Holiday Gift Ideas -- Exceptional Quality and Top-Notch Customer Service from The California Wine Club (Review)

 

Last month I shared a review about the California Wine Club, as an option for holiday gift ideas. If you missed my post, click here to read it now.  Since that time, I was sent another month's worth of wines to sample, and couldn't help but share again about this amazing monthly wine club.  With only 21 days until Christmas, you are probably beginning to scramble and find the perfect gift for those on your shopping list.  Well, don't make yourself crazy to find just the right gift for those over 21.  Instead, why not surprise them with a month's (or more) membership to The California Wine Club?  This wine club is great for those who are wine savvy, as well as those who only choose a wine based on price.  I fall in the latter group, and have always thought that if I bought a wine in the medium price range that it would be good.  Unfortunately, I have been let down time after time, after opening up a bottle, taking a few sips, and then pouring the rest down the drain, as it didn't taste good.  

But, thanks to the folks at The California Wine Club, they make choosing just the right wine a cinch.  Each month, they will send along wines based upon your taste preferences, or can surprise you.  This was the case when they sent me my two-months worth of wine to sample.  For the month of November, I received the following shipment:

What I loved most about this shipment was that the wines where placed in red and silver foil festive bags, that were tucked inside a canvas wine tote. Really a nice touch, which only reaffirms the wonderful customer service that The California Wine Club offers their customers.  Now, I am not going to try and describe the wines as if I know wines, so I will share the taste notes from the Daniel Gehrs website:

-- 2009 Daniel Gehrs Merlot --

87% Merlot, 9% Malbec, 40% Cabernet Franc

"After three back-to-back small vintages due to drought, frost and assorted fits of weather 2009 arrived with a strong, successful bloom, a warm but mild summer and a dry sunny autumn which was perfect for ripening a full crop of Merlot.  Fermentation in temperature controlled stainless steel, gentle pressing followed by patient aging in a cool, cellar environment reveal here a lovely and fragrant wine.  The in-blending of Malbec and Cabernet Franc in the above percentages adds the complexity of cranberry and blueberry respectively to the ripe, black cherry and tanned leather fragrance typical of Merlot.  Delicious, soft, lip-smacking tannins give length and structure to the finish.  Enjoy over the next 3-4 years.  DRG 11/10"

-- 2011 Daniel Gehrs Chenin Blanc --

"This is our first Chenin Blanc to carry the Santa Barbara County Appellation since 2004.  The grape source is altogether new.  The sprawling, White Hills Vineyard near Santa Maria, was planted in the early 1980′s.  The Chenin Blanc vines are ideally situated on a moderate south-facing slope in deep, sandy soil.  Production is very moderate by California standards, and the quality high.  The slow fermentation took place entirely in stainless steel over a long, 72 day period at steady, cool temperatures.  An early 2011 bottling has captured and full vitality of this classic variety, vineyard and vintage with lovely aromas of honey and flowers wedded to complex flavors of fresh pears and quince.  DRG 1/11"

I was excited to receive this second shipment a few days before Thanksgiving, as it gave me an opportunity to share them with family.  As we poured and sampled each bottle, everyone agreed that these two wines were great tasting.  We could see why they are called award-winning.  Then, my parents followed up by asking me where I purchased the wines as they wanted to pick up a few bottles for Christmas.  Knowing that I am not wine savvy, they made the joke that these wines must have been in the medium price range.  I followed up by letting them know that I didn't choose them, and that instead the folks at The California Wine Club did.  I couldn't believe how a wine club would select two great wines to send, that a roomful of people with different wine preferences would all enjoy.  By the end of the night, the bottles were empty, and everyone was talking about how great this wine club was, and how they hoped to sign up or receive a gift subscription.  Who knows?  Maybe Santa will grant their wishes, along with mine for a year's membership. :-)

So, if you are still looking for a gift to give that special someone, or the hard to shop for person, why not surprise them with a member to The California Wine Club?  You can choose the length of the membership, which is great, as you don't have to be locked it like other wine clubs make you.  I have been satisfied with my overall experience with this wine club, and their wine selections both months were stellar.  This is definitely a wine club worth checking out.

Click here to learn more about The California Wine Club and their membership options -- http://www.cawineclub.com/A-Fun-and-Unique-Holiday-Gift?utm_source=Site%20Referral&utm_medium=web&utm_campaign=Bloggers&utm_term=Inspired%20by%20Savannah

Don't forget to follow The California Wine Club on Facebook and Twitter for news and special offers!

---BUY NOW---

Get a jump start on your holiday shopping by heading over to The California Wine Club and checking out their membership options and benefits.  They even have the option to sign up for a one-time shipment, just to try it out.

Shipping Alert!  Ground Shipping Deadline is December 12^th.  Any orders placed after Dec 12 incur expedited air charges for Christmas deliveries.

 

Disclosure:  This review was made possible by Mom Spark Media. Thoughts are my own. I received a 2 month membership to the California Wine Club for the purpose of this review.