1975-01 January Classic Newsletter

January 1975 Selection of California Wine

JOHANNISBERG RIESLING 1971 FREEMARK ABBEY

Compare and remember is the name of the game with wine enthusiasts. Here is a chance to practice that. We bring you another California Riesling by a leading premium winery. Freemark Abbey. Quality and specialization is their thing. This wine is one of the four varietals that Freemark Abbey only produces. Fermentation is in stainless steel tanks which is finished in American oak tanks. All Freemark Abbey wines are 100% varietals.

The wine shows a pale green-gold color, a big typical varietal nose that is clear and clean. In the mouth it is subtly dry, with a soft texture reflecting the ripe grape flavor. It is sturdy without being aggressive. Absolutely delightful. Serve as a sipping wine, or with white meat dishes. $4.00/fifth -- $43.20/case

January 1975 Selection of Imported Wine

BOURGOGNE - 1962 - BERNARD ROY

No Chateau romance in this wine, but good basic prod¬uct age and a good buy.

The declining French wine market has produced a flurry of excellent offers in value. The discriminating merchant can now make some remarkable buys and pass them on to his clients. Here is a good example.

A regional French Burgundy with 12 years behind it in ageing. It has smoothed out and is ready to drink. It is a buy at the price offered.

The wine has a delightful deep red color, showing slight ageing at the edges. The nose is big, fruity and quite open The bouquet is typical Burgundy, smooth, some wood, with a hint of the burgundian sugar at the end. Lots of fruit. I can't stop tasting this one. Serve with hearty red meat dishes - Chalk up another price/quality discovery for us. $3.25/fifth $35.10/case

Are you a Sauterne fancier?

Recently Robert Balzer wrote in the Home Section of the Los Angeles Times about Chateau Monbazillac 1970. It is a delightful sauterne from France with a very reasonable price tag. We have been able to obtain some despite the fact that these wines usually disappear from the market for a few weeks due to the publicity they receive. $2.95/fifth.

Thursday, January 30, 1975 ...is the date set for the next Les Amis du Vin Wine Tasting and Seminar. Robert L. Balzer, prestigious wine evaluator, reporter, and connoisseur in the world of wines and foods, wine and food editor for Holiday magazine, Home magazine section of the Los Angeles Times, and his own Balzer's Private Guide to Food and Wine, will be our speaker. Pinot Chardonnay's will be the fare for the day.

The event will be held at Galley West Restaurant, Marineland, in Rancho Palos Verdes. (7:30 mixer, 8:00 start) Reservation forms are available at the shop. Stop by or phone for them.

*A special section for older vintages is developing in our shop. Here are some recent additions from special sources:

Cabernet Sauvignon Beaulieu Vineyard

-Cabernet Sauvignon Simi. 1935. $42.50
-Cabernet Sauvignon Louis M. Martini Special Selection. 1964. / $15.00