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Dear Norman & Traudl,
We've had our first couple of frosts here at the vineyard, and the
nights are crisp, cold and so clear that we think we'll be able to clearly
see Santa Claus heading our way! Traudl has been baking up a storm in the
kitchen, and Norman has disappeared to his woodshop - it is definitely the
Holiday Season here at Huber Vineyard!
We hope that your holiday season is full of good cheer. We were very
pleased to received some nice accolades from Wine Enthusiast that
we wanted to tell you about, and we have just released our 2005 barrel
fermented Chardonnay. We also have some perfect last-minute gifts for
those wine lovers on your list. Read On!
Best wishes to you
all
Traudl & Norm Huber
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This Just In! |
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We're a pretty tiny operation here, so don't usually catch the eye of
the big wine magazines. We can't tell you how thrilled we are to have our
wines reviewed in both November and December issues of the Wine
Enthusiast. Our stainless steel Chardonnay received 90 points, and our
Dornfelder was awarded a Cellar Selection and 89 points!
2005 Chardonnay, "Rostfrei":"Very crisp in zesty acidity, bone dry,
and with exotic flavors. This stony, minerally Chardonnay impresses for
its firm structure. Flavorwise, its explosive in lemons, limes, crunchy
pears, Asian spices and buttery vanilla, even though its unoaked.
Showcases its terroir in a fine way. 90 points."
2004 Dornfelder:"How dark this wine pours, with a purple glycerine
that stains the glass. Aromatically, its a powerhouse with heaps of
violets, blackberry jam, raw meat and caramelly vanilla. In the mouth,
acidity hits first, then fruit, and then the tannins lock everything down.
89 points"
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Just Released - 2005 Barrel Fermented
Chardonnay |
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Our wines take quite a number of months in bottle before we think they
are ready for you to enjoy. Perhaps it's the old vines of the vineyard, or
maybe a bit of that rumored German stubbornness. We have been rather
impatiently waiting for our barrel fermented Chardonnay to come around,
and the day is finally here! And wow...so worth the wait!
We think this is one of our most impressive Chardonnays yet. Aromas of
honeysuckle and lemon blossom mingle with a hint of seashore minerality
that is characteristic of the vineyard and the area. A first sip is
rewarded with a silken texture and an abundance of classic flavors; clove,
acacia, pear, a hint of citrus and Fuji apples. The notes of minerality
are persistent on the palate, interlaced with spice and sweet garden
herbs. The wine is beautifully balanced, and medium bodied with bright
acidity and a lingering finish.
This is not one of those over-the-top, buttery wines. Only partial
malolactic fermentation and a judicious use of oak resulted in a wine that
is a classic and elegant rendition of a Sta. Rita Hills Chardonnay.
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From Traudl's Kitchen |
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What would Christmas be without cookies?! These Spritz Cookies are a
traditional fare this time of year, and not only easy to bake, but
delicious! (And don't forget Santa on Christmas
Eve.)
Ingredients:
5 cups flour
2 tsp baking
powder
1 lb. butter
1 cup sugar
3 eggs
3 tsp vanilla
Cookie
Sprinkles!
Sift together the flour and baking powder. Set aside.
Cream the
butter and sugar. Add the eggs and vanilla and mix well. Blend the flour
mixture into the butter mixture. Use a cookie press with your choice of
designs, place on a cookie sheet. Add sprinkles for decoration if you
wish.
Bake at 350 degrees for 10-12 minutes.
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Unique Gifts for the Wine Lovers on Your
List |
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The gift of fine wine is always appreciated. In addition to our estate
wines, we also have put together a few unique gifts from the vineyard
and woodshop. But hurry...the last day we can ship is December
19th to get you your order before Christmas and Hanukkah.
A Taste of The Vineyard
Nestled in a handmade wooden keepsake
box are four exquisite 375ml bottles of our estate Sta. Rita Hills wines.
Each bottle of the stellar 2005 vintage is hand waxed. Only $87 per gift
pack. Order Now and receive FREE shipping on this sampler!!
Barrel Stave Candelabra
Norman has taken a stave from one of
our retired Pinot Noir or Dornfelder barrels and made it into a beautiful,
low profile candelabra. You can see how the red wine permeated the oak on
the underside, and the outside is gorgeous tight-grained french oak. Holds
standard tea candles. Just $25 each!
Barrel Stave Bowl
Flipping those retired barrel staves around
and joining a few of them together results in a beautiful centerpiece bowl
for your table. Bring out your cheese or fruit platter on this beauty for
a real conversation starter! $65
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Our Very Best Holiday Wishes! |
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Thanks very much for your support of Huber Cellars and Vineyard and for
subscribing to our newsletter. We hope to send out news about new wines,
projects from the woodshop and recipes every month or so. If you do not
wish to receive the newsletter, need to change the address that we send it
to, or wish to forward this newsletter to a friend, please follow the
links at the bottom of the page.
Our warmest wishes to you
for a happy and joyful holiday!!!
Norman and Traudl
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