Stop & Think

New Yorker Cards Available At City News

Greetings From New London

Thanks for the great turnout last week for both our wine tasting and the first Yoga Basics at City News.
Just a reminder that we have a huge selection of health and fitness magazines - and the biggest selection of YOGA magazines in New London - at City News.

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Remember that Administrative Professional Day - is just around the corner. We have a number of very cost effective ways to say thank you with style. Order early for timely delivery. 8 6 0 - 4 4 3 - 6 8 1 7

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Wine Tasting
Please Join Us
Friday April 17 - 6-9 p.m. - No Charge

1 - Four Vines Naked Chardonnay 2007 $12
Step away from the barrel! This Chardonnay was fermented in 100% stainless steel and has not seen any oak, nor does it want to. This is crisp, concentrated Chardonnay with all its natural acid. Naked exhibits apple, white peach, and pear, finishing long with hints of citrus and mineral. Eat oysters and drink "Naked" often!! Share with a friend.












2 - Four Vines Old Vine Cuvee Zinfandel 2006 $12

Four Vines has such a great wealth of Zinfandel that they have the ability to put together a fantastic multi-appellation Zin Blend. On the nose the wine has layers of berry fruit and anise aromas with hints of spice. On the palate, blackberry and spicy plum fruit with a rich mouth feel trailing to a velvety toasted oak finish. Enjoy with a friend!










3 - Domaine Du Gour Chaule Cotes du Rhone 2007 $18

The Domaine du Gour de Chaulé, situated in the heart of the village of Gigondas, was founded in 1900 by Eugene Bonfils, the grandfather of the current proprietor, Aline Bonfils.

All the wine produced at the estate was sold in bulk to negociants until 1972 when the mother of Madame Bonfils began to bottle a small percentage for sale to private clients. The tradition of estate bottling has continued to grow under the direction of Aline Bonfils so that now approximately 50% of the annual production is selected for sale in bottle (approximately 25,000 to 30,000 bottles).

The domaine comprises 15 hectares, 10 of which are within Gigondas with the remaining 5 situated in the surrounding communes of Vacqueyras and Violes. 85% of the vineyards are planted to Grenache, with approximately 10% dedicated to Syrah and Mourvedre and the balance planted to Cinsault.

4 - Ondarre Rioja 2004 $18

For more than two years now I have been seriously divided about Spanish wine. The overwhelming majority of wine available to me was very modern and failed to express the authentic terroir of Spain. Those wines that were classically styled were often very expensive. Not knowing what to do, I did nothing, I waited.

Then one day an old friend walked in the door, Juan Carlos Rodriguez . Juan Carlos is, by all accounts, the most knowledgeable Spanish wine representative in the state of Connecticut, or as we say in New London, "Juan Carlos is the Man". But most importantly he has a great plate and at heart, he is a classicist.

He brought with him new wines, wines he had chosen himself, wines that are the best Spain has to offer. Interesting, traditional, authentic and very well priced, his wines are the most exciting Spanish wines I've seen in years.

This week we will try his Ondarre Rioja 2004, made of 100% Graciano. Graciano is one of the five grapes allowed in Rioja. It is typically blended into a Rioja to add color, structure and aging potential, much the way Petite Verdot is used in Bordeaux. I have tried thousands of Spanish wines, and spent an entire week in Rioja, but this is the first straight Graciano I've ever seen.

Incredibly structured, with deep dark flavors, this wine is a magnificent example of the varietal and fantastic value at only $18.

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Thanks for all of the comments lat week, we appreciate your support. Please join us. It's fun, informal and a great way to start your weekend.

AAA.

Are You Emotionally Equipped For This Week?

Greetings From New London

The Line up for the Friday night tasting is unbelievable. In fact it may change some of you forever.

We may have a nurse or two on hand to evaluate you as you enter - and some may be asked to sign waivers before being allowed to visit our cellar.

One of the featured wines is legendary - I hope you can join us. The list is just below these announcements.

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Great fun last Wednesday night at the second Italian Wine Dinner presented at City News. Anne Haviland was in the kitchen, Ashley Turney informed us about Italy and the wine flowed like water - nobody pours like like Jim Morrison. And special thanks to Alwynn Mattern & Peter Schmidt for keeping everything moving beautifully.

And of course, there was a surprise or two - Frank Ribas had a birthday basket FULL goodies delivered right to his lap - and we had to send out a search party for Henry Doughton - we found him singing

"O Sole Mio" up in the lounge - where he got the old COR-DEEN he was squeezing - we may never know.

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Wine Tasting
Please Join Us
Friday April 10 - 6-9 p.m. - No Charge

1 - Henri Bourgeois Petit Bourgeois Sauvignon Blanc 2007 $11
The grapes come from the slopes of the Loire Valley known as "The Garden of France". This wine ferments in thermoregulated stainless steel tanks then matures for 3 months on its fine lees.

Very aromatic with pleasant flower and fruit fragrances recalling the flower of the vine and the fruit of the Sauvignon. On the palate it reveals a freshness and vivacity characteristic of grapes harvested at good maturity. Petit Bourgeois is most expressive served chilled.








2 - El molinet Valencia 2006 $15
77% Tempranillo and 23% Cabernet Sauvignon

This project started as a tribute to Tempranillo by winemaker Joaquin Galvez and Aurelio.
With Tempranillo forming the backbone of Spain's most famous wines, the La Viña Cooperative in Valencia planted Tempranillo widely with the goal of reproducing some of the qualities of those famous wines.
This project would not be possible without the wealth of vineyards and range of altitudes the coop has planted. Contrary to popular opinion that Valencia is too warm for Tempranillo, the cooperative has planted the varietal at a range of altitudes from 300 to nearly 900 meters above sea level, at these high altitudes, the Tempranillo ripens slowly developing a tremendous aromatic potential.

The lower altitude vines take advantage of cooling sea breezes and the higher altitude vines cooler night to maintain and develop those aromatic qualities.

The reason Cabernet Sauvignon is blended into the wine is to allow for a stylistic continuity vintage to vintage.
The varietals are co-fermented in stainless steel tanks and aged 6 months in oak barrels prior to being bottled unfiltered.


3 - Beckman Cabernet Sauvignon 2006 $24

This is still our best selling California Cabernet, all estate fruit, only 1815 cases made. For the life of us we cannot figure out why the price has not gone through the roof.
The name Beckman has been whispered around as the "next big thing" for a while now.
Awed and inspired by a perfect convergence of soil, microclimate, wind and sun - Tom Beckmen purchased a stunning, unplanted 365-acre hillside property overlooking the Santa Ynez Valley in 1996. Respect for the land is a fundamental element of the Beckmen Vineyards philosophy.

In this spirit, beginning in 2006, Steve Beckmen began farming 100 percent of the Purisima Vineyard biodynamically. In the years since Beckmen first started farming Purisima Mountain Vineyard, it has proved to be an ideally situated property that consistently bears superior fruit. The stellar vineyard, together with Tom and Steve Beckmen's approach to winegrowing and their innovative viticultural practices, represents a coming of age for Santa Barbara County winegrowing.

For lovers of Cabernet you will not want to miss this one. The nose of this wine is almost bottomless with aromas of jammy black cherry, earth, and chocolate. Flavors start off big and follow up with a seductively long finish. Please try it on Friday.

4 - Dujac Fils & Pere Vosne-Romanee 1er Cru "Aux Malconsorts" 2005 $236

Some people are simply not equipped emotionally to taste this wine. We will have tissues on hand for those of you that - need them.

If you have to ask what this wine is, you are not ready to try it.

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It is your continued support that allows us to pour wine like the legendary Dujac Fils & Pere Vosne-Romanee 1er Cru "Aux Malconsorts" 2005 $236.

We offer these kind of wines with out charge because we believe that everyone should have the opportunity to try them and judge for themselves why they are considered the best.

We feel especially privileged to offer these wines to you in this new economy - we sincerely appreciate your support at all of our stores and for all of the input that you send to us. We are listening.

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

AAA.

Italian Powerhouse - Highest Rating - Ever?

Hypnotized card
available at City News

Greetings From New London

This Friday night we will be pouring one of the highest rated wines - In our history. A powerhouse from Italy. The list is just below a few items of interest.

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City News - Cigar Society Update:
On Saturday April 18 6:30 - 9:00 p.m.
Cigar Aficioando Magazine hosts The Big Smoke - MGM Grand at Foxwoods. City News will be right in the middle of all the action. If you are interested in joining us at the show - you must call us and reserve a place and for all of the details.
Tickets will include:
More than 25 handmade premium cigars
A large variety of premium spirits
A delicious buffet
A welcome area for smoking & meeting the Cigar Makers.

Call - 8 6 0 - 4 4 3 - 6 8 1 7

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Italian Dinner Number Two - is sold out.
T H A N K Y O U
Date For The Next Dinner
Will Be Announced Soon
Reservations - 8 6 0 - 4 4 3 - 6 8 1 7
(This is a three dinner series.)

Dinners 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

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Wine Tasting
Please Join Us
Friday April 4 - 6-9 p.m. - No Charge

1 - Disznoko Tokaji Dry 2006 $18
Made from 100% Furmint, the grape bunches are harvested at the time of full ripening, but before Botrytis development. The culsters are put into crates and brought to the winery, where they are gently pressed, allowed to settle, and fermented in stainless steel tanks.
The wine has a golden-yellow hue with a crisp, young appearance. Very harmonious, elegant in the mouth, and beside the fruity fragrances its aroma reminds of acacia flower with spicy citrus. Its taste is light, fresh and fruity, with notes of apricot, orange and orange skin.


2 - Louis Latour Domaine de Valmoissine
Pinot Noir 2006 $15

This wine shines with a nice pale purple-red color. Forest strawberries, herbes de Provence and cherries pair with bright acidity and supple tannins. Hints of licorice and plums linger on the finale. It is fresh and supple with elegant tannins.

The Domaine de Valmoissine is located on the site of the ancient monastery and university of Valmoissine at 500 metres above sea-level which guarantees sunshine during the summer months whilst remaining cool and limits the possibility of spring frosts. The grapes are entirely hand-picked before being fermented in stainless steel open-vats for a short period of 4-5 days. Pigeage will take place 2-3 times a day to extract color and tannins.

3 - Can Blau Monsant 2007 $18

91 points from Stephen Tanzer's International Wine Cellar: "Dark purple. Sexy aromas of blackberry, blueberry, Asian spices and smoked meat. Supple and open-knit, with sweet dark berry preserve flavors, velvety texture and good mineral bite. Manages to be both nervy and concentrated, with very good finishing clarity and cut. Leaves strong blue fruit notes behind and repeats the spicy quality."

90+ points from Robert Parker's Wine Advocate:
"The 2007 Can Blau is purple-colored with a nose of cedar, mineral, baking spices, blueberry, and black cherry. This leads to a full-bodied wine with layers of flavor, enough structure to evolve for 2-3 years, and a pure, fruit-filled finish. It will be at its peak from 2010 to 2018." (08/08) 90 points Wine & Spirits: "This wine's sweet flavors of blueberries and cloves meld into the smoky notes of oak. It's a robust and tannic wine with powerfully concentrated flavors of wild forest fruits. Still young, it needs at least a couple years in the bottle to mellow." (02/09)

4 - Vitanza Brunello di Montalcino 2001 $70

"Beautiful aromas of blackberry and dried flowers with just a hint of toasted oak. Full-bodied, with fine tannins and a mineral, vanilla and berry aftertaste. Excellent as always. Best after 2010. 1,300 cases made. -JS" -Rated 93, Wine Spectator




"This deeply-colored 2001 Brunello di Montalcino from Vitanza displays an array of super-ripe jammy berry, licorice, smoke and toasted oak nuances. Ample and caressing on the palate, it offers outstanding length and fine overall balance, with an attractive note of sweetness on the finish. A few years of cellaring should help integrate some of the oak tannins that are present today. Anticipated maturity: 2008-2016." -Rated 90, Robert Parker's Wine Advocate

"A modern Brunello with dark, inky concentration and toasted wood notes that underscore cracked black pepper, spicy cherry wood, charcoal and chocolate-covered strawberries. As soft, cushiony and velvety as your most comfortable couch, with a powerful tannin punch at the end. - W.E. (4/1/2006)" -Rated 92, Wine Enthusiast

"Cherries and leather, intriguing. Quite tanninc but fruit underneath and overall well-structured. Drink 2011-16. " -Rated 3 Stars, Decanter

"Good deep red-ruby. Deep aromas and flavors of dark berries and nutty oak. Round, lush and rich but dry; full-bodied, broad and pliant. The fruit flavors are downright seductive today even if this wine is very young. Finishes long and ripely tannic. Some bottle aging should bring greater complexity. " -Rated 91, Stephen Tanzer's International Wine Cellar

Thank you all for the comments and suggestions - we appreciate it.

And we are pleased to be pouring such an exceptional Italian wine this week - we hope to see you there.

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

AAA.

Sex and Wine - What You Need To Know!

"Bull Dog Bunny " card
Available at City News

Greetings From New London

Just a quick note before the wines for Friday.
We have a great season ahead of us. Please stay tuned!

Italian Dinner Number Two - is sold out.
T H A N K Y O U
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.)

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

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Fine Chocolate - 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.

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Wine Tasting
Please Join Us
Friday March 27 - 6-9 p.m. - No Charge

1 - Valdelainos 2008 $14
100% Verdejo from rueda in northern Spain.

Harvested by hand during the first week of October. 12 hours of cold maceration were followed by a light pressing to extract the free run juice. The wine (must) underwent slow alcoholic fermentation for 20 days.

Afterwards, it aged in stainless steel vats with its lees for several weeks. Stabilization and light filtration occurred before bottling in late November 2008.


















2 - Domaine Ott Chateau de Selle 2007 $105
In Magnum
Château de Selle Côtes de Provence Rosé 2007
Domaines OTT was founded in 1912 by Alsatian engineer, Marcel Ott. Today, the wineries are owned and managed by Champagne Louis Roederer, producing some of the world's most prestigious wines. These wines are made at three distinctively different estates: Château Romassan (Bandol), Clos Mireille and Château de Selle (both Côtes de Provence).

Château de Selle is located in the Côtes de Provence appellation perched on chalky hills enjoying generous amounts of sunshine. The proportion of stone in the soil is 40% to 50%, making it an arid soil, which, despite the presence of small yet highly fertile quantities of clay, produces small yields. The winery is located on 345 acres of which 160 acres are cultivated. Every year, more acres are being prepared by mechanically crushing the rocks and by tilling the soil.


3 - Vivir, Vivir 2006 $12

100% Tempranillo from Ribera del Duero . This wine is sourced from 20-60 year vines in La Horra, a village in the Burgos District of Ribera del Duero.

The grapes see an 8 day fermentation on the skins prior to gentle pressing. The wine was then aged in tank for 6 months prior to bottling.

Stephan Tanzer -"Violet-red. Spicy redcurrant and cherry aromas are complicated by cracked pepper, violet and dried rose; very complex for its price point.
Supple red fruit flavors are quite sweet, with no obvious tannins and gentle mineral lift on the back. An elegant, juicy style that finishes with very good clarity and persistence. This is a bargain."
Issue 139, July/Aug '08

4 - Domaine du Tunnel 2005 $50

Stephane Robert began building his domaine from scratch in 1994, at the age of 24. He began with a handful of rental agreements and now works with 3 hectares in Cornas, 2.5 in Saint-Joseph and 2 in Saint-Peray, most of which he owns. This has become an excellent source for nicely balanced, traditionally styled wines as Robert seeks intensity of flavor but dislikes the masking influence of new oak.

We discovered Stephane and Sandrine Robert's Domaine du Tunnel while traveling through France last summer. Phillippe Blanck, owner of Domaine Paul Blanck in Alsace, said he had just tasted an outstanding wine from Cornas, and were we interested? Is the sky blue? Does the bear - ?

Anyway, he handed us a bottle and we tasted it over dinner and it was astonishingly good. The 2004 Cornas, from a vintage that was good but not great, really impressed us!. It had a fabulous varietal aroma, showed outstanding richness and texture, and super silky tannins. We contacted the producer and arranged to buy some.

Little did we know that this tiny producer was already very well known in France and it was difficult to secure quantities. They basically sell out overnight, which we discovered when we tried to buy the 05s! They make a little St. Joseph and St. Peray as well, but there was none to be had - But we were able to get some Cornas from the 04 and 05 vintages, and boy, are we glad we were!

Upon tasting the '05s, Robert Parker said: "This is an impressive wine from one of the up-and-coming stars of the Northern Rhone."

CITY NEWS

Featured Cigar
H. Upmann

H. Upmann is one of the best-known and oldest names in cigars. Founded in Cuba in 1844, is now produced in the Dominican Republic.

The History:
As famous a brand as there is in the world of cigars, the H. Upmann brand dates back to 1844, when Herman Upmann, a German banker, began using specially imprinted boxes of cigars as promotional items for his banking firm.

The combination proved successful, so the H. Upmann brand was born and continues to this day. The success of this brand was buoyed by the award of seven gold medals in seven international exhibitions between 1862 and 1893; these awards still adorn the lithographed interior of the box today.

The famous request of President John F. Kennedy to his press secretary, Pierre Salinger, to obtain cigars on the evening prior to the declaration of the American trade embargo in 1961, was for Petit Upmanns. Available in a stunning range of handmade sizes, the brand offers a mild to medium strength.



We offer H. Upmann cigars in many shapes & sizes. Singles or by the box.

CITY NEWS
Newspapers
Magazines
Candy

Fine Cigars Including:
Winston Churchill
Partagas
Avo
Romeo y Julieta
Padron
H.Upman
Montecristo
Punch
La Gloria Cubana
Arturo Fuente
& MORE

8 6 0 - 4 4 3 - 6 8 1 7

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.

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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.

Drink Like A Rockefeller It's On Us - $150 bottle

We Have An Amazing Selection of Vodka
Card available at City News

We want to offer our thanks once again to Mr. Mark Raymond and Frederick Wildman Importers for arranging another outstanding evening with world-renown winemaker Etienne Hugel.

When we say meet the winemaker - we mean it.

Take a peek at last Wednesday's dinner - Susan and Barkley Hendricks (part of New London's cognoscenti) rub elbows with Etienne - thanks to everyone that attended, and for all of the kind words and comments about our dinner series.

Susan,Etienne,Barkley - Brie and Bleu 2.11.09

Next Dinner Wednesday February 25 - 6 p.m.
German Wine Dinner with Konrad Hahn proprietor of Von Schlenintz Vineyards

The Hähn family has been in the wine business since 1650. In 1892 Peter Hähn moved to Kobern and started a small winery. In 1956 his grandson Karlheinz Hähn expanded the winery by buying the Freiherr von Schleinitz estate and merged the two keeping the von Schleinitz name.

The winery received more and more attention for its quality and achieved a national award in 1979. At that time Konrad Hähn, the son of Karlheinz and now owner of the estate, was already involved with the winemaking and is continuing the devotion to quality started by his father. The quality focus of the winery was confirmed by two additional national awards in 1995 and 2001. Weingut Freiherr von Schleinitz is certainly regarded as a leading winery in the area.

Please join us and meet Konrad Hahn.
We will pouring Von Schlenintz Sekt (Sparkling Riesliing), Spatburgunder (Pinot Noir), Trockenbeerenauslese and their very rare Icewine.

Served with a tappas style menu of French Asian Cuisine. $65 plus tax and service.
Please reserve your seats now - 8 6 0 - 4 4 3 - 9 4 6 3.

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Just In
First Come First Served
Clio 2006 $50

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Events & Reminders:

Dinner at Brie & Bleu and
a Movie on the Big Screen

The Garde Arts Center
presents
Winter Film Festival
Starts Wednesday February 11th 7:30 p.m.
FILM FESTIVAL

Oscar Time In New London

Every year the Garde Arts Center brings us Oscar nominated films on the Big Screen. Check out the schedule - Series Starts Wednesday February 11th 7:30 p.m.

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The Friday Tasting - Please Join Us
Friday February 20 - 6-9 p.m. - No Charge

1 - Astica Torrontes 2007 $6


The Torrontes grape is, along with Malbec, the emblematic grape of Argentina.

This wine is fresh and young with floral and citrus aromas.

Ideal as an aperitif, with seafood or spicy cuisine.Order Now

















2 - Jean-Marc Pillot Santenay
"Les Champs Claude" 2005 $46

Jean-Marc Pillot has recently assumed responsibility for the management of this domaine although his father, Jean, remains by his side rendering advice and valuable assistance in the vineyards. Jean-Marc has instituted several changes at the estate, the most prominent of which is the construction of a new cave.

The subtle, but important, modifications in vinification and elevage now in place under Jean-Marc's direction have driven this domaine to the very top of its class with wines that are intensely fruity, graceful, and precise. The vines in most parcels are between 25 and 50 years old. Traditional viticultural practices are used in the vineyards.

Both Cordon de Royat and Guyot Simple pruning and training systems are employed. Jean-Marc is an adroit winemaker with a recognized gift for using new oak "juste comme il faut", that is to say, "just enough". The pinot noir is completely destemmed before being sent into open top tanks where they undergo a "maceration à froid" (cold maceration) of 5 days at less than 10 C.

Jean-Marc uses both a gentle "remontage" and a "pigeage" three times a day for his reds. He is an advocate of "finale à chaud" and warms the must at the end of fermentation. According to Jean-Marc, this fixes the color in the wine. A beautifully crafted Burgundy from the famed 2005 vintage at a very reasonable price. Order Now


3 - Montevertine Le Pergole Torte 2004 $110

Montevertine is situated in the heart of the Chianti district about halfway between Florence and Siena and lying specifically about 3 kilometers distance from the village of Radda in Chianti. The Montevertine estate was first developed in the 11th century and was purchased by Sergio Manetti in 1967.

The first vintage of Montevertine produced and bottled under the supervision of Signor Manetti was 1971. By 1981, due to Signor Manetti's devotion to the Sangiovese grape, Montevertine left the Chianti Classico consortium, forgoing the Chianti Classico denomination in order to compose wines almost entirely of Sangiovese. The Montevertine estate is now in the hands of Martino Manetti, son of Sergio, who remains dedicated to the style and philosophy of his father.

There are approximately 10 hectares of vineyards at Montevertine planted almost exclusively to the Sangiovese grape. Small amounts of Colorino and Canaiolo are planted to supplement the Sangiovese. Le Pergole Torte is the prestige wine of Montevertine and is not produced every year. This ultimate wine is aged in large barrel for 18 months and then racked into small French barrels for the final stage of its elevage. It is produced exclusively from Sangiovese. After a manual harvest, the wines are fermented in large (150hl) cement cuves for at least 25 days. The malolactic fermentation also occurs in large volume in cement cuves before it is racked into both small (Alliers oak) and large (Slavonian oak) barrels for 18 to 24 months, depending on the cuvée.

The wine is never pumped, all movement of the wine is by gravity, and the wines are bottled without filtration and then held in bottle for at least 4 months prior to first release.Order Now


4 - Dominus 2005 $150

Wine Advocate -
Robert Parker - December 2007
Rating: 96 Points:

"The 2005 Dominus has come of age, and is one of the strongest efforts they've made. It is possibly the best Dominus since the 2001, and perhaps even the 1997 or 1991.

A beautiful, sweet nose of roasted coffee interwoven with kirsch, black currant, cedar, and spice box emerges from this deep ruby/purple-colored wine. The wine has fabulous intensity, a layered, opulent, full-bodied mouthfeel, well-integrated acidity, and a stunningly long finish.

The layering of this wine as it builds incrementally on the palate is something to behold. An outstanding, sexy, ageworthy Dominus, it will benefit from 2-3 years of cellaring, and last for at least 25 or 30 years."

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Here is a peek at the newly completed Club Room at City News. This is a perfect place to meet your friends for a small party - perhaps a cigar night or birthday get- together. The feel is 1900's New London - because it's authentic 1900's New London. Recently used for a photo shoot, you may see it in upcoming magazines.
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