Time for "Family Time"

Celebrating our oldest Granddaughter's First Communion was a family gathering featuring all four grandchildren and daughters Dawn and Amy. Notice Grandpa Brower in the middle.

As reported by Wine and Spirits Daily - Look at the last line!

Wine & Spirits Daily is one of my favorite publications, however you have to look at Robert Parkers comments on the 2007 French vintage, read the last line!

Wine & Spirits Daily
n e w s , n u m b e r s , c o m m e n t a r y , f o r e c a s t si n t e r v i e w s , b e s t p r a c t i c e s , s t r a t e g y , m o t i v e

Weekly Headline Round-Up

April 18, 2008

DIAGEO CAPITALIZES ON HILLARY'S PUBLICITY STUNT

An article in Ad Age calls Diageo "as shameless as politicians," claiming the company "pounced" on the free publicity after Hillary Clint's shot-and-a-beer act earlier this week. As you'll recall, Hillary took a shot of Crown Royal and drank a beer in front of TV cameras in an Indiana bar, and Diageo is apparently using the incident as a marketing opportunity (do you blame them?).

"It used to be that whenever the cameras came around, you'd see the politicians hiding their drinks behind their back," said a Diageo spokesman to reporter Jeremy Mullman. "But she was using it ... as a way of touching the people."

While Diageo isn't planning to use Clinton's image in any Crown Royal ads, the company reportedly plans to send bottles of its obscure Jeremiah Weed Bourbon Liqueur to all three remaining presidential campaigns. Diageo hopes to boost the brand through sampling, word-of-mouth, and a brand website launched yesterday.

When asked why the company wasn't using the "watershed" moment to promote Crown Royal, the spokesman pointed out: "Well, you all are doing that for us."

ROBERT PARKER TOUTS FRENCH WINES AS THE BEST

Infamous American wine critic Robert Parker thinks French wines are the best in the world, outperforming California and every other region. In an interview with Le Figaro newspaper, he said: "French wines remain the benchmark for all countries producing great wines. Their boldness and intrinsic quality are indicators that influence winemakers in other countries," reports the AFP.

"French wines have considerably improved in quality, even during difficult years," said Parker, considered the world's leading Bordeaux expert.

With that said, he wasn't too impressed with the 2007 vintage. He told the newspaper that the majority of the 2007 production was bland, "with a hereby taste... Overall, they are disappointing." Ouch.

More Good News about Wine

WINE AND HEALTH HITS THE WIRES

News on the health benefits of wine is always good press for the industry, and as luck would have it several things surfaced this week.

One study found that women who drink wine are less likely to develop dementia in middle-age, particularly women that drink wine exclusively. Women who reported drinking wine, beer and spirits were 40% less likely to develop dementia. The risk dropped almost 70% in women who consumed only wine. By contrast, women who drank liquor had an increased risk of dementia. The study is based on a random sample of nearly 1,500 women living in Gothenburg, Sweden who, beginning in 1968, were followed for 34 years.

So what makes wine so special? Researchers said antioxidants found in wine and not beer and liquor might help prevent dementia. Also, the wine drinkers may have certain characteristics the researchers are unable to measure.

Another study found that resveratrol, a compound found in red wine, may kill pancreatic cancer cells. Researchers at the University of Rochester Medical Center found that resveratrol in combination with radiation, but not alone, helped fight pancreatic cells.

"While additional studies are needed, this research indicates that resveratrol has a promising future as part of the treatment for cancer," lead investigator Dr. Paul Okunieff said in a university statement.

Emerald Bay - Sustainable (New) ready to launch

Chateau Julien Wine Estate is proud to announce the release of its Emerald Bay - Sustainable (NEW) product release to Winebow, Inc. The new release of sustainable produced wines will start in New York, New Jersey, Connecticut, Massachusetts and Washington DC.. The new package will be released in four varietals, Chardonnay, Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot and White Zinfandel. All varietals are bottled in 750 ml and 1.5 sizes.

Chateau Julien introduces Emerald Bay wines - Sustainably Produced

Chateau Julien Wine Estate and Emerald Bay wines are Sustainable Produced.

Sustainability is the concept of blending economic prosperity, social responsibility, and environmental quality based on the belief that the confluence of these enhances the quality of life for present and future generations.

From our winery construction to our production of fine wine we believe that our optimal site and facility combine traditional winemaking philosophies, such as minimal fruit and wine handling, with modern engineering and aesthetics.

Quote of the Week!

**Life is not measured by the number of breaths we take, but by the moments that take our breath away!***

Wine Industry news as reported by Wine & Spirits Daily

U.S. LARGEST RETAIL MARKET. California wine sales in the U.S., other states and foreign producers rose 4% compared to the previous year to 745 million gallons (313 million cases) for a total retail value of $30 billion. This value makes the U.S. the largest retail wine market in the world. Of the total volume, table wine sales were 650 million gallons; dessert wine 62 million gallons; and sparkling wine 33 million gallons. California wine's 457 million gallons shipped in the U.S. accounted for a 61% market share of the volume sold.

Rocky Point Restaurant - California Coast

Under the title of "did you know" - did you know that Rocky Point Restaurant has been featuring Chateau Julien Merlot since 1996! What a great place to have a lobster or steak, view the ocean and enjoy a great bottle of Chatea Julien Wine. Rocky Point is about 15 minutes south of Carmel, on Highway 1.

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.