Rutz Cellars / Davidoff Cigars / Dogfish Head beer

Greetings from all of us in New London -
Thames River Wine & Spirits - 84 Bank Street - 860-443-9463
Thames River Greenery - 70 State Street - 860-443-6817
Brie & Bleu - 84 bank Street - 860-437-2474
www.thamesriver.com

There is so much happening this week that I feel woooosey just thinking about it - so here we go!

The food clubs and gourmand societies of Europe have NOTHING ON US!
Our French Wine Dinner was fan-tab-u-lous. -
Thanks to everyone that attended - new faces and "regulars" alike.
These dinners are the best kept secret in New London - The next one is just around the corner - please call early for seating.
Thank you all for making it so special.

NEW TABLES AND CHAIRS for the deck at Brie & Bleu should arrive in time for the WEEKEND.
Don't forget the new menu and the new hours **NOW OPEN ON MONDAY** - check the website for more details.

THIS WEDNESDAY JUNE 22, 2005 - Starts at 6p.m.

Single Malt Scotch & Cigars.
We have selected three marvelous Single Malts and paired them with Davidoff Cigars.
The Grand Cru Series # 2 - Provided by Liberty Tobacco of San Diego California - www.libertytobacco.com
Seating is VERY limited and the cost is $25 per person - and that's for everything.
The scotch alone makes this an amazing value.
I am very glad to see that many women have reserved space - DO NOT BE SHY -
This is open to everyone - First come first served - 860-443-9463


THIS THURSDAY JUNE 23, 2005 - BEER TASTING - 5-8 p.m. NO CHARGE

DOGFISH HEAD BREWING COMPANY - www.dogfish.com/reviews.cfm
The President of our beer division - George Whitehouse - has pulled out all of the stops for this event.
This is moment so many of you have been waiting for. Join us and try four of the finest beers being made in the United States.
SO - YOU SAY YOU LIKE HOPS - TRY MATCHING YOUR SANITY AGAINST
"Randall The Enamel Animal" some call it "The Hops-in-ator"
Lots of beer - plenty of "swag" - LIVE MUSIC provided by The Governors (jazz funk trio) - and don't forget those gorgeous "Dogfish Head Girls".
Please remember to ask about our 2nd BEER DINNER on JUNE 29th -
It would mean a lot to George if you asked him about it - because his job is on the line.

Now lets pull ourselves together - shall we?

THIS FRIDAY JUNE 24, 2005 - 6-9 p.m. - NO CHARGE

RUTZ CELLARS - www.rutzcellars.com
After years of living in the Russian River Valley and inspired by the greatness of Burgundy,
Keith Rutz dreamed of making great classically-styled wines from the best Chardonnay and
Pinot Noir grapes available in California. His goal was - and is - to craft small lots of wine that
will be recognized as worthy competitors to the top French products.
Join us and try these wines you will not be disappointed.

1 - Rutz Cellars - 2001 Dutton Ranch Pinot Noir - $34
Ruby red in appearance. Smokey, spicy, black cherry nose. The finish is long and toasty with hints of more dark fruit and caramel. 
From one of the finest growers of pinot noir in the region, Dutton Ranch fruit is the backbone of Rutz Cellars' quality set.  100% Dutton Ranch pinot noir is hand picked, hand sorted, and cold-soaked.  It begins fermentation in 500 gallon open-top fermentors and finishes in small French oak barrels from Louis Latour, Claude Gillet and François Freres.  Gravity moved to repose in Rutz Cellars' caves, the wine ages in barrel for 11 months.  Deep and rich in fruit and mineral flavors.  ONLY 769 cases produced.

2 - Rutz Cellars 2001 Maison Grand Cru Pinot Noir - $23
Rutz Cellars Maison Grand Cru designation represents the best blend of the vintage from select Pinot Noir vineyards.  After cold-soaking, the juice is fermented in small open-top fermentors and is punched-down by hand 4-5 times per day to extract color and flavor.  Bright garnet in color. Intense ripe cherry and floral aromas with hints of dried rose petals. Plush, plumy, black cherry fruit flavors that are expansive on the mid-pallet have a lingering depth. The finish is long and toasty with hints of more dark fruit and caramel.

3 - Rutz Cellars 2002 Russian River Valley Chardonnay - $15
Blended from the offerings of five separate vineyards including Dutton Ranch and Martinelli.  Aged sur-lie in Louis Latour and François Freres French oak barrels for 11 months.  Bright golden-straw color. Very crisp with well-balanced acid and a touch of butterscotch on the nose. This vibrant wine offers overtones of white grapefruit, Granny Smith apples, and a bit of nectarine. Toasty French oak enhances the richness and full flavors. The finish is long and lingering.

4 - Rutz Cellars 2002 Sonoma Coast Pinot Noir - $15
A stylish blend from highly regarded Russian River and Sonoma Coast vineyards. The Russian River fruit is primarily from the Gold Ridge soil mantle, and the West Sonoma County fruit is from the Cazadero area, close to the Pacific Ocean.  The grapes are hand picked and hand sorted, then cold-soaked and fermented in small open-top fermentors.  The wine is barrel aged for 11 months in the constant natural temperature and humidity of Rutz Cellars' caves.  Aromas of strawberry and Bing cherry, spiced cherry flavors, and a long finish with moderate tannin.

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

Thanks for all of your comments, suggestions, and support. We appreciate all of it.
Please check the website for news, updates, and items of interest.
www.thamesriver.com