New Years 2010

A Successful New Year's Eve Party
Is just a call away. 8 6 0 - 4 4 3 - 6 8 1 7

Wednesday December 30th:
Bubbly Night featuring all of our sparkling options for New Year's Eve - Cava, Prosecco, Vouvray and yes, even CHAMPAGNE.

As always the fun starts at 6:00 P.M.

After you find your favorite bubbly at our tasting here is a quick idea for News Years Day:

After all of the fun, you make need to re-adjust your system - we like the classic approach.

1 - Mimosa's

The simple method of mixing champagne and orange juice, popularized in Paris and London in the 1920s, has had an enduring appeal.

1 oz. fresh orange juice
Champagne

1. Pour orange juice into a champagne flute. Pour in enough champagne to fill the flute to the rim and stir to combine.

2 - Eggs Benedict:

2 cups distilled white vinegar
2 & a half tsp. kosher salt, plus more to taste
1 tbsp. vegetable oil
8 slices Canadian bacon
3 egg yolks
1 tbsp. plus 1 tsp. fresh lemon juice
1quarter tsp. Tabasco
8 tbsp. unsalted butter, melted
8 eggs, cracked into separate small bowls
4 English muffins, pulled apart by hand and toasted
Paprika or cayenne, for garnish

1. Bring 16 cups water to a boil in a tall 6-quart saucepan over high heat. Add vinegar and 2 tsp. salt, lower heat to medium, and bring to a simmer.

2. Heat oil in a 12" skillet over medium-high heat; add bacon; cook, turning once, until lightly browned, about 3 minutes. Remove skillet from heat.

3. Combine yolks, lemon juice, 4 tsp. warm water, Tabasco, and remaining salt in a blender; turn to medium speed and slowly drizzle in butter to make the hollandaise. Transfer to a bowl; set aside, covered.

4. Swirl simmering water with a spoon to create a whirlpool. Carefully slide each egg into water; poach until just firm, about 3 minutes. Using a slotted spoon, transfer eggs to a paper towel-lined plate. Divide muffin halves between 4 plates; top each half with 1 slice of bacon and 1 egg. Spoon 2-3 tbsp. sauce over each egg. Sprinkle with paprika or cayenne.
SERVES 4

*****

Still Available :
Calera Jensen Pinot Noir 2006 ($65) is in the house! Josh Jensen's single vineyard Pinot Noir offering is here, impossible to find, the gold standard of velvety California Pinot Noirs, from the winemaster's flagship vineyard. We have six entire bottles - first come, first served.

AND - we still have a few bottles left of
New York Times - Rated #1 of '07s by Eric Asimov -
Domaine Montpertuis - First come, first served.

ALSO - Cloudy Bay - THE wine of New Zealand - rewrote the book on Sauvignon Blanc around the world - Impossible to get, impossible to forget.
But we called in a few "markers" and you can get as much as you like from us for the holidays.

*****
We Love BOURBON
And It Makes An Excellent Gift

Small Batch Bourbon -
As the name suggests, these ultra-premium, small batch bourbons are made in limited quantities. Aged from six to nine years in new, charred American white oak barrels, each is characteristic of pre-Prohibition whiskey, with strong, rich flavors and aromas. A small batch bourbon is a complex balance of taste and flavor.

This is the #1 Rated Bourbon Whiskey in the World
Rated 99 out of 100 by the World's Spirits Championships

"Pappy Van Winkle's Family Reserve' is aged an unheard of 20 years, and bottled at 90.4 proof.
This whiskey is wonderfully smooth and rich.
No other bourbon today can stand 20 years of aging, but this bourbon does it with style. My grandfather, 'Pappy Van Winkle' was a true character. This bourbon, like 'Pappy', is full of the character that makes it a very special whiskey. It, too, has been put in a class of a fine after dinner cognac." - Julian III and Preston Van Winkle

A bottle of fine bourbon and carefully selected cigars is the ultimate gift for the connoisseur in your life. We can even arrange for a private tasting and cigars in our beautiful lounge - think about it.

*****

Please Join Us
WEDNESDAY December 30 - 6-9 p.m.
No Charge

A Great Way To Start Your HOLIDAY WEEKEND.
Wednesday December 30th:
Bubbly Night featuring all of our sparkling options for New Year's Eve - Cava, Prosecco, Vouvray and yes, even CHAMPAGNE!

Please join us. Its fun informal and a great way to start your weekend.

******

As the year comes to a close we sincerely want to wish all of you and your loved ones, a safe, happy, and healthy New Year.

Thank you all for your support of our local businesses, it makes a big difference - we appreciate it.

We have a lot of things planned for New Year - Special guests, dinners, live performances & more - so please stayed tuned.

AAA.

SPECIAL HOLIDAY EDITION 12.20.09

Happy Holidays
We have something for everyone.
8 6 0 - 4 4 3 - 6 8 1 7

Greetings from New London,

With the big holidays falling on Fridays, we're planning TWO very special Wednesday Night tastings to toast out 2009!






This Wednesday December 23rd: Ken Powers from Victory Brewing Company will take over our wine cellar with flagons of beer!

The hoppy madness will commence at 6:00PM, starring Golden Monkey Ale, Hopdevil and Wilddevil beers with some large formats and rare surprises!

"Having trained in Germany, we appreciate the artistic freedom we have here in the US. Here creativity is embraced by a fervent core of consumers and we are happy to serve that audience with our experience in traditional methods, selection of choice, often imported ingredients, and the best processing that technology can offer us. We relish the opportunity to please both ourselves and our audience with our flavorful creations. We've invested more than our lives in this. Take a look."
Bill Covaleski
Brewmaster & President

****

Wednesday December 30th:
Bubbly Night featuring all of our sparkling options for New Year's Eve - Cava, Prosecco, Vouvray and yes, even CHAMPAGNE.
As always the fun starts at 6:00 P.M.

*****

JUST IN:
Calera Jensen Pinot Noir 2006 ($65) is in the house! Josh Jensen's single vineyard Pinot Noir offering is here, impossible to find, the gold standard of velvety California Pinot Noirs, from the winemaster's flagship vineyard. We have six entire bottles - first come, first served.

AND - we still have a few bottles left of
New York Times - Rated #1 of '07s by Eric Asimov -
Domaine Montpertuis - First come, first served.

ALSO - Cloudy Bay - THE wine of New Zealand - rewrote the book on Sauvignon Blanc around the world - Impossible to get, impossible to forget.
But we called in a few "markers" and you can get as much as you like from us for the holidays.

*****
BOURBON
Makes An Excellent Gift

Small Batch Bourbon -
As the name suggests, these ultra-premium, small batch bourbons are made in limited quantities. Aged from six to nine years in new, charred American white oak barrels, each is characteristic of pre-Prohibition whiskey, with strong, rich flavors and aromas. A small batch bourbon is a complex balance of taste and flavor.

This is the #1 Rated Bourbon Whiskey in the World
Rated 99 out of 100 by the World's Spirits Championships

"Pappy Van Winkle's Family Reserve' is aged an unheard of 20 years, and bottled at 90.4 proof.
This whiskey is wonderfully smooth and rich.
No other bourbon today can stand 20 years of aging, but this bourbon does it with style. My grandfather, 'Pappy Van Winkle' was a true character. This bourbon, like 'Pappy', is full of the character that makes it a very special whiskey. It, too, has been put in a class of a fine after dinner cognac." - Julian III and Preston Van Winkle

A bottle of fine bourbon and carefully selected cigars is the ultimate gift for the connoisseur in your life. We can even arrange for a private tasting and cigars in our beautiful lounge - think about it.

*****

Please Join Us
WEDNESDAY December 23 - 6-9 p.m.
No Charge

A Great Way To Start Your HOLIDAY WEEKEND.
This Wednesday December 23rd:
Ken Powers from Victory Brewing Company will take over our wine cellar with flagons of beer! The hoppy madness will commence at 6:00PM, starring Golden Monkey Ale, Hopdevil and Wilddevil beers with some large formats and rare surprises! www.victorybeer.com

Wednesday December 30th:
Bubbly Night featuring all of our sparkling options for New Year's Eve - Cava, Prosecco, Vouvray and yes, even CHAMPAGNE!

Please join us. Its fun informal and a great way to start your weekend.



Santa Knows Where To Get A Good Cigar

We have The perfect stocking stuffer for the cigar lover in your life.

We have a beautiful selection of gift packs from the finest cigar makers in the world.

They are priced right for the holidays and ready to go.




Hard to Find
Perdomo Reserve
Gift Boxs with free Cigar Cutter - start at $45.00

And a great selection of fine cigars, humidors, accessories and gift sets.

And we also have the finest smoking lounge on the planet. Authentic 1900's ambiance - stop by and take a look.




Cigar Society Lounge
is open everyday.

70 State Street New London
8 6 0 - 4 4 3 - 6 8 1 7

The Elves at TRG are always working.
So a little something like the blizzard this Sunday would never keep them from their appointed duties.

While many of you were tucked snugly into your beds & "slanket's" - a couple of us made it downtown to clear a path to the front door. Then one-by-one our team arrived. There is a lot of work to do and orders to get ready for the coming week.

Rows and rows of wine baskets, gourmet baskets, plants, and too many other things to list.

I mention all of this only to say thank you.
It is your remarkable support and your commitment to shop locally with us over the past weeks & months that makes it all possible. We will never take your confidence in our work for granted - you have our promise.

We have a lot of things planned for New Year - Special guests, dinners, live performances & more - so please stayed tuned.

AAA.

The Solution?

New Yorker Cartoon Greeting Cards available at City News

Italian Dinner Number Two - is almost sold out.
Wednesday April 1st - 6 p.m. - $50 plus tax & service.
Reservations - 8 6 0 - 4 4 3 - 6 8 1 7
(This is a three dinner series.)

Join us for an evening of great food & wine, and insight into the Italian culture. The menu will be influenced by the cusine of VENICE - and will include:

· Steamed Mussels Trieste Style
· Creamy Risotto with Caramelized Onions and Porcini Mushrooms
· Polenta with Sausage and Peas
· Hazelnut Tart

Each delicious morsel will be accompanied by the perfect wine.

In the kitchen, our own Anne Haviland - what would we do without her? AND - tickling the keys of the Mighty Wulitzer - Ashly Turney. Who is at this very moment in Italy sipping espresso and hiding extra biscotti in her purse. Ashley will preside over the Italian Culture part of the evening - And as the founder and President of Live-It Italy she is just the girl to do it.

Dinner will be held at City News 70 State Street
Right next door to Thames River Greenery.
8 6 0 - 4 4 3 - 6 8 1 7

<<>>

Back In Stock - Spring Collection
Chocolate Truffles from Moonstruck

In 1993, a simple but remarkable concept took root in Portland, Oregon. That concept was to handcraft superior chocolates - chocolates that would not only taste exquisite, but that would look exceptional, as well. The result would be a chocolate indulgence for all the senses.

From that initial idea grew Moonstruck Chocolatier, where to this day they still handcraft each piece, using only the finest ingredients. They pair their our own decadent chocolate with fresh flavors found in the Pacific Northwest and beyond, and then hand-decorate each piece with intricate care.

It all makes for a chocolate experience without compare, and we invite you to share in that experience yourself.

We offer a wide variety of shapes and sizes that have to be seen to be belived. Moonstruck Fine Chocolates are served at the White House, The Academy Awards and right here in New London - please stop by The Greenery or City News to see our collection.

<<>>

Please Join Us
Friday March 20 - 6-9 p.m. - No Charge

1 - Clos des Briords Muscadet Sevre et Maine 2007 $16
A very-old-vine cuvée of Muscadet from a single-plot vineyard in schist, the Clos des Briords. These are among the oldest vines in the estate (they were planted in 1930) and they enjoy a particularly good exposition. Also, when most of the estate's vines are planted on poor, shallow soil with hard granite very close to the surface, the Clos des Briords has a much deeper top soil of clay and silica over a brittle granite subsoil: this ensures excellent drainage in wet years, and better moisture retention in dry summers. Ripening is slower, and the longer hang-time before harvest allows for optimal maturity to be reached.

The vinification techniques are traditional for the area: no skin maceration but direct pressing within 2 hours of picking, racking of the must after 12 hours to remove the solid matter, and controlled temperatures, not to exceed 71.6 degrees F, for the fermentation. The aging of the wine, on its lees in stainless steel vats, lasts until bottling, about eight months later.

Because of the soil and greater concentration achieved with old vines, the Clos des Briords is a more powerful wine that most Muscadets. It is very mineral and quite austere in its youth, rather than fruity and light. Over a few months, or even years, if one can wait for it, it develops much complexity in aromatics and structure.


2 - El Coto Rioja Crianza 2004 $12
The Crianza is given 13-15 days in stainless steel vats with daily pumping over, followed by one year aging in 225 liter new American oak barrels. They maintain 65,000 casks of varying ages, from new to at most seven years of age. Note: El Coto does not produce the young, or unwooded, type of red Rioja, believing that pure Tempranillo is greatly enhanced by oak maturation.

In general, the 2004 vintage is characterized by intense fruit, powerful structure and tannins, while the overall quality of 2004 rivals that of the excellent 2001 and the exceptional 2005, a vintage already spoken of as potentially the best ever in Rioja. The powerful and brooding structure of 2004 recalls that of 1994, the best Rioja vintage of the 1990s.




3 - Lancatay Cabernet Sauvignon 2007 $10

Sourced from grapes grown in Huarpe's high altitude vineyards in Mendoza.

Wines are vinified in stainless steel tanks, and then aged in French and American oak barrels and are neither fined nor filtered.










4 - Gaja Ca'Marcanda Magari 2005

Along the Tuscan seaboard extending south from Livorno lies the Maremma. For centuries a marshland, it has established itself over the last quarter century as one of Italy's most prestigious wine regions.
The area boasts an excellent climate for growing international grape varieties such as Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc, Merlot and Syrah. Hot summer days are freshened by brisk sea breezes and cool nighttime temperatures, ideal for fully ripened grapes.

The alluvial soil is unique in that it consists of two distinct types: terre brune ("dark earth", predominately loam and clay, with very little limestone or stone) and terre bianche ("white earth", primarily clay and sand, rich in limestone and filled with abundant stones and pebbles of different sizes).

It is in this region that wine icon Angelo Gaja, owner of the Gaja Winery, began a new winemaking venture - Ca'Marcanda. His aim was to transfer the experience of his Piemontese culture to the Maremma - to first acquire a thorough understanding of the potential of the different soil types and then to emphasize their specificity and uniqueness in the wines that are produced.
The Maremma provides a perfect opportunity to apply this experience to growing international varieties. In 1996, along the road between Bolgheri and Castagneto Carducci, Gaja began planting 150 acres of vineyards, primarily with Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot, but also Cabernet Franc and Syrah.

While created from international varieties, the wines are not intended to vanish into the universe of international taste. The wines reflect the best of Bolgheri's terrior: fully ripened fruit with balanced acidity.

The classic label of Gaja inspired the design of the new labels: geometric, with contrasting colors and minimal wording.

****

Lots of great ideas planned for the coming warm weather - thanks for all of the input - we could not do it without you! And many thanks for all of your support - we appreciate it.

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

AAA.

Elegance and Decadence - Fun For The Whole Family

This holiday season, give the sweetest gift of all - Moonstruck Chocolates are handcrafted and available only through selected retailers across the country. We are proud to be included on that list.

Established in 1993 Moonstruck was founded on the premise that chocolate is not simply a candy, but an experience to be enjoyed by all of the senses. Today, the company's delicately crafted truffles and other confections are inspired works that have been enjoyed in such prestigious locations as the White House and The Academy Awards. We offer the full line - Please call for details. 8 6 0 - 4 4 3 - 6 8 1 7

This just in:
Ken Wright Pinot Noir. Abbott's Claim, Merideth Mitchell, Freedom Hill, Savoya, Carter, Mcrone, Shea all just $50 a bottle. Ken Wright Cellars

Robert Parker on the subject of Ken Wright and the 2007 Vintage "Ken Wright Cellars has long been one of the reference points for Pinot Noir fanatics. Ken Wright is the ultimate terroirist"

"2007 appears to be a superb vintage for Pinot Noir. It will appeal to fans who like the intellectual appeal of Burgundy as well as those who come down more on the hedonist's side of the coin.There was a significant rain event on 9/29/07.

Those who panicked and picked everything before the rain were able to make decent wine but those who waited (and most did) were rewarded. The grapes gained flavor but not alcohol due to the cool weather. The resulting wines have superb natural acidity, modest alcohol levels, but also superbflavors and concentration. It may be the best vintage since 2002."
Extremely Limited Quantities - First Come First Served. 8 6 0 - 4 4 3 - 9 4 6 3

Make Someone Happy
We have seriously fine cigars in stock at City News, including many famous brands for the holiday season. Combine cigars with any of our other decadent treats in a gift basket and you've got a gift that will bring hours of enjoyment to the connoisseur in your life. Of course we will gift wrap your choices at no extra charge.

Singles & Gift Box Samplers Ready To Go.
8 6 0 - 4 4 3 - 6 8 1 7
City News
70 State Street New London

The Monday Tasting 12.15.08

Porta Sole Montepulciano D'Abruzzo 2006 $8

From the eastern coastal hills of Italy near Pescara comes this very affordable treat! A spicy, rustic, easy-drinking Montepulciano.

This wine would make a nice companion to say, some skirt steak in wine and olive sauce with a handful of wild braised greens... or eggplant rollatini with a side of mushrooms?

Why don't we raise a glass on the deck, squint out at Long Island Sound and pretend it's the Adriatic?

Please stop on by! Order Now

Elegance & Decadence
The Friday Tasting - Please Join Us
Friday December 12 -19 - 9 p.m. - No Charge

1 - Hugel Gentil 2006 $15



The Hugels have been making wine in Alsace since 1639 and own one of the oldest wine casks in the world "Sainte Caterine" dated 1715. This sense of history and place comes through in their wines as they express the varied terroirs of Alsace.

The Gentil is a field blend of classic Alsace varietals such as Gewurztraminer, Riesling, Pinot Gris and Sylvaner. Anyone who has met Etienne Hugel at our wine dinners can attest he is enthusiastic about Asian cuisine (actually he is enthusiastic about a lot of things, but mostly food and wine).

True to his passion, this wine is a perfect pairing for Thai, Schezuan or Indian food. This wine can take the heat, but is also well paired with cheese, pate, fried mushrooms, shrimp cocktail, pho, white bean soup, mixed green salad and holiday Turkey. Order Now










2 - Casaia Rosso Toscano 2006 $14




This is a nice little Super-Tuscan, a blend of 50% Sangiovese and 50% Cabernet Sauvignon. It's delightful right out of the gate, but give it and hour or so in a decanter and the wine really finds it's stride.

A wine of dark roasted plums, dark cherries and cassis. Affordable enough for pizza night with the heft and complexity to take on the richest stew or roast.


Order Now


















3 - Mclaren Vale Associates "Squid Ink" Shiraz 2006 $34

From It doesn't happen often enough, but sometimes a guy walks in the store with a case of wine and says, "Drink these and tell me what you think". So it was with Chris from 2fly imports, a new kid on the block. 2fly imports small production Australian wines that exhibit a refreshing sense of restraint and integration, yet have the massivity you would expect from wine called Squid Ink.

From the tasting notes, " The nose is complex with ripe berry and hits of chocolate and vanilla. The palate is rich, full bodied with intense flavors and a lingering finish. The tannins are firm and concentrated but clean. The most intense wine we have ever bottled. "
Order Now














4 - Steltzner Cabernet Sauvignon 2005 $42

Remember when California Cabernet was great? Remember when it didn't have to cost $100 a bottle to wow you?

Steltzner Cabernet harkens back to those simpler times, when family wineries made great wine with estate fruit and didn't charge and arm and a leg for it.

Their vineyard is not only in Napa, but in the very prestigious Stag's Leap District. A great value from one of the premiere Cabernet producing regions on Earth.

Order Now

Thanks very much for your support over the holiday season - we appreciate it.
Please join us. It's fun, informal and a great way to start your weekend.


AAA.