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

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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.

New Package for Emerald Bay Wines

Many people have no idea how much time and effort is required to change a wine bottle package. The illustration below is the new artwork for the bottle capsule. The new labels, cork design and bottles to follow, next week.

First Annual Pebble Beach Food & Wine

October 8, 2007

Bob Brower
Château Julien

Dear Bob,
With unbridled excitement we are proud to announce the First Annual Pebble Beach Food & Wine March 27th through the 30th, 2008. The Pebble Beach Food & Wine will be the “premier epicurean lifestyle event” on the West Coast bringing more than 2,000 national and international attendees to Del Monte Forest, one of the most picturesque strips of coastline in the world. The scope of the event encompasses every property in Pebble Beach, and utilizes local and regional staff to create a hedonistic four day festival that matches 200 acclaimed wineries with 30 celebrity chefs that include wine and beverage tastings, cooking demonstrations and some of the most exclusive, unique dining opportunities available in the world.

This invitation includes highlighting Château Julien as one of our featured wineries during the event from Thursday March, 27th through Sunday, March 30th. We would be honored if you would join us as one of the premier wineries of this inaugural event that, years from now, will be recognized as a revered moment in culinary history.

During the festival, the Del Monte Forest, also known as Pebble Beach, will become a playground for nearly 2,500 food and wine enthusiasts. The weekend plays host to countless events and activities that will exceed the expectations of any discerning palette. Guests will experience multi-flight vertical and horizontal wine tastings from the world’s best cult producers, overlooking Spanish Bay. Participating chefs such as Tom Colicchio, Cat Cora, Gary Danko, Gina DePalma, Todd English, Jean Joho, Mark Miller, Alain Passard, Jacques Pèpin, Michel Richard, Eric Ripert, Susan Spicer, Charlie Trotter, Roy Yamaguchi, and others will tempt guests to decide between multiple lunches and dinners in unique venues all overlooking the Pacific. Each meal perfectly paired with exceptionally crafted wines. All wines will be cared for by 60 sommeliers and 5 master sommeliers. Furthermore, the weekend will be home to one of the most exclusive and luxurious wine auction dinners in the United States hosted at the ever-private Beach and Tennis Club.

The First Annual Pebble Beach Food & Wine will be recognized with world-wide publicity, not just for its quality, but for its generosity as well. The event philanthropically contributes to local charities as well as national culinary and enological scholarships promoting education and career opportunities to young and aspiring talent that will help advance the entire industry. In addition, California, which is rich with agriculture and viticulture, has been a leader in sustainable cooking and continues to invest in the environmental movement. The event will act as a tool to educate the public about important issues regarding our culinary resources and how to protect them in the years to come.

We look forward to the weekend becoming an annual tradition where the industry’s top professionals can come together and enjoy themselves in one of the most picturesque playgrounds in the country. We would be honored to welcome you and your remarkable wines to the First Annual Pebble Beach Food & Wine. We look forward to your acceptance of our invitation and your presence throughout the weekend. If you have any questions at all, please feel free to contact us at (831) 622-7770. Included in this invitation package is a participation agreement. Please return the signed agreement to us at fax #(831) 622-7783 no later than October 25th, 2007. We look forward to your involvement in the First Annual Pebble Beach Food & Wine.

Very Truly Yours,


Robert Weakley David Alan Bernahl, II Mark Buzan
Co-Founder, Director Co-Founder, VP Wine Director

As reported by Wine & Spirits Daily

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Imported Wines Stronger in 2007

February 22, 2008

In the 52 weeks ended January 12, 2008, table wine dollar sales rose 6.3%, with volume up 3%, according to a report by Nielsen. The blush wine segment continued to decline in 2007, with sales down -1.4% and volume down -2.7%. Red wine showed the highest rate of growth, up 8.2% by dollar sales and 5.4% by volume. White wine showed a slightly slower albeit strong growth, with dollar sales climbing 5.7% and volume rising 2.7%.

Imported and domestics wines were practically neck and neck in dollar sales, with domestics growing 6.1% in 2007 and imports taking a slight lead at 6.8%. Imports took a stronger lead in volume, growing 4.1%, while domestic rose a respectable 2.7%. The industry is predicting that imports will see a decline in growth this year as the depreciating dollar struggles to compete with the strong euro and Australian dollar.

Countries that contributed the most to import growth were South Africa, New Zealand and Argentina, with dollar sales up 37.4%, 34.4% and 29.7%, respectively. The big three importers also showed growth in 2007, with Italy up 7%, Australia up 2.2% and France up 3% in sales.

Varietal wines continue to exemplify the most dollar sales growth, increasing 7%, as compared to generic wines that grew only 2.2%. Volume of varietals rose 5.1% and generics declined -3.2%.

The fastest growing varietals in 2007 were Pinot Noir, Riesling, Cabernet Sauvignon, Pinot Grigio, Sauvignon Blanc and Zinfandel. Dollar sales of Riesling rose 23%, followed by Pinot Noir at 22.8%, Pinot Grigio (13%), Zinfandel (11.9%), Cabernet Sauvignon (11.1%) and Sauvignon Blanc (10%). Oh yeah, and Chardonnay grew 2.6% and Merlot was up 1.9%. White Zinfandel continues to lose momentum, declining -2.8%.

Pinot Noir showed the highest rate of volume growth, rising 25.4%, followed by Riesling at 22.6%. Next in line: Pinot Grigio (14.2%), Cabernet Sauvignon (10.3%), Zinfandel (8.5%), Sauvignon Blanc (5.1%), Merlot (3%) and Chardonnay (1.7%).

Trading up trends also boded well in 2007. Wines priced between $12 and $15 rose 16% in sales, followed by the $15 and above range, jumping 15%. Premium wines, $9-$12, rose 9.7%, says Nielsen, while the $6-$9 category grew 2.9% and $3-$6 rose 4.1%. The low-end segment ($0-$3) declined 0.6%. Volumes showed a similar pattern in terms of which category grew the most.

Our Winemaker Marta Kraftzeck goes to Spain for a Global Warming Conference

Jerez de la Frontera is the center of the Sherry region of Spain. Sherry is a very old style of wine made from Palomino fino grapes. The region is very warm and has little rainfall. The best soils are the unique Albariza which is high in calcium carbonate and has a very high water holding capacity. The relatively neutral wine that is produced initially is transformed through either physical or biological oxidative aging processes to become a light refreshing fino style, or an elegant, more complex amontillado or oloroso wine that is often aged 20 to 30 years or more. The pictures of the barrels show the “flor” of yeast that act as a protective covering for the wine aging beneath it. All sherry is fortified after the initial fermentation to different degrees of alcohol, from 15.5% to 17.5% depending on the style it is destined to be.

The Conference on Climate Change and Wine took place in Barcelona. Causes and problems were discussed. Increases in global warming will change the regions where grapes can be grown. Different varieties will have to be planted as cool climates become warmer and some areas will cease to produce quality wines. This can happen in as little as 50 years. The question was posed “ Has the greatest Bordeaux already been produced?”. Innovative producers such as Miguel Torres from Spain have already begun to move their vineyards to cooler climates and higher altitudes so that future generations of winemakers will still be able to produce a style of wine that is typical of their regions.
Al Gore spoke of the grass roots movement within various industries, such as the wine industry, to take responsible action for the carbon footprint we are leaving behind. We need to rethink. The future of packaging within our industry will change as countries such as Australia adopt wine sold in “tetra-pak”, an alternative to glass. Different grape varieties can be bred to adapt to the increased temperature changes and decreased availability of water. We will begin to see more interesting wines produced from regions such as Belgium, England and Denmark. The USA must join with the OIV, the International Organization of Wines and Vines, and we must act globally to take responsibility for future generations of wine drinkers.

Over the Border from El Paso, Texas

No trip to El Paso would be complete without a trip over the border to Juarez. From the razor wire fense separating our countries, to the street vendors - the culture is quite different - just a short walk away. The local beverage was enjoyed by Alvin (our Distributor representative) and Bob.

AT&T Celebrity Shoot Out - 2008

It's February 6th, 2008 and time for the AT&T Celebrity Shoot Out. Unfortunately we did not have Bill Murray to entertain us, but the day and weather were fantistic.

Did You Know?

Did you know what the wine estate in Carmel Valley looks like from the air?