Cupra's Gift Coonawarra Cabernet Sauvignon 2003 still getting good write-ups in the press:

- "A classy but affordable wine from one of the rising stars in Coonawarra" 
         - Winsor Dobbin

Vintage early this year, and the Ambriel's Block is already off. Tiny Berries and small tonnes (just over 1 tonne per acre), which means the quality is spot-on. More photos on that next issue...

Taste of the Limestone Coast Festival 2006 went off without a hitch at Naracoorte town square - 5000 people packed in for a tremendous day of great weather, wine & ww...music.

Brazilian dancers all the way from - you guessed it -  Brazil - were tremendous, as was the band. Never seen so many people get up on stage at one time in my life.

Wine tips to impress the ladies:
Secondary fermentation, called malo lactic fermentation, is the conversion of malic acid naturally present in grapes into lactic acid (same as those in milk), which is why wine can have a "creamy" texture or "buttery" aroma. This is desirable with red wines, and some whites, like Chardonnay.
Generally, the longer the malo lactic ferment with reds, the better the wine.

Wine Quote;
"What is the definition of a good wine? It should start and end with a smile."
                   -    William Sokolin, Wine author.

CONGRATS

Sam Martin & Caroline Stock on their engagement -Super hot day, so the improvised pool up on Chalk Hill, in the McLaren Vale, was much needed.

Barney French & Jane Bourne On their Marriage - hot as hell, but great event, gorgeous bride, and the big man with his heart on his sleeve.
 

EVENTS
Coonawarra after Dark - Fri & Sat 7th & 8th of April. The famous Grape stomping held at Di Giorgio's (as seen on "The thirsty traveler" on cable). Plenty to do in every cellar door, and with harvest early there will be a lot more owners joining in on the fun (click on picture for link)

Easter Races
Sunday 16th April - Getting bigger every year, start booking accommodation...

Penola-Coonawarra Arts Festival
19th 21st May
Todd McKenney's cabaret show at Jameson's Run Winery, as well as Elvis Impersonator Andy Seymour, Co-Opera, and the world famous magicians The Concertino Brothers for the kids. Start booking accommodation (http://www.coonawarradiscovery.com) , because it's sold out every year.

Win that weekend in Coonawarra's hottest accommodation, Verdello.
More info at: http://www.penolacoonawarrafestival.org

 

For the foodies: Lamb and Lettuce Cups Serves: 4 Preparation Time: 10 minutes Cooking Time: 8 minutes Ingredients 600 g   trim lamb steaks (you could also use cutlets, eye of loin or fillet) 1 tblsp   soy sauce 1   Lebanese cucumber, halved lengthways and sliced 1/2   red onion, sliced 1   small red capsicum, seeds removed and thinly sliced 1   avocado, cut into chunks 1/2 cup   (10g) mint leaves 1   large butter lettuce 2 tblsp   sweet chilli sauce 2 tblsp   lemon juice Method 1.   Place the steaks on a preheated BBQ or pan, cook until moisture appears, then turn (only once). 2.   Cook to your liking, occasionally drizzling with the soy sauce. Place the steaks on a plate to rest for 5 mins and cover loosely with foil. 3.   Separate the lettuce leaves, wash and dry. 4.   Combine thinly sliced steaks with the cucumber, red onion, capsicum, avocado and mint leaves. Place into the lettuce leaves. 5.   Combine the sweet chilli sauce and lemon juice and drizzle over the top. Tip: Cook’s tip: To make the lettuce leaves really crisp, put the leaves in a bowl of iced water for 15 minutes or so. Pesto sauce would be a great variation to using sweet chilli sauce.

WINE TO GO: Willows Barossa Shiraz $27 mouth filling berry cinnamon, mocha and a hint of mint. Great value wine.

"Here's to a long life and a merry one.
A quick death and an easy one.
A pretty girl and an honest one.
A fine wine-- and another one."

Dru Reschke
Chairman of Vino Pouring
Koonara Coonawarra Wines
O: (+61) (0)8 87 373 222
M: (+61) (0)408 101177
F: (+61) (0)8 87 373 220
dru@koonara.com
www.koonara.com
Box 5 Coonawarra
South Australia 5263