Chinon, Trapiche Broquel Chardonnay, Terre Rouge Vin Gris D'amador , Oliver Leflaive Cuvee Margot Bourgogne, Luigi Baudana Barolo

In our last episode we introduced all of you to the fresh new look that the weekly email has taken. We talked about all of the rich new features that allow us to communicate more directly with you and we showed you a picture a wild looking girl with tattoos - lots of comments about that picture.

The three pictures shown above, are from an order that was placed this past week. Wine and flowers have never looked so good! We are changing the face of traditional gift baskets. Fresh flowers with hand-picked wines, packaged for high visual impact & appeal. Your options are endless. Call us at The Greenery if you have any questions. 8 6 0 - 4 4 3 - 6 8 1 7

A GREAT LINE UP:
Jim Morrison, our Washington Bureau Chief and moderator of our weekly tasting, and his team at the wine store have a fabulous tasting planned for you.

The list of wine is just below a few items of interest.

·Saturday was a lot of fun. If you happened to be at the "Family Wine Tasting" organized by Kerry you know what I am talking about. Remember all you have to do is ask - and you can have one too. It's your club house.

We are available for private dining events, wine classes, private wine tasting parties, full blown wine dinners, cooking demonstration dinners, you name it. Jim Morrison, Chef Daryl Goldstein, and the entire staff are ready to service the perfect special event for your friends, family, or office. For more information just give us a call: 8 6 0 - 4 4 3 - 9 4 6 3

·People have been asking for "collections." Pre-selected groups of wine - a better way to try new things. "We want to experiment." - OK.

Our new Wine Collections are here. And we add select spirits to the mix too.
Click on the picture below and then scroll down to see what we have for you.

But we don't stop there. We will work with you for a customized touch, creating a learning experience that will leave you giddy.


· Wednesday April 9 - 6 p.m. Vintage French Wine Dinner
Featuring flights of 2005 White Burgundy and Bordeaux.
The wines of Christian Moreau, Oliver Leflaive, Chateau De Pez, and Tourelles de Longueville will make it a night of indulgence not to be missed.
"Open Seating" format - The biggest names in Burgundy & Bordeaux - $100 plus tax & service.

· Wednesday April 16 - 6 p.m. Cult Wine Dinner Series - "Open Seating"
Each year the names "Clio" and "El Nido" sit at the top of the "Best Of" lists. They are very difficult to find and always scored by the big reviewers and magazine's high in the 90's.
The 2005 vintage is no exception. Robert Parker: "Clio 95 points, El Nido 98 points."
Join us for a dinner that will give you bragging rights, truly a night to remember.
$125 plus tax and service.

Those of you that have attended our "Cult Wine Dinner Series" in the past know that they are, with out a doubt, over the top. Seating is very limited because the availability of the wine is painfully scarce. We are one of the very few shops in the United States that receives an allocation of these wines. The winemaker himself said "these are the best grapes I've tasted in ten years."

Please reserve early - 8 6 0 - 4 4 3 - 9 4 6 3

Dave's Fave
Special Monday Tasting

Domaine du Grand Breviande Chinon 2006 $12

Last week Eric Asimov wrote a great little piece about Chinon in The New York Times and gave this house the nod for "Best Value." Normally when a wine gets a "Best Value" in The Times there's no point in looking for it because it all sold fifteen minutes ago. In this case, there was no point looking because the vintage he was talking about sold out four months ago. Too bad. The good news? The 2006 vintage is here! Will the lovely herbal wildberry tones of 2005 return? Will the Cab Franc be tamed or too Franc? Can you stand the suspense? No! Come quick, try it Monday!

P.S. Their "Best Value" was listed at $13 - we sell it for $12. Aww S N A P!


1 - Trapiche Broquel Chardonnay 2006 $15
If you've come to any of our Argentina wine dinners you'll remember the tremendous single vineyard Malbecs from Trapiche, (the new gift packs are in by the way). Their commitment to producing the greatest Malbec in Argentina is impressive. They have created wines that stand on the shoulders of their vinocultural ancestors of Bordeaux and Cahor. Yet the wines are distinctly Argentine and reflect the terroir of specific vineyards and dedication of individual farmers in Mendoza. With that said, I often overlook some of their more affordable daily drinkers like the Torrontes at $8 a bottle, or this fascinating Chardonnay. Why fascinating?, Well, they have again given a nod to classicism, while creating a wine that is distinctly "Hecho en Argentina". There are typical Chardonnay flavors and even the steely minerality I associate with Burgundy. The wine sees the judicious use of oak, yet is not "oaky". The barrel time has served to integrate the wine, without interfering with the freshness and vivacity of the fruit. Furthermore, the warm climate has created a lush and viscous wine without the butteryness of California Chardonnay. So again, very Argentine. It is great to see that Argentina, with our friends at Trapice leading the way, has found it's own voice, and is singing it's own song. With an understanding of typicity, they have still created wines all their own.


2 - Terre Rouge Vin Gris D'amador 2004 $14
Terre Rouge is one of my favorite Californian wineries for the simple reason that they essentially make French wines, only they make them in California. The Tete-a-Tete is Cotes du Rhone-esque, and the Noir is a ChateauNeuf du Pape a' la west coast baby. So it came as no surprise that their rose reminded me of Tavel, one of the great rose regions of the world. Prodominately Mourvedre, with Grenache and Syrah in suppoerting roles, the wine is robust and rich with pronounced strawberry and cherry, and a little spice. And It IS NOT SWEET. A quick lesson on wine; when you crush a red grape, Cabernet, Merlot, Mourvedre, you get a white juice. What makes red wine red is the color, tannins and phynols that are extracted from the skins by the white juice as the skins soak in the juice. This process is called Maceration. Extended maceration, red wine. No maceration, white wine (ie. Blanc de Noir). Short maceration, rose. The wine can then be fermented dry, whereby the yeast is allowed to eat all the sugar, fructose, and produce alcohol. At some point there is enough alcohol to kill the yeast and it dies leaving behind a relatively small amount of residual sugar. If you stop the fermentation, the sugar remains undigested, the wine therefore is sweet. The point of all this is that Rose is not inherently sweet, and just because Beringer makes a ubiquitous cherry soda called white Zinfandel, doesn't mean we should ignore rose, with it's long and noble history. I'm going to go out on a limb here and say spring is coming, it's time to start drinking rose.


3 - Oliver Leflaive Cuvee Margot Bourgogne 2005 $24
The never ending search for affordable Burgundy continues. The Margot is a light bodied and "open" Pinot Noir. In other words the wine is not tight or closed, we can taste right into it and into the soil from whenst it came. There is a classic nose of loam, forest floor and leather, which raises from soft fruit and a gunflint minerality almost never found in simple Bourgogne rouge. This wine came to me at the height of my interest in eating ducks and mushrooms. The flavor of those foods providing perfect harmonics for the darker earth tones of the Margot. I left a half full bottle out on the counter one night, and when I came to, I mean woke up the next day I figured the wine would be shot. Yet, it was not . In fact the wine had become even more generous and had not lost any of it's complexity, or intensity. There is a lot to see here in this wine, it may not be for everyone, but it sure is for me.



Luigi Baudana Barolo 2000 $40
From the 4.5 hectare estate of Luigi and Fiorina Baudana and the excellent 2000 Piedmonte vintage. You may remember Wine Spectator absurdly referring to the 2000 vintage in Piedmonte as a "100 point" or perfect vintage, (I like to refer to the 2001 as "more perfect"). Perfect or not, it was a very good year in Piedmonte, and estates like Baudana made great, great wine. I have described Barolo as a mosaic, a beautiful whole made up of thousands of tiny parts. The wine is well knit and proportionate, all flavors being balanced against each other. The interaction between fruit and acidity, the tannins of the grapes in concert with the tannins of the barrels, the nose of rose petals against truffles and tar, all happening at once with power and subtlety. So why this Barolo? Three reasons. One, the 2000 vintage is one of the most perfect vintages ever! Two, this wine will be eight years old in the fall, making it the the rarest of things, a mature wine, a well aged wine, a wine with bottle age that was meticulously cared for by people with more patience than you and I. And Three, this wine was clearly priced before our recent issues with the Euro. So you've got to ask yourself, when is the next time I'll be able to buy a $40 mature Barolo from a perfect vintage?

Bold New Look, Sella and Mosca Cannonau di Sardegna, San Sole, Vale do Bomfim, Steltzner Claret , Il Tarocco Chianti Classico,

Well, what do you think?
The newsletter get's a brand new look starting this week. We have been trying for sometime now to find a method that will allow us to share the information and news that we have each week that would also accommodate pictures and links to relevant items. We also needed a way that would allow all of our readers, friends, and customers to receive this information across all platforms of computers and email service providers. We think we have found it - it may take a little tweaking to get it just the way we like it, but we think we are on the right track.

Our new format also allows for better communication with you directly. There should be less likely a chance that your comments and suggestions are filtered out as "spam" - we hate when that happens - we need your input.

Also with this new format we hope to address one of the most frequent comments we get. Lots of people say that by the time they get to the wine store we have sold out of something that caught their eye in this newsletter. Starting this week, clicking on the image for any of the wines mentioned below will take you to a shopping area for that item. We will hold it at the store for you or deliver it right to your front door.

And we hope to introduce some of our new visitors to the other things that we do. We are celebrating 35 years in business and our small group of related companies compliment each other well. It all started with Thames River Greenery "The Mother Ship" as we sometimes say. And, over the years we have added products and services that we feel better serve our customers. It allows us to offer the best of all possible worlds when it comes to gift giving, special occasions or a little personal indulgence.

If you visit the TRG website simply click a category and look around. We are adding to the Wine & Spirits Section of the TRG web site on a regular basis - we have added a few favorites to get the ball rolling, but check back often, it will change frequently.

So, a new look, but the same award winning information. We have a great line up of wine for this Friday. The list is just below a few items of interest.

NEWS & UPCOMING EVENTS
· Our good friend and New London neighbor David Spon is featured in the new issue of Food & Wine Magazine. David designs and builds the kind of wine cellars that you see in the movies. Some of his clients are household names, and his cellars are works of art on their own.The article: "A Cellar Designer's Underground Secrets" can be read here: David Spon - Cellar Designer

· Just across the street from our store The Hygienic Art Gallery has a wonderful show that showcases the city of New London, it's called Urban Landscape: Hand-made City.
The show features the work of Gregory Bowerman, Jenn Collins, and Milton Moore.
Take a little time after our tasting to walk over and have a look - New London never looked so good. The exhibition runs from: March 22 - April 19, 2008 More Information
· Wednesday April 9 - 6 p.m. French Wine Dinner
Featuring flights of 2005 White Burgundy and Bordeaux.
The wines of Christian Moreau, Oliver Leflaive, Chateau De Pez, and Tourelles de Longueville will make it a night of indulgence not to be missed.
"Open Seating" format - The biggest names in Burgundy & Bordeaux - $100 plus tax & service.

· Wednesday April 16 - 6 p.m. Cult Wine Dinner Series - "Open Seating"
Each year the names "Clio" and "El Nido" sit at the top of the "Best Of" lists. They are very difficult to find and always scored by the big reviewers and magazine's high in the 90's.
The 2005 vintage is no exception. Robert Parker: "Clio 95 points, El Nido 98 points."
Join us for a dinner that will give you bragging rights, truly a night to remember.
$125 plus tax and service.

Those of you that have attended our "Cult Wine Dinner Series" in the past know that they are, with out a doubt, over the top. Seating is very limited because the availability of the wine is painfully scarce. We are one of the very few shops in the United States that receives an allocation of these wines.

Think about it this way: If the entire production of a particular wine is only 300 cases - and often that is a "six-pack" for the case - those 300 cases must be divvied up among all of their customers world wide. Perhaps only 100 cases make it to the USA. Now all of the big boys, fancy shops, and restaurants in all the right zip codes start waving their hands and shouting "Me, Me, Me!" Roughly that's just a couple of cases for each state. Think about all of the tony shops in Connecticut with hedge fund managers and movie stars as their regular customers, any one of them could take the entire allocation without a problem.

So how do we wind up with enough of these wines pour for you at a dinner? It's because of the incredible interest, support, and the impression that our friends & customers have made on the importers, distributors, and in some cases the winemaker when they have made a visit to the store. In this particular case we also made a trip to the vineyard in Spain and shared an entire day with the family that makes the wine. We had the great fortune of actually standing in the warm afternoon sun and sampling the grapes that made the wine we will be pouring at this dinner. The winemaker himself said "these are the best grapes I've tasted in ten years."
Please reserve early - 8 6 0 - 4 4 3 - 9 4 6 3

Dave's Fave Special Monday Tasting
Sella & Mosca Cannonau di Sardegna Riserva 2004 $14
Dave Says: "I had a what the heck was I thinking moment last week when I tasted this for the first time at the Italian dinner last week. I knew this was a cult favorite, and it's been staring me in the face for years, but I nonchalantly ignored it. Why, I don't know, I guess I assumed it was some super-hot fruit bomb from the Mediterranean. What I found instead was a truly elegant, detailed, lighter-bodied gem that I could have been bringing home all this time! From the island of Sardinia, the grape Cannonau is an ancient local version of Grenache, earthy and spicy, and the Reserva sees oak cask aging for at least two years. And it's still just $14, the same price it's been for my long, empty years of ignorance... Let me redeem myself by pouring it for you on Monday!"

Wine Tasting Please Join Us Friday March 28 - 6-9 p.m. - No Charge

1 - San Sole Chardonnay 2007 $11
The San Sole wines, both Pinot Grigio and Chardonnay, are some of our best selling wines for one simple reason. The wines under promise and over deliver. You've probably seen the wines in the store with their very plain labels and thought how good can it be? The answer is really good, surprisingly good. And while you don't usually associate Italy with Chardonnay, the Veneto region of Italy makes some of the greatest white wine in the world, so why not Chardonnay? The wine receives no oak, combine that with the mild climate of Veneto and you have a Chardonnay that is lighter, more aromatic and more food friendly then the Chardonnay of Chile and Argentina. And a better value than anything coming out of California. Inexpensive and versatile, this wine is a real daily drinker.

2 - Vale do Bomfim Douro Reserva 2005 $14
One of my personal favorites, having had the opportunity to stay at the quinta or farm where this wine is produced. This wine hails from the geologically delimited region of the upper Douro. That simply means that the region is determined not by political boundaries but by the geology that produces the soil that creates the wine. The soil is a mineral rich silt like clay with pieces of schist that have been deposited by the Douro river for millenia. This is essentially unfortified Port, using the same port varietals such as Touriga Franca, Tinta Roriza, Touriga Nacional, and Tinta Barroca. The Symington family, of Warres and Grahams port, has been producing this wine for generations for their own consumption at the Port lodge, but have only recently begun exporting it to the American market. Interestingly, when I first tasted the wine, I was overwhelmed by the strong floral notes of Cabernet Franc. I occurred to me that perhaps Touriga Franc was Portuguese for Cab Franc. Although Dominic Symington insists that the two grapes are different varietals, I am reminded of the saying; if it walks like Cab Franc and smells like Cab Franc..., but I'll let you be the judge. Either way it is exciting for us to find inexpensive wines of such high quality that come from a family with such a heritage of wine making, produced the same way they were 400 years ago when the Symingtons began winemaking in the Douro.

Dominick Symington was a guest on our WineRadio Show. Shot on location at the family estate in Portugal, our own Jim Morrison spoke candidly with Dominick and it gives us wonderful insight and a backstage look into one of the greatest names in the business.


3 - Steltzner Claret 2005 $18
Claret is an English word that refers to Bordeaux style blends, in this case from the Stag's Leap district of Napa Valley California. Classically, this is a blend of Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot and Cabernet Franc. The winery is family owned and they use all estate fruit, Alison Stelzner even comes to visit us in New London every year with the new vintage. Year after year Stelzner Claret proves itself to be a tremendous California wine under $20, a rare thing these days. If you've been drinking Malbec, maybe it's time to revisit Napa, and if you've been spending $25 or $30 for Napa Cab, it is definitely time to try Stelzner Claret.


4 - Il Tarocco Chianti Classico Riserva 2001 $32
100% Sangiovese from the Chianti Classico region in Tuscany. The winery describes itself as having " new equipment and modern technologies on ancient land ". The combination produces a wine that is lush and structured, yet transparent , allowing us to taste into the wine, and through the wine and into the poor stoney soil of Chianti. The owner-winemaker Paolo Osti uses lengthy macerations for heft and intensity of flavor, and prolonged aging in barrique and tonneau to create roundness and opulence. Fruit, and structure, minerality and
acidity, this is one of our best examples of Chianti.


Thanks very much for your support we appreciate it. And it is important that you know how much we value your comments and suggestions - we are listening. We try to implement your ideas as often as possible. Some take longer than others to introduce but we like to hear all of them.

In the coming weeks you can look forward to more special guests, new menu items, and one of a kind events. All based on your input.

We hope to see you this week. Please join us. It's fun, informal, and a great way to start your weekend.

AAA.

St. Patrick's Day, Columbia Crest Reserve Syrah, Domaine Monpertuis Cuvee Counoise, Chateau Ducasse, Bio-Weingut Hofer Gruner Veltliner

Greetings From All Of Us In New London,
Thames River Greenery - 860-443-6817
Thames River Wine & Spirits - 860-443-9463
Brie & Bleu - 860-437-2474

NEW - Order and Shop on line twenty-four hours a day: http://www.thamesrivergreenery.com/

Our list of wine for Friday night is just below a couple of items of interest.
There are a couple of format problems with the text that we could not work out - so please bear with us, Jim is doing the best that he can to work it out for next week.


• We hope you are enjoying this St. Patrick's Day weekend - and if you still need a touch of green don't forget that New London's first annual St. Patrick's Day Parade will be held on Monday afternoon at 1:00 p.m. State Street will be closed to traffic from approximately 1:00p.m. - 1:45 p.m. as the parade makes it way up State Street to Hannifin's Pub across from the Garde Art Center. I don't think you will find a better place to celebrate than Hannifin's - it's been one big party from the day that they opened.

• Just a couple of seats left for our Italian dinner on Tuesday night. Our own Mama Mia - Anne Haviland will be in the kitchen creating a feast that celebrates sunny, southern Italy. Add to that perfectly paired wine with each course and you have a beautiful night on your hands. Remember that this is the new "open seating plan" - you may sit anywhere you like with whom ever you like. Our Wine Dinners have to be the best food and wine value in the United States - a great night to share with friends - please reserve early. 8 6 0 - 4 4 3 - 9 4 6 3.

• The Spanish Rioja Dinner on Wednesday April 4 - is Sold Out - thank you.

• Keep an eye on the Calendar of Events for the latest news on Wine Dinners and other special events: http://thames-river-wine-spirits.com/wine/calendar.html

• Thanks for your support - we appreciate it. And we are listening to all of the comments and suggestions that we get every week. We are working on all of your requests and comments - including: menu suggestions, wine by the glass comments, wine dinner ideas, & special guests - just to name a few. The upcoming months have lots of surprises planned - we can hardly wait.
AAA.



Wine Tasting Please Join Us
Friday March 21 - 6-9 p.m. - No Charge



wine tasting

Bio-Weingut Hofer Gruner Veltliner 2007 $12 In Big
Green 1 Liter bottles with a crown cap. Hofer is an
certified organic winery with farming practices that
exceed E.U. guidelines. The Gruner Veltliner they
produce is fermented Trocken (dry) in stainless steel,
the wine is crisp and bright with pronounced
grapefruit citrus. This is drinking wine. Simple and
Joyous summer wine that has shown up a little early.
Terry Theise on the subject "Just think about it:
you’re sitting in a leafy garden on a warm summer
evening with
friends, just chillin’ and schmoozin’ over plates of
cold-cuts, listening to the birds, glad to be alive.
You’d be happy if the wine you’re sluggin’ down were
merely pleasant; after
all, it’s not about the wine, it’s about something
larger in which wine plays a necessary part. But the
moment you taste the wine . . . Hey; this is good.
Suddenly life seems absolutely perfect, and you are
somewhere above your body, looking at the happy faces
of your friends and hearing the cheerful clamor of
plates, glasses and voices. You take another sip, and
rejoin the merriment. "

Chateau Ducasse Bordeaux Blanc 2006 $16 Ch. Ducasse
has come back to us after gone far too long. We found
this wine last September and used it for a few private
tastings and wine dinners. By the time we figured out
how good it was, it was gone. We got a whopping five
cases, for all of you who have been asking about
Ducasse, now is the time. From the Kermit Lynch
brochure, "Ducasse is a dry white from the noble
terroir of Barsac. Think of Yquem’s Y and
Suduiraut’s S. The finesse, complexity, and
flavor interest are comparable to a white
Graves. The old vines are 55% Semillon, 35% Sauvignon,
and 10% Muscadelle. There is a freshness and subtlety
to the bouquet, and an impression of depth. Depth as
opposed to superficiality. There is a
gunflint aspect, along with citrus perfumes like
citronelle and orange blossom. On the palate too,
freshness, liveliness, depth, while the finish
mirrors the wine’s exquisite bouquet. "

Domaine Monpertuis Cuvee Counoise 2005 $14 I found
this in a restaurant in Brooklyn last week, and was so
pleased that I ordered three cases for the store from
the table. Monpertruis, I've had their Cote du Rhone
and their Neuf du Pape but 100% Counoise , Get Out !
It was perfect with the duck confit and the mushrooms
and celery root puree appetizers, and it transitioned
perfectly into the hanger steaks. Full bodied and
weighty, dark fruit and distinctly French. Tired of
Carmenere? think Malbec is passe and Tannat is so last
week? Here's some Counoise for you.

Columbia Crest Reserve Syrah 2004 $18 The Reserve
series from Columbia Crest often gets overlooked, but
these have remained one of the best wine values for
years. And now more so. The Reserve Syrah took a "deep
post" this month, that is to say the distributor put
the wine on sale to make room for the next vintage.
This has allowed us to sell a $24 for $18, whose your
buddy now?

Rioja Dinner, St. Urbans-Hof, Hugel Gentil, Le Pinot Noir Chanfleure,Mas de Gourgonnier, Beast Cabernet Sauvignon,

Greetings from all of us in New London,
Thames River Wine & Spirits - 860-443-9463
Thames River Greenery - 860-443-6817
Brie & Bleu - 860-437-2474
NEW: order online - 24 hours a day - seven days a week: http://www.thamesrivergreenery.com/

Our selection for the Friday tasting is just below these items of interest.

CORRECTION - DATE CHANGE -
There was a bit of confusion for the upcoming wine dinner dates - our apologies for the mix-up.

The Correct Dates:
Southern Italy Dinner - Tuesday March 18 - 6 p.m. - $50 plus tax & service
Rioja Gran Reserva Dinner - Wednesday April 2 - 6 p.m. - $75 plus tax & service

Both dinners will feature wine with each course and in the case of the Rioja Dinner a rare opportunity to sample a "Gran Reserva" Vertical Tasting.
Here are the vintages you will enjoy: 81, 82, 85, & 91

And in addition to the best value in North America - we are using the "Open Seating" plan that many of you have requested. So, sit with those friends that are visiting from out of town, or canoodle in the corner - just the two of you, it's your choice.

Here is a handy link to our calendar of events - we will be posting the menu details there: http://thames-river-wine-spirits.com/wine/calendar.html

AAA.

Dave's Fave - Monday Tasting - March 10 - No Charge
St. Urbans-Hof Riesling 2007 $15
Dave Says: "Let us consider, for a moment, Riesling, the queen of white grapes: could it be in Riesling we find, through the interplay of acidity and sugars, the most profound and transparent lens through which we experience terroir? Yeah, sure thing, but all I was really looking for was a tart and sweet comfort wine with which to experience Netflix movies from the sleeping bag on the couch. In this estate grown and bottled gem from the Mosel-Saar valleys of Germany, we accomplish both of these noble ideals! Please stop in Monday afternoon and give it a try."


Wine Tasting Please Join Us Friday March 14 - 6-9 p.m. - No Charge


Hugel Gentil 2005 $12 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...

Louis Latour Le Pinot Noir Chanfleure 2005 $15 From
the back label "100% Pinot Noir for it's varietal and
100% Cote D'Or for it's origin" Your $15 Pinot Noir
from California isn't entirely either. Under
California state law the wine only has to be mostly
Pinot Noir and mostly from California. Have you ever
wondered why the wine book your reading describes
Pinot Noir as a light bodied fine wine, but every time
you buy a California Pinot Noir it's a rich, heavy,
clumsy, ponderous fruit mallet to the mouth? Could it
be the Syrah or Carmenere from South American they are
adding? David Bruce, I'm addressing you. I refuse to
give up my obsession. Are you going to let our
emotional life be run by Wine Spectator?

Mas de Gourgonnier Les Baux de Provence 2005
Grenache, Syrah, Mourvedre and Carignan combine to
create a wine of richness and intense fruit, that is
none the less transparent enough to reveal a true
expression of Provencal soil. Organically farmed for
decades, the property also produces olives, fruit and
vegetables, practicing true biodiversity. Real French
wine, made as naturally and traditionally as possible.
Absolutely perfect for fish stew or any Mediterranean
dish like chicken Mirabella

Beast Cabernet Sauvignon 2004. From our friends at
Buty, this wine comes from the Horse Heaven Hills in
Walla Walla Washington. Again the Columbia valley
gives us a wine that not only has lush body, but is
well knit and balanced. The Columbia valley can be
well over 100 degrees during the day, and drop down to
50 or 60 degrees at night with the persistent winds
out of the east. It is the huge temperature
variation from day to night that creates a wine of
powerhouse fruit sitting on a firm foundation of
tannic structure. Not simply ripe, this wine is
buildt.


We hope that you will join us on Friday.
It's fun, informal and a great way to start your weekend.

Wine Dinners Return, Barons de Rothschild, Crios Torrontes, Castro Ventosa Mencia, El Masroig Sola Fred,Miguel Torres Manso de Velasco

Greettings form all of us in New London,
Thames River Wine & Spirits - 860-443-9463
Thames River Greenery - 860-443-6817
Brie & Bleu - 860-437-2474

www.thamesriver.com





There is a lot going on this week - including a tremendous line-up for Friday night.
I would like to briefly mention something that came up at a dinner we attended a couple of nights ago. The question came up as to why people feel intimidated because they do not know much about wine. Somehow people have gotten the impression that not knowing the difference between a merlot and a cabernet is something to hide - that is a load of crap. America is not a wine-drinking culture. For most of the world wine is something that is on the table and served with food - no big deal - it is part of everyday life.

We believe that drinking wine and learning about wine is a lot of fun, and that's why we encourage you to try wine at our weekly tasting. You do not need a magazine to tell you what to enjoy. In fact that's one reason why our shelves are not littered with those little cards with ratings and opinion's from reviewers.

We offer wine that we have tried ourselves, in many cases we have met the winemaker personally and we want to share our discoveries and something special with you - so that you may form your own opinion. Don't be too concerned with learning about wine - learning to enjoy wine is the first step. The rest will fall into place.

Our list for the Friday tasting is just below these few items of interest.


• First we should probably address all of the rumors about Billy Joel being in the store this week. We have had our fair share of celebrities, including Academy Award winners. And it is true that Mr. Joel is occasionally seen on the Cross Sound Ferry ( he is usually escorted to the wheelhouse to make the trip quietly - I am fairly certain though they do not let him steer - USCG regulations and so forth...) - The best that I can do here is deny that we had a visit this week. We respect the privacy of all our friends and customers. I will remind you that there may still be some seats available for his upcoming Mohegan Sun appearance.

• We had some very kind word's mentioned about us in Sunday's Day paper - in the Perspective Section: "...The cheese and wine shop has a wine cellar that rivals the best that France has to offer..." - If you missed it here is a link for the story : http://theday.com/re.aspx?re=2021ee6a-e12d-4572-842b-e73bf393e6e0
People are discovering downtown New London and all it has to offer.

• Also in Sunday's paper - in The MarketPlace magazine section a story by Eileen Jenkins about the magical qualities of Cognac. The story notes that Cognac is not just for Grumpy Old Men anymore. Cynthia Keller of Restaurant Du Village in Chester talks about the history, production methods, and the fact that it just may be the "perfect" New England drink. It warms you from the inside out, it's meant to be sipped and savored." I mention all of this because we feature all of the Cognac shown in the story - one of the finest selections to be found anywhere. Ask us about it - we even have bottles with Cognac from 1929! - take a look the next time you are in the store.


• Wine Dinners Return - Our own Anne Haviland will be in the kitchen - she is just back from a fabulous European Odyssey - rested, re-charged, and ready for 2008.
This is a new format, based on your comments and suggestions we are opening up the seating plan. These dinners will be "open plan" seating - so you are free to sit with your friends, and family however you choose. A cozy dinner for two? Why not. Two or three couples getting together for a night out? - You bet. Each delicious course is paired carefully with wine and a little something special with the dessert. The final details of the menus and wine lists will be posted on the website and here in the email next week.

Here are the first two dates.

1 - Wednesday March 19 - 6 p.m. - "Sunny Southern Italy" -
food and wine of Italy - $50 - plus tax & service

2 - Wednesday April 4 - 6 p.m. - "Rioja Spain" -
food and wine of Spain - $75 - plus tax & service


Dave's Fave -
Monday Tasting - March 3 - Tasting - No Charge

Domaine Barons de Rothschild Aussieres Rouge 2005 $14
Dave Says: "One thing I love about working in our wine "cave" is knowing which of our little buddies (bottles of wine) have been hanging around for a while. As in this case, you're liable to spot one, "Huh - well this guy got overlooked...for six months! I bet it's drinking great by now." Wine settles so well in out cellar even a few weeks can make a difference. Remember that next time you're in a some big, heated, overlit supermarket-style liquor store...

This is a lovely wine from one of Barons de Lafite Rothschild's vineyard revitalization projects. Chateau d'Aussieres has been producing wine in the Languedoc since the Roman era, now totally refurbished with plantings of Cabernet, Merlot, Syrah and Mourvedre. This Aussieres Rouge is a great winter wine, perfect for hearty stews or lamb. Please stop in for a taste Monday afternoon!"


Wine Tasting Please Join Us
Friday March 8 - 6-9 p.m. - No Charge

1 - Crios Torrontes 2007 $15
You have seen this name here before - created by Susana Balbo, Argentina's leading female winemaker. Her Crios wines were named "Brand Of The Year" in 2007.
Crios means "offspring" (as in children). Susana selected a word to express the notion that these are wines that haven’t quite "grown up" to the same level of quality and maturity as her more expensive Susana Balbo label wines, but they receive the same loving care and attention throughout the winemaking process. The label features a series of three connected and overlapping hands, an image inspired by a Mayan artifact. The three hands represent Susana and her two children. The key word here is aromatics, a glass of Torrontes is literally brimming with floral notes. It is for wines like this that we use the term bouquet. It drinks and smells something like a Viognier with the finish of a Sauvignon Blanc.This is one of the two defining grapes of Argentina,the other of course being Malbec. It is only in the very high altitude of Argentina, in this case 5000 feet above sea level, and extremely dry climate that Torrontes shows it's finest expression. This wine will go quickly - still one of the best values coming from South America. please try it on Friday night.


2 - Castro Ventosa Mencia $10
Every once in a while an unfamiliar wine region pops up and demands a little attention. Bierzo Spain is one of those areas. It's in the northwestern corner of Spain - a really beautiful area, almost on the eastern border of Galicia, above Portugal on the Atlantic coast. If you have never heard of Bierzo don't worry - that's why we are here. This is the perfect opportunity to taste a great bottle from an unfamiliar area that will open your eyes. JM: "For those of you who joined us last week for the Bourguiel, this wine will continue our discussion of geography and varietal. Mencia is Spanish for Cabernet Franc, from the region of Bierzo in Northern Spain, and the vastly different climate produces a very different wine from the same varietal. Gone are the flavors of wet stones and earth, and in their place dark fruit and potpouri. The much hotter climate also produces a much bigger, denser wine, closer to it's Cabernet Sauvignon cousin."


3 - Celler El Masroig Sola Fred 2005 $10.
El Masroig is a small, agricultural town of merely five hundred inhabitants, nestled in the beautiful and unspoiled Priorat wine-producing region of Catalonia Spain. Occupied for nearly seven hundred years by the Romans, followed by several centuries of the Visigoths, and then four hundred years by the Moors, the influences were certainly varied. It has its own cooperative for wine and olive oil production which are its principal activities along with the cultivation and harvesting of almonds. It is one of the most beautiful parts of Spain that I have ever seen. The surrounding mountain ranges are visible from every window, and the view covers miles and miles of unbroken land. And aside from Africa, it has the most amazing sky full of stars that I have ever seen. It is also an area that is devoted to food - the locals are obsessed with fresh ingredients and family recipes. This is one of the local wines that makes he food shine.
JM: "Another value priced Spanish wine, this time Carignan from Montsant. Made from dry farmed fruit from vineyards of decomposing granite with a surprisingly low yield of 5 tons a hectare. The wine is opaque with intense fruit and chocolate notes and all for only ten dollars."

4 - Miguel Torres Manso de Velasco Cabernet Sauvignon 2004 $32
The Torres family surname has been linked with wine for more than three centuries. Chile has ideal growing conditions for grapes, but it is the absence of phylloxera, a root aphid, that truly distinguishes the country as a viticultural paradise. The Cabernet vines from Manso de Velasco were planted in 1902, on original root stock.Ungrafted vines can live well over 100 years, producing ever decreasing quantities of better and better fruit. JM: "The combination of old vines and low yield makes this wine one of the best wines of Chile and one of the best cabernet values I've ever seen." This will go quickly - please be sure to try it on Friday night.
Winemaker notes: "Extraordinarily rich aroma of ripe fruit. Its aristocratic Cabernet Sauvignon tannins have a majestic, regal structure, heightened by the creamy background of oak from the Nevers forest that is used in its long barrel-aging."

Thanks very much for your comments, suggestions, and support - we appreciate it.
And thanks for making it so much fun - we have a lot planned for the coming months.


Please Join Us -
It's fun, informal, and a great way to start your weekend

El Nido Clio 2005, J.J. Vincent Bourgogne Blanc, Domaine de la Chanteleuserie, Domaine Roger Perrin,

Winemaker Loren Gill - at the Bodegas Juan Gill

It was a great week even with the snow storm or perhaps especially because of the snow storm. There were those lucky people that found a table at Brie & Bleu and settled into a beautiful night of candle light and a cozy wine drinking. For those of you that made it out during the storm - we salute you. Thanks very much for coming out.

• Also a word of thanks to our friends at Niza Boutique & Renewal Medical Day Spa - for hosting a night of fashion and fun. A tremendous turn out made it fun for all.

• A special note of thanks to Henry & Carol Mann - for being gracious hosts and for opening their cellar to us - Bottle after bottle of luscious vintage Bordeaux. Thank you - we do not take it for granted.


Wine Tasting Please Join Us
Friday February 29 - 6-9 p.m. - No Charge.

1 - J.J. Vincent Bourgogne Blanc 2004 $15
The firm of Marcel Vincent & Fils, producer of Chateau Fuisse, was founded in 1864. The current winemaker Jean-Jacques Vincent, great-grandson of the founder, is as alert to modern innovations as he is loyal to proven traditional methods. Experts have described him as "one of the most brilliant makers of white Burgundy". The artisanal "Selections" that bear his name are made with fruit (never juice) purchased from a small number of growers with whom he has long-term relationships. This Bourgogne Blanc, although inexpensive, still represents one of the great winemaking hands of burgundy. Careful employment of malolactic fermentation and judicious use of oak have created a wine of distinction. This is True Burgundy at only $15 a bottle.


2 - Domaine de la Chanteleuserie Cuvee Alouettes Bourgueil $15
For a wine importer Mr. Kermitt Lynch sets an important standard - the quality of his wines is undeniable - They are very often the best examples of their type. This particular wine comes from the Loire Valley in France - It is made from the Cabernet Franc grape, wine that is often described being an acquired taste - because of the mineral qualities it has. Have you ever read a review where the person describing the wine refers to "Lead Pencil" and "Earth?" - And you think to yourself - "what the hell are they talking about?" - This is the wine to try, it is a great example of those characteristics. This is a wine made for food - not for sipping alone.

This is what our own Jim Morrison says: "If you drink wine long enough, you find yourself drinking Cabernet Franc from the Loire Valley. These wines are definitely an acquired taste as they are replete with what we call "non-fruit flavors". The smell of wet stones, and river bank brambles. The smell of a freshly ridden horse and the wood of an old barn door. As strange as that sounds, that is the smell of Bourgueil France. And this is the wine that will help you understand that geography is more important than varietal, and that drinking wine is about the smell of standing on freshly tilled dirt with your dog, after rain has just fallen, all in a single sip."
Well, what can I say - he gets carried away sometimes. But try this wine on Friday and see for yourself what flavors you can discover.

3 - Domaine Roger Perrin Cotes du Rhone Cuvee Prestige 2006 $20
This is another Kermitt Lynch selection. It is always rated in the "90's" by Tanzer & Robert Parker - S.Tanzer: "Dark red. Pungent bouquet evokes raspberry and cherry, with a suave floral quality building with air. Pliant red berry flavors offer good depth and sweetness, picking up anise and mocha qualities on the close. Finishes with gentle grip and very good length. This should drink well young." J.Morrison: "Expensive for a Cotes du Rhone for sure, but I guarantee this wine will outshine Vacqueyras, Gigondas, even Chateauneuf du Pape from many other producers. Principally Granache, it is the Counoise and Vaccarese that give this wine it's distinctly southern Rhone character." Hand harvested from 45 year old vines, the fruit goes through a meticulous selection and a long maceration. The wine is big and spiced,with intense fruit and stoney earth from the galets roules (round pebbles) of the southern Rhone. Absolutely perfect with lamb or other rich dishes. Please try it on Friday night.


4 - Bodegas El Nido Clio 2005 $50 - Jumilla Spain
If you follow the scores given to wines by retired California lawyers like Robert Parker, follow this: Clio 2002 93pts, Clio 2003 96pts, Clio 2004 97pts. Parker has not yet rated this wine for 2005. Stephan Tanzer gave the 2005 Clio 93pts and he is not one for hyperbole or flights of fancy. He tends to be extremely cautious with +90 pt scores, and historically he scores everything a few points lower than Parker.

Jumilla Spain is located about 90 minutes South West from Valencia. Here is a photo of the fruit that was used to make this wine. We had the privilege of sampling the grapes from the first wagon load coming in from the fields - the winemaker himself said they were the best grapes he had tasted in ten years. Take a close look. This is where the wine is made. It is not a factory, this is a family operation with a small group of people taking the time to make a very special product. You can taste the pride they have in every sip. Please try this wine on Friday night - it is the real thing.











Grapes for the 2005 Clio
Other photos here: http://thames-river-wine-spirits.com/wine/photos.html

We received less than half of last year's allocation, and this is it until the 2006.

JM: "I can see it now, the Wine Spectator's top 100 wines comes out in December and Clio 2005 is way up at the top, everyone comes in the store, list in hand, but they can't get the wine, it's been sold out for months - Meanwhile, in a comfy leather chair in front a fireplace somewhere, a happy couple sips Clio and offers up a toast and a knowing laugh to the people of Jumilla."
10 six packs in stock, 10% discount on a six bottle case.


Thanks for all of the comments and suggestions - and especially for your support - we appreciate it.

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




AAA.

Fashion Show, Maryhill Winemakers, Santi Solane, Vistabla Corte B, Fratelli Alessandria Barolo,

Greetings from New London,

Thames River Wine & Spirits - 860-443-9463
Thames River Greenery - 860-443-6817
Brie & Bleu - 860-447-2474

wwww.thamesriver.com

It's a short week for many of us - if you have today off - congratulations. The wines for Friday's tasting are listed just below these items of interest.

• Last weeks experiment was very successful - if you missed it, it went a little something like this: The wines that were featured at the tasting were also featured by the glass and by the bottle at Brie & Bleu. People really enjoyed being able to try the wine in the cellar and then have a glass or two upstairs with their dinner. Great feedback from many of you - thanks. We will continue working on this.

• Thanks to everyone that attended the special Valentines Day wine dinner hosted by Joe Mascaro - a great night, lots of food and wine and fun. Remember, all you have to do is ask - and you can have your own private dinner with a customized menu and wine list - it is easy, no matter what the occasion.

• This Thursday - February 21 - 6 p.m. - Mark the calendar - A Fashion Show & Champagne Reception in the big room - Sponsored by Niza Boutique of Mystic AND Renewal Medical Day Spa. Showcasing Cupcake Fashion by Brenda Lee, and offering insight into anti-aging procedures from Renewal. Brie and Bleu will be serving it's full menu with special Fondues and wine. For more information just call -Niza at 860-536-7270. OR the wine store - 860-443-9463.

• We Are Listening - based on all of the requests and feedback from you - we are putting the final touches on our upcoming Wine Dinner Series. The menus, wine, and pricing offer a choice for everyone. The final menus, names, dates, and prices will be posted on the website and right here in the email. Here are some highlights: - "Sunny Southern Italy", "Rioja & the great foods of Spain", "Food & Wine of The Rich & Famous." - We will also be offering wine dinners with an open seating plan. So if you would prefer a cozy dinner for two with the same great menu - not a problem. Remember to reserve early.


• Dave's Fave - Monday Tasting - No Charge

Wilhelm Walch Prendo Pinot Noir 2004 $14
Dave Says: "Here's an odd bird for you. Regulars are probably familiar with Prendo Pinot Grigio, which flows like the River Thames all summer long around here. When we first tasted this Pinot Noir last year, it had such a smoky note one might think it was from South Africa or something. It's from Northern Italy of course, which immediately leaps to mind when one thinks of Pinot Noir???"

"What a pedigree: winemaking virtuosa Elena Walch renewed the vineyards of her grandfather Wilhelm in the shadow of the Dolomites to produce this small line of lovely, inexpensive wines. We tasted this wine again recently and it had changed, the woody note replaced with more recognizably Pinot-y berries and brambles. But it's still its own animal. The Walchs have let this one be itself for a reason: it's up to us to figure it out! Let's try Monday."


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

Maryhill Winemakers White 2006 $14
If you're ever in Portland Oregon, Take a ride up the I-5 to Washington. When you get to the vineyards of Camus, head East along the 14 into some of the most beautiful countryside in the world. Carved by glacial meltwater, the Columbia Gorge with it's steep cliffs and dramatic waterfalls is one of the great wine growing regions of North America. Maryhill of Goldendale Washington produces this sunny and charming wine , a blend of Chardonnay (for body),Sauvignon Blanc ( for acidity), Semillion ( for nuttiness) and Viognier ( for floral aromatics). This wine reminds me of Caymus Conundrum, although not as sweet and half the price.

Santi Solane Valpolicella Ripasso 2005 $16
The Solaneis produced using a method called "rigoverno" whereby 20% of the harvest is separated and dries on mats, as if to produce Amarone. These desiccated grapes are then added back to the wine in a secondary fermentation. The result is a true "baby Amarone" , with all the raisin, black cherry, and dried fruit flavors in a much more approachable and affordable wine. Perfect for a cold day and a hot stew or sausage lasagna.

Vistabla Corte B 2004 $26
We've gotten used to finding another great big Argentine Malbec every week. But when you get right down to it, making a big wine is not the same as making a fine wine. Little by little, as Argentina's winemaking matures, we see wines that reflect not just a hot climate, but a true vinoculture. The Corte B impressed us immediately as far more interesting than your average South American wine. A blend of Malbec , Cabernet and Bonarda (making it distinctly Argentine) the wine has an inherent complexity that is enhanced by the very balanced hand of the winemaker. Oak is used as it should be used, to organize and integrate the wine, not as a major flavor component. The words " tostado medio, de los bosquea de Allier" on the label say it all - "medium toast" - it's like music to the ears.

Fratelli Alessandria Barolo Monvigliero 2003 $60
Barolo is one of the hardest wines to describe. There are so many flavors and the wine is so tightly knit, that all one can say sometimes is that it tastes like Barolo, a flavor unto itself. Alessandria is certainly one of the great producers of the region, receiving Tre Bicchieri, the highest award given from the prestigious Gambero Rosso nearly every year. This year's Monvigliero is unusual in that it delivers all the fruit we've come to expect from that vineyard, with an extra measure of structure. The combination is almost paradoxical, the smallest, finest flavors woven into a muscular powerhouse of penetrating flavor. A wine as light as Burgundy, that shames and embarrasses the greatest wines of Napa and Bordeaux.

Thanks for all of your comments and suggestions, and for your support. We appreciate it.
We hope to see you this week - please join us.

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




AAA.

Valentines Day, Domaine de la Pepiere, Louis Latour, Chateau Villerambert, Gasparini Capo di Stato,

Greetings from New London,
Thames River Wine & Spirits - 860-443-9463
Thames River Greenery - 860-443-6817
Brie & Bleu - 860-437-2474
www.thamesriver.com

First a big thank you to all of the people that made last week's get together a real happening. I hope that you all got to try the Gaya Ca'Marcanda - it was b e a u t i f u l. The tasting this Friday has an interesting twist - and it answers a frequent question that people ask almost every week. People want to know why we do not offer the same wine at Brie & Bleu by the glass as we feature at the tasting. They say "we want more but we do not want a whole bottle." So this week we will try a little experiment - Our list of wine for Friday night will be available by the glass and by the bottle at Brie & Bleu - and it includes a REAL STEAL - the details are just below a few items of interest.

• Thanks to the readers of The Day that included Brie & Bleu in the areas "Most Romantic Spots" article in Sunday's Market Place magazine section - we appreciate it.

• Lots of people have asked about ordering something special for Valentines Day. It is not an easy answer because of all the options that we have. It is not a problem to combine items from any of our stores to make a gift that is just right for the person in your life. Wine, flowers, cheese, coffee, cards, or gift certificates that are good in any of the stores. As a starting point for flowers take a look at our all new ordering site for Thames River Greenery: www.thamesrivergreenery.com . Mix and match any combination, and remember we will deliver what ever you decide right to the front door or office of the person receiving it. You may place your orders on line 24 hours a day - but remember to order early for timely deliveries.

• Don't forget the Winter Film Series at The Garde Arts Center - it starts this week and it is the perfect place to catch up on the Academy Award nominated films that you may have missed. And it's all on the Big Screen. For more details look here: http://gardearts.org/

• If you are planning to visit The Garde you may want to include Brie & Bleu in your plans. Start the night off with a nice glass of wine, a little fondue, or something else from the menu and then take a stroll up to see the show. Just let your server know that you are going to the movie and they will get you on your way in plenty of time.

• We have been paying particular attention to your requests about the menu and wine pairings at Brie & Bleu - so we are making additions and changes that will be fazed in starting this Tuesday. These include the new "Flights" of wine & cheese. Three wines, three cheeses, each matched carefully with the wine. We have even added a "flight" of three of the finest Artisanal Sake's available & three remarkable cheeses. If you have ever wondered what all of the talk about Sake has been about, this is a great way to try it. And remember, this is not the Sake that you may have had before - sometimes dispensed from a machine in restaurants - it is a fine wine made by following centuries old traditions. Live a little - try it. We have included the "flights" menu below - take a minute to look them over..

Wine Tasting Please Join Us
Friday February 15 - 6-9 p.m. - No Charge

1 - Domaine de la Pepiere Muscadet Sevre et Maine 2006 $12
No, it's not sweet! In fact it's quite crisp. Fermented sur Lie for added body, this dry white wine is from the Western Loire valley, right on the Atlantic Ocean. Pronounced lime and lemon zest flavor with brilliant minerality, this wine drinks like a Sauvignon Blanc from the more famous Middle Loire. Organic? this is beyond organic, this my friends is Biodymanic. That means the production of this wine involves sustainable farming and Druid / Wicca rituals. Think I'm kidding, look it up.

2 - Louis Latour Domaine de Valmoissine Pinot Noir 2005 $15.
It is hard to find Pinot Noir under $20 a bottle that actually tastes like Pinot Noir. This wine has long been a favorite for exactly that reason, it is varietally correct. Light bodied, with tart cherry and earth flavors, a simple Pinot Noir. Perfect for duck, pork, chicken with mushrooms and of course a nice stinky cheese.

3 - Chateau Villerambert Minervois 2003 $15.
Long a house favorite. This estate has been making wine since the 12th century, but only in the last few years has it bottled that wine "au Chateau" and gotten the recognition they deserve. A blend of Syrah and Granache from the very warm Minervois in the Languedoc. Dark fruit and licorice flavors, from a very full bodied wine. If you like Cabernet or Shriaz, give this a try.

4 - Gasparini Capo di Stato 1999. $18
From the domain of Count Loredan Gasparini, a blend of Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc, Merlot and Malbec. Suggested retail on this wine is still $36 a bottle, but it took a deep "Post Off" this month from the distributor. That's industry speak for "we don't know what to do with this." Well, WE do, we're going to drink it. A great example of fine wine, mature and balanced and drinking perfectly right now.


Cheese & Wine Flights - This week at Brie & Bleu:

East Meets West
Three remarkable cheeses pared with three artisanal Sake’s

Selles-sur-Cher & “Dreamy Clouds”
A French goat milk cheese made in the Central region of France.
paired with Rihaku Shuzo, Sake Junmai “Dreamy Clouds “
•
Queso Cabrales & Pride of The Village
Queso Cabrales Is a natural cheese made in the artisan tradition by rural dairy farmers in Northern Spain.
Paired with Sudo Honke, Sake Junmai Ginjo, “ Pride of the Village"
•
Shropshire Blue & “Divine Droplets”
A blue cows milk cheese made in the United Kingdom paired with
Takasago Shuzo, Sake Daiginjo, “Divine Droplets”

European Traditions
Three perfect wines pared with three classic cheeses

Fontina Val d’ Aosta & Inama Foscarino Soave
A cow’s milk Italian cheese served with
Inama Soave from the Venetto
•
La Mancha Manchego & Sierra Cantabria Rioja Gran Reserva
Sheep’s milk cheese from Spain served with Sierra Cantabria
Rioja Gran Reserva 1998, Rioja Spain.
•
Classic Brie & Chateau Pibran Bordeaux
Brie from Normandy France served with
Chateau Pibran Bordeaux 2005, from Pauillac France.

Thanks for all of your support and for making it so much fun. And we sincerely appreciate all of the help you are giving us with your input about food, menus, and wine ideas for Brie & Bleu - we are listening. We hope to see you this weekend.

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


AAA.

The Jesus Factor, Gaya, Le Grascete, Saint Gayan,

Greetings from all of us In New London,

Thames River Greenery - 860-443-6817
Thames River Wine & Spirits - 860-443-9463
Brie & Bleu - 860-437- 2474
www.thamesriver.com

We are running a little late this week - so just a quick note or two before the list of wine for Friday night. Which, by the way, has a real blockbuster on it -
you won't want to miss it. We hope you can join us.

• A big note of thanks to everyone that attended the dinner with Casamiro Maule last Monday. It was an honor to have Italy's Winemaker of The Year as our guest - it was a special night.


• A reminder that Fiddleheads Food Co-op is holding a Winter's Farmers Market on Saturdays throughout February, March and April - from 10 a.m. -2 p.m. Located at the Fiddlehead's Food Co-op, in the old California Fruit building on Broad Street. 25-30 vendors selling farm produce and related goods. A real opportunity to buy fresh, local farm goods during the winter. Plenty of parking makes this an easy visit. - Above Tony D'd Restaurant across from the courthouse.


• Dave's Fave - Monday Tasting - No Charge
Chateau Fontbernard Montagne Saint-Emilion 2005 $13
Dave Says: "Last week I said we had six Bordeaux in house under $15 -- as of this writing, the number is now eight! (Starting at $7.00!) This one, Chateau Fontbernard, belongs to the same grower-producer collective I mentioned last week, it's a little more robust and earthier than last week's selection, beautifully made, and super affordable. Stop in Monday afternoon for a free glimpse inside the bottle!"


Wine Tasting Please Join Us Friday January 8 - 6-9 p.m. - No Charge

1 - Tolosa No-Oak Chardonnay 2005 $18.
Jim Says: "Are the days of butter slathered, over oaked california Chardonnay over? I'm not sure, but here's another bight and crisp Cali Chard, fermented in stainless steel,presenting pure, unadulterated fruit. Now if they could just ease back on their Zinfandel extraction,they might get something going out there."

This is a pure expression of Chardonnay, with lime blossom, ripe peach and tangerine fruit layered over a core of cool-climate minerality. Beautiful weight and richness, balanced by elegant, crisp acidity, and a touch of sweet anise on the finish. We especially love this wine with all manner of shellfish: Dungeness crab, red abalone, diver scallops, Pacific oysters; all in the simplest of preparations. - Please try it on Friday night.


2 - Domaine Saint Gayan Rasteau 2004 $17
Domaine Saint Gayan is a small estate located at the foot of the spectacular Dentelles de Montmirail in the Gigondas appellation - This is what our friend Robert Parker says: "An excellent estate dedicated to making robustly styled, natural wines that are always among the best of the traditional heavyweights of Gigondas." This is from one of the lesser known Cotes du Rhone Villages, just to the north of the famed Chateauneuf du Pape. Saint Gayan is One of the great estates of the Southern Rhone, the owners, Jean-Pierre Meffre and his wife Martine produce wines of enormous power and concentration. With 1/3 of the vines being about 100 years old and the yields consequently low, the Gigondas has all the complexity and intensity of flavor one can expect from the Rhone. - This is a favorite and a great value for the dollar.

Importers Information: This meaty and succulent single-village Cotes-du Rhone is one of our favorite Rhone wines 70% Grenache and a whopping 30% Mourvedre. The size of these vineyards totals only .75 hectare,1/3 of which contain 100 year-old vines! Vinification follows traditional methods: 50% of the grapes are crushed, 50% fermented whole-berry; fermentation is brought to 31-32 degrees Celsius, and the wine is kept two years in tank and one year in cask before bottling.


3 - Le Grascete Bolgheri Rosso 2003 $30.
Nestled between Ornelia and Sassicaia, Azienda Agricola Le Grascete gives us this Super Tuscan of Cabernet, Merlot and Sangiovese, one of only two wines they produce. The grapes are meticulously hand harvested, and aged in French oak for 18 months, then 6 more months in bottle before release. The result is a wine with the power and depth you would expect from a Super Tuscan without the $150 price tag from the Bolgheri D.O.C.

Speaking of $150 Super Tuscans from a Rock Star wine maker...


4 - Gaja Ca'marcanda 2003 $150.
Last week Casamiro Maule, this week Angelo Gaja, or at least his wine. 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. It is in this region that wine icon Angelo Gaja, looking like he just dismounted a Vespa in a Fellini movie, 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. Angelo Gaja arrived on the wine scene and set about redefining the wines of Piedmonte, especially Barbaresco. The Ca' Marcanda estate (the translation is "the house of endless negotiations") is Angelo's effort in the D.O.C. of Bolgheri. Gaja wines accomplish something nearly impossible, they are shockingly approachable in their youth, yet have virtually unlimited aging potential. Many times I've pulled the cork on a Gaja wine expecting to find an untamed beast of of wine, only to be greeted by a supple wine, whose true nature is revealed by penetrating flavor. A masterpiece by a master wine maker.

Rated 92 points by Tanzer: "(A blend of 50% merlot, 40% cabernet sauvignon and 10% cabernet franc). Deep ruby. Rich, almost roasted aromas of black cherry, plum, and dark coffee, complicated by peat and an intensely balsamic menthol character. Concentrated flavors of red cherry, plum and milk chocolate are far from jammy. Wonderfully harmonious acids convey a sense of elegance and seamlessness on the extremely long finish."

We are pleased to share this with you on Friday - This is a special bottle that as we like to say, usually goes to movie stars or rich guys with pinot envy - but why should they have all of the fun? This is a wine that really has "The Jesus Factor" - made by man - but somehow touched by a higher power. Authentic and one of a kind - It may be a bargain at the price.


Thanks for your support we appreciate it - and it is the reason that we are able to bring in guests like Casamiro Maule, and offer wine like the Gaya at our weekly tasting.

There are lots of new things on the horizon, many of them based on your comments and suggestions - we are listening.


Please Join Us -
It's fun, informal, and a great way to start your weekend.

AAA.

Cuné Monopole, Le Pigeoulet en Provence, Heller Estate, Trapiche Tributo Felipe Villafañe,

Greetings from all of us in New London -
Thames River Wine & Spirits - 860-443-9463
Thames River Greenery - 860-443-6817
Brie & Bleu - 860-437-2474

Wow, the streets were full, the galleries were open, and it was a great opening weekend for the Hygienic Art Show. Thanks so much to everyone that came out to support New London and this annual art extravaganza. We have a great line up of wines for the Friday tasting - including a very special selection from Argentina. The list is just below these of items of interest.

• We get a lot of requests to show the labels of the wines we feature at the weekly tasting - so we are giving it a try for this edition of the newsletter. Most of you should be able to see them without a problem, we apologize if you do not.

• There is a lot of excitement for Monday's dinner with Casimiro Maule - Italy's Wine Maker of The Year. The private dinner is sold out - thank you. But there will be opportunities for photographs and bottle signings if you would like to participate and meet one of the truly great winemakers in the world.

• Have You Had Your Fondue Today?
Based on your requests - I am happy to report that the menu changes at Brie & Bleu are taking place and we have brought back one of our most requested items - Fondue.
Featured on our Fondue Menu - is our original recipe of Fontina and Grüyere cheese, garlic, dates, shallots, and a hint of white truffle oil - it is a show stopper, especially when it is combined with a nice glass of wine. Wouldn't this be a great way to start your evening at the Garde Winter Film Festival? - http://gardearts.org/





• We were reminded this week of something that we take for granted. A customer pointed out that they had been shopping with some friends at the big discount liquor store just around the corner from us and they were very surprised that our prices were virtually the same and in a couple of cases we were even less expensive than the big store. - That has always been the case, and we are proud of the fact that we are a store that has something for everyone. Did you know that the State of Connecticut determines the minimum price for all beer, wine, and spirits sold in the state? It is actually against the law to sell products for less than the published minimum. The prices are published in something called The Beverage Guide every month, and if a store violates the published price their license can be suspended. So, you may continue to shop with confidence - our prices are probably the same as the big box store that cannot offer the same service or the interest that we have in what you are looking for.


The NY Times - The Paper Of Record - caught up with our reporting this weekend. We broke the news about Barkley Hendricks last week in our newsletter, and in today's Times there is a nice article about local artist Barkley Hendricks - Coincidence? - if you missed it here is a link: http://www.nytimes.com/2008/01/27/nyregion/nyregionspecial2/27artsubct.html?ex=1359090000&en=2548351bcf749065&ei=5124&partner=permalink&exprod=permalink













Barkley Hendricks



Dave's Fave - Monday Tasting - No Charge

Chateau Gravat Medoc 2005 $10
Dave Says:
"Okay, the '05 Bordeaux are creeping in the door, and I am proud to announce: We've got SIX, count them, SIX '05 BORDEAUX under $15!!! The Gravat is one of my personal favorites, and it's only ten bucks. Lovely, earthy, unmistakably French, from a small artisinal domaine. This is not a collector wine, it is French table wine made for French people. Don't let the low price scare you: Chateau Gravat is a small winemaker in Medoc which belongs to a collective of small houses (whose wine we also have), represented by an exporter in Blanquefort who bottles and directly exports it. No advertising, low production costs, so the winemakers tend to their vines and and their cellars, while the exporter worries about how to get it to nuts like us in the U.S. who want the real deal! Come on in and let me pour you a taste Monday afternoon."


Wine Tasting - Please Join Us
Friday February 1 - 6-9 p.m. - No Charge

1 - Cuné Monopole Rioja Blanco 2005 $18.
I bet you didn't even know they made white wine in Rioja! Cuné is present on all of Spain’s highest regarded wine lists. It was one of the first wineries of Rioja to bottle its own wines. In 1900, the winery had an extraordinary aging capacity of 80,000 bottles, which was most unusual at the time, as most wineries were selling their wines as soon as possible.

In 1879, two brothers decided to set up a business in the recently flourishing trade of the wine business. C.V.N.E., Compañía Vinicola del Norte de España (The Northern Spanish Wine Company) or la Cuné, as it is commonly known in Haro, was created. This cellar takes us back to the origins of the company and is still kept in the traditional neighborhood of the Haro station. The Cuné winery in Haro, is made up of a group of buildings, mostly from the 19th century and arranged around a courtyard surrounded by pavilions for the purpose of wine production, aging, and bottling. Monopole was created in 1915 to change the style of rustic and oxidized wines formerly produced in Rioja from the Viura grape variety. Since its arrival it has become a classic fresh white Rioja. This is a terrific food wine - and a real treat at this price. I love it with Fondue - If you are in the mood on Friday night you may wish to try it yourself at Brie & Bleu.

2 - Le Pigeoulet en Provence Vin de pays de Vaucluse 2006 $16
Produced by Vignobles Brunier of Vieux Telegramme fame and brought to us by the venerable importer Kermit Lynch.
Our Jim Morrison says: "Garrigue? this stuff is lousy with garrigue." The Wine Spectator rated this 87 points and said: "Pretty, pure beam of black cherry fruit backed by herb and tobacco notes. Fruit takes an encore on the modestly structured finish. Grenache, Syrah, Cabernet Sauvignon and Cinsault. Drink now. Score: 87."

This is a great value from a highly regarded source. It has ripe and juicy fruit flavors and a nice a long finish. This is a wine that would be perfect with red meats, roasted poultry or a robust cheeses. If you are a fan of this type of wine - and really, who isn't? - then please take a minute to try it on Friday night. It will go quickly, it is a great price for this quality of a wine.

3 - Heller Estate Cabernet Sauvignon 2002 $18
All the way from Carmel California, yes they make wine in California now, who knew?
The vineyards are dry farmed at over 1200 elevation. The vineyards have been producing wine since 1970 and are one of the very few vineyards that are certified organic. The use of cover crops and predatory wasps ensure not herbicides or pesticides are needed. Their winemaker says: "Opulent cassis fruit with notes of sweet oak and cocoa. Concentrated mouth feel with lush fruit flavors throughout the middle palate. Explosive fruit character: high viscosity: big but balanced tannin and extremely long finish combine making this a perfect expression of cabernet fruit from our world renown vineyards." If your looking to make your wine drinking "green" too - this might be a place to start.

4 - Trapiche Tributo Malbec. 2003 $50 ** Special Edition **
In the winter of 2005 Felipe Villafane, one of Trapiche's greatest grape farmers died at the age of 104. The Malbec produced from his magnificent fruit was without equal. Described as "a typical man of the countryside, honest,simple,and hardworking" and one hell of a farmer.

Established in 1883, Trapiche is the most widely recognized Argentinean wine producer in the world. Located in Mendoza at the foothills of the Andes mountains, Trapiche has some of the most extensive landholdings in the area, with over 2,500 acres of its own vineyards.

In Spanish, the simple word “Tributo” has the deeper meaning of tribute or homage. This word was chosen to pay homage to one of the finest growers to supply Trapiche with grapes: Señor Felipe Villafañe. This is the first time that Trapiche has released a special, limited release wine like this. Since Malbec is the main grape cultivated in La Consulta, hometown of the grower for most of his 104 years, it is fitting that a Malbec wine has been produced to honor his life. Felipe is admired and remembered for his clear mind, his dedication to his land and his sense of humor. He passed away during the winter of 2005. The drawing of Felipe on the label was rendered by a local artist who was a drinking mate of Señor Felipe Villafañe.

The grapes for the wine come from an excellent vineyard in La Consulta. Such was the quality of the vineyard and work of Señor Felipe Villafañe that this vineyard was one of only three vineyards featured in the debut vintage of the Trapiche Single Vineyard Malbecs in 2003. The fruit was manually harvested and placed into 20 kg plastic cases for protection during transport to the winery. Following a double-selection sorting process, the wine underwent a long maceration in small concrete vats. The wine was aged in French oak barrels for 18 months, and was aged in bottle an additional year in Trapiche’s cellar. This wine is available in 6-bottle wooden cases.

Wine Maker Tasting Notes: The wine shows expressive aromas of crushed, spicy red cherries and blackberries, along with herb and toasted oak notes. On the palate, the wine has a dense, rich character, and though the wine has considerable structure, the ebullient, ripe fruit steals the show, accompanied by noble, fine-grained tannins and a very long finish. Pair this wine with strong, bold flavored dishes such as a grilled Porterhouse steak with mushrooms.


This will definitely go fast - please try it on Friday night, it is a very special offering, difficult to find, and we are very excited to have it in house.

It will be a busy week here at the store - We hope to see you at the tasting.

Thanks for all of your support, we appreciate it. And we sincerely appreciate all of the comments and emails - we are listening.


Please Join Us.

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

AAA

NL Art World, Barkley Hendricks, Hygienic Art XXIX, Chalone vineyards, Cefalicchio Canosa Rosso, Saint-Sulpice, Heredad de Aduna

Greetings from all of us in New London,
Thames River Wine & Spirits - 860-443-9463
Thames River Greenery - 860-443-6817
Brie & Bleu - 860-437-2474
www.thamesriver.com

This week is full of news from the New London Art World - our list of wines for Friday is just below these items of interest.


• New London is the home to an exciting and ever expanding art culture, and along with that we are surrounded by some of the most interesting and creative people you can imagine. So, as we were flipping through the latest edition of Vogue Magazine, this item caught our eye and you should know about it. “The Vogue 25” cultural highlights of 2008.

The list includes the works of Barkley Hendricks - well known local artist and professor of art at Connecticut College. “Barkley L. Hendricks: Birth of the Cool,” the first career retrospective of the American artist’s paintings, will be on view at the Nasher Museum of Art at Duke University from Feb. 7 through July 13, 2008.
Take a minute to read more about Barkley and this show HERE: http://www.dukenews.duke.edu/2008/01/birth_cool.html

Congratulations Barkley - we dig you man.


• The Garde Arts Center is putting the finishing touches on their Winter Film Festival -February 14 - 19. This is a highlight of the New London winter scene and if you expect to get your favorite seats - Then I suggest you get your tickets early - for more details GO HERE: http://tickets.gardearts.org/show.asp



• And of course if it's January, it is time for the Annual Hygienic Art Show. Open to all artists - beginner and experts alike. Who's to say that the little pad next to your telephone, the one that might be tossed into the kitchen drawer with the loose batteries, forgotten keys, and the lint-roller that is down to it's last couple of clean sheets - who's to say that little pad with the doodles and numbers - is not art? Well, why not enter it this year and find out?

This is a great event - it always has a big turnout - get all of the details HERE: http://www.hygienic.org/default.asp

HYGIENIC ART XXIX













January 26 - February 10, 2008

• Save The Date - Fashion Show and Wine Tasting February 21st. Produced in cooperation with Niza - the Women's Boutique of Mystic. A great night of fashion, music, wine, and FUN. Lots more details coming here in the email and of course on our Calendar of Events page HERE: http://thamesriver.com/wine/calendar.html


• And finally - A quick note about our Private Dinner with Italy's Winemaker of The Year - Cosimiro Maule, from Nino Negri Vineyards. We will be serving eight of his wines, two per course. There are just four seats left as we go to press. If you have a lover of Italian culture, food and wine in your life - this is a gift that will make them giddy. Truly a night to remember. You will be sitting down to dinner with a wine industry legend. Our own Anne Haviland is working with Signore Maule on the menu which will be posted on the calendar when it is finished. Please join us for our first winemaker dinner of 2008 - Monday January 28 - 6 p.m. - $85 plus tax & service. - 8 6 0 - 4 4 3 - 9 4 6 3.

• Dave's Fave - Monday Tasting - January 21 - No Charge
Dave Says:
"First off, allow me to rant about beer for a moment: As you may know, we don't stock tons of beer. For the most part, only what our 1957 Peerless fridge (formerly of Patsy's on Bank Street) will hold. You kids already know where to get your 30-packs-o-suds and it ain't here! We're keeping cold a pile of uber-brew including local favorites Cottrell, Trinity and Harpoon... Berkshire Brewing, fresh and delicious, in bombers and now in 64oz growlers! Samuel Smith 4-packs, Castle Lager, Pilsner Urquell (the original Pilsner from Pilzn), Belgian Chimay bombers, and one of my favorites, Moosehead - straight outta Halifax. We always keep Lindemann's fruit-infused Lambics in the cellar, cold Grolsch swing-tops upstairs (oh they still make them), and for bands-on-a-budget, Pabst Blue Ribbon and Narragansett bottles! Do you really need something more? If you do, just ask...
As for "Dave's Fave" on Monday hmmm... well let's have some beer! Come on down and sample our three current varieties from Deerfield Mass's own Berkshire Brewing: Steel Rail Pale Ale, Lost Sailor IPA, and Coffeehouse Porter ($3.50 a bomber)

Wine Tasting Please Join Us
Friday January 25 - 6-9 p.m. - No Charge

1 - Chalone vineyards Monterey county Chardonnay 2006 $12 - www.chalonevineyard.com
As one of the first wineries to recognize Monterey County’s potential for exceptional Chardonnay, Chalone Vineyard began making wines high up on the Gavilan mountain range in 1966. Today, there are more acres of Chardonnay grapes planted in Monterey than any other county in California. The reason why is: Chardonnay develops its finest flavors when grown in cool, marine-influenced climates. This is how winemaker Robert Cook describes this wine: "Elegant and fruit-focused, Chalone 2006 Monterey County Chardonnay captures the bright pear, apple, citrus and stone fruit character of grapes grown in Monterey County along California’s Central Coast. Hints of floral and spice highlight the aromas and echo on the palate. The wine’s vibrant fruit expression reflects the cool marine fog and winds that caress these foothill and benchland vineyards. The perfectly balanced flavors mingle crisp, natural acidity with a rich, creamy texture from sur lie aging. Enjoy our Chardonnay with flavors from the ocean, such as crab cakes, grilled fish, prawns sautéed in butter and garlic, or scallops and angel hair pasta tossed with a cream sauce. Or pour with grilled chicken or pork, creamy chowders and mushroom risotto." - I just love those California fly-boys, don't you?
For those of you that are convinced that Chardonnay is not for them - you might be surprised by this one - especially at this price - this may be your new favorite "Chard."


2 - Cefalicchio Canosa Rosso D.O.C. 2003 $11 - Bio-Dynamic - www.vignetidipuglia.it
Amazing History - This wine comes from the Apulian settlement of Canusium, near the Ofanto river. The city is ideally situated to control this major waterway, and was built on a hill, on the same site as the modern town. Founded by Diomedes, or so the legend goes, it became a Roman town in 318 AC and took in the survivors of the Roman army defeated in the battle of Canne. First a municipium and then a colonia during the Imperial Age, it was famous for its wool industry and pottery production. A diocese since the 4th century, it was devastated by barbarian raids and only regained its prosperity under the Longobards. In 840-70 it was destroyed by the Saracens. A prosperous town under Norman rule (11th-12th centuries), damaged by dynastic wars during the Angevin period (14th-15th centuries), in 1502 it heroically stood by the Spaniards against the French, who only managed to occupy it after a long siege. In 1530 it was given to Charles V by Philibert of Orange. It was plagued by bandits and earthquakes for a long time.

And what is the best medicine for battling bandits and earthquakes? Thats right, wine.
This wine is produced with strict Bio-dynamic principles and, manual harvesting; the carefully selected and harvested clusters are crushed and softly pressed; the must ferments at length along with the skins at a controlled temperature; refinement takes place in stainless steel. A deep ruby red color is the result. This is a full bodied wine with great aromas and it pairs well with full flavored dishes like red meats and aged cheeses. It would be very difficult to find this much history in a bottle for this price - please try it on Friday night.


3 - Ch Saint-Sulpice Bordeaux 2005 $12
This wine came in mislabeled 2004, We think somebody, somewhere made a mistake, with the great 2005 vintage and the recent unpleasentness with the Euro, this is underpriced for what is in the bottle. The Chateau Saint Sulpice is a 100-acre estate situated in a village of the same name in the northern section of Entre-Deux-Mers, just south of St. Emilion and 14 miles northeast of Bordeaux. The property is planted mainly with Merlot and is very carefully tended by owner-winemaker Pierre Duberge and his son Christophe. Pierre says: "The 2005 vintage produced excellent, fruit and the wines are characterized by extremely ripe, powerful, and extracted wines with structured tannins." Pierre has said unequivocally the 2005 vintage is "the best wine we have made in 20 years." The wine shows lots of red-fruit aromas. It is concentrated, full and dense in the mouth, with silky tannins and a supple finish. If you are a Bordeaux wine fan - this is the opportunity to grab a case or two at a great price. It will go quickly, please try it on Friday night.


4 - Heredad de Aduna Rioja $28 - 1997.
This is a house favorite - we have offered it from the beginning. In a world that is full of unpleasent surprises it is always nice to know what to expect from a wine like this - Athenticity. Heredad de Aduna, with a long family tradition, still make their wines in the traditional manner, thanks to the knowledge and good work of their elders, especially their father and maestro, Jose Martinez Aduna. Bodegas Heredad de Aduna specialize in a large variety of young red wines, Vintages, Reservas and Grandes Reservas that reach a widely-spread market that knows how to appreciate the quality of the end product, proof of which are the number of prizes they have received since they started out as harvesters. This wine wins gold medal awards all over Europe in blind tastings - you must try this if you appreciate Rioja - still a great value at this price - just a dollar more than the last time we featured it back in 2005. Please try it.



Thanks very much for your support, we appreciate your confidence and commitment to us. It is precisely why we are able to get the guests and offer special items, that you will not find anywhere else. Lots of excitement in the coming months, stay tuned.



Please join us. It's fun, informal, and a great way to start your weekend - we hope to see you this week.







AAA.