Special Holiday Hours - Let's Have Some Fun!

This Friday Night

A Holiday SpectacularPresented by Eric Belnier

We have selected our favorites for the season.  

We hope you can join us this Friday from 5-8 PM
Let's Have Some Holiday Fun! 

Thank you one and all for taking the time to shop locally with us.  It makes a difference to all of the downtown merchants. Sure, it is easier to shop online - but you can't sample a new gourmet item, try a wine from a tiny town in France or actually laugh out loud reading a new card that is just right for someone special on your list.

This is the local connection - and we thank you.

Special Items
Have Arrived For The Holidays.

On Our Shelves Now

We have too many things to list here. But those of you that know us have seen the variety of unique items that we have. Stocking Stuffers in every category.  One of a kind things that will make your family and friends smile. Please join us this Friday and take a good look around.

 

Only 600 Cases Produced

Only 5 Six-Packs in Connecticut.   

We have one of them.

The pinnacle wine for Terlato Vineyards, EPISODE stands shoulder to shoulder with
the very best Bordeaux Blends in the world.

The Terlato family makes this Bordeaux blend of classic varietals from the best Napa Valley fruit. Made with a focus on quality from select fruit that meets the highest standards, EPISODE stands out as truly elegant wine-a classic.

EPISODE is crafted in very limited quantities.

For the wine appreciator in your life - a very special gift. At a special holiday price.

Normal Price  $199

Email Price    $169 

 

 

 

ORDER YOUR HOLIDAY CHEESE NOW

 

This is the time to order your cheese platters and gourmet specialties. Make your entertaining easy.

We will have several to sample this Friday night.

 

 

 

We Have What It takes

We love trying to get hard to find items.

And we have a pretty good success rate.

Don't be afraid to ask if you don't see it.
We will put our top people on it.

CALENDAR 

RSVP Line:  860-443-6817
No Charge - All rsvp events start at 6:00pm  

Wednesday December 17 - RSVP Required

Italy - The Wines Of Conte Vistarino

6:00 PM presented by Ted Brown Vinifera Wines

FINAL TASTING BEFORE THE NEW YEAR

Friday December 19th

Eric Belnier - Monsieur Touton Selections

BUZZ

     

HOLIDAY HOURS:
Closed Christmas Day

Friday 26th -
Wine store open
Flower Shop Closed

Saturday 27th -
Wine Store Open
Flower Store Open

New Years Day
Both Stores Closed

Friday January 2nd
Regular Hours Resume

 

 

Very Coole Night - Go Big!

This Friday Night

A Visit From The Coole Swan Team

We will be tasting several items on Friday Night.
But a featured slot goes to Coole Swan.

Coole Swan is an all natural cream liqueur made with Irish Whiskey, Belgian White Chocolate, Madagascar Vanilla and Double Cream - what's not to like?

The Coole Swan Team will be presenting this addictive potion and making for a generally upbeat and festive night in the store. 

 

In addition - we will be pouring wine from the Allen S. Goodman portfolio.

  6 Liter Bottle - $235
3 Liter Bottle - $135 

    

Chateau Larose Trintaudon 

A real "WOW" gift  for
clients, new home, new baby...

These are large format bottles that are packed in wooden cases. 6 liters equals about 8 bottles.

RATED 91 points, Wine Journal:

The Larose-Trintaudon 2009 has a very refined, "classic" bouquet with sous-bois (a French term that refers to a forest-floor or undergrowth note), tobacco and broody dark fruits. The delineation is terrific. The palate is medium-bodied with very fine tannins, great tension with crisp black, mineral-laden fruits on the finish. Bon vin!"

ROBERT PARKER 

"Larose Trintaudon is a blend of 60% Cabernet Sauvignon and 40% Merlot. A particularly attractive and charming wine, with fragrant strawberry and black cherry fruit as well as hints of wood smoke and spice box. It is medium-bodied, soft, silky and ideal for drinking over the next 5-6 years.

What is so striking about 2009 - and I haven't really seen this kind of excitement since 1982 - is the quality of the cru bourgeois and the petits vins and generic Bordeaux that are available." - Robert Parker

Highly Allocated
Just Three Bottles Left

Our yearly shipment of CLIO has arrived.
First come, first served.  

Looking for a consistently over-achieving, full-bodied red?
How about this for a track record (all scores from Robert Parker's Wine Advocate): 2003 - 96 points; 2004 - 97 points; 2005 - 95 points; 2006 - 95 points; 2007 - 94 points, 2008 - 94 points, 2009 - 90 points. The wine is comprised of 70% Old Vine Monastrell and 30% Cabernet Sauvignon that was barrel-aged for 22-26 months in French and American oak.

It bears Clio's hallmark opulence, with bold aromas and flavors, a thick, dense palate, and long finish. The wine is rich with roasted berry and cassis aromas and flavors, with accents of anise and espresso. A powerful, decadent wine.

 

The Bruichladdich Tasting    

Last Wednesday was a treat - thanks to everyone that made it a success.

We represent the full Bruichladdich ( Brook-Laddie) line.
On our shelves now - even the rare "Black Art."
A perfect gift.

 

 

 

 

 

THE BOSS HOG   

2014
The Spirit of Mortimer

"This year's Boss Hog has been selected from among our oldest and most unique barrels - Bond 77. Bond 77 entered wood on April 5, 2001. As part of a quadruple barrel aging process, the Spirit of Mortimer spent nearly 14 years in a combination of new American oak, and early use bourbon barrels.

Bottled at cask-strength, the Spirit of Mortimer represents our purest, most powerful, and most primordial expression of the world's finest rye."

The Boss Hog claimed a coveted Double Gold at the 2014
San Francisco Spirits Competition.

On The Shelf Now - very limited.  

 

 

ORDER YOUR HOLIDAY CHEESE NOW

 

This is the time to order your cheese platters and gourmet specialties. Make your entertaining easy.

We will have several to sample this Friday night.

CALENDAR  RSVP Line:  860-443-6817 No Charge - All rsvp events start at 6:00pm   Wednesday December 10th - RSVP Required Anthony Terlato via Skype 6:00 PM - Terlato Wines The exceptional quality of the Terlato portfolio is underscored by more than 900 90+ reviews form leading wine publications since 2010 - More 90+ ratings than any wine company in the world.      Friday December 12 John Orfice - Allan S. Goodman Selections Coole Swan Wednesday December 17 - RSVP Required Italy - The Wines Of Conte Vistarino 6:00 PM presented by Ted Brown Vinifera Wines FINAL TASTING BEFORE THE NEW YEAR Friday December 19th Eric Belnier - Monsieur Touton Selections

 

Doctors Orders - Take Your Medicine

 

Wine And Cheese Tasting

Every Friday 5-8 PM No Charge

If you need an excuse to get out of the house and come downtown for the weekly tasting - how about "Doctors Orders." A weekly dose of something to clear your head and get you in the right frame of mind for the weekend. This Friday - 5-8 PM

Chateau La Reyne - "Le Prestige"

South America is where most people associate great Malbec - but did you know it was originally a grape made famous in France?

Located in the town of Puy L'Eveque, the vineyards of Chateau La Reyne are comprised of carefully tended 35 year old vines. Owned and operated by the Vidal family, the winery is currently run by the family's fifth generation, Johan. He combines their traditional production methods with today's modern technology in order to produce quality wines that still reflect the terrior of his family's land.

This rich, concentrated Malbec displays intense notes of blackberry, cherry and red currants on the nose and palate. Light floral notes merge with dense tannins and balanced acidity on the long, spicy finish. Enjoy with beef, lamb or duck.  

Torrebruna - Sangiovese

Virtually synonymous with the red wines of Tuscany, and all the romanticism that goes with the territory, Sangiovese is the core constituent in some of the great names in Italian wine. Italy's love affair with Sangiovese - and indeed the world's - is generations old.

At the dawn of the 21st Century, Sangiovese equated to roughly one in every 10 vines on the Italian peninsula.

"For our Torrebruna we attentively select the best Sangiovese grapes with the aim of producing and authentic Tuscan red dominated by fruity and spicy notes that only this vine can express thanks to the Tuscan soil and climate." -winemaker

 

Bogle Phantom

The wait is over...Phantom has reappeared for the season! Bogle's tantalizing apparition of rich berry and relentless spice returns to tease wine lovers. Full of flavor, concentration and intensity, this mysterious wine will haunt you well after the last sip is gone.

Bright red cherry fruit and black pepper tempt you to take that sip, with hints of brawny juniper, rich blackberry and briary boysenberry in the background. Succulent in mouthfeel, the wine showcases its versatile grape varietals: Petite Sirah, Zinfandel, Cabernet Sauvignon and Mourvedre.  

Aged for over 24 months in 1 and 2 year old American oak, tones of spicy vanilla and toasted coconut moderate the firm tannins and create a focused and intense finish.  

Enjoy this passionate and commanding red wine, yet another vintage impossible to ignore.  Please try it this Friday night.

Back In Stock

Very Hard To Find

Michel Couvreur Whiskey

Michel Couvreur is a Belgian and an independent bottler of single malt scotch. His cellars are located in Bouze-les-Beaune in the heart of Burgundy. Michel ages his single malts for years in sherry butts and then in demijohns or giant bottles kept in total darkness in the exceptional well-protected underground galleries of Bouze-les-Beaune.

Vatted from 54 whiskies aged more than 12 years (12 to 27 years) in oak casks, this malt has a rich amber color, a nose full of dried flowers, tobacco leaf, Jerez wine and fat almond, and a powerful, fruity, long finish. What a fantastic accompaniment to smoked salmon when served over ice. It is also perfect as a dinner digestive served at room temperature.

If you have a whiskey lover in your life, take a good look at these.
A great gift.

 

Nancy's Hudson Valley Camembert, Quickes Glouchester Cheddar

& Capri Goat & Honey. Try them all this Friday night.

All Wednesday night events begin at 6:00 pm. No Charge - 860-443-6817All events are an opportunity to purchase at special prices Wednesday October 15 - Sold Out Thank You   The Wines Of Shannon Ridge   In the late 1980's they began working with wine grapes from Lake County and recognized the area's potential to grow great mountain fruit.  At altitudes of 2,100 to 2,400 feet above sea level these steep mountain ridges are cooled by steady winds off Clear Lake and from the higher peaks just north. The vines produce small berries with concentrated flavors.  Lake County California and the folks at Shannon Ridge make award winning wines.          Wednesday October 29th Burgundy Tasting rsvp required    * Marie Pierre Manciat Pouilly Fuisse     "Les Petites Bruyeres"   * Billaud Simon Chablis per Cru Vaillons   * Janotsbos Pernand Vergelesses Blanc   * Franck Givaudin Irancy 2012 * Lou Dumont Morey St. Denis 2010   Diedre Magnello is one of the most knowledgeable people in the wine business.  A sought after presenter we are proud to share our stage with her for the special tasting of wine from Burgundy. Deidre's frequent trips to the Burgundy region allow her a personal connection and access to some of the best producers and their wine in Burgundy.   This will be an opportunity to purchase wine from her amazing portfolio at a special price. Please join us and discover why Burgundy is the most sought after wine on the world. Wednesday November 12 Vinifera - Italian Wines   Wednesday November 26 - The day before Thanksgiving. Ryan Connolly will present the Michael Skurnik Holiday Portfolio. An opportunity to discover wine that you need for the holiday season.

Coming In November Amarone Tasting

Crazy Beautiful

  CRAZY BEAUTIFUL.

Loosely translated, Jolie Folle means "crazy beautiful."
The same could be said for the winemaking philosophy of owner Brian Smith and his wife Gina - despite the naysayers, they've found a way to produce a highquality, expressive, hand-crafted wine at an approachable price point. Brian creates terroir driven wines of character. As part of their sustainable winemaking philosophy, Brian and Gina use lightweight, eco-friendly one liter bottles which contain more wine, but involve less waste..

"Aromas of wild strawberry and white peach mingle with notes of white pepper and stone dust. The round, fresh finish is balanced and juicy."

The wine is one of our most exciting rosés of the season.
The grapes were sourced from vineyards located in Sainte Victoire, in the heart of Provence. Planted on clay and limestone soils. The hand-picked fruit was gently pressed and cold fermented in stainless steel.  
Great Value - and one of the wines we will pour this Friday.

This Friday Night

We have had the last couple of Friday nights off!
An unusual occurrence - like a Super Moon.
We hope you will join us this week as we indulge in wines presented by Mr. Tom Belchor of Martin Scott Selections.

A native of New Zealand, and trained as a winemaker, Tom brings an entertaining, and very knowledgeable perspective to his tastings.

Please join us.

BELTANE FARMS
Do any of you remember the first time we invited the folks at Beltane Farms to Join us?

We had them bring along a few of their goats, and we set up a petting zoo for the kids to enjoy.

No goats this time - but their cheese is sublime.

 

Cheese Maker:

Danse de la Lune
We make about 50 to 80 of these wheels every week and each one is given special care and attention every day. This bloomy-rind cheese is usually around 4oz and makes a perfect addition to any cheese plate.

Ricotta
We believe fresh whole milk ricotta is the best. Our goat milk ricotta thick and creamy and adds a spectacular flavor to pizzas or pasta dishes.

Vespers
Our Vespers are truly a unique cheese. Only 30 to 60 wheels are made every week, as this cheese requires the most care and attention. Inside each wheel a layer of natural vegetable runs through the middle, while the outside is covered in a sweet bloomy rind. A beautiful addition to an afternoon bottle of white, or and evening bottle of red.

Try them this Friday Night.


CALENDAR:

Friday July 18th
Tom Belchor - Martin Scott Wines
 
Friday July 25th
Alan Godycki - Fine Terrior Wines

Friday August 1st
Roger Hoadley - Slocum & Sons

Friday August 15th
Ryan Connolly - Michael Skurnic

Friday August 22nd
Angellini Wines

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.