Greetings from New London,
Thames River Wine & Spirits - 860-443-9463
Brie & Bleu - 860-437-2474
Thames River Greenery - 860-443-6817
Calendar of Events: http://thamesriver.com/wine/calendar.html
Featured & Favorites: http://thamesriver.com/wine/instock.html
Featured items Greenery: http://www.thamesriver.com/trg/featured.html
Blog: http://newlondonwine.blogspot.com/
Podcast: coming in February
Thanks to everyone that attended our theme dinners at Brie & Bleu this week -
Tuesday night Comfort Food was like being at your favorite friend's house for a great party.
Wednesday night was a Pan Asian extravaganza - I'm not sure how - But the food just gets better and better -
Thanks to Anne Haviland, and our team: Melissa, Don, Andrea, Erica, Jim & George.
If you are interested in joining us be sure to check the calendar of events and call to reserve if something strikes your fancy.
Seating is always limited - 860-443-9463
We have great wines for our tasting this week - they are highlighted in RED just below the news.
Who says that theres nothing going on in New London?
The place was hopping all weekend long.
The Garde Arts Center kicked off Saturday with "Oklahoma!" - Go ahead, sing it baby - you know you want to.
Couples were strolling around town on a beautiful day on their way to the afternoon show.
Brie & Bleu was a perfect spot for a bite to eat and maybe a glass of wine before or after the show.
The Garde is a New London landmark - and it's a great way to support a New London tradition.
Learn more at: http://gardearts.org/
The lines for the Hygienic Art Show stretched around the block -
If you can believe IT! - This is the 27th year of the annual Hygienic Art Show - Twenty-Seven Years!
Remember when the El 'n' Gee was the center of the event? - yikes, that was a long time ago.
I would love to know where the original El n Gee neon sign wound up - someone was smart enough to grab it. But I digress.
Now the show is presented at The Hygienic Art Galleries & Art Park, 79 Bank Street, New London, CT.
The main art event “Salon des Independants” is just across the street from our store. And the show has grown into a multi-media art extravaganza including film, theatre, poetry, music, performance art and an exhibition of work by young artists.
The show runs through February 11. Learn more at: http://www.hygienic.org/sched23.asp
Right here in our own cellar we had an amazing crowd step up to try some of the best wines from - Chalk Hill, B.R.Cohn, Bernardus, and Nickel & Nickel. It was lots of fun. Thank you all for stopping by.
GOT BEER?
Beer Tasting This Thursday - February 2nd - 5-8 p.m. - No Charge
Senior Beer Analyst George Whitehouse never stops in his relentless pursuit of the perfect beer.
He drinks beer whether he wants to or not - It's his job. And if we can sober him up and pull him out of those internet chat rooms long enough on Thursday - here is the line up:
1 - Samuel Smith Nut Brown Ale
The Old Brewery at Tadcaster was founded in 1758 and is Yorkshire’s oldest brewery. Samuel Smith is one of the few remaining independent breweries in England, and further is the last to utilize the classic Yorkshire Square system of fermentation solely in stone squares.
Often called “mild” if it is on draft, brown ale is a walnut-colored specialty of the North of England. A festive-occasion beer, brown ale is one of the oldest English brewing styles, mentioned in literature in the 16th century.
Beers brewed at the old brewery have a round, nutty flavor because of the Yorkshire square system of fermentation.
Walnut-like color and palate of hazelnuts. Wonderful balance of roasted crystal malt and aromatic hops.
Long clean finish. We like to serve it with Stilton cheese, roasted fowl, barbecue, spicy foods, stir-fry, Thai food, Chinese food, and curry.
Stop serving all your beers ice cold - you are missing the flavors - Best Temperature - Serve at 55 degrees.
2 - Samuel Smith Taddy Porter - "One of the world's five great beers" - says famed beer expert Michael Jackson.
Porter was the first commercially brewed beer. It was named for the train porters who were its original servers and consumers.
Samuel Smith’s Old Brewery, Yorkshire’s oldest, reintroduced authentic porter to the British beer scene in 1979 after an absence of more than 50 years. Very dark, fairly full in body and packed with flavor. Intense, dry tangy character of roasted barley. This stuff is awesome with oysters on the half shell, Rockefeller or Cajun style, clams, mussels, crab cocktail, lobster bisque and other shellfish, smoked pâté, porterhouse steak and of course chocolate. Serve at 55 degrees.
3 - Samuel Smith Oatmeal Stout
Originally a drink for lactating mothers - I am not kidding - oatmeal stout was described as nutritional on early labels.
Oats are in the same family as barley, and a small addition yields great flavor. Popular in the late 1800’s, the last oatmeal stout was brewed before the First World War until Samuel Smith reintroduced this style in 1980. Great with pizza and salad, Italian foods, steamed clams, grilled tuna, lobster with drawn butter, steak, shish kebabs, and eggs Florentine, dark flavorful bread and aged Stilton. Serve at 55 degrees.
4 - Three Philosophers - Ommegang Brewing - http://www.ommegang.com/
This is a big favorite here. This luscious blend of rich malty ale and cherry lambic is so delightful it is hard to sip it. It is "Glug-able"
Great with food and a real treat if you have not tried it before now.
BRIE & BLEU - Featured Cheese This Week -
1 - Midnight Moon - Goats Milk - $23 lb.
Made for Cypress Grove by a Dutch cheese company, Midnight Moon is a gouda-style goat's-milk cheese.
It's dense and tangy, but not too goaty. The wheels are 8 to 9 pounds, finished in black wax, and aged a minimum of one year.
2 - Rosemary Manchego - $20 lb.
For your pleasure we have found a small wheel of aged Manchego cheese made from whole milk of the Manchega sheep that graze near the village of La Alberca de Záncara in the high plateau region of Cuenca. Prior to the cheese's aging, the fresh wheel is hand-rubbed with oil, covered with fresh rosemary and aged in caves for eight months. The result is a remarkably full-bodied and complex cheese with a long finish that highlights the rosemary.
It is quite the treat with a "copa" of sherry, gordal olives - or, if you prefer, salted marcona almonds, thin slices of jamón serrano and a cool beer - yeah baby, its that good.
WINE TASTING - This Friday February 3 - 6-9 p.m. - No Charge
1 - Pichot Vouvray - IT'S BAAACK. - First Come First Served - $12
This wine goes so fast that your heads will spin. Highly sought after - we are able to get limited amounts and
This wine is a light yellow gold in the glass and has a wonderfully different bouquet of aromas, which include old parchment, banana, flint, and some tropical fruits that are hard to pin down. In the mouth it is sweet yet balanced nicely with some acidity, and shows primary flavors of pineapple, quince, and fresh rainwater that fade into a nice finish.
2 - Guy Bossard Muscadet - First Come First Served - $14
Guy Bossard produces this wine in the town of Le Landreau, the heart of the Sèvre et Maine district, known for the finest Muscadet. His family has made this wine for generations. It is estate bottled from his own organically grown grapes. Guy fertilizes and protects the vines with natural treatments, using no additives in the winemaking except for the minimal necessary use of sulphur dioxide. He believes that his wines will maintain the highest quality if the soil is naturally rich and the vines are healthy and strong. His vineyard is certified organic by Nature and Progress, a French farmers organization. This is a great, dry white table wine with a full fruity nose and a taste hinting of citrus. The Nantes area, at the mouth of the Loire River in France, is known for its seafoods and the local wines complement this cuisine.
3 - Kiona Lemberger - $16 - http://www.kionawine.com/
Rich red wine aromas with nuances of Cabernet or Merlot, perhaps a hint of Syrah or Pinot, but with a spicy intriguing background not easy to identify at first tastings. Wonderful and well defined aromas of blackberries and cloves characteristic of the grape. The wine is mildly tannic, has great structure, with a velvet mouth feel. American and French Oak are evident in the long smooth finish.
4 - Marques De Casa Concha - 91 points - $18
We are one of the VERY few places that offer this wine. This wine was named after the title bestowed upon the founder of the vineyard by the Spanish monarchy. Due to its exceptional quality, its distinct personality and its extraordinary ability to display all the virtues of each Chilean valley, Marqués de Casa Concha has earned its rank among the nobility of the world's finest wines. Marqués de Casa Concha shows the great recent progress in the viticultural and vinicultural art in Chile . If you have not tried it - you must. One of the best values around - period.
Thanks for your support, comments, phone calls and email. We appreciate it.
Please join us. It's fun, informal and a great way to start your weekend.
AAA
Monday, January 30, 2006
Monday, January 23, 2006
Prum, Perrin, Lagunitas, Humbolt Fog, Nickel & Nickel, Chalk Hill, B.R.Cohn, Bernardus
Greetings from New London,
Thames River Wine & Spirits - 860-443-9463 (443-W I N E )
Brie & Bleu - 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
Featured Items Greenery: http://www.thamesriver.com/trg/featured.html
Blog: http://newlondonwine.blogspot.com/
We have a great lineup of wines for Friday - they are highlighted in RED just below the news and information.
FIRST a big thank you to Raimund Prüm - the great German winemaker that stopped by last Thursday night.
He had flown all day from his home on the Mosel took a cab from JFK airport to Penn Station and then took a train to New Haven where he was scooped up by a "handler" and driven to our store. He rolled in as fresh as a daisy and proceeded to meet and greet our friends and customers as if he had just casually dropped in from his apartment upstairs. - http://www.sapruem.com/home3.0.html
And then there was the visit from Marc Perrin - from the Cheateau Beaucastel - http://www.beaucastel.com/
We tried some amazing wines and Marc spoke passsionately about food, wine, travel, and the secrets of redeeming frequent flyer miles.
His interview can be heard on our "podcast # 8" - and for a sample of what he said click here: http://thamesriver.com/wine/calendar.html
Scroll down to January 18 - and click the play button under his picture.
We would like to remind everyone that the reason these world famous guests stop by to visit us in New London is because of YOU.
We continue to receive compliments from all of our guests about the quality of our customers - Thank you all.
Lots going on in New London - The Hygienic Art Show is just around the corner: http://www.hygienic.org/
Don't forget "Night Kitchens" - restaurants will be open late for the gallery showings. - More info: http://newlondonmainstreet.org/
COMFORT FOOD DINNER - Tuesday - January 24 - 6 p.m.
Classic Roasted Chicken with rice Pilaf - matched with 3 wines.
This Thursday 1/26/06 - BEER TASTING starting at 5 p.m. - No Charge
Senior Beer Correspondent George Whitehouse has discovered the Lagunitas Brewing Company in Petaluma California.
Say "LAH-GOO-KNEE-TUSS" - it's fun - try it a few times. Check them out at: http://www.lagunitas.com/
1 - Lagunitas IPA India Pale Ale -
This is a unique version of an ancient style. A style as old as the ocean trade routes of the last centuries Great Ships.
Made with 43 different hops and 65 various malts, this redolent ale will likely float your boat, whatever planet you're on.
2 - Lagunitas PILS- Saaz Hopped Czech Style Pilsner
In The beginning, there were ales. As far as anyone knows, the first beers made were 'top-fermented', which is longhand for 'Ale'. Sometime long before the 1860's, beers became popular that were made in Northern Europe with a bottom fermenting yeast strain that liked the colder temperatures. Because they had to spend weeks aging before they tasted their best, they were known as 'Lager' beer. Lager is the German word for 'storage'.
3 - Lagunitas Amber Ale
In This hoppy sweet amber was the original ale brewed at the first Lagunitas brewery in West Marin. The original, actually, was a fair example of 'Odious Ale-ism'. Sometimes it was wonderful, sometimes it took the enamel off your teeth. Well, we are better brewers now, and it has become a tasty Cal State Fair award winner!
4 - Lagunitas IPA Maximus - CAUTION - this brew has possible side effects - apart from the normal light headiness and noisy discharge.
"At the height of the heat in the heart of the summer, we felt the only cure was a raging mouthful of fresh Hops and Malt.
Caution: May remove enamel from teeth - Alcohol 7.5% by volume". - Lagunitas Brewing Co.
BRIE & BLEU - In the cheese shop - here are the featured items:
1 - Humbolt Fog - Goat Cheese - California - $22lb.
From the “Fog City” comes this exciting ash layered fresh goat’s milk cheese. The wheels have a natural rind, weigh about 4 lbs. and have a single layer of vegetable ash throughout the horizontal axis of the cheese. Light, airy and rich with a crisp clean goat flavor. Serve with Apples, Grapes Perfect Wine: Australian Sauvignon Blanc.
2 - Queso Iberico - Cow/Goat/Sheep - $14lb.
This hard, oily cheese from central Spain is made from a mixture of cow, sheep and goat's milk, which is reflected in its mild yet tasty flavor. Sometimes Queso Iberico is mistaken for Manchego. The affinage usually takes from one to six months. It is a table cheese but is easily gratable and grilled. Excellent for cooking or eating, and goes well with Spanish red wines.
3 - Crater Lake Blue - Oregon - $19lb. Crater Lake Blue From the Rogue Creamery in Oregon, Crater Lake Blue is a blend of Roquefort and Danish blue cheese recipes. Robust and sweet with a rich buttery finish, it was awarded a gold ribbon at the 2004 American Cheese Society.
This Friday January 27 - 6-9 p.m. - No Charge
1 - Nickel & Nickel Tench Vineyard - Nappa Valley - 2002 Cabernet - Rated 92 points - $80 - http://www.nickelandnickel.com/
Wonderfully warm aromas of blueberry, plum, tobacco and espresso and concentrated, exotic flavors of cherry, and bittersweet chocolate with a long lasting finish. Special wines such as this deserve special foods. I'd serve the cab with prime rib, rack of lamb or perhaps roast chicken prepared with black truffles. It is a special occasion wine - give it a try on Friday night.
2 - Chalk Hill - Sonoma County - 1999 Merlot - $55 - http://www.chalkhill.com/
Aged in 50% new French oak for 21 months, and blended with additional Bordeaux varietals that amplify the voice of the estate, the wine brims with red currants, earthy plum, mocha and cigar box aromas. A fine sweetness punctuates the silky, supple, seductive texture that lingers through the finish. This wine is on the list at better restaurants in the big cities - Try it with us without the big city price tag.
3 - B.R.Cohn - Olive Hill Estate - 2001 Cabernet - $54 - http://www.brcohn.com/
This wine delivers fresh refined aromas of intense deep berry, subtle plum and rich chocolate flavors. Extended aging in the highest quality French oak barrels produces a wine with balance, complexity and lush elegant finish. The Olive Hill Estate Vineyards, where soils warmed by underground natural hot springs and gentle coastal breezes create a unique microclimate resulting in ideal growing conditions for Cabernet Sauvignon. This stuff is just plain yummy.
4 - Bernardus Montery County - Pinot Noir - $25 - http://www.bernardus.com/
This 100% Monterey County wine has delicate notes of blueberry and plum that are rounded out with a touch of cinnamon. The lighter fruitier style of this Pinot lends it a wonderful versatility in food pairing. It’s a particularly good selection when choosing a red wine for lunch or a warm evening. Total Case Production: 559 - that's it for the entire United States. Try it with us - it is very hard to find.
Thanks for your support - we appreciate all of the comments, emails, and suggestions.
Please hello the next time you are in the store - we hope to see you this week.
It's fun, informal and a great way to start your weekend.
AAA
Thames River Wine & Spirits - 860-443-9463 (443-W I N E )
Brie & Bleu - 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
Featured Items Greenery: http://www.thamesriver.com/trg/featured.html
Blog: http://newlondonwine.blogspot.com/
We have a great lineup of wines for Friday - they are highlighted in RED just below the news and information.
FIRST a big thank you to Raimund Prüm - the great German winemaker that stopped by last Thursday night.
He had flown all day from his home on the Mosel took a cab from JFK airport to Penn Station and then took a train to New Haven where he was scooped up by a "handler" and driven to our store. He rolled in as fresh as a daisy and proceeded to meet and greet our friends and customers as if he had just casually dropped in from his apartment upstairs. - http://www.sapruem.com/home3.0.html
And then there was the visit from Marc Perrin - from the Cheateau Beaucastel - http://www.beaucastel.com/
We tried some amazing wines and Marc spoke passsionately about food, wine, travel, and the secrets of redeeming frequent flyer miles.
His interview can be heard on our "podcast # 8" - and for a sample of what he said click here: http://thamesriver.com/wine/calendar.html
Scroll down to January 18 - and click the play button under his picture.
We would like to remind everyone that the reason these world famous guests stop by to visit us in New London is because of YOU.
We continue to receive compliments from all of our guests about the quality of our customers - Thank you all.
Lots going on in New London - The Hygienic Art Show is just around the corner: http://www.hygienic.org/
Don't forget "Night Kitchens" - restaurants will be open late for the gallery showings. - More info: http://newlondonmainstreet.org/
COMFORT FOOD DINNER - Tuesday - January 24 - 6 p.m.
Classic Roasted Chicken with rice Pilaf - matched with 3 wines.
This Thursday 1/26/06 - BEER TASTING starting at 5 p.m. - No Charge
Senior Beer Correspondent George Whitehouse has discovered the Lagunitas Brewing Company in Petaluma California.
Say "LAH-GOO-KNEE-TUSS" - it's fun - try it a few times. Check them out at: http://www.lagunitas.com/
1 - Lagunitas IPA India Pale Ale -
This is a unique version of an ancient style. A style as old as the ocean trade routes of the last centuries Great Ships.
Made with 43 different hops and 65 various malts, this redolent ale will likely float your boat, whatever planet you're on.
2 - Lagunitas PILS- Saaz Hopped Czech Style Pilsner
In The beginning, there were ales. As far as anyone knows, the first beers made were 'top-fermented', which is longhand for 'Ale'. Sometime long before the 1860's, beers became popular that were made in Northern Europe with a bottom fermenting yeast strain that liked the colder temperatures. Because they had to spend weeks aging before they tasted their best, they were known as 'Lager' beer. Lager is the German word for 'storage'.
3 - Lagunitas Amber Ale
In This hoppy sweet amber was the original ale brewed at the first Lagunitas brewery in West Marin. The original, actually, was a fair example of 'Odious Ale-ism'. Sometimes it was wonderful, sometimes it took the enamel off your teeth. Well, we are better brewers now, and it has become a tasty Cal State Fair award winner!
4 - Lagunitas IPA Maximus - CAUTION - this brew has possible side effects - apart from the normal light headiness and noisy discharge.
"At the height of the heat in the heart of the summer, we felt the only cure was a raging mouthful of fresh Hops and Malt.
Caution: May remove enamel from teeth - Alcohol 7.5% by volume". - Lagunitas Brewing Co.
BRIE & BLEU - In the cheese shop - here are the featured items:
1 - Humbolt Fog - Goat Cheese - California - $22lb.
From the “Fog City” comes this exciting ash layered fresh goat’s milk cheese. The wheels have a natural rind, weigh about 4 lbs. and have a single layer of vegetable ash throughout the horizontal axis of the cheese. Light, airy and rich with a crisp clean goat flavor. Serve with Apples, Grapes Perfect Wine: Australian Sauvignon Blanc.
2 - Queso Iberico - Cow/Goat/Sheep - $14lb.
This hard, oily cheese from central Spain is made from a mixture of cow, sheep and goat's milk, which is reflected in its mild yet tasty flavor. Sometimes Queso Iberico is mistaken for Manchego. The affinage usually takes from one to six months. It is a table cheese but is easily gratable and grilled. Excellent for cooking or eating, and goes well with Spanish red wines.
3 - Crater Lake Blue - Oregon - $19lb. Crater Lake Blue From the Rogue Creamery in Oregon, Crater Lake Blue is a blend of Roquefort and Danish blue cheese recipes. Robust and sweet with a rich buttery finish, it was awarded a gold ribbon at the 2004 American Cheese Society.
This Friday January 27 - 6-9 p.m. - No Charge
1 - Nickel & Nickel Tench Vineyard - Nappa Valley - 2002 Cabernet - Rated 92 points - $80 - http://www.nickelandnickel.com/
Wonderfully warm aromas of blueberry, plum, tobacco and espresso and concentrated, exotic flavors of cherry, and bittersweet chocolate with a long lasting finish. Special wines such as this deserve special foods. I'd serve the cab with prime rib, rack of lamb or perhaps roast chicken prepared with black truffles. It is a special occasion wine - give it a try on Friday night.
2 - Chalk Hill - Sonoma County - 1999 Merlot - $55 - http://www.chalkhill.com/
Aged in 50% new French oak for 21 months, and blended with additional Bordeaux varietals that amplify the voice of the estate, the wine brims with red currants, earthy plum, mocha and cigar box aromas. A fine sweetness punctuates the silky, supple, seductive texture that lingers through the finish. This wine is on the list at better restaurants in the big cities - Try it with us without the big city price tag.
3 - B.R.Cohn - Olive Hill Estate - 2001 Cabernet - $54 - http://www.brcohn.com/
This wine delivers fresh refined aromas of intense deep berry, subtle plum and rich chocolate flavors. Extended aging in the highest quality French oak barrels produces a wine with balance, complexity and lush elegant finish. The Olive Hill Estate Vineyards, where soils warmed by underground natural hot springs and gentle coastal breezes create a unique microclimate resulting in ideal growing conditions for Cabernet Sauvignon. This stuff is just plain yummy.
4 - Bernardus Montery County - Pinot Noir - $25 - http://www.bernardus.com/
This 100% Monterey County wine has delicate notes of blueberry and plum that are rounded out with a touch of cinnamon. The lighter fruitier style of this Pinot lends it a wonderful versatility in food pairing. It’s a particularly good selection when choosing a red wine for lunch or a warm evening. Total Case Production: 559 - that's it for the entire United States. Try it with us - it is very hard to find.
Thanks for your support - we appreciate all of the comments, emails, and suggestions.
Please hello the next time you are in the store - we hope to see you this week.
It's fun, informal and a great way to start your weekend.
AAA
Monday, January 16, 2006
Marc Perrin, Raimund Prum, Tenuta Sant Antonio, Poderi dal nespoli, Cantina del Pino Barbera
Greetings from New London,
Thames River Wine & Spirits - 860-443-9463
Thames River Greenery - 860-443-6817
Brie & Bleu - 860-437-2474
There is a lot to tell you about this week - get comfy.
If you would like to skip ahead to the list of wines for Friday - scroll down a bit - they are highlighted in RED.
First let me update you on something that we have made huge progress with - Our very own weekly Podcast.
What's a Podcast you ask? -
For those of you that are unfamiliar it is basically a "radio show on demand".
And available on your computer and over the internet anywhere in the world.
You can subscribe to the show and receive it automatically each week.
We have been working closely with Caruso Music to fine tune our equipment needs
and we have been experimenting with the format.
We have already recorded several editions and will start to post them after this week.
We hope you will "tune in" and join us as we meet with winemakers, drink their wines, and share a bit of fun.
Hey - if you have an idea for a name for our show - let us know.
Well this Tuesday the 17th our Comfort Food series continues at Brie & Bleu - this week featuring classic Lasagna.
Remember, we have dinner, 2-3 wines and dessert - for $25 - including tax & service.
On Wednesday night we have our regular wine dinner - this week the fabulous wines & food of Spain.
These dinners feature up to 5 wines, each paired with a different dish - $50 - plus tax & service.
As we have been told over and over again - the wine alone makes the dinners a bargain.
ALSO - On Wednesday the 18th - Mr. Marc Perrin from the Chateau Beaucastel will be visiting us at Brie & Bleu and he will be the featured guest on our weekly Podcast. When we found out that Marc would be stopping by to share a few stories we were very excited.
This guy travels constantly and is usually the guest of honor in cities like Tokyo and Las Vegas - he is wine making royalty - and the fact the he is making time to visit with us is way cool. If you have anything in particular you would like to ask - let us know. Or stop by and ask him yourself, we will be doing the show at 4 p.m. . I'm sure if you ask the right way he would be happy sign a bottle or two for you.
On Thursday the 19th - a very special guest returns to visit.
One of the great winemakers working today Mr. Raimund Prüm will be meeting & greeting you starting at 6 p.m.
Join us in the cellar, meet Raimund Prüm and try his wines - have him sign a bottle or two and find out why his wines are sought after world wide.
If you cannot make it - be sure to subscribe to our weekly Podcast and listen to Raimund describe his wines and explain why New London is on his radar.
NOW While all of this is happening in our cellar on Thursday -
Our weekly beer tasting will be in full swing upstairs at Brie & Bleu -
AND we will be pairing the beers with sausage - that's right, sausage.
Our Senior Beer Correspondent, George Whitehouse, asks "Does it get any better than that?".
THIS FRIDAY PLEASE JOIN US
Wine Tasting - 6-9 p.m. - No Charge
1 - Tenuta Sant Antonio - Soave - $17 - www.tenutasantantonio.it.
This domain is situated near Verona and was founded by the four brothers Castagnedi, who have turned it into a model company with the most up-to-date equipment. It covers 40 acres of vineyards on steep slopes with an extraordinary soil, partly clayish, and partly very rich in chalk. I have been told that this may be the best Soave we have ever had. Floral and fruity aroma with a hint of white fruits like apples and pears. The softness prevails in the taste with a fresh and fruity aftertaste. To be served as an aperitif or with starters like, pasta or rice and fish. This Soave Sant'Antonio is textured, long, and rich, with concentrated fruit. This is a beautifully made wine meant to be consumed over the next 2-3 years. Moreover, it is a very good value. Please give it a try.
2 - Tenuta Sant Antonio Valapolicella - $28
Also from the brothers Castagnedi. - When the repesentitive for the wine came to the store and had us try the wine he said:
"This is the best Valapolicella you jokers have ever tried". He was right. Please sample it yourself and see why.
2 - Poderi dal nespoli - sangiovese di ronagna - $18 - http://www.poderidalnespoli.com/
The history of "Poderi Dal Nespoli" begins at the end of the Great World War when the Ravaioli brothers, opened up an inn. With the lodging accommodations, they sold their wine production to the guests. Aged inside new Allier English oak barrels for twelve months, followed by further refinement inside bottles for one year, then in the cellar at a constant temperature. Beautiful red ruby color, intense and bright - and persistent perfume, with an inkling of fruits and spices. It is warm with smooth tannins and lots of nuance. This is great with roasted red meat, dark poultry, venison, game and all great cuisine dishes.
4 Cantina del Pino Barbera - $21
Cantina del Pino is a father and son operated estate located in Barbaresco, in the Piedmont region of northern Italy. After only their third year of being in the Gambero Rosso's Italian Wines guide, they have already earned their first three glass award for their Barbaresco Ovello. The Barbera, from the tiny Loreto vineyard of barely one hectare, has a vibrant, purple-flecked ruby color and a deliciously stylish fruit-rich nose. This is firm and fleshy and way smooth all at the same time.
Thanks for all of the comments and your support - we appreciate it.
Please join us. It's fun, informal and a great way to start your weekend.
AAA.
Thames River Wine & Spirits - 860-443-9463
Thames River Greenery - 860-443-6817
Brie & Bleu - 860-437-2474
There is a lot to tell you about this week - get comfy.
If you would like to skip ahead to the list of wines for Friday - scroll down a bit - they are highlighted in RED.
First let me update you on something that we have made huge progress with - Our very own weekly Podcast.
What's a Podcast you ask? -
For those of you that are unfamiliar it is basically a "radio show on demand".
And available on your computer and over the internet anywhere in the world.
You can subscribe to the show and receive it automatically each week.
We have been working closely with Caruso Music to fine tune our equipment needs
and we have been experimenting with the format.
We have already recorded several editions and will start to post them after this week.
We hope you will "tune in" and join us as we meet with winemakers, drink their wines, and share a bit of fun.
Hey - if you have an idea for a name for our show - let us know.
Well this Tuesday the 17th our Comfort Food series continues at Brie & Bleu - this week featuring classic Lasagna.
Remember, we have dinner, 2-3 wines and dessert - for $25 - including tax & service.
On Wednesday night we have our regular wine dinner - this week the fabulous wines & food of Spain.
These dinners feature up to 5 wines, each paired with a different dish - $50 - plus tax & service.
As we have been told over and over again - the wine alone makes the dinners a bargain.
ALSO - On Wednesday the 18th - Mr. Marc Perrin from the Chateau Beaucastel will be visiting us at Brie & Bleu and he will be the featured guest on our weekly Podcast. When we found out that Marc would be stopping by to share a few stories we were very excited.
This guy travels constantly and is usually the guest of honor in cities like Tokyo and Las Vegas - he is wine making royalty - and the fact the he is making time to visit with us is way cool. If you have anything in particular you would like to ask - let us know. Or stop by and ask him yourself, we will be doing the show at 4 p.m. . I'm sure if you ask the right way he would be happy sign a bottle or two for you.
On Thursday the 19th - a very special guest returns to visit.
One of the great winemakers working today Mr. Raimund Prüm will be meeting & greeting you starting at 6 p.m.
Join us in the cellar, meet Raimund Prüm and try his wines - have him sign a bottle or two and find out why his wines are sought after world wide.
If you cannot make it - be sure to subscribe to our weekly Podcast and listen to Raimund describe his wines and explain why New London is on his radar.
NOW While all of this is happening in our cellar on Thursday -
Our weekly beer tasting will be in full swing upstairs at Brie & Bleu -
AND we will be pairing the beers with sausage - that's right, sausage.
Our Senior Beer Correspondent, George Whitehouse, asks "Does it get any better than that?".
THIS FRIDAY PLEASE JOIN US
Wine Tasting - 6-9 p.m. - No Charge
1 - Tenuta Sant Antonio - Soave - $17 - www.tenutasantantonio.it.
This domain is situated near Verona and was founded by the four brothers Castagnedi, who have turned it into a model company with the most up-to-date equipment. It covers 40 acres of vineyards on steep slopes with an extraordinary soil, partly clayish, and partly very rich in chalk. I have been told that this may be the best Soave we have ever had. Floral and fruity aroma with a hint of white fruits like apples and pears. The softness prevails in the taste with a fresh and fruity aftertaste. To be served as an aperitif or with starters like, pasta or rice and fish. This Soave Sant'Antonio is textured, long, and rich, with concentrated fruit. This is a beautifully made wine meant to be consumed over the next 2-3 years. Moreover, it is a very good value. Please give it a try.
2 - Tenuta Sant Antonio Valapolicella - $28
Also from the brothers Castagnedi. - When the repesentitive for the wine came to the store and had us try the wine he said:
"This is the best Valapolicella you jokers have ever tried". He was right. Please sample it yourself and see why.
2 - Poderi dal nespoli - sangiovese di ronagna - $18 - http://www.poderidalnespoli.com/
The history of "Poderi Dal Nespoli" begins at the end of the Great World War when the Ravaioli brothers, opened up an inn. With the lodging accommodations, they sold their wine production to the guests. Aged inside new Allier English oak barrels for twelve months, followed by further refinement inside bottles for one year, then in the cellar at a constant temperature. Beautiful red ruby color, intense and bright - and persistent perfume, with an inkling of fruits and spices. It is warm with smooth tannins and lots of nuance. This is great with roasted red meat, dark poultry, venison, game and all great cuisine dishes.
4 Cantina del Pino Barbera - $21
Cantina del Pino is a father and son operated estate located in Barbaresco, in the Piedmont region of northern Italy. After only their third year of being in the Gambero Rosso's Italian Wines guide, they have already earned their first three glass award for their Barbaresco Ovello. The Barbera, from the tiny Loreto vineyard of barely one hectare, has a vibrant, purple-flecked ruby color and a deliciously stylish fruit-rich nose. This is firm and fleshy and way smooth all at the same time.
Thanks for all of the comments and your support - we appreciate it.
Please join us. It's fun, informal and a great way to start your weekend.
AAA.
Sunday, January 08, 2006
Caymus, Flowers Pinot Noir, Clos des Rochers Auxerrois, Chateau Bonnet
Greetings from New London,
Thames river Wine & Spirits - 860-443-9463
Brie & Bleu - 860-437-2474
Thames river greenery - 860-443-6817
Calendar Of Events: http://thamesriver.com/wine/calendar.html
Featured Items Wine: http://thamesriver.com/wine/instock.html
Featured Items Greenery: http://thamesriver.com/trg/featured.html
For those of you that did not join us for dinner last week - let me tell you, we really had a great time.
Our Tuesday night Comfort Food Dinners started off with a real classic - New England Pot Roast.
Everyone joined the "Clean Plate Club" - and the wine..... don't get me started.
My favorite was the Argentinean Malbec that was served with the roast - and a surprise port was served with dessert.
And it was so much fun - lots of new faces and familiar ones too.
Wednesday night was our Italian Wine Dinner - featuring Osso Bucco.
Thanks to Anne Haviland and the staff at Brie & Bleu for making the evening perfect.
Remember to check that Calendar of Events Page: http://thamesriver.com/wine/calendar.html
If you see something you like - call us and make a reservation - don't wait - that's the secret to getting your spot.
860-443-9463
Beer Tasting - This Thursday Night January 12, 2006- 5-8 p.m. - No Charge
George Whitehouse continues to host our version of a "kegger".
Each Thursday we showcase 4 beers for your dining and dancing pleasure
Wine Tasting Friday January 13, 2006 - 6-9 p.m. - No Charge
1 - Chateau Bonnet - $12 - France - http://www.andrelurton.com/
Andre Lurton is considered something of a mastermind in Bordeaux, France. His vineyard holdings are not only the largest of any one owner, but he has one of the most prolific winemaking families in Bordeaux. All of his nine children are involved in their own wine-producing properties, not just in France, but practically across the world. Ditto for his brothers and their children.
This wine has a seductive nose, fresh and delightfully floral, rich and smooth.
This is a high class wine at a knockdown price. Another flawless Lurton production.
This is a very good white for the money - in fact WS rated it 86 points.
2 - Clos des Rochers Auxerrois- Luxembourg - $13 - www.bernard-massard.com
“Wines from Luxembourg? When did they start making wine in Luxembourg?”
The answer: “Oh, about 2,000 years ago.”
The next question - Are they any good? And the answer is: very good, but there’s a catch. They’re difficult to find in the United States, save for the random case a visitor might ship home for his own use and what's probably sitting in some embassy cellar in Washington.
That's where we come in - We love a challenge. The Grand Duchy of Luxembourg consists of some 1,000 square miles bordered by Germany, Belgium and northeastern France (barely). It’s about a quarter of the size of Rhode Island, and its wine-growing area covers about 3,300 acres, which is smaller than some commercial vineyards in California. This is a great wine for the dinner table and almost any light dish.
Give it a try - it's all the way from Luxembourg!
3 - Flowers Pinot Noir - California - $54 - http://www.flowerswinery.com/
This is the official wine of Thames River Greenery. Whenever we have to send a bottle to a dignitary, diplomat or local movers & shakers we like to include this one. Dark and stone fruit aromas reminiscent of black cherries, plums, and red currants. Lots of aromas yield notes of mineral, sandalwood and white pepper too. The soft tannins help to make this a velvety full-flavored Pinot noir - it is Yummy.
4 - Caymus Vineyards Cabernet - Napa - $70 - http://www.caymus.com/
Caymus, Caymus, Caymus. If you love Cab, you love Caymus. Deep dark ruby red with full thick and yummy plush oaked fruit. Firm tannins give you something to think about and show the fun this wine will have in the cellar for years. Spectacular spicy, cassis flavors that show deep Cab personality and end with a looooong finish that brings some muscle, tannin and oak to forefront.
But don’t just take my word for it, try it on Friday night and tell us what you think.
Please join us - it is fun, informal and a great way to start your weekend.
Thanks for joining us each week - we appreciate it.
Thanks for all of your comments and suggestions, we love to hear from you.
We have lots of surprises coming for you in this new year - stay tuned.
Winemakers, authors, chefs and special events - keep your eye on the calendar.
Thames river Wine & Spirits - 860-443-9463
Brie & Bleu - 860-437-2474
Thames river greenery - 860-443-6817
Calendar Of Events: http://thamesriver.com/wine/calendar.html
Featured Items Wine: http://thamesriver.com/wine/instock.html
Featured Items Greenery: http://thamesriver.com/trg/featured.html
For those of you that did not join us for dinner last week - let me tell you, we really had a great time.
Our Tuesday night Comfort Food Dinners started off with a real classic - New England Pot Roast.
Everyone joined the "Clean Plate Club" - and the wine..... don't get me started.
My favorite was the Argentinean Malbec that was served with the roast - and a surprise port was served with dessert.
And it was so much fun - lots of new faces and familiar ones too.
Wednesday night was our Italian Wine Dinner - featuring Osso Bucco.
Thanks to Anne Haviland and the staff at Brie & Bleu for making the evening perfect.
Remember to check that Calendar of Events Page: http://thamesriver.com/wine/calendar.html
If you see something you like - call us and make a reservation - don't wait - that's the secret to getting your spot.
860-443-9463
Beer Tasting - This Thursday Night January 12, 2006- 5-8 p.m. - No Charge
George Whitehouse continues to host our version of a "kegger".
Each Thursday we showcase 4 beers for your dining and dancing pleasure
Wine Tasting Friday January 13, 2006 - 6-9 p.m. - No Charge
1 - Chateau Bonnet - $12 - France - http://www.andrelurton.com/
Andre Lurton is considered something of a mastermind in Bordeaux, France. His vineyard holdings are not only the largest of any one owner, but he has one of the most prolific winemaking families in Bordeaux. All of his nine children are involved in their own wine-producing properties, not just in France, but practically across the world. Ditto for his brothers and their children.
This wine has a seductive nose, fresh and delightfully floral, rich and smooth.
This is a high class wine at a knockdown price. Another flawless Lurton production.
This is a very good white for the money - in fact WS rated it 86 points.
2 - Clos des Rochers Auxerrois- Luxembourg - $13 - www.bernard-massard.com
“Wines from Luxembourg? When did they start making wine in Luxembourg?”
The answer: “Oh, about 2,000 years ago.”
The next question - Are they any good? And the answer is: very good, but there’s a catch. They’re difficult to find in the United States, save for the random case a visitor might ship home for his own use and what's probably sitting in some embassy cellar in Washington.
That's where we come in - We love a challenge. The Grand Duchy of Luxembourg consists of some 1,000 square miles bordered by Germany, Belgium and northeastern France (barely). It’s about a quarter of the size of Rhode Island, and its wine-growing area covers about 3,300 acres, which is smaller than some commercial vineyards in California. This is a great wine for the dinner table and almost any light dish.
Give it a try - it's all the way from Luxembourg!
3 - Flowers Pinot Noir - California - $54 - http://www.flowerswinery.com/
This is the official wine of Thames River Greenery. Whenever we have to send a bottle to a dignitary, diplomat or local movers & shakers we like to include this one. Dark and stone fruit aromas reminiscent of black cherries, plums, and red currants. Lots of aromas yield notes of mineral, sandalwood and white pepper too. The soft tannins help to make this a velvety full-flavored Pinot noir - it is Yummy.
4 - Caymus Vineyards Cabernet - Napa - $70 - http://www.caymus.com/
Caymus, Caymus, Caymus. If you love Cab, you love Caymus. Deep dark ruby red with full thick and yummy plush oaked fruit. Firm tannins give you something to think about and show the fun this wine will have in the cellar for years. Spectacular spicy, cassis flavors that show deep Cab personality and end with a looooong finish that brings some muscle, tannin and oak to forefront.
But don’t just take my word for it, try it on Friday night and tell us what you think.
Please join us - it is fun, informal and a great way to start your weekend.
Thanks for joining us each week - we appreciate it.
Thanks for all of your comments and suggestions, we love to hear from you.
We have lots of surprises coming for you in this new year - stay tuned.
Winemakers, authors, chefs and special events - keep your eye on the calendar.
Friday, January 06, 2006
Beaucastel/Perrin & Fils Vinsobres/Aberlour/LAN Rioja/Jean Fillioux/Disznoko Tokaji Aszu/CHALK HILL
We have just added 7 new featured items to our Favorites List.
Take a peek - click on the Featured & Favorites Link to see all of the goodies.
The Chateau de Beaucastel
White “Vieilles Vignes” - 2003 - $155
Perrin & Fils Vinsobres - $44
Aberlour Single Malt - $62
Bodegas LAN Rioja Limited Edition - $45
Cognac Jean Fillioux - $26
Disznoko Tokaji Aszu 1999 6 Puttonyos - $80
CHALK HILL
Estate Vineyard Selection
Botrytised Semillon, 1997 - $125
produced only two times in 25 years
Take a peek - click on the Featured & Favorites Link to see all of the goodies.
The Chateau de Beaucastel
White “Vieilles Vignes” - 2003 - $155
Perrin & Fils Vinsobres - $44
Aberlour Single Malt - $62
Bodegas LAN Rioja Limited Edition - $45
Cognac Jean Fillioux - $26
Disznoko Tokaji Aszu 1999 6 Puttonyos - $80
CHALK HILL
Estate Vineyard Selection
Botrytised Semillon, 1997 - $125
produced only two times in 25 years
Monday, January 02, 2006
Michel Torino/The Chocolate Block/Big Tattoo Red/Tapestry
NEW YEARS EVE
Wow - what a night! - I still have confetti in my shorts.
I happen to know for a fact that there are a FEW of you out there that remember when Guy Lombardo and his Royal Canadians played Auld Lang Syne at the stroke of midnight during their annual New Year's Eve Party at Waldorf Astoria in New York. That's when Ben Grower was the countdown host and there was basically only one channel to watch all of the excitement on TV.
Well get a hold of yourself - times have changed. The good news is - a nice bottle of wine is still a great way to celebrate in the new year.
And this Friday night we have four wines for you to try - the information is highlighted in RED just below the news.
Also - We are accepting reservations for ALL of the posted wine dinners.
Please check the calendar of events for more information and call early to reserve because seating is limited.
BEER TASTING January 5th - 5-8 p.m. No Charge
We will visit with the folks from Thomas Hooker - http://www.troutbrookbeer.com/index.html
1 - American Pale Ale
The American Pale Ale won 3rd Place in the Great International Beer Festival for the American Pale Ale category.
The GIBF is held annually in Providence, Rhode Island.
2 - Blonde Ale
Fermented at cooler temperatures, the flavor is accentuated by a subtle malt sweetness and a delicate crispness from American and Czech hops.
3 - Hop Meadow IPA
Hooker's creamy IPA emphasizes traditional West Coast Chinook and Cascade hops which produces a hophead's delight of a brew: just-right complexity that's not too sweet or over-the-top with hops.
4 - Blind Tasting - see if you can name that beer.
WINE TASTING FRIDAY - January 6 - 6 -9 p.m. NO CHARGE
1- Michel Torino Torrontes Argentina 2003 - $17
This has a very expressive, floral perfume with notes of overripe peaches, candied pears. A heavy, almost oily texture covers the palate, giving significant weight and body. A long tangy finish & the acidity is in good balance with the supple fruit and alcohol level. With such distinctive and overpowering flavor, food matching can be a challenge with Torrontes. However, its high acidity can cut through buttery, creamy dishes, and the tropical fruit flavors give it a perception of sweetness than can temper a spicy dish. Therefore, I would suggest similarly exotic and spicy-flavored cuisine, such as Asian, Indian, and the like. Or enjoy it by itself, as a contemplative aperitif -- it will surely initiate conversation.
2 - Big Tattoo Red - Springfield Virginia $9 - http://www.bigtattoored.com/
This wine comes from two brothers, Alex, a wine importer, and Erik, a tattoo artist, who wanted to pay homage, in a non-serious way, to their late mother who suffered from cancer. They decided to label and bottle their own wine and donate the proceeds to a good cause. With their combined talents and effort, they created Big Tattoo Red. For every bottle sold, 50 cents is being donated to the Arlington, Virginia Hospice and a breast cancer research foundation in the name of Liliana S. Bartholomaus. Introduced in the Winter of 2002, donations from Big Tattoo Red will surpass $75,000 by the end of the year. The vineyards are located in Colchagua, in the Central Valley. Vineyard management is ecologically friendly. The vines are vertically-trellised and yields are controlled in order to maximize the quality of hand-picked fruit. This blend packs a powerhouse of fruit. Aromas of ripe berry fruit and plums set the stage for an explosion of fruit in the mouth with flavors of blackberries, black cherries, and cocoa that all come together on the rich and lingering, finish.
3- Boekenhoutskloof South Africa The Chocolate Block - $30
The next time you want to spend thirty or forty dollars on a bottle of wine in a restaurant - stay at home, buy some lamb chops and uncork a bottle of Boekenhoutskloof The Chocolate Block - this is "wine heaven". Marc Kent the man that makes this wine has been to our store. He told me this wine is a particular favorite of his. The name comes from the vineyard "block" where the grapes are grown. This is a multi-dimensional sensory experience; resonating lilies, spice fragrance with plenty dark, creamy chocolate & sleek concentration too, but richness contrasted, lightened by bright red fruits, peppery lift. This has very good flavor intensity. Finishes sweetly tannic and long, with a flinty element. One of the great examples from the Cape and I would rank it in the top tier. Long live Boekenhoutskloof!
Beaulieu Vineyard Napa Valley Reserve - Tapestry $50 http://www.bvwine.com
Classic black-ruby color typical of this blend. Ripe, brambly, coffee and black cherry aromas showcase the varietal, while black olive and dark cocoa scents suggest the wine’s Rutherford origin. Medium full-body and firm structure dominant, with the cherry-plum and herb Merlot adding nuance in the finish. Chewy tannins, fine minerality, with vanilla oak-spice adding an elegant touch of sweetness.
You can enjoy this now with everything from grilled lamb to dry-rubbed baked salmon
We have lots of events and special guests scheduled for the new year.
All are the result of your input and suggestions, thank you for all of the interest and support that you have shown to us.
Thanks for making it so much fun - and for spreading the word - it really makes a difference.
Our best wishes to everyone for a healthy, safe and very Happy New Year.
AAA
Wow - what a night! - I still have confetti in my shorts.
I happen to know for a fact that there are a FEW of you out there that remember when Guy Lombardo and his Royal Canadians played Auld Lang Syne at the stroke of midnight during their annual New Year's Eve Party at Waldorf Astoria in New York. That's when Ben Grower was the countdown host and there was basically only one channel to watch all of the excitement on TV.
Well get a hold of yourself - times have changed. The good news is - a nice bottle of wine is still a great way to celebrate in the new year.
And this Friday night we have four wines for you to try - the information is highlighted in RED just below the news.
Also - We are accepting reservations for ALL of the posted wine dinners.
Please check the calendar of events for more information and call early to reserve because seating is limited.
BEER TASTING January 5th - 5-8 p.m. No Charge
We will visit with the folks from Thomas Hooker - http://www.troutbrookbeer.com/index.html
1 - American Pale Ale
The American Pale Ale won 3rd Place in the Great International Beer Festival for the American Pale Ale category.
The GIBF is held annually in Providence, Rhode Island.
2 - Blonde Ale
Fermented at cooler temperatures, the flavor is accentuated by a subtle malt sweetness and a delicate crispness from American and Czech hops.
3 - Hop Meadow IPA
Hooker's creamy IPA emphasizes traditional West Coast Chinook and Cascade hops which produces a hophead's delight of a brew: just-right complexity that's not too sweet or over-the-top with hops.
4 - Blind Tasting - see if you can name that beer.
WINE TASTING FRIDAY - January 6 - 6 -9 p.m. NO CHARGE
1- Michel Torino Torrontes Argentina 2003 - $17
This has a very expressive, floral perfume with notes of overripe peaches, candied pears. A heavy, almost oily texture covers the palate, giving significant weight and body. A long tangy finish & the acidity is in good balance with the supple fruit and alcohol level. With such distinctive and overpowering flavor, food matching can be a challenge with Torrontes. However, its high acidity can cut through buttery, creamy dishes, and the tropical fruit flavors give it a perception of sweetness than can temper a spicy dish. Therefore, I would suggest similarly exotic and spicy-flavored cuisine, such as Asian, Indian, and the like. Or enjoy it by itself, as a contemplative aperitif -- it will surely initiate conversation.
2 - Big Tattoo Red - Springfield Virginia $9 - http://www.bigtattoored.com/
This wine comes from two brothers, Alex, a wine importer, and Erik, a tattoo artist, who wanted to pay homage, in a non-serious way, to their late mother who suffered from cancer. They decided to label and bottle their own wine and donate the proceeds to a good cause. With their combined talents and effort, they created Big Tattoo Red. For every bottle sold, 50 cents is being donated to the Arlington, Virginia Hospice and a breast cancer research foundation in the name of Liliana S. Bartholomaus. Introduced in the Winter of 2002, donations from Big Tattoo Red will surpass $75,000 by the end of the year. The vineyards are located in Colchagua, in the Central Valley. Vineyard management is ecologically friendly. The vines are vertically-trellised and yields are controlled in order to maximize the quality of hand-picked fruit. This blend packs a powerhouse of fruit. Aromas of ripe berry fruit and plums set the stage for an explosion of fruit in the mouth with flavors of blackberries, black cherries, and cocoa that all come together on the rich and lingering, finish.
3- Boekenhoutskloof South Africa The Chocolate Block - $30
The next time you want to spend thirty or forty dollars on a bottle of wine in a restaurant - stay at home, buy some lamb chops and uncork a bottle of Boekenhoutskloof The Chocolate Block - this is "wine heaven". Marc Kent the man that makes this wine has been to our store. He told me this wine is a particular favorite of his. The name comes from the vineyard "block" where the grapes are grown. This is a multi-dimensional sensory experience; resonating lilies, spice fragrance with plenty dark, creamy chocolate & sleek concentration too, but richness contrasted, lightened by bright red fruits, peppery lift. This has very good flavor intensity. Finishes sweetly tannic and long, with a flinty element. One of the great examples from the Cape and I would rank it in the top tier. Long live Boekenhoutskloof!
Beaulieu Vineyard Napa Valley Reserve - Tapestry $50 http://www.bvwine.com
Classic black-ruby color typical of this blend. Ripe, brambly, coffee and black cherry aromas showcase the varietal, while black olive and dark cocoa scents suggest the wine’s Rutherford origin. Medium full-body and firm structure dominant, with the cherry-plum and herb Merlot adding nuance in the finish. Chewy tannins, fine minerality, with vanilla oak-spice adding an elegant touch of sweetness.
You can enjoy this now with everything from grilled lamb to dry-rubbed baked salmon
We have lots of events and special guests scheduled for the new year.
All are the result of your input and suggestions, thank you for all of the interest and support that you have shown to us.
Thanks for making it so much fun - and for spreading the word - it really makes a difference.
Our best wishes to everyone for a healthy, safe and very Happy New Year.
AAA
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