Wine Tasting - 5/13/05 - Please Join Us

Greetings from all of us in New London -

Thames River Wine & Spirits - 860-443-9463
84 Bank Street - New London

Thames River Greenery - 860-443-9463
Brie & Bleu - New London's premier cheese market - 860-437-2474
www.thamesriver.com


It's a busy week here in town and we have a special line up for Friday night.

First I want to take a moment to say Congratulations to the people behind the Crocker House development.
They had their Open House on Saturday and they unveiled their labor of love - a beautiful project.
Standing there at 9 o'clock in front of the columns of the entrance I felt as though we were in SoHo.
It is this type of commitment that is changing NL. Bravo.

Also I hope some of you saw the article in USA Today that included NL - "Top Ten Places for Big City Art - With a Small Town Feel". The outside world is finding out what we already knew - we have a special place here.

One of the activities you should try to make time for is the Eigth Annual Fine Wine & Food Festival hosted by the Garde Theater.
It's fun and it is a great way to support the Garde Arts Center. General Admission is: $35 in advance or $40. at the door -Here is the web link for details: http://gardearts.org/04-05_shows/fwff.html

Now just to keep it interesting we thought that you might like to try something special - After you visit the Garde -
take a stroll down the boulevard - the weather will be warm and the first real hints of summer will be in the air.
We are pulling out the stops - When you get to our store here's what you will find.

FRIDAY MAY 13th - 6-9 p.m. - NO CHARGE

1 - Stags Leap Cask 23 - 2001 - $180. (rated 96 points)
Pouring this wine is like letting a genie out of the bottle: it gets bigger and bigger as the wine’s depth and breadth gradually reveal themselves. In the nose, you’ll notice berries, rosemary, and cardamom, while the palate fills with bright and creamy flavors of black plum, black olive, truffle, even a hint of chocolate-covered cherry. The smooth, very approachable entry reveals a luscious core of fruit down the center, while additional flavors fan out as the wine evolves in the mouth. The very long finish resonates like beautiful music—this wine just doesn’t stop! The 2001 CASK 23 promises to age exceedingly well, but enjoy it now with well-aged prime rib, bacon-wrapped foul, or a selection of artisan cheeses (rich Stilton, Gorgonzola, Morbier) accompanied by a spoonful of fig compote. Yeah baby, yeah....( all available at Brie & Bleu).

This is the same wine that won the gold medal in the famed blind Paris Tasting of 1976.
It blew the famous French wines right out of the water and put California wines on the map.
Learn all about it at: www.cask23.com/1976tasting.htm

2 - Domain Oliver Leflaive 2002 : Puligny-Montrachet $45
Take a look at the folks responsible for making the 2002 Puligny-Montrachet: www.leflaive.fr/english/millesimes/2002.htm
Robert Parker loves Leflaive and we think you will too.
It is an amazing bottle of white wine that should be on everyone's table this summer - but that is in a perfect world - where wine is free for the asking.
This is the perfect opportunity to try it - free for the asking.
This floral, mineral-scented wine exhibits excellent richness, breadth, and mouth-feel.
Its satiny-textured, light to medium-bodied character is well-focused, with candied citrus and mineral flavors -
Heavenly aromas of honeyed minerals and spiced oak are found in the nose of the 2002 Montrachet. This exceptional wine is light to medium-bodied, complex, deep, and concentrated. Copious quantities of fresh spiced apples, ginger, toast, buttered minerals, and anise can be found throughout its intricate personality as well as in its immensely impressive, suave finish.

3 - Lanson 1988 Noble Cuvée Brut Vintage Champagne - $101
The 1988 Vintage is an athlete able to charm the senses. Blended with rigorously selected grapes only from the top 100% rated Grands Crus vineyards, the Noble Cuvée is the ultimate expression of the Lanson style. The Noble Cuvée Brut Vintage is an incomparable accompaniment for all meals, particularly white meat and fish dishes. This Champagne will still remain fresh, delicious and magnificent over many years. A beautiful pale yellow color, brightened by fine bubbles. Aromas of citrus and white flowers ending on notes of candied mandarin. Notes of honey dominate this full-bodied and complex wine. The fresh finish lengthens and strengthens the elegance of this champagne. This is the kind of Champagne that movie stars drink when they do not need to impress people with a fancy label. It is an "insiders" choice - World famous - Alain Ducasse, the first French six stars chef, recommends in his restaurants the Champagne Lanson Noble Cuvée. Please try it and see what they are talking about - remember, it's free - for the asking.

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

Please call us anytime with your questions, comments and ideas. We love to hear from you.
Thanks for your support.
TRW&S