Wine Tasting - Please Join Us

First a big thank you to everyone that came out for our "First Look" - last Friday.
Dan Kleck reminded everyone why he is a master winemaker - AND a nice guy too.
He scored big time with his wines - and we are proud to carry them.
Dan Kleck rules. He signed so many bottles that he was getting writers cramp - he was joined by his daughter - the lovely Jessica -
It seemed that she knew even more than her father - isn't that always the way?

And as far as the Mercedes Benz First Look is concerned - Wow.
A couple of people had to be pulled kicking and screaming from the cockpit of the CLS 500 at the end of the night.......
George should be back to work soon.

The folks at carriage house were very generous with their time and placed no restrictions on the cars -
If you missed the action - take a look at a couple of the photos: http://www.thamesriver.com/site_2/wine/photos.html

Brie and Bleu - was running like a fine swiss watch. It was the place to be from about 4 p. m. until 11 p.m. -
Take a look at the new menu items for summer.

We will see many of you at Go Fish restaurant in Mystic this Wednesday night.
Wednesday April 27 - starts at 6 p.m.
Please Call Go Fish directly to make reservations - 860-536-2662
Featuring the wines of Vina Robles.
The Menu is set and Vineyard owner Hans Michel will be on hand to say hello to each and every one of you.

Friday - April 29 - 6-9 p.m. - No Charge

As the weather changes we are inspired to present wine to welcome the change of seasons -

1- TXAKOLINA- Txomin ttxaniz - $17.
This tall slender bottle can be found on almost every table in the Basque region of Spain.
It's fresh bright character goes well with almost any dish. And the Basque people know a thing or two about food.
Apparently what they do not know much about is SPELLING. They pronounce this wine: "Shock - oh - leena".

2 - Il Mimo - Cantalupo- $15.
This is a bold wine that must be served CHILLED. Made in Italy from the Niebiolo grape - it is chock full of flavors and surprises.
Wonderful as an aperitif - pull the cork and serve as you put out the first tray of appetizers. DO NOT let the soft red color fool you.
This is not a sweet bottle of wine. It is sophisticated -- elegant and deserves your attention.

3 - Concha y Toro - 2003 -Marques de Casa Concha - $16
Michael Franz - the wine writer for the Washington Post - that's THE Washington Post - said in March:
“. . .thoroughly enjoyable, featuring powerful dark berry- and currant-flavored fruit. Spicy oak is also present, but pure, intense fruit notes clearly dominate the wine's impressive profile.” - It is a great food wine - The wine complements steaks, roasts, pasta dishes with robust sauces, and strong cheeses.
In fact, here is a recipe you can try: http://www.conchaytorousa.com/reserve_recipes/marques_cab_recipe.htm

4 - BLIND TASTING - We have had so many requests to repeat the "bottle in a bag" surprise - that we offer it again tonight.
You be the judge - is it "yummy" or "yuck". We will reveal the label after you taste.

We have a whole lot of ideas for "Administrative Professional Day" - This used to be called "Secretaries Day" - but what ever you call it -
it is an important day to remember. Say thank you with style - take a look at the Thames River Greenery link for inspiration.
Remember we can deliver right to the office or the home - www.thamesriver.com

Visit our web site: www.thamesriver.com
for updates, wine dinners, special events, and other items of interest.

Please join us. It's fun, informal and a great way to start your weekend.
Thank you for your continued support.
TRW&S

Thames River Wine & Spirits and Mercedes Benz

Our First Look Weekend went well.
Dan Kleck - owner / winemaker from Silver Stone Vineyards uncorked his yet to be released Sauvignon Blanc to rave reviews. And Mercedes Benz pulled back the tarp on the CLS 500 and the all new M class.

Photos of the event are located at: http://www.thamesriver.com/site_2/wine/photos.html

It was a great night to get a "First Look" at the wine and the cars.

Dominus 1994 - Parker rated 99 points

Dominus 1994 99 POINTS: Christian Moueix and his talented winemaking team continue to rewrite the definition of a Napa Valley reference point wine. I have had a difficult time keeping the corks in my bottles of 1994 Dominus. Eight-thousand cases were produced from a blend of 70% Cabernet Sauvignon, 14% Cabernet Franc, 12% Merlot, and 4% Petit Verdot. In this vintage, 174 days passed between bud break and the harvest, a remarkable period of time for any wine region in the world. The 1994 is a strikingly thick, compellingly rich wine with the texture of a great Pomerol, despite being made primarily from Cabernet Sauvignon. The wine exhibits a dense purple color, and an incredibly fragrant nose of jammy black fruits, spice, smoke, and loamy, truffle-like scents. In the mouth, it is full-bodied, with thrilling levels of extract and richness, but no sense of heaviness or harshness. This seamless Dominus possesses no hard edges, as its acidity, tannin, and alcohol are beautifully meshed with copious quantities of ripe fruit. This wine offers early drinking, yet has the potential to last for 30+ years.

Only Six bottles left: www.thamesriver.com

1994 Dominus - Parker rated 99 points

Robert Parker rated the 1994 Dominus an astonishing 99 ponts.
We have six bottles remaining.
First come, first served.
THAMES RIVER WINE & SPIRITS
www.thamesriver.com

FYI 4/13/05

Greetings -

Everything we need to have a great weekend at the store is in place.
We received massive deliveries of wine today for our winemaker weekend.
Prüm and Adelshem - the weather is supposed to be perfect so we are expecting a good turnout.

Today JM went to Hartford to try some wines that arte difficult to locate.

This will translate into great additions to our cellar. Real one-of-a-kind stuff.