Have They Gone Nuts?

This Friday   - The Italians Are Coming       Mr. Eric Bellnier from Vinifera Wines joins us again for his annual presentation of Italy's favorites. But this year he is wearing a cast on his leg - The result of an escapade in the Italian Alps? Perhaps - but his enthusiasm for wine is greater than ever. Please Join us. He will be pouring: Soligo Col de mez Prosecco Medoro Chimera Brigaldara Valpolicella Cascina Chicco Barbera, Dante Rivetti Barbera Icardi Moscato One of our favorite  whites for this time  of the year. A must have for the Thanksgiving Table. Made from a Trebbiano & Falanghina blend. "A very floral almost Pinot Gris like wine. Showing fine notes of fresh cut grass and Pear Drops. A hint of lemony acidity to balance and touch of pepper to the finish but still very mineral throughout." Lots of finesse in this bottle. Great body and a silky finish make this a perfect choice for a holiday meal.   Cascina Chicco Barbera Rated 89 Points Wine Spectator: "Full bodied yet soft with layers of mature red fruit and a finish of sweet dark cherries.  Best served with rich foods, soups and meat dishes. Great with soft fatty cheeses."  Dante Rivetti Barbera "Classic Barbera with medium weight red fruit, crackling acidity, soft tobacco notes, and a long minerally finish. This is a food wine! The acidity in this wine begs for tomato sauce, grilled chicken, or braised red meat. Pair it with some sopressata and provolone cheese for anti pasti. It is old world style at it's best." Barbera is grown all over Italy, but the best examples of this red grape come from Piedmont, where it is made into all manner of wines - from easy-drinking quaffers to serious, cellar-worthy bottlings Icardi Moscato d'Asti The ICardi style style is renowned worldwide - highly fruity wines, whose style is characterized by extreme refinement, cleanliness and elegance, and whose flavor is balanced from the very beginning. One of the most classic traits of this excellent Moscato is the rampant flavor of white flowers on the nose and on the palate. Clean and fresh, with a slight frizzante, this is perfect with cheese, fruit, or light desserts. Established in 1914 and headquartered in Castiglione Tinella, ICardi is located at the boundary between two renowned vineyard terroirs - Langa and Monferrato. In the early 1960s, the Icadri's decided to vinify the vines they owned, instead of selling of their fruit. They are an innovative producer that has a through understanding of the agricultural element in wine production. Back In Stock & NEW ARRIVALS: BEER:Berkshire Brewing 22's & GROWLERS Wolavers Coffee Porter Hennepin Belgian Style WINE:"The Dragonfly" - French Pinot Gris Lumasina - The crisp Italian white from Liguria Milou Chardonnay - French Chateau Lamonthe - NYTIMES: "Cult White Wine" (French Sauvignon Blanc blended with semillion.) Hess Select Specialties:Calvados - Amazing Apple Brandies for the holidays St. George Absinth Lidestri Pink Lemoncello Vermont Maple Cream SCOTCH: Springbank 10 Year Old 100 Proof The Balvenie DoubleWood 12 Year Old Bunnahabhain 18 Year Old Highland Park 18 Year Old The Macallan Cask Strength Scapa 16 Year Old the Orcadian Glenkinchie 1991 Distillers Edition Lagavulin 12 Year Old Cask Strength Glenmorangie 18 Years Old  Bourbon: Buffalo Trace Henry Du Yore Balcones Tatoosh Vorner Creek High West American Prairie Reserve Old Forester 2013 Birthday Bourbon Woodford Reserve Seasoned Oak Finish Maker's 46 Knob Creek Smoked Maple Angel's Envy No - We Do Not Have Pappy Van Winkle. BUT we do have some of the hardest to locate fine spirits in the book. And Special Orders are welcome. STAFF FAVORITE - NEW TO THE STORE These brightly colored packages contain some of the finest nuts we have ever encountered. We discovered them looking for products for our holiday baskets. You need to try them. They are a perfect addition to every holiday table - or gift. Try them on Friday night. Here is their story in brief: "In 1929, on the brink of the Depression, our father and grandfather "Poppy" Sol took a bold step. 22 years old, he had already worked fulltime for 10 years to support his family. Yet he was ambitious, and wanted to live the American Dream and make the lives of everyone around him better. So, donning his best of suits and an assured smile on his face, Sol walked away from the bank with a loan to start his own business, the Newark Nut Company. The rest is history." ORDER YOUR HOLIDAY CHEESE NOW   This is the time to order your cheese platters and gourmet specialties. Make your entertaining easy. And remember, We Deliver.  BUZZ       Small Business Saturday is November 30th. All of the local merchants are working hard to make this the best holiday season ever. Whenever possible - Shop Local, Shop New London. Thanks for including a six pack of Safe Harbor beer along with your holiday choices this year. It goes a long way in supporting the brand.   Treat your friends and family to New London's beer.     Tastings: * Friday December 6 - Martin Scott * Friday December 13 - Ryan Connolly Special Champagne & Sparkling Wine Night.  * Friday December 20 - Vinifera   And as always - thank you for your amazing support - we have the best customers in the business. We receive compliments all the time on the attention and interest that you show to all of our guests.  We will be celebrating our 40th year very soon. And everyone at Thames River Greenery and our related businesses appreciate your support - it is not possible with out you.

ThamesRiver.com     Please Join Us On Friday Night. It Is Fun Informal And A Great Way To Start Your Weekend.   Wine & Cheese Tasting Every Friday 5-8 PM - No Charge

Drink Different This Friday Night

It is cooling off - the nighttime air is inviting an extra layer or two. And the best wines for the season have started to arrive.

THIS FRIDAY NIGHT

We are running so very late this week that there is almost no time at all to list the goodies we have for this week's tasting.  

Let me just say that in addition to some very tasty fall selections - This Friday is a good night to sample something different. When is the last time that you tried White Port? This is a very traditional European thing - chilled white port is just right before dinner and just after that drive home from work.

  

White Port is made the same way as other Port wine but is made from white--rather than red--grapes, and little juice-to-skin contact is allowed. This produces a bright, clear wine. 

White Port is a polarizing style of port produced by every major house on the Douro river. The style, often derided by traditionalists, has become increasingly popular as a chilled aperitif and mixing agent in cocktails. Typically inexpensive, white port is almost universally produced to a medium (or higher) sweetness level.    

Wine Club members may add a bottle of Santa Eufémia White Port to their next delivery for just $10.

Cellar Club Members may choose one bottle of Santa Eufémia red or white port at no additional charge. 

Please join us every Friday 

5:00-8:00 PM - No Charge 

BUZZ      

We are booking the coming months with many special events and guests - some informal, some a little more formal. But all of them entertaining.

Thank you all for the continued support - it has made a lot of things possible for us. We sincerely appreciate all of the interest and comments.

   

Tastings:

* Friday October 25 - Bob Neville 

* Friday November 1 - John Orfice

* Friday November 8 - Roger Hoadley

* Friday November 22 - Eric Bellnier

* Friday December 6 - Martin Scott 

In the coming weeks we plan on reintroducing you to "Grower Producer" Champagnes. There will be special tastings, pricing, and displays in the store. You need to know the truth about Champagne.  

The Royal Mistress

Lilly Langtry - The Royal Mistress

The Prince of Wales, Albert Edward ("Bertie", later Edward VII), arranged to sit next to Langtry at a dinner party given by Sir Allen Young on May 24, 1877. 

Although the Prince was married to Princess Alexandra and had six children, he was a well-known philanderer. He became infatuated with Langtry, and she soon became his semiofficial mistress. She was even presented to the Prince's mother, Queen Victoria.  

The Prince of Wales had the Red House (now Langtry Manor Hotel) constructed in Bournemouth, then in Hampshire, in 1877 as a private retreat for the couple  and allowed Langtry to design it.  The folklore is that their relationship finally cooled when she misbehaved at a dinner party,  but she had been eclipsed when Sarah Bernhardt came to London in June 1879.

In July 1879, Langtry began an affair with the Earl of Shrewsbury. For some time, the Prince saw little of her.
He remained fond of her and spoke well of her in her later career as a theater actress.

Langtry Estate

The 2010 Guenoc North Coast Victorian Claret is a complex blend of  award winning wines.
Featuring Lilly Langtree on the label.

Dark ruby in color, the wine has a wonderful fruity nose bringing on black cherry, plum, and blueberry aromas.  

Rich and soft on the palate, the hints of vanilla and nutmeg, from aging in 50% American and French Oak, add to the complexity and the long smooth finish.

The wine pairs well with any meat dish or just on its own.

Blend: 59% Merlot, 18% Syrah, 11% Cabernet Sauvignon, 10% Petite Sirah, 2% Cabernet Franc.

2011 Guenoc Lake County Sauvignon Blanc

The 2011 Guenoc Lake County Sauvignon Blanc is made from Estate Grown grapes. Cool fermented in stainless steel tanks to retain its aroma the wine has a complex mix of tropical fruit including pineapple, quince, and guava. The lively acidity enhances juicy flavors of grapefruit and white peaches on the long finish.

 

 

A perfect quaffing wine on a summer day or anytime you need a little sunshine.

2011 Guenoc California Petite Sirah

The 2011 California Petite Sirah jumps out of the glass with aromas of

blueberry, blackberry and red cherry.

In the mouth, the wine is bright and fruity, with a touch of earthiness and oak revealing a long smooth

finish.


Pair this wine with burgers , barbeque and meaty tomato

sauce-based pasta dishes.

BUZZ

Gentleman Jack whiskey tasting.
Cigar Lounge - Tuesday 30th - 6-8PM.
No Charge - but Reservations required. 
860-443-6817



 

CAN YOU SAY EMPANADA?

  

BACK IN STOCK & New Arrivals

 We do our best to keep your favorites on the shelf - but it is not a perfect system.
Several favorites are back on the shelf. The "DragonFly" wine, "Picassos Verdejo", Don Tomassi wines, The $12 white Burgundy - to name just a few. So have a look around, you might see an old favorite.

Beaune Clos Saint-Landry
White Burgundy - $45
Rated 93 Points

In 1731, Michel Bouchard (1691-1755), a cloth merchant from the Dauphiné (a region in the French Alps), set up business in Volnay with proceeds of the sale of his possessions in the Dauphiné. He started in the wine business with his son Joseph (1720-1804) buying and reselling barrels of wine.

In 1775, Joseph Bouchard acquired the first parcel of Bouchard Père & Fils vineyard on buying an estate in Volnay and a house in Beaune.
Unlike many winemaking regions, one of the peculiarities of Burgundy is the almost total absence of blends of several grape varieties. Two main grape varieties are found in Burgundy: Pinot Noir (red wine) and Chardonnay (white wine).

This is 100% chardonnay. But not the California style that most are familiar with.
If I had to choose one word to describe this wine it would be very difficult.
Elegance. That would be a good one. But the lush, supple, and silky characteristics of this wine are more than elegant. They are at times magical.
We have just one case. First come, first served.
10% off case purchase.


Don Tomassi Grillo Chardonnay - $12
We featured this wine a few weeks ago.
It was a huge favorite and we sold out quickly. It is back in stock and this is the time to grab a few bottles for your summer needs.

Tommasi Viticoltori (Tommasi Vintners) is a family viticultural company founded in 1902. Tommasi is located in Pedemonte village in the heart of Valpolicella Classico region, on a small piece of land in the northwest part of Verona, between the Lessini mountains and their plains near Lake Garda.

From grandfather Giacomo's tiny vineyard, the Tommasi estate has grown steadily over the course of years and today extends over 135 hectares of vineyards blessed by mother nature not only by a magnificent landscape, but more importantly, by its perfect suitability for grapes. The estate is run by the 4th generation of the Tommasi family, 6 members working together in complete harmony



TULLAMORE DEW


GLASSES UP!
Tullamore Dew

The original blended Irish whiskey, known the world over for its smooth and gentle complexity. For one, it is triple distilled and patiently aged in a combination of ex-bourbon and sherry casks, developing its distinctive smoothness. Secondly, being a blend of all three types of Irish whiskey, it has a gentle complexity. The malt and the pot still whiskey we use give it citrus and spicy notes.


Three natural ingredients, three varieties of grain, three distillations and a blend of all three types of Irish whiskey - pot still, malt and grain.

This is an especially fine whiskey and a great gift.

  On the cover of The current issue of Whiskey Advocate Magazine. Tullamore Dew is very affordable too.

A few months ago - our Mexican Chef de Cuisine had to take a maternity leave.

Everything went very well. Jessica now has a beautiful bouncing baby boy.

For the scores of people that miss her specialties - Jessica lived and cooked in Mexico City for 10 years - They will be back on our menu starting this Thursday and Friday.
And every Thursday & Friday throughout the summer.

People drove all the way from Bridgeport to sample her fresh tacos, empanadas, and burritos. This girl has a real following. This is not "Tex-Mex". She cooks from the heart and it is authentic. BYOB from our wine store and have yourself a treat.

This Friday Night - 5-8 PM
We continue our salute to summer wine this Friday with
Mr. Allan Goedecki from Grand Vintage Selections.


So your saying - wait - where is the list for Friday?
Where are all of the fancy pictures?

This week, as we go to press on Tuesday night, we have not finalized The List.
And because of special projects for tomorrow and Thursday there will not be enough time to get them into the email and out to you.

What I can tell you is this: The gentleman pouring for us on Friday has been responsible for some of the most interesting wines and spirits that we have offered. Things from Russia, things from Italy, even things from California.

So I will just remind you that the weekly tasting is a great way to start your weekend. Meet your friends here, have a little wine, and then maybe visit one of the local restaurants for dinner. Or take a short ride over to Captain Scott's with a  bottle of wine or a six-pack of Safe Harbor - all Icy Cold & Delicious.

Join us on Friday night and help us salute the great wines of Summer.



Tasting Schedule

* Friday June 7th - Allan Goedecki - Grand Vintage
* Friday June 14th - "The Flag Day Tasting" with Stephan Wich
* Friday June 21st - Bob Neville - Sparkling Summer Treats - World Wide Wines

BUZZ 
Father's Day is just around the corner - Sunday June 16th.  
We have very thoughtful options to brighten his day. 

Sexy And More Experienced

Meet Chardonnay's Sexy 

More Experienced Older Sister.
Viognier.

The best Viognier has this heady characteristic scent that one feels envelopes the glass and the drinker in a hedonistic cloud, together with real density and extract and, ideally, a dry finish.

Yves Cuilleron Viognier - $28
The aromas of apricots, flower blossoms, honeysuckle, ripe peaches, & a touch of musk all come to mind.
It is certainly distinctive. Brisk, full bodied and invigorating, with or without food.

91 Points | International Wine Cellar - "Light gold. Intensely perfumed bouquet of ripe peach, poached pear, violet and anise. More exotic on the palate, offering suave passion fruit and floral honey flavors, and finishing with impressive length and lingering sweetness.
This is awfully sexy right now."

We have a single case of this wine.
First come, first served.  Drink Different.

Cave de Lugny Mâcon-Villages - $12

Drinkers who have sworn off Chardonnay because of the heavy, over-oaked style of many Californian and Australian wines ought to take another look at white Burgundy.

These wines are what first made Chardonnay's reputation, and they can reach stunning heights of quality-and, unfortunately, of price, too. Happily, the local village wines in Burgundy can be great values for those looking for a break from the California style: instead of rich, buttery textures and huge body, the wines produced by Cave de Lugny and its peers are clean, crisp, packed with minerality, and tingling with acidity.

Mâcon-Lugny Les Charmes - $15

The pride  of La Cave de Lugny. Clean and fresh on the palate, it has floral and fruity aromas and a hint of lemon. Golden green in color when young, this wine is dry and rich, almost creamy. Its slightly spicy flavor and its structure put it on equal footing with the best Mâconnais wines.

Try this Unoaked, creamy Chardonnay from the Maçon region. Delicious and packed with flavor and superb value.

"Mid-gold in color, the nose is attractive, ripe yet subtle showing ripe orchard fruit, melon, grapefruit, an earthy mineral note, hints of apricot and a tinge of honey and creamy spice." WS   

"Bright and fairly crisp with a refreshing, lively mouthfeel, but also sufficiently round and creamy. Nice palate weight, with ample broad, well defined flavors that mirror the nose. Moderately long finish." WE

We also have a number of other special wines that were uncovered by our Wine Detectives on their recent trip to France. Take a look around the store the next time you visit. If you see the Wine Detective symbol - you know it is something special.

If you missed the tasting last Friday night - it was a good one.

Drinking Grand Cru White Burgundy was a real treat.

The French have decided to take a very serious run at reintroducing us to their remarkable wines. And they want to make a big impact in the 10-15 dollar range.
They want to show us that it is not neccessary to spend $40 and up to get a great bottle of French wine.

What that means here in New London is that we will have the opportunity to enjoy superior French wines for a fraction of the old price. Wines that will drink like they cost much, much, more.

For example:

La Grand Ribe 'Centenaire' Cotes du Rhone Red
RATED 93 Points - Robert Parker.

Robert Parker - Wine Advocate Says:
" The blockbuster 2009 Cotes du Rhone-Villages Centenaire tastes more like a Chateauneuf du Pape than a Cotes du Rhone. Dominated by Grenache with a small amount of Syrah included in the blend, the wine possesses great intensity, a terrific texture, full-bodied power, and wonderful purity and Provencal typicity.

This sensational effort is filled with red and black fruit, roasted herb, barbecue smoke, meat juice and bouquet garni characteristics. Enjoy it over the next 7-8 years or longer. Sleeper of the vintage. "


AND - it is only $12.  

 

TAVEL - Les Lauzeraies

Only one wine is made in Tavel in the southern Rhone region of France: Rosé. Louis XIV and Balzac are reported to have savored this succulent beverage, which is made chiefly from grenache and cinsault grapes whose skins are fermented briefly to extract color. Only red grapes can be legally used for rose in France.

Les Lauzeraies is part of Les Vignerons de Tavel, a cooperative founded in 1937. The organization today has 85 members that grow the grapes for the region's heralded roses.

The 2010 Les Lauzeraies Tavel is coppery in color, with strawberry notes on the nose. The lean, simple flavors are nicely piquant and refreshing. It's a classic summer sipper, nice change from innocuous whites and hip varietals.  

The Rosé of Kings & The King Of Rosé 

Drink like Louis XIV for just $12. 

 

Domaine Poiron Dabin

This is a wine that generally please everyone. That's why it is a perfect choice to serve at a casual dinner or to present as an Aperitif.

Matches well with fish in sauce, foie gras, sauerkraut, 'tartiflette', 'fondue savoyarde', melon with Parma ham or fruit desserts.

A deep golden yellow with straw-colored tints. Suave and heady, with rose and pepper aromas. Full-bodied and bewitching with a persistent intensity accompanied for a long time with a hint of residual sugar.

This Pinot Gris is an original wine for the Nantes region. Its limited production has put an end to an absence of three centuries.
Please try it this Friday.

Just $15   

We also have a number of other special wines that were uncovered by our Wine Detectives on their recent trip to France. They are seriously worth considering for your enjoyment. Take a look around the store the next time you visit.

We hope to see you this Friday Night. Tasting Schedule * Friday April 5th - Monsieur Touton * Friday April 9th - World Wide Wines * Friday April 26th - Stefan Wich BUZZ  Coming soon: Beer Dinners. Wine & Food Events. Scotch Tastings. More Skype visits from industry luminaries. New Episodes of The Wine Detectives    Drink Different.

Reinvention

Ernesto Catena, the owner of Ernesto Catena Vineyards in Argentina, is the eldest son of Nicolás Catena of Catena Zapata. A 4th generation winemaker, Ernesto has traveled and lived around the world, and along the way has earned a Bachelors degree in Computer Science and Economy, a Master's in Design in Milan and a degree in history in London. Defined by many as the "bohemian" side of the Catena family, Ernesto is a tireless and avid reader, painter, art collector, horseman, polo player and archer. 

While president of Bodegas Escorihuela, Ernesto felt the need to produce wines that would reflect his basic beliefs: high quality, a different style from the majority of wines being made at the time, smaller volumes and a strong brand concept. In 2002, Ernesto Catena Vineyards was created to express those beliefs.

This Friday night we will taste through his great wines.
Presented by Mr. Bob Neville from World Wide Wines (seen here on the right?)

Certified Organic / Biodynamic 

Robert Parker: The 2011 Padrillos Malbec is from the Uco Valley and is raised in French and American oak for eight months. It has a clean, generous bouquet of dark cherry, Dorset plum and blueberry that is generous and rounded. The palate is sweet and rounded with soft tannins. It is silky smooth and slips down the throat with ease. This is a consummate easy-drinking Malbec that you will finish sooner than you think - so pleasurable it is."

Wine Spectator: A dark, jammy red that weaves baking spice, toasty oak and dark licorice with dense blackberry, cassis and kirsch notes. Coarse tannins close in on the smoky finish. Drink now."

Superior wine making at very affordable prices. Please try them on Friday night.

The fascination with whiskey continues to grow. And we are pleased to announce the arrival of The Bruichladdich - (Brook-Laddy).  

The subject of a feature story in the current issue of The New Yorker magazine - 
READ IT HERE

This is something that you need to try.

PERDOMO CIGAR EVENT
Limited Seating You Must RSVP To Attend.
Tuesday March 19th - 6:00 8:00 PM.

Events Calendar

* Friday March 1st - World Wide Wines
* Friday March 15th - Grand Vintage - Vodkas From Italy!
* Tuesday March 19th - Nick Perdomo Cigar Event in the lounge
* Friday April 5th - Monsieur Touton
 
BUZZ 
    
We are sending a team to Domaine Paul Mas
next week to look things over. 
 

Special offers and a full report upon their return. Stay tuned.

 

Drink Different.