Reneau Review 
 Spring 2006
Newsletter
CLR Wins at
Chateau LaFayette Reneau received 14 awards (6 Gold & 6 Silver) at the 19th Annual International Wine Judging of Tasters Guild International on April 26-29, 2006. This Annual International Wine Judging is held in the Spring when a panel of experts judges hundreds of newly released wines.
CLR received Gold for its 2005 Dry Riesling, 2003 Chardonnay Reserve, 2003 Chardonnay, Emperor’s Blush, Northern White, and Seyval/Chardonnay.
Nearly 1,800 wines from 13 countries and 32 states/provinces were evaluated by 35 judges from around the country. The judging panels were comprised of a mix of retailers, winemakers, wine writers, restaurateurs and experienced consumers/collectors.
This year’s competition saw a significant increase in Riesling entries, which is a favorite grape variety for cool weather states and a noticeable amount of what Tasters Guild refers to as ‘proprietor blends,’ which use two or more grape varieties to develop a particular winery style.
Tasters Guild International, a Wine and Food Appreciation Society based in Grand Rapids, Michigan, consists of over 55 active chapters throughout the country that bring together consumers, wine, food and the wine and food service industries. The local chapters provide activity and ongoing wine and food events for their members and guests.
Joe Borrello, Tasters Guild President and Judging Coordinator explains, "by sponsoring this wine judging event, it is the objective of Tasters Guild to give the consumer a reference point in choosing good, quality wine values. Tasters Guild recommends any judging results to be used only as an informational guide in establishing personal preferences. By highlighting these wines, we hope to convey that good wine with food is one of the best medicines known to man, when used responsibly.
Best Riesling for Chateau LaFayette Reneau
Chateau LaFayette Reneau won Best Riesling for its 2005 Johannisberg Riesling and was presented with the prestigious John Rose Award at this year’s Finger Lakes International Wine Competition.
The prestigious wine awards include the John Rose Award for the highest-scoring Riesling (dry, semi-sweet, and sweet). This award is a unique, handmade glass goblet created by Corning Glass Works. Gold and silver medals are awarded, and there is special recognition of “Double Gold” (unanimous panel vote) wines.
The Finger Lakes International Wine Competition was held in Rochester on April 1 & 2, 2006. This event is open to commercial wineries from the US, Canada and all other wine-producing countries. A total of 162 wineries submitted wines for the 2006 competition. In 2005, the event attracted more than 1600 wines from across the US and around the globe!
All award-winning wines are featured at several public events following the competition, including a FLIWC gourmet dinner.
Best Riesling for Chateau LaFayette Reneau
Chateau LaFayette Reneau started the new year with a sold out Valentine’s Day Dinner. The 5-course meal was held on February 10th and was created, prepared and served by Chef William Cornelius—a well-known, local Chef. Each course, from appetizer to dessert, was paired with one of CLR’s fine wines.
The theme for this year’s dinner was “Taste of the Finger Lakes.” The menu included Margarita Shrimp Cocktail, Chicken White Asparagus Soup with Maitake Mushroom, Salad with Riesling Black Sesame Seed Dressing, Beef Tenderloin, Honey Basil Salmon, Seyval-Chardonnay Rice with Tomato & Herbs, Broccoli with Honey Onion Marmalade, and Chocolate Bliss with a Merlot-Black Cherry Whipped Cream.
On February 11th, Chateau LaFayette Reneau hosted the Thirteenth Annual Sweetheart Spectacular from 1:00 to 5:00 pm. Winemaker Tim Miller offered tastings straight from the barrels and tanks. Once again this was the perfect party get away from the doldrums of winter.
2005 Harvest – low yield, extremely fine quality!
 Thanks to the quality grapes from last year’s harvest and to the talents of our winemaker, Chateau Lafayette Reneau’s 2005 Johannisberg Riesling already won Best Riesling at the 2006 Finger Lakes International Wine Competition held April 1 & 2. Over 130 wines were entered in this year’s competition.
Our cabernet harvest exceeded our expectations. We had to buy extra french oak barrels for the Cabernet Reserve. The 2005 Reserve will be the first Reserve since 2001 and will be released in 2008.
Had a good winter no bud or vine damage.
Pricing Information
For wholesale and retail pricing contact Dick Reno Owner,
Chateau LaFayette Reneau:
800 4 NY WINE (800-469-9463) You may also visit:
http://www.clrwine.com
Chateau LaFayette Reneau is one of the leading producers in
New York State of national and international award winning
fine red and white wines, with an impressive list, restaurants
and wine shops nationwide, with headquarters in Hector, New
York.
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