Seriously Fine Spirits, Nutmeg Magazine, Naia Verdejo,Villerambert Julien, Matanzas Creek, Milbrandt Vineyards

The crazy summer continues here in New London. This week we saw wine dinners, parties, sing-a-long's and free-for-all's. By the way, our apologies to Mario Batali, we had no idea that the Lasagne Bolognese would turn into a "problem" - we will make it up to you. (If you are looking for the extra pair of orange crocks, they are in the cellar - right where you left them.)

Hey - The new issue of Nutmeg Magazine is out and the guest columnist for wine this month is our very own Jim Morrison. The complimentary magazine is available everywhere including all of our stores - grab a copy the next time you are in the store.

Take a look at the handsome visage on this wine professional.
Would you buy a nice chardonnay from this man?

And remember, New London is happening, live music, art galleries, plays, restaurants, movies, and much more. Start your evening with us, and then rediscover New London.

Most people think of us as a fine wine shop, and we like to think of ourselves the same way. But here is a surprising fact - We Stock 35 Single Malts, 26 Brands of Vodka, 23 Bourbon and Ryes, and 18 Rums.

Sure, you know we stock Dujac, Barthod, Arnoux, Paolo Bea, Chateau D'Yquem, Gaja, Shafer Hillside Select, Chateau Valandraud, and Domaine Ott - in Magnums, but don't forget we have an incredible selection of spirits too. Take a peek the next time you stop by.

* * *

City News Is Coming Soon
Just one block from the train station - right next door to Thames River Greenery

* * *

Brie & Bleu News:

The new summer menu at Brie & Bleu has just what you need to rekindle a great night out.

We have added things like Short Ribs and Roasted Chicken to our regular bistro style menu.

Add to that our signature potato and cheese dishes and a great wine and beer list - and even the biggest appetite will be satisfied.

Rediscover a great night out - right here in New London

Dave's Fave
The Monday Tasting

Click on the photo to order it now

Berkshire Brewing Co. Oktoberfest Lager 2008 $4 Bomber

In October we will have carried Berkshire Brewing beers for one year, but we're calling it "close enough" because their Oktoberfest brew just came out!

All Berkshire products are made by dedicated dudes who actually have forgone the idea of "going big" because they are committed to the quality and control that being a smallish company affords.

BBC is actually Massachusetts' largest microbrew (jumbo shrimp?), and as President Chris Lalli says, "We're just one step away from being the smallest 'regular' brewer." Things are looking up! We've even started pouring BBC beers exclusively at our eatery Brie & Bleu.

Please join me Monday to have a sip of their spicy new seasonal! DA.

Wine Tasting Please Join Us
Friday August 22 - 6-9 p.m. - No Charge

Can't Make It To The Tasting? - click on the photos

1 - Naia Verdejo 2007 $14


The grapes for this wine come from 98.8 acres of vineyards, of which 94 acres are 26 years old and 4.8 acres are ungrafted 90-year-old Verdejo vines. All the vineyards are located in the town of La Seca, which is considered by the locals to be the "grand cru" village of Rueda.

Since the Middle Ages Verdejo has been the traditional varietal on the left bank of the Duero River. This is the fourth release of this stainless-steel fermented wine.

With Bright grapefruit citrus and pronounced herbaceousness the wine is reminiscent of New Zealand Sauvignon Blanc only much less expensive and to my way of thinking, much better.



2 - Chateau Villerambert Julien Minervois Rose 2007 $14

The vineyard of Chateau Villerambert-Julien, created in 1852 by the Julien family, extends over 59 hectares of hills, all classified as AOC Minervois, between Carcassonne and Narbonne, on the edge of precipitous garrigues.

Its completely unique terroir, composed of veins of schist and crushed pink marble, and is fully exposed to the south.

The greatest care is given to cultivation methods, high density of planting, severe pruning, conscientious training of vines, and the use of organic fertilizer all contribute to the quality of the wine.

The rose comes from a subtle fermentation of the exsanguinated juice from the most aromatic casks of Syrah, Mouverde, Carignan and Granache. The red has been one of our favorites for years, we are very excited to offer the rose while it and the summer are here. Check out their very cool website HERE


3 & 4 - Several years ago there was a movie about one guy getting married and one guy getting divorced and their road trip through wine country. With the utterance of one line, "If they order Merlot I'm leaving" the entire varietal was relegated to the decidedly unhip list.

While I appreciate the character's passion, I always felt it was a little unfair, and worse unwise to dismiss an entire varietal. The horrors of over-produced wine-dreck notwithstanding, we are after all talking about the grape that brought us Ch. Petrus and runs through the great wines of Bolgerhi. So this week we offer a small reminder that it is ok to drink Merlot.

3- Matanzas Creek Winery 2004 Merlot $27


Tasting notes: A potpourri of fresh herbs, including thyme and sage, marry with dark boysenberries and velvety cherries in the nose.

Distinctly spicy, the palate begins with clove and quince, followed by a long, smooth finish of blackberry and earth notes.






4 - Milbrandt Vineyards 2005 Merlot $24

Tasting notes: The 2005 Merlot is a smorgasbord of ripe blackberry, spice, tobacco, plum, cherry, and coffee. It is dense, lush and voluptuous.

With a small amount of Cabernet Sauvignon and Petit Verdot in the blend for additional structure, color and weight.

The wine finishes with a dash of oak, a hint of cassis and a dollop of cedar.

Please Call Us Anytime With Questions
8 6 0 - 4 4 3 - 9 4 6 3

We have a great team working with us, we consider ourselves very lucky. All of the folks that make it possible at the winestore, Brie & Bleu, Thames River Greenery and Beanery, and the soon to open City News, try their best to make it all work as planned. But we take our guidence from you. Your comments and suggestions, and your fantastic support are greatly appreciated - Thank You.

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

AAA.