Wednesday, July 16, 2014
Crazy Beautiful
CRAZY BEAUTIFUL.
Loosely translated, Jolie Folle means "crazy beautiful."
The same could be said for the winemaking philosophy of owner Brian Smith and his wife Gina - despite the naysayers, they've found a way to produce a highquality, expressive, hand-crafted wine at an approachable price point. Brian creates terroir driven wines of character. As part of their sustainable winemaking philosophy, Brian and Gina use lightweight, eco-friendly one liter bottles which contain more wine, but involve less waste..
"Aromas of wild strawberry and white peach mingle with notes of white pepper and stone dust. The round, fresh finish is balanced and juicy."
The wine is one of our most exciting rosés of the season.
The grapes were sourced from vineyards located in Sainte Victoire, in the heart of Provence. Planted on clay and limestone soils. The hand-picked fruit was gently pressed and cold fermented in stainless steel.
Great Value - and one of the wines we will pour this Friday.
This Friday Night
We have had the last couple of Friday nights off!
An unusual occurrence - like a Super Moon.
We hope you will join us this week as we indulge in wines presented by Mr. Tom Belchor of Martin Scott Selections.
A native of New Zealand, and trained as a winemaker, Tom brings an entertaining, and very knowledgeable perspective to his tastings.
Please join us.
BELTANE FARMS
Do any of you remember the first time we invited the folks at Beltane Farms to Join us?
We had them bring along a few of their goats, and we set up a petting zoo for the kids to enjoy.
No goats this time - but their cheese is sublime.
Cheese Maker:
Danse de la Lune
We make about 50 to 80 of these wheels every week and each one is given special care and attention every day. This bloomy-rind cheese is usually around 4oz and makes a perfect addition to any cheese plate.
Ricotta
We believe fresh whole milk ricotta is the best. Our goat milk ricotta thick and creamy and adds a spectacular flavor to pizzas or pasta dishes.
Vespers
Our Vespers are truly a unique cheese. Only 30 to 60 wheels are made every week, as this cheese requires the most care and attention. Inside each wheel a layer of natural vegetable runs through the middle, while the outside is covered in a sweet bloomy rind. A beautiful addition to an afternoon bottle of white, or and evening bottle of red.
Try them this Friday Night.
CALENDAR:
Friday July 18th
Tom Belchor - Martin Scott Wines
Friday July 25th
Alan Godycki - Fine Terrior Wines
Friday August 1st
Roger Hoadley - Slocum & Sons
Friday August 15th
Ryan Connolly - Michael Skurnic
Friday August 22nd
Angellini Wines
Wednesday, January 08, 2014
Something Special For The New Year
We thought we would start the New Year off
with something special.
Joseph Drouhin
2005 Clos de Vougeot Grand Cru - $210
Clos Vougeot is a large vineyard (125 acres) located bewteen Vosne-Romanée and Chambolle-Musigny. Joseph Drouhin owns two parcels in this mythical vineyard, both on a mild incline with a due east exposure.
The most glorious and famous of all Burgundy vineyards. The Clos (French for "enclosure") was first planted and surrounded by a wall at the end of the 12th Century by the monks of Citeaux.
They built a castle which is now the seat of the Confrérie des Chevaliers du Tastevin.
Tasting notes by Véronique Boss-Drouhin:
"A revelation and a true wonder! The ruby red colour is magnificent and takes on a deeper hue with age. The aromas are intense and evoke raspberry and wild cherry, becoming more complex with age: undergrowth, truffle, candied fruit.
A sublime structure, with refined tannins. It is a perfect example of this ideal of elegance according to Drouhin. A remarkable balance and a lingering persistence of flavors on the palate. It is a wine that always leaves the greatest impression".
2005 Vintage
A pure delight in all the appellations. Both Côte de Beaune and Côte de Nuits have a consistent structure, based on good balance between acidity, alcohol and tannin. It is this balance that gives the wines such elegance. The tannins are ripe and refined. They harmonize nicely with a refreshing acidity devoid of astringency and a normal level of alcohol.
In summary, 2005 has a lot in common with some great vintages of the past: the beautiful richness of 1990, the harmonious character of 1989 and the haunting bouquet of 1961.
If you need a reason to get out of the house on Friday night - this is a good one. One of the best examples of its type - a benchmark by which others are judged. We believe strongly, as many of you know, that everyone should have the opportunity to try these wines that for the most part are reserved for special occasions and the "Wolves of Wall Street."
We will decant this beauty early and start pouring at 5:00pm.
First come, first served.
There will of course be others to try, delicious, warming, and perfect for the weekend. So, grab your friends and meet us here on Friday night.
Happy New Year!
Wednesday, November 20, 2013
Have They Gone Nuts?
|
|||||||||||||||||||||
|
Thursday, October 17, 2013
Drink Different This Friday Night
It is cooling off - the nighttime air is inviting an extra layer or two.
And the best wines for the season have started to arrive.
Wine Club members may add a bottle of Santa Eufémia White Port to their next delivery for just $10.
Cellar Club Members may choose one bottle of Santa Eufémia red or white port at no additional charge.
THIS FRIDAY NIGHT
We are running so very late this week that there is almost no time at all to list the goodies we have for this week's tasting.
Let
me just say that in addition to some very tasty fall selections - This
Friday is a good night to sample something different. When is the last
time that you tried White Port? This is a very traditional
European thing - chilled white port is just right before dinner and just
after that drive home from work.
White
Port is made the same way as other Port wine but is made from
white--rather than red--grapes, and little juice-to-skin contact is
allowed. This produces a bright, clear wine.
White
Port is a polarizing style of port produced by every major house on the
Douro river. The style, often derided by traditionalists, has become
increasingly popular as a chilled aperitif and mixing agent in
cocktails. Typically inexpensive, white port is almost universally
produced to a medium (or higher) sweetness level.

Cellar Club Members may choose one bottle of Santa Eufémia red or white port at no additional charge.
Please join us every Friday
5:00-8:00 PM - No Charge

BUZZ
We are booking the coming months with many special events and
guests - some informal, some a little more formal. But all of them
entertaining.
Thank
you all for the continued support - it has made a lot of things
possible for us. We sincerely appreciate all of the interest and
comments.
Tastings:
* Friday October 25 - Bob Neville
* Friday November 1 - John Orfice
* Friday November 8 - Roger Hoadley
* Friday November 22 - Eric Bellnier
* Friday December 6 - Martin Scott
In the coming weeks we plan on reintroducing you to "Grower Producer"
Champagnes. There will be special tastings, pricing, and displays in the
store. You need to know the truth about Champagne.
Tuesday, July 30, 2013
The Royal Mistress
Lilly Langtry - The Royal Mistress
The Prince of Wales, Albert Edward ("Bertie", later Edward VII), arranged to sit next to Langtry at a dinner party given by Sir Allen Young on May 24, 1877.
Although the Prince was married to Princess Alexandra and had six children, he was a well-known philanderer.
He became infatuated with Langtry, and she soon became his
semiofficial mistress. She was even presented to the Prince's mother, Queen Victoria.
The Prince of Wales had the Red House (now Langtry Manor Hotel) constructed in Bournemouth,
then in Hampshire, in 1877 as a private retreat for the couple and
allowed Langtry to design it. The folklore is that their relationship
finally cooled when she misbehaved at a dinner party, but she had been
eclipsed when Sarah Bernhardt came to London in June 1879.
He remained fond of her and spoke well of her in her later career as a theater actress.
Langtry Estate
The 2010 Guenoc North Coast Victorian Claret is a complex blend of award winning wines.Featuring Lilly Langtree on the label.
Dark ruby in color, the wine has a wonderful fruity nose bringing on black cherry, plum, and blueberry aromas.
Rich
and soft on the palate, the hints of vanilla and nutmeg, from aging in
50% American and French Oak, add to the complexity and the long smooth
finish.
The wine pairs well with any meat dish or just on its own.
Blend: 59% Merlot, 18% Syrah, 11% Cabernet Sauvignon, 10% Petite Sirah, 2% Cabernet Franc.

2011 Guenoc Lake County Sauvignon Blanc
The 2011 Guenoc Lake County Sauvignon Blanc is made from Estate Grown grapes. Cool fermented in stainless steel tanks to retain its aroma the wine has a complex mix of tropical fruit including pineapple, quince, and guava. The lively acidity enhances juicy flavors of grapefruit and white peaches on the long finish.
A perfect quaffing wine on a summer day or anytime you need a little sunshine.
2011 Guenoc California Petite Sirah
The 2011 California Petite Sirah jumps out of the glass with aromas of
blueberry, blackberry and red cherry.
In the mouth, the wine is bright and fruity, with a touch of earthiness and oak revealing a long smooth
In the mouth, the wine is bright and fruity, with a touch of earthiness and oak revealing a long smooth
finish.
Pair this wine with burgers , barbeque and meaty tomato
Pair this wine with burgers , barbeque and meaty tomato
sauce-based pasta dishes.
BUZZ
Gentleman Jack whiskey tasting. 
Cigar Lounge - Tuesday 30th - 6-8PM.
No Charge - but Reservations required.
860-443-6817

Wednesday, June 05, 2013
CAN YOU SAY EMPANADA?
BACK IN STOCK & New Arrivals
We do our best to keep your favorites on the shelf - but it is not a perfect system.
Several favorites are back on the shelf. The "DragonFly" wine, "Picassos Verdejo", Don Tomassi wines, The $12 white Burgundy - to name just a few. So have a look around, you might see an old favorite.
We do our best to keep your favorites on the shelf - but it is not a perfect system.
Several favorites are back on the shelf. The "DragonFly" wine, "Picassos Verdejo", Don Tomassi wines, The $12 white Burgundy - to name just a few. So have a look around, you might see an old favorite.

Beaune Clos Saint-Landry
White Burgundy - $45
Rated 93 Points
In 1731, Michel Bouchard (1691-1755), a cloth merchant from the Dauphiné (a region in the French Alps), set up business in Volnay with proceeds of the sale of his possessions in the Dauphiné. He started in the wine business with his son Joseph (1720-1804) buying and reselling barrels of wine.
In 1775, Joseph Bouchard acquired the first parcel of Bouchard Père & Fils vineyard on buying an estate in Volnay and a house in Beaune.
Unlike many winemaking regions, one of the peculiarities of Burgundy is the almost total absence of blends of several grape varieties. Two main grape varieties are found in Burgundy: Pinot Noir (red wine) and Chardonnay (white wine).
This is 100% chardonnay. But not the California style that most are familiar with.
If I had to choose one word to describe this wine it would be very difficult.
Elegance. That would be a good one. But the lush, supple, and silky characteristics of this wine are more than elegant. They are at times magical.
We have just one case. First come, first served.
10% off case purchase.
Don Tomassi Grillo Chardonnay - $12
We featured this wine a few weeks ago.
It was a huge favorite and we sold out quickly. It is back in stock and this is the time to grab a few bottles for your summer needs.
Tommasi Viticoltori (Tommasi Vintners) is a family viticultural company founded in 1902. Tommasi is located in Pedemonte village in the heart of Valpolicella Classico region, on a small piece of land in the northwest part of Verona, between the Lessini mountains and their plains near Lake Garda.
From grandfather Giacomo's tiny vineyard, the Tommasi estate has grown steadily over the course of years and today extends over 135 hectares of vineyards blessed by mother nature not only by a magnificent landscape, but more importantly, by its perfect suitability for grapes. The estate is run by the 4th generation of the Tommasi family, 6 members working together in complete harmony
TULLAMORE DEW
GLASSES UP!
Tullamore Dew
The original blended Irish whiskey, known the world over for its smooth and gentle complexity. For one, it is triple distilled and patiently aged in a combination of ex-bourbon and sherry casks, developing its distinctive smoothness. Secondly, being a blend of all three types of Irish whiskey, it has a gentle complexity. The malt and the pot still whiskey we use give it citrus and spicy notes.
Three natural ingredients, three varieties of grain, three distillations and a blend of all three types of Irish whiskey - pot still, malt and grain.
This is an especially fine whiskey and a great gift.
On the cover of The current issue of Whiskey Advocate Magazine. Tullamore Dew is very affordable too.
For the scores of people that miss her specialties - Jessica lived and cooked in Mexico City for 10 years - They will be back on our menu starting this Thursday and Friday.
And every Thursday & Friday throughout the summer.
People drove all the way from Bridgeport to sample her fresh tacos, empanadas, and burritos. This girl has a real following. This is not "Tex-Mex". She cooks from the heart and it is authentic. BYOB from our wine store and have yourself a treat.
This Friday Night - 5-8 PM
We continue our salute to summer wine this Friday with
Mr. Allan Goedecki from Grand Vintage Selections.
So your saying - wait - where is the list for Friday?
Where are all of the fancy pictures?
This week, as we go to press on Tuesday night, we have not finalized The List.
And because of special projects for tomorrow and Thursday there will not be enough time to get them into the email and out to you.
What I can tell you is this: The gentleman pouring for us on Friday has been responsible for some of the most interesting wines and spirits that we have offered. Things from Russia, things from Italy, even things from California.
So I will just remind you that the weekly tasting is a great way to start your weekend. Meet your friends here, have a little wine, and then maybe visit one of the local restaurants for dinner. Or take a short ride over to Captain Scott's with a bottle of wine or a six-pack of Safe Harbor - all Icy Cold & Delicious.
Join us on Friday night and help us salute the great wines of Summer.
Tasting Schedule
* Friday June 7th - Allan Goedecki - Grand Vintage
* Friday June 14th - "The Flag Day Tasting" with Stephan Wich
* Friday June 21st - Bob Neville - Sparkling Summer Treats - World Wide Wines
BUZZ
Father's Day is just around the corner - Sunday June 16th.
We have very thoughtful options to brighten his day.
Wednesday, April 10, 2013
Sexy And More Experienced
Meet Chardonnay's Sexy
More Experienced Older Sister.
Viognier.
Viognier.
The best Viognier has this heady characteristic scent that one feels envelopes the glass and the drinker in a hedonistic cloud, together with real density and extract and, ideally, a dry finish.
Yves Cuilleron Viognier - $28
The aromas of apricots, flower blossoms, honeysuckle, ripe peaches, & a touch of musk all come to mind.
It is certainly distinctive. Brisk, full bodied and invigorating, with or without food.
91 Points | International Wine Cellar - "Light gold. Intensely perfumed bouquet of ripe peach, poached pear, violet and anise. More exotic on the palate, offering suave passion fruit and floral honey flavors, and finishing with impressive length and lingering sweetness.
This is awfully sexy right now."
We have a single case of this wine.
First come, first served. Drink Different.
Yves Cuilleron Viognier - $28
The aromas of apricots, flower blossoms, honeysuckle, ripe peaches, & a touch of musk all come to mind.
It is certainly distinctive. Brisk, full bodied and invigorating, with or without food.
91 Points | International Wine Cellar - "Light gold. Intensely perfumed bouquet of ripe peach, poached pear, violet and anise. More exotic on the palate, offering suave passion fruit and floral honey flavors, and finishing with impressive length and lingering sweetness.
This is awfully sexy right now."
We have a single case of this wine.
First come, first served. Drink Different.
Cave de Lugny Mâcon-Villages - $12
Drinkers who have sworn off Chardonnay because of the heavy, over-oaked style of many Californian and Australian wines ought to take another look at white Burgundy.
These wines are what first made Chardonnay's reputation, and they can reach stunning heights of quality-and, unfortunately, of price, too. Happily, the local village wines in Burgundy can be great values for those looking for a break from the California style: instead of rich, buttery textures and huge body, the wines produced by Cave de Lugny and its peers are clean, crisp, packed with minerality, and tingling with acidity.
Drinkers who have sworn off Chardonnay because of the heavy, over-oaked style of many Californian and Australian wines ought to take another look at white Burgundy.
These wines are what first made Chardonnay's reputation, and they can reach stunning heights of quality-and, unfortunately, of price, too. Happily, the local village wines in Burgundy can be great values for those looking for a break from the California style: instead of rich, buttery textures and huge body, the wines produced by Cave de Lugny and its peers are clean, crisp, packed with minerality, and tingling with acidity.
Mâcon-Lugny Les Charmes - $15
The pride of La Cave de Lugny. Clean and fresh on the palate, it has floral and fruity aromas and a hint of lemon. Golden green in color when young, this wine is dry and rich, almost creamy. Its slightly spicy flavor and its structure put it on equal footing with the best Mâconnais wines.
Try this Unoaked, creamy Chardonnay from the Maçon region. Delicious and packed with flavor and superb value.
"Mid-gold in color, the nose is attractive, ripe yet subtle showing ripe orchard fruit, melon, grapefruit, an earthy mineral note, hints of apricot and a tinge of honey and creamy spice." WS
Try this Unoaked, creamy Chardonnay from the Maçon region. Delicious and packed with flavor and superb value.
"Mid-gold in color, the nose is attractive, ripe yet subtle showing ripe orchard fruit, melon, grapefruit, an earthy mineral note, hints of apricot and a tinge of honey and creamy spice." WS
"Bright and fairly crisp with a refreshing, lively mouthfeel, but also sufficiently round and creamy. Nice palate weight, with ample broad, well defined flavors that mirror the nose. Moderately long finish." WE
We also have a number of other special wines that were uncovered by our Wine Detectives on their recent trip to France. Take a look around the store the next time you visit. If you see the Wine Detective symbol - you know it is something special.
Monday, April 08, 2013
If you missed the tasting last Friday night - it was a good one.
Drinking Grand Cru White Burgundy was a real treat.
The
French have decided to take a very serious run at reintroducing us to
their remarkable wines. And they want to make a big impact in the 10-15
dollar range.
They want to show us that it is not neccessary to spend $40 and up to get a great bottle of French wine.
What
that means here in New London is that we will have the opportunity to
enjoy superior French wines for a fraction of the old price. Wines that
will drink like they cost much, much, more.They want to show us that it is not neccessary to spend $40 and up to get a great bottle of French wine.
For example:
La Grand Ribe 'Centenaire' Cotes du Rhone Red
RATED 93 Points - Robert Parker.
Robert Parker - Wine Advocate Says:
" The blockbuster 2009 Cotes du Rhone-Villages Centenaire tastes more like a Chateauneuf du Pape than a Cotes du Rhone. Dominated by Grenache with a small amount of Syrah included in the blend, the wine possesses great intensity, a terrific texture, full-bodied power, and wonderful purity and Provencal typicity.
This sensational effort is filled with red and black fruit, roasted herb, barbecue smoke, meat juice and bouquet garni characteristics. Enjoy it over the next 7-8 years or longer. Sleeper of the vintage. "
AND - it is only $12.
TAVEL - Les Lauzeraies
Only one wine is made in Tavel in the southern Rhone region of France: Rosé. Louis XIV and Balzac
are reported to have savored this succulent beverage, which is made
chiefly from grenache and cinsault grapes whose skins are fermented
briefly to extract color. Only red grapes can be legally used for rose
in France.
Les
Lauzeraies is part of Les Vignerons de Tavel, a cooperative founded in
1937. The organization today has 85 members that grow the grapes for
the region's heralded roses.
The
2010 Les Lauzeraies Tavel is coppery in color, with strawberry notes on
the nose. The lean, simple flavors are nicely piquant and refreshing.
It's a classic summer sipper, nice change from innocuous whites and hip
varietals.
The Rosé of Kings & The King Of Rosé
Drink like Louis XIV for just $12.
Domaine Poiron Dabin
This is a wine that generally please everyone. That's why it is a perfect choice to serve at a casual dinner or to present as an Aperitif.
Matches well with fish in sauce, foie gras, sauerkraut, 'tartiflette', 'fondue savoyarde', melon with Parma ham or fruit desserts.
A deep golden yellow with straw-colored tints. Suave and heady, with rose and pepper aromas. Full-bodied and bewitching with a persistent intensity accompanied for a long time with a hint of residual sugar.
This Pinot Gris is an original wine for the Nantes region. Its limited production has put an end to an absence of three centuries.
Please try it this Friday.
Just $15
We also have a number of other special wines that were uncovered by our Wine Detectives on their recent trip to France. They are seriously worth considering for your enjoyment. Take a look around the store the next time you visit. |
|
Wednesday, February 27, 2013
Reinvention
Ernesto Catena, the owner of Ernesto Catena Vineyards in Argentina, is the eldest son of Nicolás Catena of Catena Zapata. A 4th generation winemaker, Ernesto has traveled and lived around the world, and along the way has earned a Bachelors degree in Computer Science and Economy, a Master's in Design in Milan and a degree in history in London. Defined by many as the "bohemian" side of the Catena family, Ernesto is a tireless and avid reader, painter, art collector, horseman, polo player and archer.
While president of Bodegas Escorihuela, Ernesto felt the need to produce wines that would reflect his basic beliefs: high quality, a different style from the majority of wines being made at the time, smaller volumes and a strong brand concept. In 2002, Ernesto Catena Vineyards was created to express those beliefs.
This Friday night we will taste through his great wines.
Presented by Mr. Bob Neville from World Wide Wines (seen here on the right?)
Certified Organic / Biodynamic
Robert Parker: The 2011 Padrillos Malbec is from the Uco Valley and is raised in French and American oak for eight months. It has a clean, generous bouquet of dark cherry, Dorset plum and blueberry that is generous and rounded. The palate is sweet and rounded with soft tannins. It is silky smooth and slips down the throat with ease. This is a consummate easy-drinking Malbec that you will finish sooner than you think - so pleasurable it is."
Wine Spectator: A dark, jammy red that weaves baking spice, toasty oak and dark licorice with dense blackberry, cassis and kirsch notes. Coarse tannins close in on the smoky finish. Drink now."
Superior wine making at very affordable prices. Please try them on Friday night.
The fascination with whiskey continues to grow. And we are pleased to announce the arrival of The Bruichladdich - (Brook-Laddy).
The subject of a feature story in the current issue of The New Yorker magazine -
READ IT HERE
This is something that you need to try.
PERDOMO CIGAR EVENT
Limited Seating You Must RSVP To Attend.
Tuesday March 19th - 6:00 8:00 PM.
Events Calendar
* Friday March 1st - World Wide Wines
* Friday March 15th - Grand Vintage - Vodkas From Italy!
* Tuesday March 19th - Nick Perdomo Cigar Event in the lounge
* Friday April 5th - Monsieur Touton
BUZZ
We are sending a team to Domaine Paul Mas
next week to look things over.
Special offers and a full report upon their return. Stay tuned.
Drink Different.
Subscribe to:
Comments (Atom)
























