CHAMBERS Rosewood Vineyards

Vol.66 2015( 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

Dear Fellow Wine Friend

The Wattle is flowering, it’s a little lighter in the mornings, huge flocks of birds are winging their way to different climes and yes, there’s a different feeling in the air.

As many of you will no doubt agree, one of the greatest joys of living in this region is the portrayal of the seasons. The remarkable juxtapose of colour, texture and shape – brown to green, silky to parched and dust to velvety mud.

I always think the need for ‘a bit of country’ is a little like running out of petrol – every now and again you just need to go and top up your tank. The need to escape suburbia occasionally is a primordial urge, an itch that must be scratched. Whether it’s for a weekend or even a day trip, our senses need to be recharged to restore balance and all the better if you can do that while taking in some great food, wine and company at the same time!

Our northern hemisphere friends may be quite accustomed to harsh winters, but it’s a huge shock when we ‘southerners’ see a ‘Welcome to Queensland’ sign hovering above a carpet of glistening snow. Not that we’ve had snow in Rutherglen but Stanley and Beechworth have had some falls.

Apart from feeling really sorry for the dog when you let him out in the morning and hear him going crunch, crunch, crunch as he walks across the frosty grass, it’sdifficult to have any lingering doubts about climate change.

As you can imagine our wonderful fortified wines shine at this time of the year and lots of our patrons make a point of pulling off the freeway to call in at the cellar door and stock up on their way to the snowfields. There was hardly room for a single bottle when one couple from Queensland popped in on their way to Tasmania. When I said “see you next year” they replied it would be much sooner than that as they intended to restock on their way home!

SPRING HAS SPRUNG IN OUR GLORIOUS WORLD

Thanks to the very talented Ann Killeen who finds, records and shares all of nature’s treasures so beautifully on facebook. I particularly liked this pic of one of Rosewood’s old vines and the accompanying entry … “I have struggled with my moral conscience for years debating the rights and wrongs of drinking wine in copious quantities produced from vines grown in “battery conditions” . These poor vines spent their life trellised and wired in the vineyard through frosts, drought, floods, fire and pestilence. I really enjoy seeing these old vines released into the wild to live out their old age unrestrained and unpruned.”

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“If you break your neck, if you have nothing to eat, if your house is on fire, then you’ve got a problem. Everything else is an inconvenience. Life is inconvenient. Life is lumpy. A lump in the oatmeal, a lump in the throat, and a lump in the breast are not

the same kind of lump. One needs to learn the difference.”Author Robert Fulghum, Author (Born 1937)

FLAGS & FANFARE

• Kudos to our English distributors Liberty Wines who picked up not just a well deserved Highly Commended but also awards in three different categories in the prestigious International Wine Challenge held in London recently. The presentation of the Australia Specialist Merchant of the Year award recognised their “total commitment to championing the renaissance of Australian wines.”• One of our region’s most popular establishments, The Pickled Sisters Café at Wahgunyah, has picked up a well deserved award, the 2015 Victorian Tasmania Regional Cafe Restaurant of the Year Award – well done Marion and Stewart! •James Halliday again awarded Chambers 5 red stars denoting us as “an outstanding winery regularly producing wines of exemplary quality and typicity. Will have at least two wines rated at 94 points or above, and had a five-star rating for the previous two years.” Chambers Rare Muscadelle 99 Chambers Rare Muscat 99 Chambers Grand Muscat 97 Chambers Old Vine Muscadelle 96 Chambers Rutherglen Muscadelle 92 Chambers Rutherglen Muscat 90 • Chambers Old Vine Muscat and our 2005 Gouais also picked up 3 stars each in Winestate’s North East Victoria tasting.

“Normal is nothing but a cycle on a washing machine.”Whoopi Goldberg

Buzzy Bee at Rosewood

We are very happy to announce that we have now added honey to the range of jams, sauces and dressings available for sale at our cellar door.

The current selection includes Mixed Blossom and Wildflower or you may prefer to try some of the varieties from the Australian Eucalyptus blossoms off local Yellow, White or Gray Box trees.

All the honey is sourced from the Rutherglen region - you may have spied some hives around Rosewood and the nearby Chiltern forest is another favourite collection point.

Bracey’s Brown Muscat

On a recent visit to the cellar door, Bracey Cook was keen to show us a really old bottle of Brown Muscat which he’d remembered seeing in the family’s wine racks over most of his life after his parents purchased it from the cellar door way back in the early 60’s.

We were delighted to hear later that he and his friends had enjoyed a taste then added the remainder to a shared barrel they have been running for many years. Apparently his parents met in the good old party line days when his English father Neil came to manage the Coles variety store in Corowa and his mother, Jenny Upton, was the telephonist at the local exchange.

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Tickets for Tour de Rutherglen 24th of October 2015 are now on sale! !!!

You’ve got until 24 October to prepare yourself for this year’s Tour de Rutherglen so no matter if cotton shorts are more your speed than lycra and you’re not overly energetic or haven’t been on a bike for years, you are invited to participate in this fun event organized by the Rutherglen Rotary Club.

The organisers have an array of challenges to suit all fitness levels and funds raised will go towards community projects both here and overseas. A gourmet lunch, a fantastic winery dinner plus a huge range of special offers from wineries, accommodation providers, restaurants and cafes. Please visit www.tourderutherglen.org. for all details and to purchase your tickets.

These charmingly villainous pirates held Stephen to ransom Luckily we had not one but three super heroes on hand to quickly during our recent Winery Walkabout festival and expertly sort things out.

How About That!

• For the first time in 8 years the value of Australian wine exports has risen, mosly due to exports into Asian markets.• Should you wish to BYO wine to Hong Kong restaurants you can but you’ll pay somewhere between 200 to 400 Chinese Yuan or $43 to $87 in Ozzie dollars per bottle!• Research carried out by the American Marketing Association has shown that mind over matter is not just an old saying. Our preferences can be influenced by preconceived ideas, particularly when it comes to cost. MRI scans were used to test consumers’ reactions when faced with identical products such as chocolate and wine that they thought were different flavours and different price points. Surprise, surprise, they found in many cases that the placebo effect was so intense it was actually able to alter the brain’s chemistry when tasting the higher priced items.• In the US 1 out of every 3 wine drinkers use the internet to source prices but only 11% buy online.• Also from America: advise from New York’s health commissioner not to drink cold beer during a heatwave. • California wineries are having a serious look at using wastewater to irrigate their vines during droughts – some are calling it “effluent for the affluent.”•If you have ever wondered about Australians’ drinking habits, you may be interested in some recently released information from the bureau of statistics. More white wine than red wine is consumed and full strength beer remains the most popular type of beer while over the past fifty years beer has slipped from being three quarters of all alcohol consumed to just over 40% while wine has moved up from 12% to 38%. Consumption of spirits, pre-mixed or Ready to Drink beverages and Cider is on the rise. Wine consumption in China enjoyed a massive increase of 36% between 2010 and last year.

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Slow Cooked Lamb Steaks in White Wine

It doesn’t get much better than this!

INGREDIENTS3 tbsp butter1 tbsp extra virgin olive oil2 whole garlic heads, unpeeled halved horizontallyAnother 8 cloves unpeeled and sliced lengthwise1 bunch rosemaryEight x 200gm lamb steaksSalt and pepper2 ½ cups dry white wine1 tbsp plain flour

INSTRUCTIONSPreheat the oven to 180◦C Melt 2 tbsp of the butter with the oil in a large skillet over low heat. Add the sliced garlic cloves and rosemary and stir, crushing the garlic slightly into the butter and oil. Cook for about 5 minutes, then remove the garlic and the rosemary from the skillet with a slotted spoon and set aside. Season the lamb generously with salt and pepper. Increase the heat to medium high and fry the lamb steaks for 3 to 4 minutes per side, or until well browned. Transfer the lamb to a baking dish large enough to hold them in a single layer with plenty of room at the sides. Put the garlic cloves and rosemary into the dish, then add the halved garlic heads, cut side up. Bring the wine almost to a boil in a small pan over high heat, then pour over the lamb. Cover the lamb lightly with foil and roast for about 45 minutes to an hour, or until the meat is very tender. Remove the lamb from the dish and set aside on a plate, covering it loosely with foil. Remove the halved garlic heads from the dish and cut each one in half again. Set aside. Strain the pan juices into a small bowl, pushing down the sliced garlic cloves and rosemary with the back of a wooden spoon. Melt the remaining 1 tbsp of butter in a small saucepan over medium heat, then sprinkle in the flour while whisking constantly and cooking for about 1 ½ minutes to make a roux. Stir in the pan juices. Adjust seasoning if necessary then garnish with pieces of garlic head before serving.

A group of kindergarten children were trying very hard to settle into life as first graders. This was made all the harder by the teacher insisting that there was to be NO baby talk! She had to keep reminding them to use ‘Big People’ words.’ She asked John what he had done over the weekend. ‘I went to visit my Nana’. No, you went to visit your GRANDMOTHER. Use ‘Big People’ words!’ She then asked Mitchell what he had done ‘I took a ride on a choo-choo’. ‘No, she said, you took a ride on a TRAIN. You must remember to use ‘Big People’ words’. She then asked little Alex what he had done. ‘I read a book’ he replied. That’s WONDERFUL!’ the teacher said. ‘What book did you read?’ After thinking about it for a while young Alex proudly announced he’d read ‘Winnie the SHIT.’

Time For Some Fun ...I’m looking for new endings for these old sayings. Email roberta@chambersrosewood.com.au with your wittiest offerings to be in the running for a very tasty reward for the most entertaining response.

• When you lie down with dogs …• A little of what you fancy …• Ask a silly question and …• Behind every great man is … • He who sups with the devil …

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Seasonal Deals

ANYONE WHO HAD A HEART6 bottles x 2009 Shiraz6 bottles x 2010 Anton Ruch$190 plus freight

BOTH SIDES NOW2 bottles x 2012 Riesling2 bottles x 2012 Grenache1 bottle x Old Vine Muscat (375ml)1 bottle x 2011 Noble Muscadelle (375ml)$90 plus freight

SOMETHING TELLS ME4 bottles x 2011 Cabernet Sauvignon4 bottles x 2009 Shiraz4 bottles x 2007 Merlot$130 plus freight

YOU’RE MY WORLD3 bottles x 2014 The Family3 bottles x 2005 Gouais3 bottles x 2009 Chardonnay3 bottles x 2012 Riesling$135 plus freight

STEP INSIDE LOVE2 bottles x 2011 Noble Muscadelle1 bottle x Dry Flor Apera1 bottle x Ruby1 bottle x Mt Carmel1 bottle x Old Vine Muscadelle$90 plus freight

Stories To Live Life By (Unknown)

All the villagers decided to pray for rain, on the day of prayer, all the people gathered, but only one boy came with an umbrella.That’s FAITH

When you throw a baby in the air, she laughs because she knows you will catch her.That’s TRUST

Every night we go to bed, without any assurance of being alive the next morning but still we set the alarms to wake up.That’s HOPE

We plan big things for tomorrow in spite of no knowledge of the fu-ture.That’s CONFIDENCE

We see the world suffering, but still we get married and have children. That’s LOVE

On an old man’s shirt was written a sentence ‘I am not 80 years old.... I am sweet 16 with 64 years experience’That’s ATTITUDE

QUARTERLY DRAW WINNERP Edsor 2621 - please call us on 02 6032 8641 as we have some good news for you.

In water one sees one’s own face;But in wine one beholds the heart of another.

French proverb

A Blue Moon rises over Barkly Street on the 8th of August.

Proof that when he’s not on duty as part of our security department Andrew’s dog ‘Cork’ is an old softy.

Two Wallys hiding amongst the three little pigs, no wonder we couldn’t find them. Alison, Renee, Lisa, Carly and Jake having a ball at Winery Walk-about.

FREIGHT RATES Per Item

Victoria $13 New South Wales $16 ACT $16 South Australia $16 Queensland $19 Tasmania $26 Western Australia $26 Northern Territory $26

PLEASE NOTE THE FOLLOWING DETAILS

Mixed dozens can be shipped Flagons: up to 6 to a carton Payment must be forwarded with the order Prices may vary without notice The following bulk wines are available in 23 1/2 litre containers— P.O.A. •Rutherglen Ruby •Rutherglen Tawny •Mt Carmel •Rutherglen Muscat •Rutherglen Muscadelle $10 Refundable security deposit for containers We are happy to quote for the supply of unlabelled wines (cleanskins) for special occasions such as weddings & anniversaries

WHITE TABLE WINES Bottle Dozen Deals Qty Total 2012 Rosewood White (Dozens = Cleanskin) _______ $7 ____________ $65♥ _____ $ ______

2012 Riesling ___________________________________ $12 ___________ $120♥ _____ $ ______

2009 Roussanne (Dozens = Cleanskin) _____________ $7 ____________ $65♥ ______ $ ______

2005 Gouais _________________________________ $15 ___________ $150♥ _____ $ ______

2014 The Family (Gouais, Riesling & Traminer) ____ $15 ___________ $150♥ _____ $ ______

2009 Chardonnay _______________________________ $12 ___________ $120♥ _____ $ ______

2012 Moscato (Bronze Medal) ____________________ $10 ____________ $100♥ _____ $ ______ 2010 Sparkling Chardonnay _____________________ $20 __ $240 ____ ___________ $ ______

2011 Noble Muscadelle (Bronze Medal) __________ $15 __ _________ $120♥ _____ $ ______

RED TABLE WINES NV Rosewood Red (Dozens = Cleanskin) __________ $7.50 __________ $70♥ _____ $ ______

2009 Bill’s Ambrosia (Rosé style) ____________________ $7.50 __________ $70♥ _____ $ ______

2012 Grenache ___________________________________ $15 ____________ $150♥ ____ $ ______

2009 Shiraz _____________________________________ $15 ___________ $150♥ _____ $ ______

2011 Cabernet Sauvignon (French Oak) __________ $13 ____________ $130♥ ____ $ ______

2010 Anton Ruch (Shiraz Mondeuse)________________ $20 ___ $240 __ ___________ $ ______

2004 Sparkling Shiraz ____________________________ $25 ___ $300 __ ___________ $ ______

Thunderball Red (Back in Stock!) ________________ $12 ___________ $120♥ _____ $ ______

2007 Merlot _____________________________________ $12 ___________ $120♥ _____ $ ______

Sub Total $ ___

Electronic Transfer now available: NAB Account Chambers Rosewood Vineyards BSB 083 820 Account No. 46206 5247 Please remember to identify Payee

Cheque / Money Order ⃞ Mastercard ⃞ Visa⃞

_ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ Expiry _ _ /_ _ Signature__________________________

Please tick to certify you are over 18 years of age⃞ New Customer ⃞ Existing Customer⃞

FORTIFIED WINES Bottle Flagon Qty Total Dry Flor Apera ____________________________ $16 ___________ _______ $ ______

Aged Dry Flor Apera (375ml) _____________ $25 ___________ _______ $ ______

Sweet Amber Apera ______________________ $17 ____________ _______ $ ______

Rutherglen Cream Apera _______________ $17 _____ $35 __ _______ $ ______

Rutherglen Ruby _______________________ $12 _____ $25 __ _______ $ ______

Rutherglen Tawny ______________________ $12 _____ $25 __ _______ $ ______

Rosewood Old Tawny ___________________ $20 ___________ _______ $ ______

Mt Carmel _____________________________ $17 _____ $35 __________ $ ______

1999 Vintage Ruby _____________________ $15 ___________ _______ $ ______

2003 Old Cellar (Vintage) _________________ $20 ___________ _______ $ ______

Muscadelle (Rutherglen) __________________ $17 _____ $35 __ _______ $ ______

Muscat (Rutherglen) _________________ $18 _____ $37 _______ $ ______

2012 Walnut Muscat _________________ $20 ___________ _______ $ ______

2012 Walnut Red _____________________ $20 ____________ _______ $ ______

Old Vine Muscat (375ml) (Classic) _____ $25 ____________ _______ $ ______

Old Vine Muscadelle (375ml) (Classic) ___ $55 ___________ _______ $ ______

Grand Muscat (375ml) __________________ $55 ___________ _______ $ ______

Grand Muscadelle (375ml) _____________ $100 ___________ _______ $ ______

Rare Muscat (375ml) ___________________ $250 __________ _______ $ ______

Rare Muscadelle (375ml) _______________ $250 __________ _______ $ ______

SEASONAL DEALS Price Qty Total

Anyone who had a heart _______________ $190 ___________ ________ $ _____

Both sides now __________________________ $90 ____________ ________ $ _____

Something tells me ______________________ $130 ___________ ________ $ _____

You’re my world ________________________ $135 ___________ ________ $ _____

Step inside love _________________________ $135 ___________ ________ $ _____

Drum Deposit / Other ____________________________________________ $ _____

Freight (See details top left) ______________________________________ $______ Sub Total B/F $____

TOTAL $____

♥ = 12 bottles for the price of 10 ♦ = Change since last newsletter ● = Low Stock

Vol 67 - 2015 ORDER FORM (02) 6032 8641 02 6032 8101 chambers@chambersrosewood.com.au

www.chambersrosewood.com.au P O Box 8 Rutherglen 3685

Title______ First Name ______________ Surname________________________________________________________________________________________________ Phone No (____) ___________________Email___________________________________________________________________________________________________ Home Address_____________________________________________________________________________________________State_________ Postcode________ Delivery Address (if different from above)___________________________________________________________________________________________________ ___________________________________________________________________________________________________________State_________ Postcode_________ Is there somewhere we can leave your order if no one home? _______________________________________________________________________________ ___________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

$150