As I mentioned previously in “Grape Expectations”, this past Saturday was a monumental event for Sugarloaf Mountain Vineyards. It was a release event limited to only case club members which completes the mythological trilogy…their new wine “Evoe!” It was very well received. Just as I expected, Susan was kind enough to share a few highlights and offered some information on upcoming events.

Twenty-four people sent in RSVPs and more than (50) attended the event. In the two hour period from 6:30 to 8:30 PM, just under $7000 in sales was recorded; including (13) cases of “Evoe!” This brings me to my next point of discussion…to be, or not to be, a case club member. That is the question.

Let’s analyze this for a moment and weigh the benefits.

Many wineries have a case club. Some standard perks are discounts on case purchases, discounted or free admission to events and private events such as the aforementioned wine release. Sugarloaf Mountain Vineyard’s Case Club offers the following benefits which you can find here. Two that I think are worth noting is that members have the opportunity to participate in pruning, harvesting or bottling; and barrel tasting as the vintages develop. This speaks highly of the family atmosphere that they promote and practice.

Two events to put on your calendar are the “Black Friday Sales Event”; and one on December 5, 2009, where the winery will again feature Jennifer Muffler from Just Write Studios. For every three bottles purchased, she will engrave a bottle for free (a $25 value).

While the Bacchanals shouted “Evoe!” during their festivals, I think I would rather be drinking “Evoe!” while pruning vines. Maybe it’s just my own holiday “wishful thinking”, but I think an engraved bottle would be a welcome gift for someone special on your holiday list. Who knows, maybe one of my readers will send one to me?

Please feel free to share your comments on experiences with case clubs. And as a bonus, here are the winemaker’s tasting notes on “Evoe!”

Tasting Notes
Evoe! catches your attention with an inky garnet color with the offer of purple notes along its fine edges. On the nose, aromas of red currant, walnut and jam advance assertively along with notes of toast, hazelnut and butter. On the palate, the wine expresses flavors of black currant, red berry and cedar with hints of raspberry and lees. Round, full tannins await on the finish with suggestions of dried fig, raisin, cocoa and almond.

Designation Maryland
Varietal Composition
54% Cabernet Sauvignon
21% Merlot
13% Petit Verdot
10% Malbec
2% Cabernet Franc
TA 7.00 g/L
pH 3.61
Alcohol 13.5%
RS Dry
Aging 24 Months in French Oak (100% New)
Production 123 Cases
Release Date November 8, 2009

Sugarloaf Mountain Vineyards
18125 Comus Road
Dickerson, MD 20842
1.301.605.0130
http://www.smvwinery.com

Just Write Studios Calligraphy & Engraving
Jennifer Muffler
1.240.882.2466
jenny@justwritestudios.com