhide Estate Vineyard Malbec

Divine ClubOctober

2008 Rutherford Estate Vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon

December2007 Dollarhide Estate Vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon

February2005 Dollarhide Estate Vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon

April2013 Dollarhide Elevation

May2009 Napa Valley Estate Élu

September2013 Rutherford Estate Vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon

Send us your photos and stories! We love to receive fun pictures of our Members enjoying St. Supéry Estate wines around the world and hearing the stories of each occasion. Who knows, we may even include your picture and story in an upcoming newsletter! Simply e-mail us, wineclub@stsupery.com. Thanks!

Shipment selections may be subject to change.

Estate grown. Family Owned.S u s t a i n a b l y F a r m e d .C e r t i f i e d N a p a G r e e n .

Host your own private wine experience at St. Supéry Estate for groups of 6 or larger. Wine Club Member benefits include the option to host your own Spring Fling for 24 or more guests. Contact Shannon DeDora, Private

Experiences & Education Manager, at 707.302.3433 or via email at shannon@stsupery.com to start planning.