Pebble Beach Food & Wine - 2008

Pebble Beach, California - March 30, 2008. The first annual Pebble Beach Food & Wine event could not be any better. Under the smart direction of co-owners Robert Weakly and David Bernahl, this event was an instant success. What an incredible venue for a world class event. Thanks to Robert and David for being so daring as to create a wine and food event at the world class Pebble Beach!

Chateau Julien introduces "Black Nova"

Planning in the wine business can take years. This project is certainly one of them. Inspired by Bill Anderson during the harvest of 2006, Bill had a thought. I am sure that Bill was as nervous as anyone can be to walk into the owners' office and tell them he is combining the harvest Zinfandel with the harvest Syrah. Has anyone ever made a combination of those grapes together? The color of the wine and the steep intensity of flavor caused Bill to fight for his plan. Today, the wine is bottled and the only thing I can tell you ---- This wine is GREAT!

Chateau Julien signs as an "Winery Associate Partner" at Mazda Raceway Laguna Seca

Bob Brower, Proprietor of Chateau Julien Wine Estate, announced the signing of an Agreement with Mazda Raceway Laguna Seca as a "Winery Associate partner" for the 2008 Season. The events at the track for 2008 are: Monterey Festival of Speed; Red Bull U.S. Grand Prix; Corona AMA Superbike Finale and Monterey Sports Car Championships.

Wine Industry News

Wine & Spirits Daily
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Wine & Spirits Headline Roundup

March 24, 2008


USA TODAY DEBATES LOWERING THE DRINKING AGE

Several states are considering lowering the drinking age, according to a report in USA Today. Kentucky, Wisconsin and South Carolina have introduced legislation that would lower the drinking age for military personnel only. A planned ballot initiative in Missouri would apply to everyone 18 and older. An initiative in the works in South Dakota would allow all 19- and 20-year-olds to buy low-alcohol beer, and Vermont is considering a task force to study the issue. In addition, a Minnesota bill would allow anyone 18 and older to buy alcohol in bars or restaurants, but not in liquor stores until they're 21.

MADD is obviously against the measures and will fight proponents tooth and nail. Supporters will also face opposition from congress which voted in 1984 to penalize states that set the drinking age below 21 by forfeiting 10% of their federal highway funds.

Chateau Julien Wine Estate assists with the Carmel Basicila Grape Plantings

The Carmel mission in California, formally called San Carlos Borromeo de Carmelo Mission, was founded in 1771 by Junipero Serra. Recently they have begun planting a Heritage Garden, with plants that were grown at the time. Certain varieties of beans and corn, such as "broom" corn (used for making brooms) and of course grapes. The variety that was commonly planted by the Franciscan friars is called the Mission variety in California. This grape can trace it's roots back to Spain. It was most likely taken from the Canary Islands or perhaps the Azores as this was usually the last vestige of the Old World before the ships embarked across the Atlantic. In Spain the variety was known as Palomino nero, related to Palomino fino used in Sherry production in the south of Spain. In Chile the variety is known as Pais and is still widely grown in the south, mostly for distillation purposes. In Argentina it is known as Criolla. The fruit is not too darkly colored and the flavor not distinctive as is that of many of the varieties grown in the United States today. Chateau Julien is helping the mission grow and train these vines to support the Heritage Garden.
They don't have too many vines so it is doubtful if they will be making Sacramental wine!!

Back to Maranello, Italy - for Ferrari 60th Celebration - June 2007

Just received are some of the photo's taken by Ferrari during the event. The top photo is Bob Brower receiving his award for "Best of Class" with his 275-GTS Ferarri. The second photo is of Tony Jackapino, Bob's Brother-in-Law and co-driver, having our trail map signed by Piero Ferrari. A dream event.

Great picture of the Petite!

National Restaurant Associaton Education Foundation

On March 6th the National Restaurant Association Education Foundation held its annual auction at the Inn at Spanish Bay. The Historical Collection of Chateau Julien Merlot, coupled with a few other items auctioned for $1,900. The proceeds of the auction go to scholarships for winemaking or hospitality.

Riding for Best Buddies - the Chateau Julien Team

The winery has been very active, as the starting point and VIP event venue, for Best Buddies over the past few years. This year we would like to invite all staff, friends, family and club members to participate in the ride as the first official TEAM CJ. Each rider will commit to training and raising a portion of money that goes directly back to the non-profit organization. More information will follow-- in the meantime, please let me know if you are interested in joining the team!!!
Kristin

www.bestbuddies.org

past CJ riders include- Bill, Michele, Kelly, Courney (Kelly's friend), Scott Horton


As seen in the Julien Journal:

Jim Nantz and Chateau Julien Wine Estate

Jim Nantz, a Sportscaster for CBS, was in Monterey for the AT&T Pro-am event in February 2008. Pictured with Burt Cutino and Ted Balestreri at the Sardine Factory is Jim receiving his bottle of Chateau Julien Wine Estate - Bravura, now stored in his wine locker at the restaurant.

Chateau Julien presents "Black Nova" and "Bravura" at the 2008 Wine & Food Festival in Washington DC

Bill Anderson, Winemaker, and Fina Dominguez, Director of Wine Sales, made their debut in Washington DC at the 2008 Wine & Food Festival in Washington, DC. The event was held on February 29th through the 2nd of March 2008 at The Ronald Reagan Building & International Trade Center. This was the official "advance peek" of Black Nova to the trade and consumer.

Wine Industry News from "Around the World"

Turning water into wine a future challenge
By Caleb Cluff
Tuesday, 04/03/2008
While wine grape prices are expected to increase and total sales of Australian wine are predicted to grow, future drought conditions and a lack of available water will be the major challenge facing the industry in the period to 2013. Managing and supplying water security will not only be the job of producers but also governments, and removing restrictions on water trade may provide benefits, according to ABARE
Wine grape production should begin to recover by about 15 per cent to 1.6 million tonnes in 2007-08, short of the 1.9 million tonnes of 04-05. Red wine grapes should dominate over white as cool climate regions experience a return to favourable conditions, and wine stocks should return to 2005-06 levels by 2010-11.
Exports of Australian wine should achieve a record value of $3.12 billion in 2007-08, but volumes of exports will be reduced to 784 million litres because of a lack of domestic supply. The UK will remain the top market for Australian wines, with the US second at 27 per cent of volume and 32 per cent of total value. Higher prices will be subject to changes in market dynamics within Australia, subject to Australian Competition and Consumer Commission rulings on growers forming negotiating groups.
Australian wine exports are likely to face competition from 'new world' producers such as Chile, and an increased area of planting in China may lead to growth in that country's production in the future.

Coming Soon - Black Nova

Coming soon - 2006 Black Nova. An exquisite blend of 60% Zinfandel and 40% Syrah from our vineyard. Set for a June release in 750ml and 1.5 litre. This wine speaks for itself.