California Wine Club GIVEAWAY! 12/20

Last month, I did a post featuring our experience with California Wine Club. We really enjoyed trying wines that, without this opportunity, we may have never gotten the chance to try. Many of the wineries featured are smaller California wineries that provide unique selections of wine chock full of local flavor.

Here's a bit more about California Wine Club:

This is a very unique service that offers wine lovers the chance to sample a huge selection of wines on a monthly basis. These wines come straight from smaller, lesser known wineries in the beautiful state of California! I don't know if you're aware, but smaller vineyards often produce superior wines. When you take a sip, you'll be discovering a local treasure full of flavor and cultural depth.

Here is a word from California Wine Club's owner, Bruce Boring:
For years Pam and I were frustrated trying to find truly great wine. Selecting a decent bottle of wine from thousands of pretty labels with prices ranging from $5-$35 was difficult at the best of times. We were always happiest with wine recommendations from friends.

So, that's what we wanted to do with The California Wine Club, start a wine of the month club that was just like "one friend recommending a great bottle of wine to another friend".

We are now celebrating 20 years of business and the wine adventures keep getting better! Pam and I knew that there were hundreds of small, family-owned wineries dedicated to producing exceptional wine ... and it was this wine that we wanted to share with our monthly wine club members. Each month we travel California's wine country searching out the wineries, meeting the families and tasting the wines that never make it to local stores or wine shops.


This is why it was so easy to guarantee that our wine of the month club members and gift recipients will never receive any bulk, closeout or private label wines...ever. Each and every wine we select comes from a real working winery and is backed by our 100% guarantee.

With four wine of the month clubs to choose from, we have wine selections and wine gifts to suit all tastes and all budgets. To learn more click any of the following links:

• Premier Club - Our most popular club!
• Signature Series - For collectors and connoisseurs!
• International Selections - From small "mom & pop" wineries around the world.
• Aged Cabernet Series - Napa's most prestigious Cabernets aged 8 - 12 years.

The California Wine Club is a different kind of wine of the month club...a difference you'll taste with your first shipment!

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For December, we received 2 bottles of wine from Daniel Gehrs Winery. One was a white, Chenin Blanc, and the other was a nice, deep Merlot.

Daniel Gehrs Chenin Blanc:
This is our first Chenin Blanc to carry the Santa Barbara County Appellation since 2004. The grape source is altogether new. The sprawling, White Hills Vineyard near Santa Maria, was planted in the early 1980's. The Chenin Blanc vines are ideally situated on a moderate south-facing slope in deep, sandy soil. Production is very moderate by California standards, and the quality high. The slow fermentation took place entirely in stainless steel over a long, 72 day period at steady, cool temperatures. An early 2011 bottling has captured and full vitality of this classic variety, vineyard and vintage with lovely aromas of honey and flowers wedded to complex flavors of fresh pears and quince. DRG 1/11

Daniel Gehrs Merlot:
2009 Merlot, Central Coast, 87% Merlot, 9% Malbec, 4% Cabernet Franc. $20.00
After three back-to-back small vintages due to drought, frost and assorted fits of weather 2009 arrived with a strong, successful bloom, a warm but mild summer and a dry sunny autumn which was perfect for ripening a full crop of Merlot.  Fermentation in temperature controlled stainless steel, gentle pressing followed by patient aging in a cool, cellar environment reveal here a lovely and fragrant wine.  The in-blending of Malbec and Cabernet Franc in the above percentages adds the complexity of cranberry and blueberry respectively to the ripe, black cherry and tanned leather fragrance typical of Merlot.  Delicious, soft, lip-smacking tannins give length and structure to the finish.  Enjoy over the next 3-4 years.  DRG 11/10

Our Opinion:

We really enjoyed both wines. Dan preferred the Chenin Blanc, but that was no surprise since he's not a fan of reds. I liked them both equally, even though they're very different wines. I enjoy both whites and reds though, depending on my mood and what's being paired with it.

The Chenin Blanc was nice and crisp, with a fruity, floral aroma. It was slightly sweet, but not as much as a Moscato would be. There was no lingering aftertaste, and it is incredibly smooth. This is truly a wine lover's wine, and is sure to please most palates.

Naturally, the Merlot had a deep, complex  flavor. It was delightful to drink, especially with steak and potatoes. I loved the fact that this wine wasn't sweet, but still decidedly fruity. Dan didn't have more than one glass, but he did admit that for a red, it was quite impressive. Coming from him, that was a huge compliment!

I would definitely recommend checking out the California Wine Club. Each month, you'll receive amazing wines hand-picked for their excellence. This would also make a wonderful gift for all of the wine lovers on your gift lists!

HOW TO CONNECT :

You can check out the awesomeness that is California Wine Club on their website.

You can also connect with them on Facebook and on twitter to stay on top of their latest offerings and promotions!

WIN IT !

I am thrilled to announce that one lucky reader will receive a $50 California Wine Club Gift Certificate! How cool is that?!

Simply enter using the easy Rafflecopter form below!

This giveaway is open to US Residents 21+ until 11:59PM December 20, 2012. No PO Boxes. Winners will be drawn using Rafflecopter's Random Number Generator. All entries will be verified, so play fair! I will notify winner via e-mail and they will have 48 hours to reply before I am forced to redraw winners. No purchase necessary. Void where prohibited. This contest is not affiliated with Facebook in any way. Thanks for entering, and Good Luck!

***Disclosure: This review was made possible by Mom Spark Media. Thoughts are my own. I received a 2 month Membership to the California Wine Club for the purpose of this review.***

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