Valckenberg And Bedford Wineries Arrive In Las Vegas

Hosted by 20-year-old Renegade Wine Imports, The Stirling Club will become the center of a European wine tasting sensation, featuring imports from Valckenberg International and Bedford International. Together, these reputable wine makers and distributors have fashioned an intense collection of wines from Germany and Italy.

If you are unfamiliar with Valckenberg, it is the oldest family-owned wine merchant in Germany. It began when Dutch trader Peter Joseph Valckenberg (1808) purchased a winery that dated back with the Romans more than 2,000 years. Bedford International has a much younger history, being founded in 1949. However, it quickly grew to become an exclusive importer to the United States of fine Italian wines, a beautiful country where one of every 15 acres is dedicated to wine.

The Stirling Club German White And Italian Wine Tasting.

This remarkable wine tasting will take place from 6:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. on Oct. 28 in the north lounge. Participation is only $35, with Stirling Club Wine Society members receiving half off. Reservations are required and seating is extremely limited.

The selection of the evening represents some of the finest wines from both countries. From Germany, imports include the Mosel-Saar-Ruwer region, known for the finest Riesling wines in the world, and the Saarstein estate, which owns the oldest vineyards in the village of Serrig. From Italy, selections hail from the famed Piedmont region, the renowned Villa of Vignamaggio, an ancient hilltop town in southeast Tuscany.

What To Expect From The German Wines Highlighted.

Valckenberg Gewürztraminer, 2008 is a full-bodied, medium-dry white with a lovely aroma of roses, accompanied by flavors of ripe peach and litchi. Fruity on the front, it finishes finishes a bit drier with notes of nutmeg, cinnamon, and clove.

Maximin Grunhauser QbA Riesling, 2008 is spicy and fruity with aromas of peach and hints of black currant, typical for wines from the Abtsberg during the great years. It is packed with fruit and minerals, leaving a powerful and elegant taste.

Schloss Saarstein Kabinett Riesling, 2008features a crisp fruit taste, with the aroma of pear and kiwi. Expect a light and elegant flavor, with a touch of sweetness.

What To Expect From The Italian Wines Highlighted.

Volpi Barbera d'Asti, 2007 is medium-bodied wine with bright red fruit tones that feature hints of violet, earth, plum, and tannin. It is made with the barbera classic grapes in the Piedmont region.

Vignamaggio Chianti Classico, 2007 features a beautiful grape with soft tannins, succulent acidity, and moderately intense cherry and herb flavors. It is extremely easy to drink and often versatile as a dinner wine.

Umani Rochi Montepulciano d'Abruzzo, 2008 is a velvety red with supple fruit and a characteristic nutty, almost chocolate flavor often associated with Italian reds.

Castellucio Sangiovese, 2008 is known for soft tannins, succulent acidity, and moderately intense cherry and herb flavors. It is noted as a pure drinking pleasure blended with an unusual consistency.

Rivera Rupicolo (Mediterranean Blend), 2007 is generally characterized by its fruitiness and drinkability with a moderate structure. It will present a beautifully vibrant finish.

Non-Stirling Club members may contact Kathleen Gustafson, executive membership director, by email via the The Stirling Club Website or by calling 702-784-4603. Stirling Club members may also refer guests for consideration. Members are asked to place reservations by calling 702-732-9700.

Rodney Strong Vineyards Visits The Stirling Club

Rodney Strong, who left behind his successful career as a professional dancer to found Rodney Strong Vineyards in 1959, was a remarkable leader who transformed Sonoma County from rustic farmland into one of the finest wine regions in the country. His legacy continues today as Rodney Strong Vineyards grows and produces wines from grapes in Alexander Valley, Russian River Valley, Chalk Hill, and Sonoma Coast.

"Today, the winery owns and farms many exceptional vineyards in Sonoma County's prime grape-growing appellations where our critically acclaimed Estate, Vineyard Designated and Reserve wines are grown." — Rick Sayre, winemaker.

Together with The Stirling Club, Rodney Strong Vineyards will present a remarkable wine tasting from 6:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. on Aug. 5 in the north lounge. Participation is only $35, with Stirling Club Wine Society members receiving half off. Reservations are required and seating is extremely limited. Fruit, cheese, and wine will be served.

What To Expect At The Rodney Strong Vineyard Wine Tasting.

Charlotte's Home, Sauvignon Blanc, Estate Vineyard, 2009.
Light, crisp, and highly aromatic, the warmer climate Alexander Valley fruit gives the wine ripe pear and melon character, while the ocean cooled Russian River fruit offers citrus, mineral, and traditional herbaceous qualities.

Chalk Hill Estate, Chardonnay, 2008
Aromas are concentrated and complex — white flower, sweet cream, ripe peach, lemon oil, and wet stone — leading to a palate anchored with rich minerality and tropical and stone fruit.

Russian River Estate, Pinot Noir, 2008
A lush and luxurious feel, with tastes of raspberry, light plum and spice that appears midway and continues through the finish. The taste lingers with cherries.

Alexander Valley Estate, Cabernet Sauvignon, 2007
Bold fruit aromas and flavors center on red plum and boysenberry, and a rich and mouth-filling texture with soft tannins. All of this is framed in the finest oak barrels for more than 18 months.

Russian River Valley Reserve, Chardonnay, 2008
Bright lemon and apple aromas mingle with hints of toasty barrel complexity, and on the palate, pear and pineapple with spice and a refreshing acidity.

Russian River Valley Reserve, Pinot Noir, 2008
Soft and rich, with layers of red cherry, raspberry, cola, caramel, and a hint of Asian spice, this impressive, deeply colored and full-bodied wine is aged in 100 percent French oak, which adds an elegant toasty vanilla character.

Alexander Valley, Cabernet Sauvignon, 2006
Full bodied and richly textured, this cabernet displays intense aromas and flavors of black currant, sandalwood, white pepper, and cocoa, with a smooth, lingering finish.

Alexander Valley, Red Meritage, Symmetry 2007
A generous bouquet of blackberries, ripe dark plums, sweet spices, and a hint of chocolate. It opens boldly on the palate with layers of blackberry, cassis, smoky dark chocolate, and brown spice.


This special evening event is hosted by Ramon Triay, director of food and beverage, and Mitch Preston of Rodney Strong Vineyards. In addition, The Stirling Club wine tastings have become a remarkable opportunity to meet other members.

Non-Stirling Club members may contact Kathleen Gustafson, executive membership director, by email via the The Stirling Club Website. Stirling Club members may also refer guests for consideration. Members may place reservations by calling 702-732-9700.

Summer Reds & Whites At The Stirling Club

Most people know that food is the primary consideration for choosing the right wine. But with some fine restaurants making subtle changes to match the season, some wine lovers are at a loss without their favorites. Naturally, it's perfectly fine to select whatever seems right. However, you might surprise yourself after tasting a variety of summer reds and whites from around the world.

To help make introductions to a few summer favorites, The Stirling Club has invited Brett McAnnany with Red Rock Wines to share his selections from 6:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. on July 8 in the north lounge. Participation is only $35, with Stirling Club Wine Society members receiving half off. Reservations are required and seating is extremely limited.

What To Expect At This Summer Wine Tasting

Germany — Riesling, St. Uban-Hof, 2009
Consistently rated 90 by Wine Spectator for several years, this Riesling is one you don't want to miss. It comes from Leiwen, Germany, where the Weis family has made exceptional wines for generations. Their philosophy is simple: great wines are made in vineyards, not so much in cellars.

United States — Sauvignon Blanc, 75 Wine Company, 2008
With its ripe pear and citrus notes with tropical fruit flavors, this Sauvignon Blanc comes from the Red Hills Appellation, which is known for having the cleanest air in California. The secret? It is fermented completely in stainless steel and aged sur lie for nearly three months to enhance its complexity.

Argentina — Finca La Linda, Luigi Bosca Torrontes, 2009
This wine is from Bodega Luigi Bosca and comes from Mendoza, Argentina. It’s 100 percent Torrontés grown at more than 5,500 feet above sea level. The company shares its entire winemaking process on its Website.

France — Syrah-Grenache Les Vignes de Bila Haut, Cotes de Roussillon Villages, 2008
Roussillon is the sunniest region in France, which makes the region similar to Spain. Some people suggest this is why Roussillon wines haven't received as much attention. This one will. The dark red fruit is distinct, with a burgundy-like color. In 2008, this wine made the top 100.

Italy — Dolcetto, Camerano Dolcetto d'Alba, Piemonte, 2007
Made from the black grape grown in the Piedmount region of northern Italy, Camerano Dolcetto d'Alba features a youthful flavor with berries and tannis. The wines made here follow tradition, but Ettore and his son Vittorio Camerano are starting to keep an eye on the future.

Spain — Grenacha, Tempranillo, Syrab, Cab Blend, Cellars Pinol "Ludovius," 2008
Possibly the heaviest wine of the summer selection, this blend carries a glass-coating crimson hue with cherry, blueberry, and blackberry. The estate consists of 100 acres in the town of Batea in Terra Alta, Spain. Cellar Vinos Pinol was founded in 1945 and remained in the family for four generations.

Non-Stirling Club members may contact Kathleen Gustafson, executive membership director, by email via the The Stirling Club Web site. Stirling Club members may also refer guests for consideration. Members may place reservations by calling 702-732-9700.