Halloween Edition

Greetings from all of us in New London,
We have a great line up for you this Friday night, and the staff has already picked out their costumes for the night. I don't want to reveal too much - but Jim is coming as his favorite character from Cats - (he's seen the show a hundred times!) So get your costumes ready and please join us, the wine list has some big names on it, and is below some very exciting news and information.

Call 8 6 0 - 4 4 3 - 9 4 6 3

CITY NEWS PRESENTS:
The big announcement for this week is our first guest at City News. We hope to have a regular schedule of presentations and special guests for you to enjoy.

Our first guest happens to be a New London resident. He also happens to be America's Expert on The Arctic & It's Environment. Dr. Scott Borgerson.

He is featured in the current issue of Atlantic Magazine, and just last week was a featured speaker at BioMarine the first World Forum to bring together business, science, government,

civil society and media to advance oce

an sustainability. It took place from 20 to 24 October, 2008 in Toulon and Marseille, France.

New London is just LOADED with interesting people - isn't it?

So please join us and Meet America's Expert on The Arctic & Environment

A City News Special Event
Monday November 3 - 12:00 noon - 2:00 p.m.

Located next to Thames River Greenery, just one block from the train station at 70 State Street. 8 6 0 - 4 4 3 - 6 8 1 7

Size Matters

Show up for Thanksgiving with one of these and we guarantee you will have the biggest one in the room.

Large format bottles are a specialty for us - They offer outstanding value and show-stopping appeal. AND we have cornered the market on a number of very impressive names.
Here are the latest arrivals:

Josh Jensen's Calera
The Calera Large formats are here. We have the following;
Mills Magnums $110, we have 12 of the 66 bottles produced
Mills Jeroboam $200, we have 1 of the 12 bottles produced, signed by Josh
Ryan Magnums $95, we have 12 of the 72 bottles produced
Ryan Jeroboam $175, we have 2 of the 12 bottles produced, signed by Josh

All wine is Pinot Noir Produced in the 2005 Vintage, Josh's 30th Anniversary.

This is the entire allocation for the entire state of Connecticut!

What It All Means:
Magnum
1.5 lters or two times the standard bottle size
Jeroboam
Red wine Jeroboam equals 6 regular bottles, or 4.5 liters.

FIRST COME, FIRST SERVED - CALL TO RESERVE YOURS.
8 6 0 - 4 4 3 - 9 4 6 3

Dave's Fave

The Monday Tasting 10.27.08
Pierre Gaillard Syrah 2007 $18

Yet another wine from a real person (named Pierre) and a real place (you can even google-map his vineyards). Awww snap - how do you like us now, billion-dollar adult-beverage conglomerates?

After apprenticing as a young man with legendary northern Rhone producers Guigal and Vidal Fleury, Pierre Gaillard started his own winery in the city of Malleval, with plots in Côte-Rôtie, Condrieu and St. Joseph.

This wine is 100% Syrah grown on a small plot of granite pebble and clay, hand-coaxed from vine to bottle to express the aromatic lavender freshness of the fruit. A harmonious red perfect for the cooler weather. Please stop by Monday for a sip!
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The Friday Tasting - Please Join Us
Halloween
Friday October 31 - 6 - 9 p.m. - No Charge

1 - Colledoro Solaluce 2005 $22

From Monferrato In Piedmont Solaluce The wine name, Solaluce, means only light.

This white wine made with Chardonnay and Sauvignon Blanc grapes has a pale yellow color with golden highlights.

The aroma is fresh and refined, with fragrance of fresh grapes and hints of vanilla.

Delicate and round, with elegant acidity to the palate. Italy

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2 - Aussieres Rouge 2005 $14


Fruit Château d'Aussières is located near Narbonne, in the Corbières in the microclimate of Fontfroide and Boutenac. Château d'Aussières has been since the Roman era, one of the great estates of the Languedoc.

In the Middle Ages, it belonged to the celebrated Abbey of Fontfroide, its neighbor. With its exceptional location and terroir and by the force of its history, the Château d'Aussières is, a wild and natural property of intense and powerful beauty.

A Blend of Cabernet, Grenache, Syrah and Merlot, the wine is a deep garnet color. The nose is discreet and elegant, nicely fresh with cherry and violet notes. Gentle, smooth and balanced attack.

The wine is concentrated and develops notes of resin and liquorice. Good length, with ripe tannins that are still young.
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3 - Marimar Estates Pinot Noir 2003 $38
Named after the late patriarch of the Torres family, this organic vineyard is located in the Green Valley, one of Sonoma County's coolest growing regions; its proximity to the Pacific Ocean provides an extended growing season and allows the grapes to develop slowly to full intensity.

In the European style, the vineyard is planted with 2000 vines per acre - four times the traditional density in California - on phylloxera-resistant rootstocks, and the vines are trained very close to the ground on an open vertical trellis. Yields are low and labor is intensive, but the vines live longer and produce grapes with greater concentration of flavors, more refined and elegant aromas, and better balance.

The grapes were harvested September 15-20 2003. Each clone and parcel picked was vinified separately in small stainless steel tanks, after minimal crushing, with about 15% whole clusters. The berries were "punched down" for gentle extraction of color and tannin, then the wine was aged in premium French oak; the barrels were 40% new, from various coopers (Remond, Rousseau, Seguin Moreau, Marsannay, and Marchive) and forests (Allier, Tronçais and Bertranges).

It was bottled, unfined and unfiltered, in August 2004. The seven different clones planted in the vineyard's 30 acres of Pinot Noir yield wines with complex layers of flavor. Sensual aromas of black cherry and raspberry preserves, complemented by a note of nutmeg and spice from the elegant oak.

The palate is fleshy and round, with plush tannins that assure a long life. Richness and concentration combine with softness and finesse in this classic example of Green Valley/Russian River Pinot.
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4 - Shafer Merlot 2006 $55

"This release is marked by its perfumy aromas of dark fruit that push out of the glass. The wine itself fills the mouth with opulent flavors of red and black berry fruit, licorice, spice, pepper, strawberry and plum.

It's a wine that pairs so well with food, it makes me hungry just tasting it," says Winemaker Elias Fernandez.

Sustainably farmed in Napa California.
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Thanks very much for your support -
we appreciate it.

We received tremendous input from you last week from our survey link. We will leave it up for this issue too. Comments ranged from menu ideas to staff improvements and special event ideas. Thank you for taking the time to contribute it is very helpful.

Also, thanks for all of the comments about City News. Our plan is to develop the space into a regular stop for author's, special guests, and create a hub for lifestyle & cultural interests. And, as always, all suggestions are welcome.

Remember, all comments are completely anonymous and you can add them HERE We look forward to hearing from you.

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

AAA.

City News, André Danford, Sella Mosca, Astica Torrontes,Hesketh The Protagonist,Kynsi Pinot Noir, Vitanza Brunello

State Street Looking East - circa 1910
Vintage Post Cards Available At City News

City News Now Open - Every Morning

Greetings from all of us in New London,
The list for Friday night is just below a few items of interest, and it includes an amazing $6 find - take a look.

* We have also added an anonymouse comment section at the bottom of the newsletter - please take a minute too let us know what we can do better to serve you.

Start your day with a business meeting over scones and lattés or spend the afternoon answering email using our free wireless connection, City News is open every morning - The perfect place to meet or just mind your own business.

Located next to Thames River Greenery, just one block from the train station at 70 State Street. Featuring Big City newspapers, magazines, coffee, candy, refreshments, fine cigars & tobacco, New London souvenirs, vintage & regular NL post cards, travel & personal necessities and much more.

Call 8 6 0 - 4 4 3 - 9 4 6 3

Mind Body & Soul

André Danford has been our Director of Entertainment for almost 30 years. He has recorded and toured with with some of the biggest names in the business and this Friday night you can see him Live In New London. Start your evening with us at the weekly tasting, have a bite to eat at Brie & Bleu and then make your way to Stash's by the Pfizer rotary for an evening of music and dancing.

Bonus - Present the coupon below for a free copy of his latest CD "Tall Cotton" - while they last.

Dave's Fave
The Monday Tasting 10.20.08
Sella and Mosca Cannonau di Sardegna
Riserva 2005 $15

One of our regular customers just stared at me when I told her the wine she had just bought and enjoyed was now gone.
I explained that our running-dog lackey sales people don't really care and would rather we bought omnipresent corpo-swill wines just to make it easier on everybody.

I shook my fist at the ceiling, "Arghhh! Forsake not the meager shopkeeps who seek the great wines of the world!" With a great wail, I collapsed. Picking myself up off the floor, still she stared, arms folded. I checked the computer, "Oh wait, hey we just got another case today."

I relate this tale to make the simple point: it ain't easy. A wine we adore is dropped, forgotten, or maliciously heaved by somebody in the supply chain every day. Then there are the happy surprises - the light, lyrical red Cannonau di Sardegna was one of our favorites for years. We sold the last bottle of the 2002 vintage in March and it was gone. Surprise, it's back! Straight to the 2005 vintage for no apparent reason. Daunted? Nay, not I! Let's crack one open Monday. DA.
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The Friday Tasting - Please Join Us
Friday October 24 - 6 - 9 p.m. - No Charge

1 - Astica Torrontes 2007 $6 (!)

After a day of horseback riding in the Andes, I was sitting in a big lounge chair that had placed on the lawn of the Estancia.

Looking north, I stared out into the vast, beautiful nothingness that is the Pampas of Argentina. Jose was in a field digging up potatoes for lunch, while a Gaucho cooked Empanadas on a hot rock and wood fire.

Wild horses ran up and down the foot hills chasing one another, while big furry cows meandered through the tall grass and thistle drinking from a small stream of glacier run-off from the mountains.

A dark haired woman in riding boots offered me a glass of white wine, "Quieres, Senor Guapo?" It was a perfect moment in my life. Torrontes, perfect for a sunny day on the Pampas with friends.

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2 - Hesketh The Protagonist Shiraz 2005 $18

Fruit for this wine is sourced from mature low yielding vineyards located on the northern (Kalimna & Ebenezer) and western (Seppeltsfield) sub regions of the Barossa Valley.

Fruit is picked at optimum ripeness, with individual parcels matched to a selection of American oak where it matures for two years prior to bottling.

This wine is so named for a number of reasons.

Firstly, Shiraz and Barossa Valley Shiraz in particular, has been the principal leader of the Australian wine industry internationally. Secondly, the name is an apt description for the role Jonathon Hesketh's father Robert played in the industry in the 70's, 80' and early 90's.

Thirdly, it's a good strong name for a good strong wine. Finally - it matches Hamish Macdonalds artwork which has a strong central character.

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3 - Kynsi Pinot Noir 2005 $38

Kynsi is a small family winery located in the temperate Edna Valley Appellation of San Luis Obispo on the Central Coast of California.

Don and Gwen Othman, the winemaker/proprietors, focus on producing vineyard designated wines, sourcing their grapes from select coastal vineyards.

Their passion for quality from the vineyard to the bottle is manifested in lush, generously complex, elegantly balanced wines that reflect distinctive terrior and varietal character.

Tasting Notes, " A heady fragrance of red roses, blackberry, pomegranate and star anise that repeat on the palate with rich blood orange, plum and vanilla." Only 480 cases produced.

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4 - Vitanza Brunello Di Maontacino 2001 $70 2001

This wine has been resting comfortably in our cellar for a year now and is drinking quite well.

In these uncertain times, when there have been so many irregularities (fraud) in Brunello production, isn't it nice to be able to buy a well made wine from a trusted producer that has been throughly vetted by your own friendly neighborhood wine shop?

93 Points Wine Spectator "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
Order Now

We Really Want Your Comments & Suggestions

If you have an extra minute we would appreciate your comments. All comments are completely anonymous and you can add them HERE
We look forward to hearing from you.

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

AAA.

City News, Domaine Paul Autard,Louis Latour,Don Ramon,Cantina Parroco,Mollydooker The Boxer

City News Now Open

Greetings from all of us in New London.
This is a busy week here in New London. First of all it's a short week because of the Columbus Day holiday. Then of course there is the annual Fall Food Stroll on Wednesday. And then there is the cruise ship visit. And don't forget the Hygienic Galleries on Saturday when Universal Memory exhibit opens - you have a lot of planning to do. The good news is that you can start your trip to New London right here. Meet your friends and family in our cellar or share a glass a wine at Brie & Bleu - it is a perfect place to finalize your plans.

City News will be open for the Food Stroll - please stop in and have a glimpse of what New London looked like in the 1900's!

Located next to Thames River Greenery, just one block from the train station at 70 State Street. Featuring Big City newspapers, magazines, coffee, candy, refreshments, fine cigars & tobacco, New London souvenirs, post cards, travel & personal necessities and much more.


See our list of wine for the Friday tasting below

JUST IN:
Caymus Cabernet 2006 $75 1 case
Shafer Merlot $55 2006 2 cases (sorry the Relentless and Hillside Select are gone until next year)

AND!

DOMAINE DUJAC Chambolle Musigny 2006 $100 6 bottles
DOMAINE DUJAC Vosne Romanee 1er Aux Malconsorts $250
3 bottles only
Call 8 6 0 - 4 4 3 - 9 4 6 3

Hygienic Art Galleries Opening Saturday October 18, 7-10pm

'Universal Memory'
The Hygienic Art Galleries is proud to present the exhibition,"Universal Memory" featuring the fantastic and surrealist paintings of Czech Republic artist/sculptor Boris Jirku, Prague, CZ. painter and actor Katia Jirankova Levanti and Hygienic Co-op resident artist Troy Zaushny. The paintings and prints are inspired by the life experiences and memories of the artists and their visual interpretations in oils, acrylic mediums and multi-layered prints.

Opening Reception: Saturday October 18, 2008, 7-10 pm
Refreshments will be served and music will be provided by Supercool, a three piece band, led by Daniel Levanti and musicians from Nashville. Together they have performed in clubs and cafes throughout Europe

This year has the largest number of participating businesses in the historical waterfront district! Taste and shop in over 55 venues!

Whether you are a real foodie, or just want to check out The District, this Stroll will be sure to have something to offer for everyone!

MORE INFORMATION

Dave's Fave
The Monday Tasting 10.13.08
Domaine Paul Autard Cotes du Rhone 2007 $12

Hmm - will a couple glasses of rich zingy Rhone help me gain the nerve to buy a couple hundred shares of General Electric? That remains to be seen, but I'm positive this wine is a good investment.

Grenache, Syrah, Mourvedre and Cinsault, going for $3 per varietal! Jean-Paul Autard hand tends the vines in his 26 hectaires split between Avignon and Chateauneuf-du-Pape. He uses no chemical pesticides or fertilizer in the dry rocky soil, the vines are between 40 and 95 years old and the wine is old-school and delicious. A couple sips will transport you to those bucolic French vineyards where nobody's watching real-time stock charts on their iPhone.
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1 - Louis Latour
Meursault Goutte d'Or 1er Cru 2004 $50

The Goutte d'Or is the first Premier Cru vineyard found when leaving Meursault in the direction of Puligny-Montrachet. The vineyard is located high on the slope and is considered by many to be the finest vineyard in the village.

While the 2005 Burgundy vintage has gotten all the press, 2004 with it's higher acidity and firmer structure is definitely drinking better now that the dust has settled and the wine has sat a bit.

A plump, rich Chardonnay, with beautiful fruit and gunflint minerality. This is definitive Chardonnay, White Burgundy at it's best.
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2 - Don Ramon Vino Tinto 2006. $8
($7.20 by the case!)

This wine has been here since we opened, and it is often overlooked. I mean how good can it be for $8, with it's funny brown label, and who ever heard of Campo de Borja anyway?

Really good, that's how good. I had it last night and it is a perfect little wine, bright Cherry and a little spice from Grenache, a hint of wood and a touch of earthy Tempranillo.


The wine is light bodied, charming, pretty. The perfect pairing for Jamon and Salami or just for plain old drinking. I dare you to find a better $8 wine.
In fact I double dare you.

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3 - Cantina Parroco Barbera d'Alba 2004 $16

This rustic, affordable Barbera is a bottle I've been enjoying this fall. I love this wine. This is one of those treasures that we always are seeking out - made traditionally, by Italians for Italians, by a small co-op of farmers and wine artisans, from the Village of Alba in Piedmonte.

I sip this and marvel at how well it was made, with pleasant spices mingling with dark fruit, a long finish, and some smokiness. Think Oso Buco, or hard cheese like Grana Padano. Maybe Alfa Romero through the Monferrato hills while you're at it.
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4 - Mollydooker The Boxer Shiraz 2007 $34
This is Australian Shiraz at its best. This wine has a sumptuous aroma, revealing deep chocolate, lifted violets and blackcurrant fruit.

With an amazing fruit expression reminiscent of strawberries dipped in chocolate, the palate is rich and robust, with licorice and spice fruit intermingled with lovely hints of oak.

Its massive structure will explode in your mouth and finished velvety smooth with lively, exuberant fruit. Just One Case Only - Please try it this Friday.

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Thank You For Your Support

Lots of great email this week - thanks for your comments and suggestions. Especially for all of the notes and kind words about City News - we appreciate it.

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

AAA.

City News, Fall Food Stroll, Mas de Gourgonnier, Chateau Soucherie, Suberli Morellino, Ramsay Napa Merlot, Bogle Phantom

Greetings from all of us in New London.
It has been a busy week around here. We are putting the finishing touches on City News Located just one block from the train station at 70 State Street.

Featuring big city newspapers, magazines, coffee, candy, refreshments, fine cigars & tobacco, New London souvenirs, post cards, travel & personal necessities and much more.
Stop in to see the original decor from New London's 1900's!


See our list of wine for the Friday tasting below,
But our own Jim Morrison has a surprise for you first.

JUST IN:
Caymus Cabernet 2006 $75 1 case
Shafer Merlot $55 2006 2 cases (sorry the Relentless and Hillside Select are gone until next year)

AND!

DOMAINE DUJAC Chambolle Musigny 2006 $100 6 bottles
DOMAINE DUJAC Vosne Romanee 1er Aux Malconsorts $250
3 bottles only
Call 8 6 0 - 4 4 3 - 9 4 6 3

FALL FOOD STROLL
Wednesday, October 15, 2008, 5:30-8:30 PM

Fall will officially kick off in the District at New London Main Street's annual Fall Food Stroll.

This year has the largest number of participating businesses in the historical waterfront district! Taste and shop in over 55 venues!

Whether you are a real foodie, or just want to check out The District, this Stroll will be sure to have something to offer for everyone!

Dave's Fave
The Monday Tasting 10.6.08
Mas de Gourgonnier Les Baux de Provence 2006 $16

(Pronounced: "Mmm, yum") I've always been charmed by this spicy red in the tubby bottle. I've poured it Monday before, but the new 2006 vintage has arrived and needs to be sampled!

From a small, beautiful vineyard of grape vines and olive trees in Provence, Gourgonnier produces even-handed wines of Rhone varietals and Cabernet Sauvignon, and some of the most prized olive oil in France.

And they are the modern model of a fully organic and biodynamic agricultural producer. Wild rasberry tones with touches of smoke, nutmeg and black pepper, defined by ripe round tannins (translation: "Mmm, yum").
Get It Now

The Friday Tasting - Please Join Us
Friday October 10 - 6 - 9 p.m. - No Charge

1 - Chateau Soucherie Anjou Blanc 2007 $16


The Tijou family has a long history as "viticulteurs" in the Loire Valley region near Angers. In fact, they have practiced their craft, father to son, since 1780. The actual Domaine de la Soucherie was purchased from the Marquis de Brissac in 1952.

Treatments in the vineyards are kept to an absolute minimum as the objective is to produce a wine in as natural a manner as possible. All grapes are harvested manually. The prime parcels of Chenin Blanc are harvested by a series of passes through the vineyards in order to obtain grapes of ultimate ripeness.

The wine is extremely dry and will age well for years. Very well paired with shellfish, or any rich food such as duck confit or our Cassoulet. Order Now


2 - Suberli Morellino di Scansano 2006





















In an effort to use only traditional Tuscan varietals and no international grapes as permitted by the DOC, the required 85% Sangiovese is blended with 12% Malvasia and 3% Alicante, for extra aromaticity.

The wines is aged 10 months in 350-liter tonneaux, of which about 30% are new. Intense purple with hints of ruby, this wine is loaded with lush black currant and black cherry, layered over supple tannins and notes of tobacco and espresso.

A great, authentic expression of Tuscan terroir.

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3 - Ramsay Napa Merlot 2005 $15


















Remember when Napa Merlot was $15 a bottle?
Ramsey is the second label of pioneering California wine maker Kent Rasmussen who planted his first vines in Napa in 1979. This Merlot comes from three Napa Valley vineyards: two in Rutherford and one in the eastern part of the Valley. The small portion of Cabernet Sauvignon in the blend comes from two vineyards: one in southeast Napa and the other near Saint Helena.

The nose is quintessential Merlot, with loads of tarry dark berry fruit and an understated but firm peppery note, along with sweet oak characteristics. Lots of dark fruit and a wonderful counter current full of the bright nuances of plum, herb, sage, dill, and cassis. Well-balanced in the mouth with pleasant tannins and good acidity. Order Now


4 - Bogle Phantom 2005 $24


Wine maker's notes: The time is here to start looking over your shoulder.

Three unique varietals combine lush berry and fierce spice into a wine characterized by its incandescence. Brighter fruit and brighter spice highlight this vintage of the deep ruby apparition. Aromas of plums and cherries are embraced by touches of black pepper. From the deep dark depths, subtle notes of anise, juniper and vanilla emerge and compliment the concentrated fruit characters of this wine.

Though this wine is remarkable now, age in the bottle will only integrate the three unique varietals more. Welcome the winery ghost into your home again with this latest vintage.

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Thank You For Your Support

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

AAA.

MORE INFORMATION

We Are Listening, Shafer Red Soulder Ranch, Cave Des Vin de Sancerre, "Les Violettes", Terredora Diapaolo Lacryma Christi, Allegrini Palazzo

Greetings from all of us in New London.
A great week here in the Whaling City. The harbor was full of cruise ships - in fact as you read this, the National Geographic Explorer is docked at the the State Pier. The streets were full of visiting tourista's and America's Tall Ship The Eagle is stationed proudly at the City Pier, if you have the opportunity take a little walk down and have a look - it's beautiful.

The line up and the details for Friday night are just below a few items of interest. I hope you can join us.

We continue to use our secret weapon - we listen.

We are working hard to bring as many of your suggestions as we can to the mix. For example - look at the menu items and wine by the glass list on the right - All based on your comments and suggestions. Thank you.

*Note: Arriving Monday - Shafer Red Shoulder Ranch Chardonnay, by the glass at Brie & Bleu.

Florence Griswold Museum

Save The Date

Saturday, October 11, 2008 6pm

Jeff Anderson has got to be one of the hardest working men in the museum business. Under his direction and with the help of his incredible team, they have transformed the Florence Griswold Museum in Old Lyme into a world class institution that is the benchmark for all others in its class. We are honored to be participating in their Annual Benefit Auction.

The Florence Griswold Museum's 2008 Benefit Auction
celebrates the sculptures of Bessie Potter Vonnoh, whose small-scale bronzes and garden statues made a significant and distinctive contribution to American sculpture during the late nineteenth and twentieth centuries.

Cocktails, Hors d'oeuvres, Dinner, Dancing, and an Auction offering exceptional works of art, antiques, decorative items, unforgettable events and getaways. One of the many exciting auction items is a Wine Dinner to Remember with us!

For more information visit their WebSite
OR call 860-434-5542 x 122

Sinbad
at The Garde

Friday October 3 8pm

Ranked by Comedy Central as one of the top 100 standup comedians of all time, comedian Sinbad's "hit' em in the face" style of comedy has kept audiences laughing in the aisles for the past two decades. Sinbad is internationally known for his appearances in hit movies like Jingle All the Way with Arnold Schwarzenegger and Houseguest with the late Phil Hartman. He starred in television sitcoms The Sinbad Show and A Different World as well as his highly-rated HBO comedy specials "Brain Damaged" (1991), "Afros & Bellbottoms" (1993), "Son of a Preacher Man" (1996), and "Nuthin But The Funk" (1998).

Start your evening of laughs with us. Visit our wine tasting at 6pm, then move from our wine cellar to Brie & Bleu for a nice glass of wine and something to eat. Then get a little air with an easy walk up to The Garde - A great night out, right here in New London.
Sinbad at The Garde HERE

Dinner Reservations for Brie & Bleu - 8 6 0 - 4 3 7 - 2 4 7 4

Dave's Fave
The Monday Tasting 9.29.08
Chateau de Cazenove Bordeaux Superieur 2005 $16

I used to think if I worked hard here at Thames River and sold enough Chateau de Cazenove, the lovely Baroness de Cazenove would show up one day in her midnight blue Ferrari and whisk me away at high speed.

Fast forward to the present day: I'm still trying and pouring Cazenove on Monday!

This Merlot-based blend from the family estate near Margaux is an elegant, rich red with an everyday price. Spicy, earthy, and as Jim has pointed out "We will never be drinking Bordeaux of this quality under 20 bucks again!" Please come by Monday and enjoy.
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1 - Cave Des Vin de Sancerre, Sancerre 2005 $18

Sauvignon Blanc from the most famous of all Loire villages. This is not the laser beam of citrus and minerality of some of our other Sancerres, like for instance, the Lucien Crochet Sancerre Le Chen. No this is the kinder, gentler side of Sancerre, a more approachable, floral, soft Sauvignon Blanc, more akin to wine from Quincy or even New Zealand. Very quaffable, and very affordable.Get It Now


2 - Moillard Cotes Du Rhone "Les Violettes"
Cotes du Rhone 2006 375ML $7

People are always asking us to help them drink. Whether the average 750ml is too small or too big we have a solution.

The 375ml Les Violettes is the perfect little bottle of wine when you only want a glass or two. Mostly Greanache, with touches of Syrah and Cinsault, the wine drinks dry and spicey and very French.

It's the perfect little stocking stuffer. Pairs well with our NEW Rosemary lamb and Casseoulet entres at Brie and Bleu, or roasts and stews at home.

Get It Now

3 - Terredora Diapaolo Lacryma Christi Rosso 2005 $24














From the back label: " God cried as he found into the Gulf of Naples a corner of Heaven stolen by Lucifer. So where his tears fell, there grew the Lacryma Christi vine"

From the volcanic soils on the shoulders of Vesuvius. The unique terroir and the indigenous grape Piedirosso combine for a singular drinking experience. A wine loaded with black cherry, licorice and pepper, medium to full bodied, with chewy tannins and definite
minerality. Get It Now


4 - Allegrini Palazzo Della Torre 2004 $25

"This blend of 70% Corvina Veronese, 25% Rondinella and 5% Sangiovese is a smooth, full-bodied cru made in an innovative ripasso style.

After the harvest, the grapes from the Palazzo della Torre vineyard follow two different paths: 70% of the grapes picked are vinified immediately, the remaining 30% are left to dry until the end of December. They are then vinified and re-fermented with the wine from the fresh grapes.

Dense and deep ruby red in color, Palazzo della Torre is loaded with luscious aromas of currant, blackberry and licorice. Full-bodied and rich it is a classic accompaniment to grilled or roasted meats and barbecued ribs.
One of the greatest values from Winebow, Palazzo della Torre was selected by Wine Spectator as one of the "Top 100 wines of the World" for five years in a row, from 2000 to 2005."
Get It Now


Thank you all for the fantastic support and for making this so much fun.

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

AAA.

On The Road Again - Fall Preview Issue

Our friend Mario Batali teams up with Gweneth Paltrow for the new PBS series that features the wine & food of Spain. The show starts this week - see the preview above.

>Greetings from all of us in New London.
Fall is here, the colors are changing, and we have a lot to share with you this week. We are calling this the BIG Fall Preview Issue -- catchy isn't it? We've even thrown in some seasonal colors this week.

Our team - the best in the trade - has put together a list that will make you smile for this Friday. The line up and the details are just below a few items of interest. I hope you can join us.

First - A big thank you to Chilean Winemaker, Mr. Edgard Carter for hosting a "Master Class" of a wine dinner last Wednesday. It was CRAZY good wine & food. Sipping a vertical of vintage Sena 1997,98,99,2004 with the man that made them was over-the-top.

And to the man that helped bring it all together - "The Wine Doctor" - the man that Mick Jagger calls "Mr. Rock & Roll" - Thank You to Mark Raymond. A great friend and supporter of our efforts here and always very generous with his time and wine. Mark's generosity made it possible to offer a dinner of this caliber for only $50 - absolutely unheard of. Mark's only comment on the evening was as he was leaving. He held up his right hand in the Rock & Roll sign and said: "Baby, It's GOT to be Rock & Roll, if you want to dance with me!"

Girls Night - Garde Arts Center

September 25-28, 2008
Thursday - Saturday | 8:00; Saturday & Sunday | 3:00 pm

A touching and hilarious 'tell-it-like-it-is' look at the lives of a group of female friends, Girls Night, The Musical returns, updated and with a fresh cast, to the Garde following its smash debut last season.

Ticket Holders Receive $5.00 off
at Brie & Bleu.

Tickets & Information HERE

Royal Princess Makes Port

September 25 & 27

If you have not been in town for the cruise ship arrivals and departures you should makes plans to see it this time. One of the best places to salute the ship is on the deck at Brie & Bleu. They seem so close that you want to reach out and touch them!

Join us for the weekly tasting and then "set up shop" on our deck with a nice glass of wine & some appetizers. Raise your glass when the ship departs around 6:30 p.m.

Then trade your own stories of high seas adventure over dinner with friends - it's a great night out.
Brie & Bleu - 8 6 0 - 4 3 7 - 2 4 7 4

Dave's Fave
The Monday Tasting 9.23.08
Chateau La Roque
Pic Saint Loup 2003 $19

When I started here I didn't know so much about wine, after work I would typically bring home recent vintages of cold Pabst Blue Ribbon. Then one day I brought home an obscure little bottle of red, poured it in a nice glass and perhaps for the first time, got it.

As the wine opened and revealed layers of flavor, I imagined all the care it took to produce, an ocean away by a farmer I did not know. It might have pleased the maker to know some guy in Connecticut was enjoying it at that moment!

That bottle was from Pic Saint Loup, named for the craggy peak that juts over the vineyards in southern Languedoc near the Mediterranean. This one is from the estate of Chateau La Roque, who have been tending vines in southern France since the 13th century. Grenache, Syrah and Mourvedre, robust and elegant - let's crack one open!
Get It Now

Visit Chateau La Roque HERE

The Friday Tasting - Please Join Us
Friday September 26
6 - 9 p.m. - No Charge

1 - Disznoko Tokaji Dry 2006 $18


For years we have been drinking 5 and 6 Puttonyos Tokaji, a botrytis dessert wine from Hungary and loving every minuet of it. The grape that is dried and shriveled on the vine by mold to make this very noble wine is called Furmit. Furmit also makes a dry white wine, something like Sauvignon Blanc, but ancient and exotic. After years of trying to buy the wine with no luck I had given up. About two weeks ago a nice woman from Hungary showed up and sold us a bunch, and it is delicious. Get It Now

2 - Domaine Rollin Pere et Fils Bourgogne
Hautes-Cotes de Beaune 2005 $25


It's a very long name, but all it means is affordable Burgundy. Remi Rollin produces serious Cotes d'Or Burgundy from parcels he owns in Corton Charlemagne and Savigny Les Beaune. Hautes-Cotes de Beaune, just to the west, is very much the wrong side of the tracks. The vineyards' sun exposure is not as good as on the famed Cote d'Or, and the wines lack the power and structure of their more famous brethren, they also lack that big price tag. What we have here is a nice little Pinot Noir, from a place called Burgundy.
Get It Now

3 - Domaine du Gour de Chaule Gigondas 2004 $34


Predominately Grenache, with Syrah, Mourvedre and Cinsault from vines with an average age of 50 years. The juice goes through an extended maceration, and then is racked into large casks called Foudres, where it stays for the next eighteen months. The domaine uses no new oak, and bottles it's wine unfiltered and unfined 30-36 months after harvest. The result is an incredible expression of Gigondas, full of dusty tannins, crushed pepper, and game. We also have the wine in Magnums, which is how we roll.
Get It Now


4 - Trapiche Aciar Malbec 2005 $50


Part of the 2005 Single vineyard offering from Trapice. Each wine produced by winemaker Daniel Pi is an homage to the farmers who tend the vineyards, and lend their craft to the wine.

"This vineyard reflects the meticulous personality and the attention to detail of Eleodoro Aciar. Located in Perdriel, Luján de Cuyo, his estate rests at an altitude of 920 meters. The vineyard is 95 years-old and is blessed with a microclimate shaped by the elevations to the south of the property, different from the rest of Perdriel. The nearby Mendoza River has a beneficial influence on the region, with a cool wind coming from the Andes.

Don Eleodoro is a kind, uncomplicated man. He is 58 years old and has dedicated over half his life to viticulture and winemaking. He has said being a grapegrower is in his blood. He guarantees his father would be very proud of his recognition by Trapiche. He keeps expressing how being able to enjoy work everyday with his wife and his family brings him joy and satisfaction. The work done in the vineyard-where man is the main tool-is summed up by Don Eleodoro: "Our contribution is many hours of work done with immense passion."
Ony 1193 cases produced. Get It Now

Thanks -

We have a lot planned for the coming season. Wine Dinners, special guests, special offers, new menu items and our promise to respond to all of the suggestions and comments that come in every week.

Thank you all for the fantastic support and for making this so much fun.

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

AAA.

Big Lebowski, Chateau Valcombe, Domaine de Papolle, A. Margaine, Chateau Villerambert Julien, Bryce Vineyard

Greetings from all of us in New London,
The list of wines for the Friday tasting is just below these items of interest.

It was a great weekend here in New London, the galleries were open, the music festival on the waterfront filled the air, and the wine was flowing.

Dave Anderson is back this week with The Monday Tasting. See his featured wine below.

If you are a fan of the "Cult" wines of the Great North West we have one on the list for this Friday night. The information for this week's tasting is just below a few items of interest.

SPECIAL NOTE: Brie & Bleu will be closed for a private function on Friday night. We apologize for the inconvenience. The weekly tasting will proceed as usual and we hope you will join us.

Wednesday September 17
Sold Out - Thank You

For more details call - 8 6 0 - 4 4 3 - 9 4 6 3

* * *
Brie & Bleu News
** C L O S E D **
For Private Party
Friday September 19

* * *

Wednesday Night Movie
In The Park
Hygienic Art Park

Wednesday 9.17.08 - 8:00 p.m. - No Charge
Grab a bottle of wine from our cellar and enjoy
The Big Lebowski


Coming Up: The Dark Crystal - 9.24.08
* * *

Rediscover a great night out - right here in New London.

Dave's Fave
The Monday Tasting
9.14.08

Paul Jeune & Family

Chateau Valcombe Cotes du Ventoux 2004 $15

This is one of those wines that is definitely worth revisiting... in the spring we went nuts for this little Rhone, and then, as often happens, it "fell off the planet" as we continued to pursue each shiny new bottle that came down the pike like thirsty magpies.

But let's go back and see how it's drinking after spending the summer in the cellar! The winemaker Paul Jeune also owns Domaine Montpertuis, which produces elegant Chateauneuf-du-Pape and Rhones. Chateau Valcombe
produces a slightly earthier, stonier style from the lower slopes of Mount Ventoux.

Hand harvested Grenache, Carignan, Cinsault and Syrah, unfiltered and unfined from vines averaging 40 years old. Yum!

Wine Tasting Please Join Us
Friday September 19 - 6-9 p.m. - No Charge

Can't Make It To The Tasting? - click on the photos

In Stock Now

Pinot Noir!
Cristom Sommers Reserve 2006 $45
Cristom Eileen Vineyard 2006 $52
Soter Beacon Hill $62

These are the wines that Pinot Noir hounds will be clamoring for come The Holidays. Right now, they are down in our Cellar, minding their own business. If you like Pinot Noir, or know someone who does, come take a look or give a call - 8 6 0 - 4 4 3 - 9 4 6 3

1 - Domaine de Papolle Cotes de Gascogne 2006 $8


Gascony in some ways has had it rough, invaded by the Romans, Vandals, Franks, Vikings and the Basque.

On the other hand, it's the home of Armagnac and has a culinary tradition entirely based on duck fat, which is delicious.

The Domaine de Papolle is a blend of Ugni Blanc, Colombard and Gross Manseng, a wine to quench and refresh after a big mouthful of Pate de Foie Gras or Duck Confit.

Much lighter than Chardonnay, not as crisp as Sancerre, the wine is bright with white floral notes and very easy to drink.


2 - A. Margaine Champagne $45

A little preview of the holiday Champagne tastings to come. From a small estate of 6.5 hectare, Arnaud Margaine produces a mere 4,600 cases of Champagne each year.

We think of the A. Margaine as the Clicquot Killer. A better wine in every way, for $5 less a bottle.

90% Chardonnay and 10% Pinot Noir, the wine has a very flowery and approachable style, but don't be fooled, this is Serious Champagne.

3- Chateau Villerambert Julien Minervois 2003 $15












You all know this wine, it's one of our biggest sellers and we have it by the glass at Brie and Bleu.

So why pour it again? Because it's going bye-bye forever. We bought the last 20 cases and I've been told by the distributor that they will not reorder next year.

This is sad news as this wine has always been a tremendous value, a blend of Syrah and Granache from sunny Minervois, France.

So here is a chance to try it again and stock up.
$162 a case in wooden boxes.

See The Vineyard HERE


4 - Bryce Vineyard Willamette Valley Oregon Pinot Noir 2006 $65


From the label:

" Grown on our four-acre vineyard, these grapes were hand planted, tended, harvested and vinified by the Bagnall family.

350 cases produced. 1.58 tons/acre or
2 vines per bottle"

This is one of the only wines in the store that I have not had, and I can't wait to try it.

Visit Bryce Vinyards HERE

Please Call Us Anytime With Questions
8 6 0 - 4 4 3 - 9 4 6 3

hank you for a great week here in New London. Lots of new faces in the store, and too many friends to count. The new season is off to a great start.

We have a a lot of special events, special guests, and dinners planned, so stay tuned right here or visit the calendar of events page for the latest information. Calendar of Events

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

AAA.