Grapevine Gazette | August 2023

WINE: A SECONDCHANCE

LOVE STORY

-Richard Fuller, Club Sommelier

My first introduction to wine was a traumatic experience...

The first time I was introduced to wine was quite a traumatic experience for 12-year-old Richard. I remember it like it was yesterday - when a curious and incredibly dusty bottle of halfconsumed Kendall Jackson 'Vintner's Reserve' Pinot Grigio had gotten the best of me.

I pulled its cork that was barely even in the bottle. (Honestly, I could’ve tapped the side and it would’ve fallen out, if that paints you a clear enough picture of the “quality” of this wine ) I reluctantly sniffed the bottle and was immediately taken back by an intense burning sensation in my nose. But, true to form for a kid, I took a sip After the trauma that unfolded when that “wine” hit my lips, I thought I’d never willingly take a sip of wine again...

Not to worry - the rest of my childhood memories were not overshadowed by that darkest day, because growing up, I lived on the most beautiful and widest part of the Mississippi River.

The river’s beautiful glass-like calmness, eagles lining the trees, a few stubborn local sailboats motoring across the lake, silence, and all of it encapsulated and protected by deep green

I'm often asked,

My knowledge of wine back then was minimal at best (I thought Cabernet Sauvignon were two different grapes), and my first encounter had left me with a bitter taste, both literally and figuratively.

One of the reasons I left my hometown is because, despite its tranquility, I knew there was so much more out there Although sheltered, I knew it couldn't all be for me, but that didn’t stop me;

I left my hometown, moved to a bigger city, went to school for IT and eventually became a welder.

Fast forward to my reintroduction to wine… My dad got sick, I moved back home and my cousin got me a job at a relatively new local winery, Villa Belleza (if you’re ever in Wisconsin, I encourage you to visit this absolute anomaly – you won’t regret it).

With Dad getting sick, my move back home wasn’t entirely something I had willingly chosen Abandoning my established role as a welder and stepping into the radically different world of wine wasn’t exactly my dream scenario either (especially given my traumatic childhood experience) I was uncomfortable, skeptical and hesitant to embrace this new life

Despite my initial reluctance and skepticism, I committed to it fully I started immersing myself in the process From the cultivation of grapes to the magic in the cellars, and I found myself being irresistibly drawn to it all. It was a complex dance of art, science, tradition, and innovation, which I found deeply captivating

To my surprise, my cousin proved to be the perfect guide for this new journey into this new world He introduced me to a diverse range of wines, shared their histories, and taught me the delicate art of wine appreciation. Even though I didn’t always enjoy the taste, I began to grasp the artistry and passion behind each bottle. I had fallen, unexpectedly and irrevocably, in love with wine

A few more leaps of faith, twists and turns, and that's how I ended up here, today, as your Sommelier I never would’ve experienced the magic of what wine can be if I didn’t take those steps to get outside of my comfort zone, and I’m happy I did.

Finding a new favorite or opening a door into a new sector of the wine world is so unbelievably exciting - and I want to be sure I get the privilege of sharing this experience with you. So, next time you’re in The Veranda, pull me aside and let’s see what kind of new favorites we can uncover for you!

"Why would I ever leave a place like this?"

CELLAR?

R E D

2 0 1 8 T o m m a s o B u s s o l a V a l p o l i c e l l a S u p e r i o r e R i p a s s o ‘ C a d e l L a i t o ’

2 0 1 7 S m i t h - M a d r o n e C a b e r n e t S a u v i g n o n

2 0 1 8 C h a t e a u d e s B a c h e l a r d s C o m t e s s e d e V a z e i l l e s M o u l i n - a - V e n t

2 0 2 1 C r i s t o m P i n o t N o i r ‘ M t . J e f f e r s o n C u v e e ’

2 0 1 9 D a r i o u s h C a b e r n e t S a u v i g n o n ‘ C a r a v a n ’

2 0 1 9 R a c i n e s P i n o t N o i r S t a . R i t a H i l l s

2 0 2 1 D o m a i n e d e P a u l l u s C h i n o n M e s s a n g e s R o u g e

2 0 1 9 S e v e n t e e n b y P i n e a R i b e r a d e l D u e r o

W H I T E , S P A R K L I N G A N D R O S E

2 0 2 1 S a n F e l o A s l a n V e r m e n t i n o

2 0 1 5 W e i n g u t H e r m a n n M o s e r G r u n e r V e l t l i n e r ‘ G e b l i n g ’

2 0 2 0 R u d i P i c h l e r K i r c h w e g R i e s l i n g ‘ S m a r a g d ’

2 0 2 0 J . L . C h a v e S e l e c t i o n C r o z e s - H e r m i t a g e B l a n c

2 0 2 0 J . L . C h a v e S e l e c t i o n C r o z e s - H e r m i t a g e B l a n c

2 0 2 1 B l o o m e r C r e e k P e t - N a t R i e s l i n g / W i l d A p p l e

2 0 2 1 B l o o m e r C r e e k P e t - N a t R i e s l i n g S k i n - F e r m e n t e d

2 0 2 2 L e s L a u z e r a i e s T a v e l R o s e

2 0 2 1 D o m a i n e d u C o l o m b i e r C h a b l i s G r a n d C r u B o u g r o s

Specials Specials Specials and

Exclusive Far Niente Cabernet Sale

Retail Price? $160.00/bottle

Far Niente Wine Club Price? $160.00/bottle

Exclusive Peninsula Club Members' Price: ⭐$112.50/bottle

We've got bottles from all over the world and a wide range of vintages! Your mystery pack is a random selection of wines at an impossible price to beat. In your Mystery pack you will receive:

6 pack: 2 red 1/2 bottles and 4 standard size bottles of a mixed variety

12 pack: 4 red 1/2 bottles and 8 standard size bottles of a mixed variety

Chef & Somm

Back and Better Than Ever...

The Peninsula Club

Chef'sTable

Makeyourreservationtodayforanunforgettable culinaryexperiencecraftedbyourExecutiveChef andSommelier:

Abeautifulfivecoursedinnerwithwinesperfectly pairedforeachcoursefromyourchoiceof6 premierepre-fixedmenuoptions.

AvailableWednesdayandThursdayeveningsin theVeranda.

Accommodates6to8guestsat$125.00per person.

Chef'sTablesmustbebooked2weeksinadvanceofrequesteddate.Contact RichardFulleratrichard.fuller@thepeninsulaclub.com or704-439-2916.

New! InTheVeranda:

3 Course Pre-Fixed Menu

August 23 - September 2

Take the guess work out of making the perfect pairings; elevate your dining experience and allow us to do it for you!

For a limited time, we invite you to enjoy a pre-fixed 3-course dinner option meticulously put together from our Chefs and Sommelier.

Somm's Sips

These monthly featured wines are some of my favorites that I will personally pour for you to try when visiting The Veranda.

2022 Girard Sancerre ‘Cuvee Silex’ | $27.49 per bottle

"Meyer lemons, ruby grapefruit, juicy nectarines, lemongrass, and fresh floral aromas. The wine strikes a perfect balance of brightness, ripeness and laser acidity. Fresh citrus and herbal flavors give way to a clean, chalky, minerally finish."

The ‘Silex’ soil produces the most sought-after Sancerre thanks to their elegance and their intense minerality - there's no hiding it here. This is the Sancerre that belongs in everyone's fridge.

2019 Details by Sinegal Cabernet Sauvignon | $25.44 per bottle

"Aromas of violets and ripe raspberries and notes of sage, allspice, and a touch of balsamic reduction. On the palate, the entry is lush but reserved, followed by a richness rounded out by silky tannins. Flavors of black currant, blueberry compote, earthy mineral notes and fresh acidity."

Vibrant and explosive in the glass. This inky, structured Cabernet is the best I have ever tasted at this price point, and I'm excited to pour it for you.

2021 Paul Cluver Elgin Chardonnay | $16.66 per bottle

"The aroma is a captivating combination of ripe orchard fruits with a hint of zesty citrus. These fruit notes are elegantly complemented by just a touch of baking spices from the French oak. Vibrant fruit flavors and subtle oak nuances, again, adding just a touch of creamy texture and a dash of spice."

This South African Chardonnay is made in a French style. The finish is enduring with a surprisingly refreshing citrus zest. It's a delightful fusion of New World vibrancy and Old World sophistication. It's about time South African wine gets the respect it deserves, and this wine is a great example of the value-driven wines taking the world by storm.

2010 Chateau Potensac Bordeaux | $60.21 per bottle

"Extremely complex aromas of dark bramble fruits, graphite, tobacco, leather, black-earth and a hint of spice, indicative of its structured and full-bodied character. On the palate it unfolds layers of rich bramble fruits mixed with notes of spice, earth and further compounds the aromas on the nose, with a long and supple finish."

The 2010 Left Bank Bordeaux is a modern take on a classic vintage. This wine is structured, tannic, and full-bodied, requiring significant aging… but that's already taken care of!

WINE ORDERS, TO GO!

All of Your Wine Needs Fullfilled At Your Club

Available to All Members:

ConvenientPickUp

No need to trek to a busy store or wait for a delivery at home. Whether you're enjoying a relaxing meal, finishing an invigorating round of golf, or simply strolling around the greens, your selected wines will be ready for you!

ExclusiveWines,UniqueOfferingsandExceptionalPrices

From rare vintages to small-batch releases - The Club receives unique and exclusive wines that can't be found in other establishments. Unlike traditional retailers, we aren't constrained by profit margins and sales targets; our priority is purely your enjoyment.

PersonalSommelierService

Not sure what to order? Our Sommelier, is Your Sommelier. With this personalized service, you will receive professional guidance from someone who not only understands wine but understands your personal tastes. Let Richard craft an order that fits your palette (even if you're not sure what that is!)

PlaceYourOrderToday: Contact Richard Fuller at Richard.Fuller@thepeninsulaclub.com