Spottswoode Dinner, Colome' Torrontes, Casa Viva Pinot Noir, Revolution Shiraz, Dalmau Rioja

Greetings from all of us in New London,

Thames River Wine & Spirits - 860-443-9463
Thames River Greenery - 860-443-6817
Brie & Bleu - 860-437-2474
Import - 860-443-6817
www.thamesriver.com

We are a day or so late this week - but we did not want to send out a beta version of the email - you can read on with assurance - this is the full version. AND I would bet cash money, that it works with Windows Vista!

OK, we have a great selection of wines for Friday night they are listed just below these items of interest -
There are a few little things to remind you about first.

• A must have for that special Valentine's Day Dinner - Like the drinking the petals of fresh flowers -
Rated 93 points Wine Spectator
Condrieu "La Doriane" 2005 - Find it here: http://thamesriver.com/wine/instock.html

We also have some very special Valentines Day ideas that will make your loved-ones swoon.
Can you name one other wine shop that has a pastry chef on staff?
Who else can offer you hand made Petit Fours matched with 35 yr old Chienin Blanc?
(Brisebarre 1985 demi-sec Vouvray $22.)
Or Cocovino Chocolates with Warres 1989 Quinta Da Cavadinha Vintage Port $45?
Add flowers from The Greenery - & delivered right to the front door - one stop shopping.

• David Anderson - We like to call him Rock Star Dave Anderson - has come a long way since he started to work with us back in the fifties when this show first went on the air. Back then he could barely tell the difference between a red wine and a white wine - seriously, we thought he was color blind. Now, he claims to have developed his own "Palette", and he wants to share. Every Monday afternoon, Rock Star Dave will select a wine that will be open for tasting and debate.
He guarantees us that he has discovered the secret to finding the best wines that cost under $15 - you be the judge.

• Saturday nights at Brie & Bleu are getting quite interesting. In response to SO many people asking us to add more specials and featured items to the menu - we have added weekly specials. Friday and Saturday nights we call upon the talents of our amazing kitchen staff and they are creating seasonal dishes that are paired with our own wine suggestions - for example:

Friday 2/2/07 - Some winter nights demand a real Beef Stew, fresh baguettes and a full bodied red wine such as
Punto Final Malbec $12 or Fratelli Alessandria Barbera D'Alba $27 or Abeja Cabernet Sauvignon $44. All of the wines are available from the wineshop - price points to meet every budget - and all offering lots of value. AND people have discovered that they can order all of this TO GO. This has to be some of the best take out in town.

Saturday 2/3/07 - Or how about homemade Chicken and Dumplings, matched with
Ruston Sauvignon Blanc 2003 $18
Inama Vigneto Du Lot Soave 2002 $26 (not your father's soave)
Silverstone Pinot Noir 2003 $30
Calera Ryan Pinot Noir 2003 $45

Think of these weekly specials as one of our Wine Dinners "A la carte" - or maybe a Wine Dinner To Go. -
Every Friday & Saturday night.

• NOW - What I am about to tell you is a special announcement - This is one of those times that will require fast response.
This is the first mention - it will not be on the Calendar Page for HOURS:
Thursday February 22nd - 6 p.m. Only 10 Seats Available - $100 plus tax and service.

Spottswoode Vineyards and Tesseron Cognac Wine Dinner
A Classic Steak House Menu will feature Filet Mignon with black truffle butter and show stopping side dishes and of course our own Made by Lisa Desserts.
THE WINE: Impossible to find - & coveted by collectors - we will be serving:
2003 Spottswoode Estate Cabernet - $155 - Wine Spectator - 94 points, Wine Advocate - 93 points, Tanzer - 94 points.
Tesseron Cognac lot 53 (1953) $145 100 points - Wine Enthusiast.
This will be a great night, full of fun and surprises, a night that will be remembered for years to come -
Perfect to share with someone special.
Call now to reserve: 860-443-9463 - speak to Jim Morrison - only Jim can reserve your space.


This Week At Brie & Bleu - Cheese of The Week -
Bica de Quiejo is the featured cheese this week at $19/lb. Bica is a farmhouse cheese from Portugal made from a blend of cow, goat, and sheep's milk. Bica has a distinctive yet mild, buttery flavor and a satiny texture. Like most Portuguese cheeses, Bica has a slightly salty flavor because its milk comes from animals that graze on land that sits by the sea. Enjoy it with a medium-bodied red wine before the meal, or with a glass of sherry for dessert. For an additional 10% off the cheese pair with Altana douro Red only $8 a bottle at Thames River Wine and Spirits.
Cheers,
Colleen

Wine Tasting Please Join Us
Friday February 2nd - 6-9 p.m. - No Charge

1 - Colome' Torrontes 2006 $15
This is the highest vineyard in the world, and the oldest working vineyard in Argentina.
Swiss businessman Donald Hess bought this extraordinary estate up in the Andes in the Argentine province of Salta, close to the Bolivian border in 2001. Hess owns wineries in California (Hess Collection), South Africa (Glen Carlou) and Australia (Peter Lehmann) so has no excuse for making anything but the very best of his unique Argentine ingredients. And that is exactly what they have done here. Hard to beat for this price. The most popular white wine from Argentina, the Torrontes grape is a cross of Muscat of Alexandria and the Mission Grape of Galacia. Grown on the traditional Parral System, Colomé Torrontes is highly distinctive with its muscat character - always refreshing. The wine exhibits a high fruit nose with muscat and tropical notes that lead to a rich mid-palate and clean, crisp finish. Serve lightly chilled.

2 - Casa Vina Pinot Noir 2004 $10
This is a small winery located in Casablanca Valley, a tiny, stunningly beautiful, seaside gem of a terroir, located in the sunny north of Chile's wine-making country. It is blessed by warm sun ( it is on an equivalent latitude to Casablanca, Morroco) and insistently cool Pacific breezes that are tempered by sheltering hills. This Chilean wine is Brick red in color with garnet hue. Elegant raspberry and blackcurrant aromas, with a touch of smoky oak. In your mouth, plum, berries and violet, balanced with firm acidity and a lingering finish. You won't believe this is only a ten dollar wine. Continues to prove that some of the best values are coming from South America.

3 - Revolution Shiraz 2005 $20 - Australia (Rated 93 points - Wine advocate)
The wine comes from one of the top growers in McLaren Vale and is essentially made from the highest grade fruit in the region. The project is born with winemaker Corrina Rayment, who fits into the group of young and progressive winemakers. Rayment is a progressive thinker and she’s willing to take risks. The grapes for Revolution come from the most revered sub-region of McLaren Vale, known as Seaview. This sub-region is where the best reds to come out of McLaren Vale are grown. The vines are relatively young at 5 years, but due to the extreme lack of soil nutrients & carefully regulated deficit irrigation practices, the vines are already producing voluptuous, flavor packed & rich fruit, perfect for Revolution.

4 - Marques de Murrieta Dalmau Rioja 2001 bottle # 6849
Our own Jim Morrison says: "The 1996 Dalmau was not only the best Rioja I've ever had , but among the best wines I've ever had. 2001 is a better vintage, and although this wine is quite young, I cannot resist the opportunity to preview what this wine will become over the next 10-20 years."
Jim is very tired - he works all of the time and he has almost no time for what's left of his personal life. Sometimes we come in in the morning and find him in the Cellar. Rocking back and forth on the balls of his feet and staring up at the racks of Spanish wines. Mumbling what sounds like "buenas dias my friends." - The good news is that this does not have to happen to you. Jim has already made the sacrifice. All you have to do is show up on Friday night and try the wine - humor him please, it would mean a lot to the rest of us.

We have a new slate of beer dinners coming and too many things to mention in this edition - keep your eyes on the Calendar Of Events Page and right here each week.

Trying to remember what that wine was from a couple of weeks ago?
A quick note to remind people that all weekly emails, along with their wine lists and other news are available in our archives - click here: http://newlondonwine.blogspot.com/

Thanks for all of your support - we appreciate it.
And thanks also for all of the feedback - it helps a lot.

Please Join Us. It's fun, informal, and a great way to start your weekend.



AAA.

Chignin-Bergeron, Bliss Maremma Toscana, Chateau Du Trignon Sablet, Gran Crucero Syrah, French Dinners, Argentinean Gaucho's

Greetings From New London -
Thames River Wine & Spirits - 860-443-9463
Thames River Greenery - 860-443-6817
Brie & Bleu - 860-437-2474
IMPORT - 860-443-6817
www.thamesriver.com

We have a great line up of wines for Friday - the list is just below these items of interest.


• A couple from New York stopped in at Brie & Bleu the other day and said:
"It is easier to get a table at Rao's, than it is to get in here."
But it's not true - it is not hard to to get into Brie & Bleu for dinner- really.
Here is the store schedule and I have listed the current menus too.

Brie & Bleu is closed on Monday.
Tuesday and Wednesday nights are reserved for our wine dinners and the seating is limited - BUT all you have to do to join us is check the menus on the website or call the store and ask, pick one you like and make a reservation.
Thursday, Friday, and Saturday nights the kitchen opens at 5p.m. for dinner and the seating is available to all.

Tuesday Nights - French Dinner Series:
Sublime French Wine Served With Each Course
$40 plus tax and service:

1/30/07 - Mache salad with warm goat cheese and croutons
Duck a L'Orange
Baked lemon cheesecake with Champagne sorbet

2/06/07 - Frisse salad with lardons
Grilled Wild Sea Scallops with Curry Anise Cream
Almond puff pastry gateau

2/13/07 - French watercress salad
Grilled Salmon fillet with lentils
Creme brulee

2/20/07 - Carmalized pears with Roquefort and Champagne gastrique
Beef Tenderloin with Perigeaux Sauce (Maderia Truffle)
Rasberry Cream Charlotte

2/27/06 - Radish salad with baby romaine
Rack of Lamb en Croute with ratatouille
Strawberry Napolean

3/6/07 - Fennel and orange salad with wild argula
Trout Almondine
Apple tarte tatin



Wednesday Nights Comfort Food Series:
Wine Served With Each Course
$35 plus tax and service:


1/17/07 - Spinach Salad with Peppered Bacon
Chicken Marbella with Rice Pilaf
Old Fashioned Bread Pudding

1/24/07 - Vermont Star Salad
New England Pot Roast and Veggies
Brownies and Vanilla Ice Cream

1/31/07 - Cheese Plate
Rosemary Chicken and Butternut Squash
Apple Cake with Rum Glaze

2/7/07 - Tossed Greens with Chevre Crouton
Deviled Shortribs with Garlic Mashies
Pear Crisp with Whipped Cream

2/14/07 - Classic Ceaser Salad
Pasta Bolognese
Chocolate Bread Pudding

2/21/07 - Italian Cheese Plate
Beef and Veal Canneloni
Italian Cheesecake

2/28/07 - Tossed Greens
Classic Meatloaf with Mashies
Banana Walnut Cake

If you are not familiar with Rao's take a look here: http://www.raos.com/raos_restaurant.html



Colleen has picked a local cheese for Brie & Bleu this week:
The featured cheese is Farmstead cheese from Beaver Brook Farm - Old Lyme, CT
This is another new one produced at Beaver Brook Farm. The cheese is a bit dry and sharp with a natural rind. Beaver Brook Farm, a 175 acre sheep and cow farm located in the Pleasant Valley section of Lyme, CT.
At Beaver Brook Farm, they are committed to preserving the environment and producing goods of the highest quality.
Cheers,
Mrs. Z


Wine Tasting Please Join Us
Friday January 26 - 6-9 p.m. - No Charge


1 - Andre et Michel Quenard Chignin-Bergeron 2005 $22
Bergeron is the local name for Roussanne. Made from 30-year-old Roussanne vines grown on the steep, chalk rich hillside slopes of Chignin. The grapes are hand-harvested parcel by parcel, and undergo a long fermentation in stainless steel. Malolactic fermentation helps give the wine additional richness on the palate. The wine has lots of fruit on the nose, with creamy apricot and white peach rising from the glass. The medium to full body of this wine, along with its subtle minerality, make it an ideal partner for fish in sauce, scallops, poached salmon or white meats.

2 - "I Vini Di Maremma" - Bliss Maremma Toscana 2004 $10
In 1954 a group of keen vine-growers founded the first wine-cellar of Tuscan Maremma, near Grosseto Italy.
Year after year, thanks to the enthusiasm and the tenacity of the people of Maremma, Cantina "I Vini di Maremma" has improved its production through the rigorous selection of grapes and the perfecting of the method of wine-making. Today the Cellar signs with the trade mark I vini di Maremma the great wines obtained from the grapes warmed by the sun of Tuscan Maremma, grown by more than 400 Maremman producers, and then processed at the historical establishment at the locality "Il Cristo", a beautiful stone building on the road from Grosseto to the seaside. This is a delightful surprise, and at this price, a good bargain too - please try it on Friday night.

3 - Chateau Du Trignon Sablet France - $16
You have seen this Chateau name before in our cellar - In fact, it was just last August that we featured this Kermit Lynch selection. But this time the wine is from a slightly different area. Just around the corner, so to speak, in Sablet. Château du Trignon has been in the hands of the Roux family since 1896. For many years it was run by André Roux - he retired in 1987 and the property is now managed by his nephew, Pascal. The château and winery are located in Sablet, one of the most picturesque Côte du Rhône villages that you can imagine. It produces a wide variety of wines but is most renowned for its Gigondas. My first visit to the village was last year and I have missed it ever since. Sablet is small, tidy and quiet, with church bells tolling on the hour.
There are two bakeries, two butchers, a place where you can buy the morning newspaper in different languages, a café and a good restaurant that serves sturdy Provençal fare. Not to be overlooked is the little cave des vignerons where you can buy, at bargain prices full, fruity local reds and fragrant rosés produced by local winegrowers under the highly regarded Sablet, Gigondas and Séguret appellations. The wine we have on Friday is dark ruby/purple in color and is accompanied by layers revealing herbs, blueberries, raspberries, and black cherries. Medium to full-bodied, elegant, pure, and well-balanced. Join us a try a taste of the french countryside.

Gran Crucero Syrah 2003 $24 Colchagua Chile
Around 150km south of Santiago, following the course of the Tinguiririca River down from the Andes, the Colchagua Valley runs from the foothills east of the Pan-American Highway westwards towards the Pacific Ocean. The river provides a ready source of irrigation water, essential in this dry area. The regular, warm climate combined with high fertility, meant that for years the valley floor was considered ideal for a large production of bulk wines. But, as in most of Chile, in the past decade the emphasis has been switching to quality rather than quantity. This is one of those great new wines. Sublime and seductive. Lovely, brilliant and deep ruby color. Aromas of very ripe black fruits, strawberry jam, notes of coffee and very delicate mint. Its fruity flavors are enhanced in mouth and remind me of a sweet fig. Most everyone knows that we have a fondness for the South American wines at the store - not just because of their low price - But because of the remarkable consistent quality. We are trying to arrange a trip into Chile and Argentina in the coming months. There is no substitute for actually walking the land, eating the food, and getting loaded with the winemakers themselves, in order to appreciate the wines and the lifestyle. - I'll keep you posted on the details.

Jim has always wanted to dress up like an Argentinean Gaucho, but perhaps I've said too much already.








Thanks so much for all of the email on our trip to South Africa - we will be posting a few of the photos in the gallery and on the blog very soon. In addition, we are putting a special SA tasting/dinner together. If you are interested in attending please call the store and ask to be placed on the list. 860-443-9463

As always we appreciate your support - thanks for making it so much fun.

Please Join Us -
It's fun, informal and a great way to start your weekend.





AAA.

It's Only Kinky - The First Time, Naia 2005 Verdejo, Lancatay Cabernet, Vale do Bomfim Douro Reserva, Duckhorn Merlot

Greetings from all of us in New London -

Thames River Wine & Spirits - 860-443-9463 - 84 Bank Street
Shop On Line: http://thamesriver.com/wine/instock.html
Calendar of Events: http://www.thamesriver.com/wine/calendar.html

Thames River Greenery - 860-443-6817 - 70 State Street - www.thamesriver.com
Brie & Bleu - 860-437-2474 - 84 Bank Street - : http://www.brieandbleu.com/
IMPORT - 860-443-6817 - 60 State Street - http://thamesriver.com/trg/featured.html


We have a great list of wine for Friday night - I hope you can join us.
it is a short holiday week - so we will get right to it -
The list can be found just below these items of interest:

• The website will have many changes on it in the next few days - Our normal schedule of updates was interrupted by the holidays and vacation - but now, we are tanned, rested, and ready for "07".

• YES - our weekly dinners begin this week - look for a full list with menus on the calendar of events page -

• YES - we are adding another night of dinners to choose from - due to popular demand and many requests for more seats at our popular Wednesday night dinners - Tuesday nights will offer a second choice - more great wine & food.
For example - Tuesday might be a French theme and Wednesday might be "Comfort Food".
Keep your eyes on the calendar page for all the information you will need.


This week at Brie & Bleu:
Feta from Beaver Brook is the featured cheese of the week.
Happy New Year again to all. The featured cheese this week is another new one sold at Brei & Bleu. The cheese is Feta from Beaver Brook at $16/lb. The Feta cheese is a pasteurized cheese soaked in a traditional brine giving it a creamy, yet racy flavor. The Beaver Brook Farm, a 175 acre sheep and cow farm is located in the Pleasant Valley section of Lyme, CT. The Sankows began working Beaver Brook Farm as a dairy farm in 1917 and in 1984, Stan and Suzanne Sankow introduced their first sheep, Sherry and Ding, to the farm. Now, Beaver Brook Farm is home to more than 600 sheep, some cows, a Wool Shop and a Farm Market. At Beaver Brook Farm, they are committed to preserving the environment and producing goods of the highest quality. Pairs well with a crisp Sauvignon Blanc white wine purchased at Thames River Wine and Spirits for an additional 10% off the cheese.

Cheers,
Mrs.Z

Wine Tasting - Please Join Us
Friday January 19 - 6-9 p.m. - No Charge

1 - Naia 2005 Verdejo - Rueda Spain - $12
Located about an hour north of Madrid, Bodegas Naia’s winery, named Viña Sila, is situated along the southern bank of the Duero River in Rueda. The winery covers 40 hectares (about 96 acres) in the village of La Seca, which is referred to as Rueda’s "Grand Cru" village by local growers. The average age of these vines is 90 years old with most over 100. These vines produce low yields of fruit with unparalleled depth and concentration. It will pair well with briny shellfish (oysters, clams, mussels), fish "steaks" (tuna, swordfish, marlin, mahi mahi, Chilean sea bass) with lime or ginger marinades, and chicken with wild, fresh herbs. The secret of Naia is out—at least for Manhattan restaurants - many of which have it on their lists. This is yet another example of an excellent Spanish wine for under $15.

2 - Lancatay Cabernet Argentina - 2004 - $9
This brand new winery was established in 2002 by 3 fourth-generation descendants of the Piedmont-native Pasquale Toso (of Toso sparkling wine fame). The new company is based on old family vineyards that Pascual Toso planted in Barrancas, where they have 65 acres of Cabernet Sauvignon. The aromas of fruit, well defined tannins, and roundness with a long finish make this the perfect wine to go with red meat and other robust dishes. Sourced from grapes grown in Huarpe's high altitude vineyards in Mendoza. These are the Andes mountains we are talking about - take a look at the landscape: http://www.maplandia.com/argentina/mendoza/
Wines are vinified in stainless steel tanks, and then aged in French and American oak barrels and are not filtered.
Try a taste of Argentina on Friday.

3 - Vale do Bomfim Douro Reserva Red Wine - (Dow's) 2004 - $14
Wait! - I know this seems like a mouthful to pronounce - but take it slowly, you will get the hang of it.
When Dow's owner Dominick Symington was in our store last season he commented on the trouble that Americans have figuring out Port. He told us that his family's historic Port House of Dow's was about to release the inaugural Vale do Bomfim red table wine from Portugal's Douro Valley. He was hoping that it would familiarize people with their products and open their minds up to try new things - It's only kinky the first time. So, this is a dry red wine sourced from its primary vineyards including Quinta do Bomfim and Quinta da Senhora da Ribeira. Established in 1798 and wholly owned and managed by Symington Family Estates, Dow’s adds the Vale do Bomfim table wine to its existing line of renowned Ports. Well, port is still confusing to a lot of people - but give this a try on Friday night and see if you look at things in a new way.

4 - Duckhorn Merlot 2004 - $54
The name Duckhorn brings a smile to the lips of wine lovers - People quietly run their fingers over the name when they see it on wine lists in restaurants - Then they carefully eye the person across from them and wonder if the payoff is worth the investment? - Do I really want to share with this person? - Co-founded by Dan and Margaret Duckhorn in 1976, Duckhorn Vineyards has been crafting classic Bordeaux varietals from the Napa Valley for nearly 30 years. The winemaker says "Merlot is blended to offer the complexity and balance of a young wine, while embodying the diversity of the whole Napa Valley appellation. This wine is full-bodied with bright fruit and well-integrated tannins that lead to a lingering finish. The aroma is layered with raspberry and cherry, accented by notes of toasted oak, dried herbs, vanilla, and green olive. The flavors are ripe with blackberry and black cherry followed by spicy notes of clove, mint, and black pepper."
This Friday in an excellent opportunity to try this California legend - and it won't cost a penny - please join us.


Thanks so much for all of the feedback on the special report we filed from South Africa. We will be posting photos in the gallery AND we will have the interview with wine makers from Boekenhoutskloof - Makers of Porcupine Ridge and The Chocolate Block - up on the website in just a few days.

And, thank you for your continued support - we appreciate it.
We have a great line up of events, guests, and tastings in the works for the new year - the best is yet to come.

Please join us - It is fun, informal and a great way to start your weekend.


AAA.

Report From Cape Town - South Africa

Greetings from Cape Town South Africa -

As always, we have a great line up of wines for you next Friday -
January 12th - 6-9 p.m. - No Charge.

I cannot elaborate on them because I did not have the list at press time.
But rest assured that fun will be had by all.

Now a quick note to all of the faithful readers that have been waiting for the Cape Town Winelands update.

This morning I stood alone out on the rocks at the Cape of Good Hope. The spray from the surf filled the air. On a calm day, like today, the waves were stunning - Think Watch Hill during a big storm - I have been told that when it is rough the waves can be six meters high - not during a storm mind you - just on a rough day. The giant rock formations that break the ocean cause a thundering sound and it is hard to take it all in. It has to be the most dramatic natural setting that I have ever seen.

We were alone - no other people - Behind us in the scrub and grass that lead up to the ocean - we spotted a troop of baboons and a large family of wild ostrich - they roam free here.

What does this have to do with wine? - It's part of the journey and I wanted to share it.

Tomorrow we will be the guests of Marc Kent - the winemaker that is responsible for The Chocolate Block - We will travel to Boekenhoutskloof, founded in 1776, located far up the "Valley" in the Franschhoek foothills. Situated 40 minutes drive from Cape Town, it falls within the Cape's abundant winelands.

Many of you have seen the wine on our shelves and have had the opportunity to try it at recent tastings - I hope to interview the folks at the vineyard and have it available on our website soon - this is an episode that you will not want to miss -

We also will be stopping in at the home of Charles Back - Fairview Vineyards - Winemaking on the farm can be traced back to 1699, not quite a half-century after the first European settlers arrived in southern Africa. But its wines entered the modern era with the first bottling under the Fairview label in 1974 by the Back family, owners since 1937. Fairview is the source of Goats Do Roam and several other South African wines that we have in the store. Charles Back’s philosophy is that wine is an integral and joyful part of everyday life - just like we do. I could not come this far without a visit.

The home of Fairview wines is a 300ha farm on the south-west-facing slopes of Paarl Mountain, a granite rock outcrop in the heart of the Paarl wine district, viticulturally among the most historic and influential areas of the Cape winelands. We will be standing among the lavender beds in the terraced front garden of the winery,looking out across rolling fields at the distant flat-topped Table Mountain, a world-famous landmark standing guard over the city of Cape Town, on the Cape Peninsula at the southern tip of the African continent.

So, that's it for now - we hope to see you on Friday night at the tasting - and we want to thank you all for your continued interest and support - we appreciate it.

AAA.