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