Wine Spectator Top 100/Joseph Phelps Insignia/Don Melchor/& MORE

Greetings from all of us in New London,
Thames River Wine & Spirits - 860-443-9463
Brie & Bleu - New London's premier cheese market - 860-437-2474
Thames River Greenery - 860-443-6817
Calendar of Events: http://thamesriver.com/wine/calendar.html
Featured Items: http://thamesriver.com/wine/instock.html

The wines for the Friday tasting are highlighted in RED just a bit further down the page.


Wow - what a Thanksgiving. The turnout has been fantastic - and so many interesting requests.
Thank you for making it so much fun.

Well, the first big news we need to get out of the way is that the Wine Spectator TOP 100 list is out.
Oh, its out alright - and guess what local store has many of the wines in stock???
That's right - we do.

And I cannot tell you how many people have said things to us like...
"You will never be able to get that".
"Your kidding yourself....only the big stores can get it."
"That wiine never makes it past The Rockies."

The nay-sayers were wrong again.

Let me give you a few examples of what is on the Top 100 - AND on our shelves right now.
First come, first served.

Number 1 on the TOP 100 List - Joseph Phelps Insignia 2002 WS 96 points - we have it.
Also on the list:
Concha y Toro 2001 Don Melchor - WS 95 points - $45
Beaux Freres 2003 Pinot Noir - 95 points - $70
Columbia Crest 2002 - 93 points - $36
Shafer Relentless 2002 - 94 points - $70
St. Urbans Hof 2004 - 91 points - $12
Damilano 2001 Barolo - 92 points - $34
Turnbull 2002 - Cab.Sauv. -91 points - $40


The reason we can get these wines is because of you.
Our suppliers, and the winemakers, and the distributors all continue to comment on the quality of our customers.
They remark about the genuine interest, the turnout at tastings and the questions - especially from the people just discovering wine.
You make us look good - and because of that we are offered products that are almost impossible to find anywhere else.
And it's the reason that we have world famous winemakers visit our store and join us for intimate dinners. Thank you.

In the coming months we have plans to increase our beer offerings with expanded space AND visits from renowned brewmasters.
We will also be adding regular beer dinners to complement the seasonal offerings from the beer makers.
And we will be adding dinners that feature beers made by local home brewers.
(If you know a home brewer that might be interested give us a call.")

Our spirits selection is growing at a steady pace -
Fueled by your requests and and by our commitment to offer truly hard to find specialty spirits we now offer some of the best examples of vodka, rum, tequila, scotch,Cognac, bourbon, calvados, port and many more.

Remember that we also have a long list of exceptional Champagne and sparkling wines.

Look for more gift basket options in both the wine store and our cheese store - Brie & Bleu.
Picking a gift and having it delivered is as easy as 1,2,3.

Brie & Bleu continues to add artisanal cheeses to it's list of goodies.
More olives, patés, charcuterie, and more are coming and by popular demand - more samples.
In fact - the folks behind the cheese counter will always get you a taste of anything in our cases - just for the asking.

The calendar of events is about to get several additions - Bookmark it and check it often.
The website is a great place to get news and information about many items of interest.
Our first Podcast is just around the corner - stay tuned.
New faces in all three stores - they are here to help you - ask them anything.

BEER TASTING EVERY THURSDAY - 5-8 p.m. NO CHARGE.
THIS WEEK: Great Beers for the Holiday.

WINE TASTING THIS FRIDAY December 2nd 2005 - 6-9 p.m. - NO CHARGE

1 - Louis Latour - Domaine de Valmoissine 2001 - $14 - http://www.louislatour.com/pages/index.php
The Domaine de Valmoissine is located on the site of the ancient monastery and university of Valmoissine at 500 metres above sea-level which guarantees sunshine during the summer months whilst remaining cool and limits the possibility of spring frosts. Close your eyes while you sip this and imagine that you are sitting on the hillside facing the sun - A pale, mahogany colored wine with bold, lively fruit aromas. Medium acidity, supple tannins and round structure that all combine deliciously to create a suave, fine wine.

2 - Rosemount Estate Hill of Gold 2003 Shiraz - $18 - http://www.rosemountestate.com/index.htm
The Hill of Gold vineyard in Mudgee lies in the western slopes of the Great Dividing Range. This shiraz has a deep, rich colour immediately indicating an impressive concentration of flavours. On the nose there are lifted perfume and spice aromas with a deep core of plummy, peppery fruit. The palate reveals velvety, ripe, fine-grained tannins, in harmony with the oak and seductively spicy fruit. The finish is rich and long, with cinnamon, cloves and wild fruit notes promising much for a further five to eight years careful cellaring.

3 - Paul Jaboulet 'Le Paradou' 2003 - $18 - http://www.frederickwildman.com/wildmansite/wmphp/index.php3
Jaboulet wines symbolize robustness and elegance, essential qualities of great wines. Their crown jewel is their Hermitage "La Chapelle" which Clive Coates states "is one of the great red wines of the world." Thomas Matthews of Wine Spectator has singled out Jaboulet as a producer which "offers reliable wines across the entire range of appellations. Deep dark cherry with a strong purple rim when young. Ripe, intense and pure red and black fruits such as blackberry and cherry with notes of spice and chocolate. Open, rich fruit with fresh but not sharp acidity and supple tannins. The finish is generous, long and warm with notes of jam and licorice. Delicious young for its ample fruit, or can be cellared 3-4 years. Ideal for meats in sauce and roasted fowl. roasts, pork, grilled meats, fowl, beef. This is a long time favorite with "foodies" - give this one a taste.

4 - Galici Bianco - 2003 Sicily - $14
The Galici is a classical Bianco with a complex bouquet. Flavors of bright fruits are rounded off by mineral and a wonderful almond smell. With its style the Galici Bianco is an aromatic and fresh companion for many foods. Each wine comes from property-owned vineyards and nature-left cultivation. These wines reflect themselves in the sun, the sea and the landscape of Sicily. Give them a try you will not be disappointed.

Thanks for your support - we appreciate it.

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

TOP 100/Don Melchor /St. Urbans-Hof/Shafer

Greetings from New London,
Thames River Wine & Spirits - 860-443-9463
The Wine Spectator Top 100 List is out.
We are happy to say we have several of their top picks - in stock and ready for your holiday buying.

Concha y Toro 2001 Don Melchor - WS 95 points - $45
Beaux Freres 2003 Pinot Noir - 95 points - $70
Columbia Crest 2002 - 93 points - $36
Shafer Relentless 2002 - 94 points - $70
St. Urbans Hof 2004 - 91 points - $12
Damilano 2001 Barolo - 92 points - $34
Turnbull 2002 - Cab.Sauv. -91 points - $40

All are available on a first come, first served basis.

We happen to have what may be the last 12 bottles of Don Melchor in the state of Connecticut -
We are thinking of keeping it to one bottle per person - unless you have a silver tonge and can make your case with our own Jim Morrison - he is guarding it like it's the Holy Grail.

Have a great Thanksgiving - from all of us at TRW&S.

WFSB 3 Scott Haney/Jonathan Edwards/Perrin Family/Duckhorn/Lanson Cuvee

Greetings from all of us in New London,
Thames River Wine & Spirits - 860-443-9463
Brie & Bleu - 860-437-2474
Thames River Greenery - 860-443-6817

Favorites & Featured Items: http://thamesriver.com/wine/instock.html

Calendar of Events: http://thamesriver.com/wine/calendar.html

First - A big thank you to WFSB Channel 3 and Scott Haney -
We were featured in the last segment of "Every Town Has A Story"
We received lots of calls and visits because of the story. We would appreciate it if you let Scott know that you saw his piece and that you know our store - drop him a quick email note at: shaney@wfsb.com

Maybe we can get Scott to come in and visit one of our tastings -
or maybe do the weather from New London - you never know.
http://www.wfsb.com/Global/story.asp?S=1408084

Next - Congratulations to our good friends - Pam Marks and Tim McDowell -
both are featured in a new book: "Imagery Art for Wine"
These local artists (based at Connecticut College) have both created wine labels for Benzinger Wines.
And both have distinguished careers in the art world - take a look at why they were selected.
Check out the book at Amazon.Com:
http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/1891267922/102-2144711-4721737?v=glance&n=283155&s=books&v=glance
This is one of those beautiful coffee table books with big gorgeous pages that you can look at for hours.

Thanks to everyone that came out to the Fine Living Expo at the Mystic Marriott to say hello this Sunday.
It was great to meet so many of of you - up close & personal.

Raise your hand if you STILL think we offer only fine wines & beer.
Our selection of spirits continues to grow - for example: we have on the shelves over 40 single malt scotches.
14 hard to find rums, vodka that reviewers rave about, cognac, tequila, calvados and the list goes on and on.
And we will happily special order anything that is available to us in Connecticut - we love locating hard to find items.
No minimums required -

The emphasis on great food wines continues throughout the week -

This Wednesday - 11/23/05 - No Charge
For all of you last minute Thanksgiving shoppers we have a little something to ease you into the mood.
A Day Long Tasting Starting at 1:00 p.m. - Featuring the wines of Jonathan Edwards Winery.
The Cabernet - $31 - The Chardonnay - $23 - The Merlot - $26 - The Syrah - $33
Try them all and learn why so many people are talking about this vineyard in North Stonington.

And remember it is not too late to schedule a delivery -
All of your wine, cheese, and flowers can be sent right to your front door.


THIS THURSDAY - CLOSED - Happy Thanksgiving.

THIS FRIDAY - 11/25/05 - 6-9 p.m. - No Charge
If you have friends and family visiting from out of town - this is a perfect way to get out of the house
and show them what you do on a nice Friday night.

Lanson Noble Cuvee Champagne - France - $68 - http://www.lanson.fr/en/maison.htm
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 chef - 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.

FLOR DE GREALO SERO 2002 - Spain - $ 18
Wines like this are proof of our dedication to Spain. Yes this tastes like a dead ringer from the Right Bank in a warm year with gushing red fruit and surprising polish. Of course it’s got a difficult name, it hails from an obscure area north of Priorat called Costers del Segres, and has a bright label with block type. Are we gluttons for punishment? Maybe, but it’s wines like this that cause such dilemmas to arise. This is a blend of Grenache, Cabernet, and Syrah with deep color and ample fruit.

Perrin Lagille Gigondas - France - $25 - http://www.perrin-et-fils.com/beaucastel/wines_gigondas/index.html
The color is a deep ruby with a velvety aspect. The nose is reminiscent of red fruit jams, with a mineral and earthy touch.
A generous and powerful wine that is robust and distinguished, with its firm tannins well integrated.
This is the same family that makes the world famous Chateau Beaucastel that costs in the hundred dollar range.
They know how to make wine - be sure to try this one.

Duckhorn Merlot - $50 (we will pour while the samples last) - http://www.duckhornvineyards.com/
This famous Napa Valley Merlot is blended to offer the complexity and balance of
a young wine and reflective of the Napa Valley appellation.
This vintage is full-bodied and layered with fruit and well-integrated tannins that lead to a lingering finish. The aroma is dominated by ripe fruit-blackberry, plum, and cherry-and is accented by notes of toasted oak, vanilla, cedar, and tobacco. The flavors are rich with chocolate, blackberry, blueberry, plum, cassis, white pepper, and dried herbs. Yummy!

It has been a very busy couple of weeks. Thanks to everyone that stopped in to say hello and for all of the notes and phone calls. We appreciate your support and we have some very interesting things coming up.
All of our tastings, the weekly dinners, and special events come directly from your suggestions and participation.
Thank you. The best is yet to come.


AAA.

What's My Wine/Thanksginving 101/Beaujolais/Domaine Schlumberger/Joseph Drouhin

11.13.05

Greetings from New London Connecticut,

Thames River Wine & Spirits - 860-443-9463
Brie & Bleu - Cheese & Market - 860-437-2474
Thames River Greenery - 860-443-6817
Calendar of Events: http://thamesriver.com/wine/calendar.html


Lots of news this week ......let the games begin.


FIRST -
If you want to skip ahead to the wines for Friday night - be our guest - they are Highlighted in RED - just below.


NEXT -
Lots of people have been asking about - "Whats My Wine" -
If you still don't know about it - in a nutshell - here's what we do.
It starts at 6:00 and runs for about an hour - so you can keep your dinner plans.

People arrive and we start off with a glass of wine - there are also delicious appitizers and cheese set out to help take the edge off.
Then we divide the group into two - Red Team and the White Team.
There are six to eight bottles of wine that have been selected and "bagged" - exposed just enough at the neck to pour. Some expensive, some not.

People settle in and the first wine is poured - into beautiful Riedel stemware.
A coin toss determines which team goes first.
Then our moderator asks a question - for example "What is the type of grape?" or "What country is this wine from?"

People sniff, sip, taste - then confer - and they try to answer. - "Is it old world?" or maybe "Do people in this country commonly wear berets?" or
"Does it have a chewy chocolate center?" - As long as they get a yes - they can ask another question of the moderator.
When they get a NO - it goes to the opposite team.
The team with the most points on the board at the end of the night wins!

Honestly - it is a very social evening and lots of fun.
AND you will be amazed at how many times people are wrong - especially the "experts".
Watch the calendar of events for the next What's My Wine! - beginners and experts alike are welcome.

Last Thursday night the Australian Wine Dinner at Brie & Bleu was fantastic - thanks to everyone and for making it a night to remember.
Upcoming dinners can be found on the website - calendar of events.
NOW ACCEPTING RESERVATIONS - Very Special Bordeaux Dinner - Limited Seating - (if you have been waiting to join us - this is the one)
Tuesday November 29 - 6 p.m. $75 + tax & gratuity - Call for information and reservations - 860-443-9463

TUESDAY NOVEMBER 15th - Thanksgiving 101 - $20 - 6 p.m. - Limited Seating.
How many times have you asked yourself - "How can I use those old plates and Fred Flintstone juice glasses that I got at the Salvaton Army to set a holiday table that my in-laws and friends won't talk about?" - It happens all of the time.
So this is what we are doing to help: Tips, tricks, and lots of fun. Flowers, wine, food, decorations - we cover it all.
Meet the experts, ask the questions and have a little fun - and most importantly - make the holidays STRESS FREE.

Wednesday - November 16th - Beer Tasting & Musicale - 5-8 p.m. NO CHARGE
Join us in The Cellar for a taste of the great beers of the world.
Some of these brews can be shared over dinner - just like a bottle of fine bottle of wine.

Thursday - November 17th - The 2005 Beaujolais Nouveau Is Here! - No Charge
Check out the official website - http://beaujolaisnouveautime.com/
Lots of people ask what all of the fuss is about - Well...it's A Party - to celebrate the new vintage.
We have lined up well known experts to host our party at Brie & Bleu.
Great food, special guests, and LOTS OF WINE!
Come celebrate with us and put a little Ooh la la! in your week.


WINES THIS FRIDAY - 6-9 p.m. No Charge - Please Join Us
Great Food Wines For The Holidays.

Domaine Schlumberger Riesling – Abbes – : http://www.domaines-schlumberger.com/en/control.cfm/language/english
Clear straw colour with green tints. An intense nose: lemon, grass with hint of sugar. Off-dry.
Balanced acidity. Full-bodied with pronounced citrous fruit. Very fine quality, there is so much going on here - you must try it.

Domaine Ott Le Domaniers Rose - : http://www.domaines-ott.com/
Very pale rosé wine - a coppery rose color with soft orange and silver hints. The wine has a brilliance and has great concentration.
Notes of strawberries raspberries and apricots. with fruity flavors. Perfect balance gives a classy impression, rare for a rosé - More than superb, its divine.
This is a fantastic wine for the holiday.

Joseph Drouhin Laforet Pinot Noir - $14 : http://www.drouhin.com/accueil/index1.php?lg=en
Clear ruby color, on the light side, a shade or two darker than a rosé. Fresh, light red-fruit and dried-cherry aromas add a whiff of brown spices, cinnamon and cloves. This a natural with beef; also worked well with a meatless match, roast beets (a good vegetarian choice with Pinot Noir) braised with mild but aromatic Indian spices.

JJ Vincent Morgon Beaujolais”Charmes" - http://www.chateau-fuisse.fr/ang_fuisse/index.htm
Sweet, almost candy-like red cherry and kirsch aromas.
Smooth and fruity on the palate, yet well structured, with open ripe red berry and cherry flavors, racy acidity, and very soft tannins.
Great Food Match - Turkey and chicken.

A finally a quick programing note - It's true - our Podcast begins in just a few weeks - stay tuned.
AND - next Sunday we will be at the Fine Living Show at the Mystic Marriott - http://marriott.com/property/propertypage/GONMM
Please swing by if you attend.

Thanks for all of your support - The suggestions, the questions, the email - we appreciate all of it.
We hope to see you soon.

Schug wines/Vina Robles/Thanksgiving 101/Wine & Fashion

Hello from New London,
Thames River Wine & Spirits - 860-443-9463
Brie & Bleu - 860-437-2474
Thames River Greenery - 860-443-6817
www.thamesriver.com

The wines for this week are highlighted in red a bit further down the page -
just skip ahead if you do not have the time for the general news.

First a big thank you to Vic Vicari for presiding over last Friday night's tasting.
At 83 years old, Vic is one hip cat. Thank you Vic. (women love this guy - it's like being at a Tom Jones concert.....seriously).

The requests for private parties are rolling in -
Remember we are happy to arrange private tastings and private parties for any occasion.
Brie & Bleu is the perfect place for food, wine and friends - call us.
We can arrange special menus, special wines, what ever your heart desires - call us 860-437-2474

This Wednesday November 9 - 6 p.m. $10
it's time again to play - "What's My Wine!".
Our blind tasting is very popular - stop by and have some fun.
Please call early to reserve a spot. - 860-443-9463

THIS THURSDAY November 10 - 6 p.m.
Australian Wine Dinner - The great wines of Australia matched with five courses from Brie & Bleu.

COMING SOON - Bordeaux Dinner, South African Wine Dinner, Thanksgiving 101, Beaujolais Nouveau 11/17/05 at MIDNIGHT, Scotch Tasting -
thats to name just a few - keep your eye on the calendar of events for the latest information - or call us anytime. 860-443-9463

THIS SATURDAY - WINE & FASHION - 6 - 8:30 p.m.
Fashion Show & Fundraiser - donation includes - Food & Wine, Fashion Show, Gift Certificates and more.
The Angel Charitable Trust - A non profit CT based, all-volunteer group which provides money for CT families who have children undergoing cancer treatment. Also receiving a portion of the show's proceeds is Habitat For Humanity, well known for its association with President Jimmy Carter -- as they gear up to help build affordable housing for storm victims

BEERS THIS WEEK
Thursday 11/10/05 - 5-8 p.m. NO CHARGE
Some of you may have noticed that George Whitehouse, the president of our beer division, has been on vacation for a week........I can't believe it either. Anyway - he is back and he assures all of us that the beer tasting on Thursday night is going to be special.

WINES THIS WEEK:
FRIDAY 11/11/05 - 6-9 p.m. NO CHARGE

Mr Jack Williamson will be with us and pouring great wines from two separate estates.

First - Founded in 1980, Schug Carneros Estate Winery is the showcase and life-long dream of one of California's most celebrated winemakers.
http://www.schugwinery.com/index.jsp

1 - Schug Carneros Estate Chardonnay - $21
A wine with the powerful elegance of the finest white Burgundy. It has a ripe, spicy tropical bouquet with flavors that suggest citrus, pear and apple-butter. Well-balanced acidity gives it a crisp, clean finish, making it an excellent wine with food. Try it with cream soups, seafood, fowl, veal and pasta dishes.

2 - Schug Carneros Estate Pinot Noir - $18
A complex wine with a rich bouquet full of cherries, berries and hint of spicy new oak. Flavors of bright cherry, currant and strawberry are followed by a spicy, smooth texture and elegant finish. This wine will pair nicely with lamb, duck, and even grilled fish and will improve with additional cellaring.

Next - Vina Robles is the realization of a long-held dream. It is the collaboration of international talents and recognition of an area of exceptional viticultural promise. It began as the world-wide search by Hans Nef, a Swiss restaurateur and developer, for the perfect place to grow Bordeaux and Rhone varietals. He found it in California.
http://www.vinarobles.com/vina_robles.html

3 - Vina Robles - Signature Blend - $27
It's Back - we could not keep this in stock the last time it was available - please give it a try, it is something special. Deep, saturated inky purple,this big wine is supple, lush and mouth filling; complex and refined, with silky ripe, rounded tannins; primary flavors of blueberry, plum and blackberry complemented by secondary notes of peach and preserved fruits such as dates and mission figs.

4 - Vina Robles Viognier - $15
Clear, pale gold color: aromas of pineapple and tropical fruit, with secondary aromas of ginger, nutmeg and orange blossom. Spices and tropical fruit such as lychee together with citrus; rich and weighty in the mouth with an attractive softness and a lingering finish.


Thanks for all of your support - we appreciate it.
Be sure to check the website for the latest information, news and items of interest.

Please Join Us - it is fun, informal and a great way to start your weekend.




AAA.