Beaucastel Visit, Uitkyk, JP Pastich, Château Villerambert-Julien

Well what can I tell you - the trip to Chateau Beaucastel was about as good as it gets -

Marc Perrin is as gracious a host as one could hope for.
It all culminated with what I am calling the Dinner of the Century.
Because our news is late this week, I will keep the comments brief. We did manage to record another show while we were there and of course we have lots of photos and tasting notes that will be the focus of a separate report.

The private dining room at Beaucastel is dramatic - not just because of the high ceilings and the century old beams that crisscross overhead - but at one end of the room a wall of glass looks down into the main barrel aging rooms - it is a holy place.

Their Michelin rated chef - Laurent - prepared a tasting menu that we will outline in detail including all of the wines that were served on our website. And there was surprise after surprise too - for example the 1954 Nuits St. George - Or the 1970 Chateau Beaucastel - or the 2001 Homage de Jacques Perrin - it went on for hours.

It was a great privilege to be invited to Beaucastel. And while we were there one topic came up a few times.
Marc Perrin - 5th generation wine maker - a man that travels and visits with people world wide - talked about our customers and about our unique store. "You have something quite special there" he said.
Thank you one and all for helping to create an atmosphere that is so memorable.

THIS WEEK:

Beer Tasting - This Thursday March 2 - 5-8 pm - No Charge

Last week the Grimbergen was not delivered in time for the tasting - very sorry about that - but it was out of our control.
SO - we will pour it this week

1 - Grimbergen Dubbel - http://www.grimbergenbier.be/
Grimbergen is the name of a group of Belgian beers first brewed in 1128 at the abbey that Saint Norbert built for the Norbertine monks in Grimbergen. They became famous for providing hospitality and their home-brewed beer to visitors, and handed down the recipe over the centuries.
It is not easy to find this beer, give it a try right here on Thursday night.

2 - Grimbergen Blonde
ALSO - The Blonde abbey ale from Belgium, with a subtle malty sweetness and good hop balance.

3 - Southampton Secret Ale
Their special secret Alt beer, a copper-brown colored north German ale with a malty flavor and a refreshing hop bitterness.
BRONZE MEDAL WINNER at the 2002 Great American Beer Festival.

4 - Pete's Wicked Wanderlust Cream Ale
Pete’s winter seasonal Wanderlust Cream Ale, is a velvety smooth brew offering endless fascination. Pete’s Wicked Wanderlust Cream Ale is a light amber brew with a rhapsody of Cluster hops and select Munich and wheat malts. The rich, creamy taste invites you on a journey of wonderment and intrigue. Sit back. Enjoy the ride.


Please Join Us
Wine Tasting This Friday March 3 - 6-9 p.m.
No Charge

1 - Uitkyk Savignon Blanc - Pronounced "Ate-Cake". - $10 - South Africa
The farm Uitkyk, situated on the south-western slopes of the Simonsberg, was established in 1712. The estate’s neo-classical manor house, completed in 1788, is thought to be the work of the French architect Louis Michel Thibault, who was active at the Cape at the end of the 18th century. Pale straw color with a slightly green tint. Herbaceous flavours, green pepper and fig leaves. Lively, smooth ripe melon fruit and tropical flavours on the palate. Long finish. Great with seafood, poultry or cold cuts - we sell a lot of this wine because it is delicious with food.

2 - Joseph Phelps 2001 California "Pastich - $12 - http://www.jpvwines.com/
This dark-garnet wine, described by the winery as "inspired by the rich diversity of flavors from the Rhone Valley," A whiff of sweet leather and gentle tannins add notes of "Old World" complexity in a structured, balanced California wine that's distinctively "Rhone-style." Primarily a blend of Grenache, Mourvedre and Syrah, with smaller portions of assorted other varieties. A natural match with thick pork-chops pan-braised with Vidalia onions and a bit of Dijon mustard in the sauce.

3 - Château Villerambert-Julien - $18 - http://www.villerambert-julien.com/
This wine is the result and the reflection of all the very best plots of land on the property. Harvested with a very low yield, it allows the wine to express perfectly the magnificent potential of the Syrah and the Grenache. Its complexity and its length in the mouth, its silky tannins, its density and its aromatic concentration place it firmly amongst the great wines of the Languedoc.

4 -Don Melchor - 2002 - $45 - RATED #4 in the TOP 100 for 2005 - http://www.conchaytoro.com/
It is no secret that we love this wine. We have been on this band wagon for a long time - and that is why we are able to get it.
This is a sophisticated and luscious red. When first poured, it’s fresh and full of blackberry and raspberry aromas, then the spice and mineral tones get deeper as the wine gains texture and brightness. Sweet and juicy with crisp acidity, this is a brilliant Don Melchor, and one of the best Chilean wines from 2002. Please take the time to try it for yourself.

Thanks for your support - we appreciate it.
Please join us. It's fun, informal and a great way to start your weekend.


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