CHAMBERS Rosewood Vineyards

Vol.62 2014( 02 6032 8641 7 02 6032 8101 + PO Box 8 Rutherglen 3685 : chambers@chambersrosewood.com.au

Barkly Street Rutherglen Victoria 3685, AUSTRALIA Editor - Roberta Horne

THE LEGEND CONTINUES

We’re particularly pleased to share the exciting news that two of our wines, started by Rosewood’s third generation winemaker Will Chambers, have been included in the ‘Outstanding’ category in the recently released ‘Langton’s Classification of Australian Wines VI.’

The Rare Muscat and Rare Muscadelle were amongst only 16 new entries on the listing which was first drawn up by Master of Wine Andrew Caillard 25 years ago as he endeavoured to catalogue Australia’s best performing fine wines when they came to auction.

Over the years the listing has gained recognition as an invaluable reference source for collectors as, unlike the immediacy of wineshow results, wines earn their place on this listing by their journey, their track record, through the secondary market.

This list was all the more noteworthy because Rutherglen has finally taken its rightful place amongst the nation’s major wine regions. These intrinsically Australian wine styles have also been acknowledged for the first time ever and included “because they have an important, enduring and nowadays measurable presence in the auction market.”

Head of Langton’s fine wine auctions, Tamara Grischy, says scarcity; demand; vintage and condition; quality and overall market sentiment are factored into the price people are prepared to pay at auction. Naturally, prices will continue to grow as these wines become less available.

Yes they are superstars, yes they have a correspondingly high price tag but they remain excellent value. Mind you, they may not necessarily be wrapped in newspaper in future should you decide to indulge yourself!

Co-incidentally the American Wine Spectator Insider maga-zine also announced awards for both wines and described their stable mates as “towering expressions of rare gems” scored out of a possible100 points and with which “value-seekers can’t go wrong.”

• RareMuscat98points• RareMuscadelle95points• GrandMuscat94points• SpecialMuscadelle94points• RutherglenMuscat90points

What’s all the more remarkable is the totally seamless transition of Rosewood’s winemaking function. You may be surprised to learn that our 6th generation winemaker, Stephen Chambers, is the one who has been blending these wines for the last 14 years!

I’m sure you’ll agree that following on from our legendary Bill Chambers OAM is a very steep hill to climb and Stephen is a most worthy baton bearer.

“If you don’t read the newspaper you are uninformed,if you do read the newspaper you are misinformed.”

Mark Twain

THEVINESAREA’CHANGING

What will we do if American scientists are right in predicting “19 to 73 percent of the land suitable for grape growing in various wine-producing areas will cease to be appropriate for viticulture by 2050?”

We have all seen and understand the impact of seasonal variations from one vintage to another but it does make you wonder how our world will look if global climate shifts continue.

We’ve already seen a proliferation of vineyards in the UK and there was a recent report of a chef and food writer who has planted a vineyard in Fife, yes Fife in Scotland! He was very encouraged by how well his plantings of early ripening Solaris vines fared in last summer’s balmy temperatures of over 20 degrees Celsius.

Then there’s China where their interest in wine, in spite of their government’s crackdown on consumerism, has emerged as the world’s biggest consumers of red wine. They are taking serious and innovative steps to optimize the opportunities this represents for their local growers and to producers. In one area alone they have more than 55,000 hectares of berries intended for winemaking. Rather than wine grapes they are using Wolfberries (Goji berries) which are high in antioxidants so they can produce red wine that tastes good and has health benefits.

The thing is grape vines are pretty demanding. Will Rosewood’s ancient varieties be able to adapt to the vagaries of changing conditions? Should we also be looking to alternative varieties or perhaps even relocate to another area? We’ll also need to think about how this will impact on our taste preferences in the future.

Nothing is certain but it’s quite possible that our grandchildren could possibly be calling into Rosewood to pick up dates, figs or maybe olives!

LOW STOCK ALERT

2005 Shiraz & Blue Imperial2011 Light Muscat

2008 Rosewood Riesling (Semi Sweet)2009 Autumn White

SEASONAL DEALS

As you will see in the payment area on the price list, you are now able to pay via Direct Debit - straight from your bank to ours.

Please ensure you quote your name or invoice number in the reference area so we can identify the payment correctly.

SIP & SOCIALISE 3 bottles x 2010 The Family3 bottles x 2005 Shiraz & Blue Imperial3 bottles x 2009 Chardonnay 1 bottle x Rutherglen Muscadelle (375ml) 1 bottle x Rutherglen Muscat1 bottle x 2003 Old Cellar$145 plus freight

BLOODSWEAT&CHEERS 3 bottles x 2009 Shiraz3 bottles x 2007 Merlot3 bottles x 2007 Cabernet Sauvignon3 bottles x 2006 Blue Imperial$150 plus freight

WINTERSURVIVALKIT 2 flagons x Tawny2 flagons x Ruby$100 plus freight

JACKFROST’SFRIENDS2 bottles x Dry Flor Apera2 bottles x Sweet Amber Apera2 bottles x Cream Apera$95 plus freight

While we certainly do not condone excessive drinking of wine we can see the merits in this innovative device ... perhaps it should hold two glasses.

It may be hard not to look like a tool when using this device should you feel the urge to take selfie. No idea of the cost but what a great gift suggestion for the hard to please.

“Saffron conveys medicine to the heart, cures its palpitations, removes melancholy and uneasiness, revives the brain, renders the mind cheerful and generates boldness.”

Francis Bacon

LAMBWITHSAFFRONCREAM

This is a real chicken and egg job as I came across this delightful quote about Saffron then decided it was vital to have a recipe to match. Fortunately, Wendy Chambers came to the rescue with this deliciously tasty and slow cooked dish.

INGREDIENTS:

Pinch of saffron threads, 1 ¾ cups cream, 8 cloves of garlic, 2cm piece of fresh ginger, peeled 5 tbl blanched, slivered almonds, 1 cup water or beef stock, 7tbl vegetable oil, 1kg boned lamb shoulder, cut into 2cm cubes, 10 whole cardamom pods, 6 whole cloves, 2cm stick cinnamon, 2 medium onions peeled and chopped, 1 tsp ground coriander, 2tsp ground black cumin, ½ tsp cayenne pepper, 1tsp salt, ¼ tsp gram masala.

METHOD:

Gently warm the cream only until it begins to steam. Remove from heat, stir in saffron threads and set aside.In a heavy-duty blender or small food processor, blend the garlic, ginger, almonds and 7 tablespoons of the water or stock into a paste and set aside. Place the oil in a heavy, deep non-stick frying pan and heat to medium-high. Brown the lamb in batches, placing in a single layer, taking care not to crowd the pan. Remove the lamb to a bowl as you brown it and keep warm. Into the same pan, add the cardamom, cloves and cinnamon to the remaining oil. As soon as the cloves expand (it only takes a matter seconds) add the onions and stir-fry until lightly browned. Reduce the heat to medium and add the garlic-ginger paste, coriander, cumin and cayenne pepper. Continue to stir-fry until browned, another 3 to 4 minutes. Return the lamb (including any accumulated juices) to the onions and spices in the pan along with salt, cream and remaining water or broth.Cover and bring to a boil, Reduce the heat to low and simmer lamb for about an hour until tender, stirring frequently, Skim off any fat. Mix in the garam masala. Simmer for an additional 3 minutes, remove the cinnamon stick and any large spice pods.

WINERYWALKABOUTFESTIVAL

7-8 June 2014 You’ll need $25 to purchase your event ticket for this fun festival. Collect your souvenir wine glass and official wristband which will give you entry to all 19 participating festival venues. Bookings on 1800 622 871.

Best advice is to make life easy and book a seat on the shuttle bus. The Rutherglen Wine Experience is the central hub where each of the 4 routes originate and allow you to jump off and on at the wineries of your choice. Your bus driver can tell you all about the free wine holding service that you can collect at the end of the day.

Busses will also be running return services from Lavington, Albury, Wodonga, Howlong, Mulwala, Yarrawonga, Bundalong, Wangaratta, Chiltern, Corowa and Wahgunyah if you are not staying in the immediate Rutherglen area and would rather not drive. We’ve made it as easy as possible … you can relax and enjoy all the great regional wine, food and music.

The engraver will be here again this year along with those cheeky Lions boys who will again be offering South Melbourne Market Dim Sims. Sadly the church ladies will not be attending this year but the Spinners and Weaver will be here with their wonderful handmade creations.

Swing by the Lions Park on the Sunday morning and browse our Farmers Market. Set yourself up for the day with a delicious egg and bacon roll for brekky then go for a wander down Main Street were you’ll find all sorts of stalls and fun at the Rutherglen Rotary Country Fair.

NEVERASSUMEANYTHING!!

His request approved, the CNN News photographer quickly used a mobile phone to call the local airport to charter a flight. He was told a twin-engine plane would be waiting for him at the airport. Arriving at the airfield, he spotted a plane warming up outside a hanger. He jumped in with his bag, slammed the door shut, and shouted, ‘Let’s go’. The pilot taxied out, swung the plane into the wind and took off. Once in the air, the photographer instructed the pilot, ‘Fly over the valley and make low passes so I can take pictures of the fires on the hillsides.’ ‘Why?’ asked the pilot. ‘Because I’m a photographer for CNN’ he responded, ‘and I need to get some close up shots.’ The pilot was strangely silent for a moment, finally he stammered, ‘So, what you’re telling me, is . . . You’re NOT my flying instructor?’

CHECKTHESEOUT!

The new shandy? http://www.harpers.co.uk/news/-sinful-wine-and-beer-rtd-launches/355894.articleThe perfect gift for a wine drinker? http://www.youtube.com/embed/wSuH9u0kvhU?rel=0Very funny! http://www.toilette-humor.com/funny_adult_humor/good_cheer_at_the_gas_pump.shtml

“A smile is a curve that sets everything straight.”Phyllis Diller

WE’RECOMINGTOTHEBIGSMOKE!!!!

TheGoodFood&WineShowMelbourne30May–1June2014Melbourne Convention CentreYou’ll find our winemaker Stephen Chambers and his off-sider Andrew McLeod at STAND L36 - near the Wine Theatre

TheGoodFood&WineShowSydney27–29June2014Sydney Showground, Sydney Olympic ParkMake sure you swing by and say g’day to Laurie and his lovely wife Mary at STAND U36 which you’ll find near the Good Food Theatre.For full details visit www.goodfoodshow.com.au

TASTESOFTWOREGIONS

Saturday5July6.30pm Rutherglen Winemakers Dinner, The Boat House by the Lake Restaurant

Sunday6July10am–4pm Tasting event & Wine Theatre, Rydges Lakeside CanberraYou’ll be spoilt for choice when the winemakers of Rutherglen and the King Valley come to Canberra! So many great events, wines and local produce for you to sample along with a chance to win a great grape escape getaway. For more details check https://www.facebook.com/events/499292186784480/, ring 1300 787 929 or email info@winemakers.com.au

“Mistakes are part of the dues that one pays for a full life”Sophia Loren

When Gandhi was studying law at the University College of London, there was a professor, whose last name was Peters, who felt animosity toward Gandhi, and because Gandhi never conceded to him in any disagreement, their “arguments’ were very common.

One day, Mr Peters was having lunch at the dining room of the University and Gandhi came along with his tray and sat next to him. The professor, in his arrogance, said Mr Gandhi, you do not understand…a pig and a bird do not sit together to eat,” to which Gandhi replied, “you do not worry professor, I’ll fly away,” and he went and sat at another table.

Mr Peters, enraged, decided to take revenge on Gandhi on the next test, but Gandhi responded brilliantly to all questions. Then Mr Peters asked him the following question, “Mr Gandhi, if you are walking down the street and find a package, and within it there is a bag of wisdom and another bag with a lot of money, which one will you take?” Without hesitating, Gandhi responded, “the one with the money, of course.” Mr Peters, smiling said, “I, in your place, would have taken the wisdom, don’t you think?” “Each one takes what one doesn’t have” responded Gandhi indifferently.

Mr Peters, already hysterical, wrote on the exam sheet the word “idiot” and gave it to Gandhi. Gandhi went to the professor and said, “Mr Peters, you signed the sheet but you did not give me the grade.”

DRAWWINNER

IfBorCBedgoodcouldgiveusaringon0260328641wehavesomegoodnewsforyou.

DIDYOUKNOW?

• There is a fascinating list of things you can do with WD-40. Apparently it’s great for everything from keeping pigeons away (as they hate the smell) to removing water spots from glass shower doors and removing road tar and grime from your car. Let me know if you’d like the whole list.

• If you’re looking for a different wine experience during your overseas travels and you find yourself in Greece there’s one place that’s probably out of the question. Adult men need special permission to visit and women have never been admitted to the Mount Athos wine region as it is run by an ancient order of monks.

• An arcane Irish law allows students at Dublin’s Trinity College to demand a glass of wine during their exams – the only stipulation is that they must be wearing a sword.

• That ‘Cualacino’ is an Italian word that describes the mark left on a table by a cold glass

This is not a mosquito - it is fitted with a tiny camera and microphone!

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