Cocoa Vino, Adelsheim, Babcock Fathom, Lietz Dragonstone, Domaine De Nizas

Greetings and an early Happy Valentine's Day from New London,
Thames River Wine & Spirits - 860-443-9463 - 84 Bank Street
Thames River Greenery - 860-443-6817 - 70 State Street
Brie & Bleu - 860-437-2474 - 84 Bank Street

Brie & Bleu: http://brieandbleu.com/

PodCast: http://thamesriverradio.com/

First - For everyone that likes good Chocolate - the wait is over.
A gleaming new confectioners case is now in place at Brie & Bleu.
The artisanal confections from Cocoa Vino fill the shelves.
You may have read about this in the New York Times or in Food & Wine magazine among others.
Made with organic ingredients and some with fair trade-certified chocolate these are dreamy delights that you must try.
The samples are ready for you - don't be shy - try a couple.
And we will be announcing our chocolate tastings AND chocolate and wine tastings in the extremely near future.
This is special - give it a try. Read more on our events page - http://www.thamesriver.com/wine/calendar.html

Speaking of chocolate - if you have waited until the last minute to remember your Valentine -
Thames River Greenery can still make you look good - give us a call.
http://www.thamesriver.com/trg/featured.html

On Saturday - you may have seen a movie being shot in our cellar - there is always something going on - we will keep you posted for the premier.

A whole new list of dinners, events, and surprises is about to show up on the calendar of events - please check it often.

Well if you happened to be having lunch at Brie & Bleu this past Thursday you may have seen us doing our weekly Internet Radio Show.
The guest was Michael Adelsheim - he was sitting there at the table drinking wine with us just as big as life.
Adelsheim wines are limited production show stoppers - they are a house favorite.

We talked about the restaurant scene in Oregon. We talked about his interest in music. We talked about his favorite recipes and foods. Oh yeah, we talked about his award winning wines too. Michael is a cool "kat" - and when he extended his invitation to "hang out a little" the next time we make it out to Oregon - I know that he ment it. Take a look - http://www.adelsheim.com/
Michael is 1st row - right in the middle.

Remember you are always welcome to be part of our "studio" audience - our shows are every week at Brie & Bleu - first come, first served.

GOT BEER?
Beer Tasting - Thursday February 16th - 5 - 8 p.m. - No Charg


WINE TASTING - Friday February 17 - 6-9 p.m. - No Charge

1 -Babcock Fathom - $35 - http://www.babcockwinery.com/ourwines.html
One of California's brightest stars in the field of winemaking is Bryan Babcock. Not only was Bryan selected by the Los Angeles Times as one of the "Ten Best Winemakers of the Year", he was also named by this influential daily as "Most Courageous Winemaker of the Year" for his daring style. Since 1984 Bryan has been producing wines of exceptional quality from his family owned winery located on the far western edge of the Santa Ynez Valley in northern Santa Barbara County. You will not find this wine in the bigger stores - it is a handcrafted work of art. Try it and see what skill and patience can do.

2 -Lietz Dragonstone - $15 - http://www.skurnikwines.com/
Robert Parker rates this at 89 points -
Praised as "the greatest riesling value anywhere" this wine has been a steal for the past five vintages and this is no exception. This most perfect of summer wines is already sold out at the winery, and this gem will be gone from our shelves soon. Johannes Leitz is a man concerned with value and making a wine people can afford to drink that is delicious and yet still speaks of his village and the great vineyards on the hill of Rudesheim. The 2003 Dragonstone is rippling with zingy grapefruit and current aromas with a haunting wiff of spice. It is a bit richer this year due to the warm growing season, but still refreshing and lively on the palate with all the elegance you have come to expect from this wine. A fine example and still the best darn bottle of Riesling you can buy at this price. Don't wait too long this wine will sell out fast.

3 -Nevada County Organic Zin - $15 - http://www.ourdailyred.com/index.html
Nevada County, Sulfite free, Organic. Also from the growing tandem known as the Sweet family, this exclusive Norskog mentored vineyard produces strong blackberry and raspberry aromas famous from this foothill region, followed by a fairly tannic finish. This wine demands to be consumed with food to show its true colors - 100% Zin. ONLY - 320 cases produced.

4 - Domaine De Nizas - $18 - http://www.domainedenizas.com/us/indix.htm
Established in 1998, Domaine de Nizas seeks to craft high-quality artisan wines that reveal the outstanding terroir of Pézenas, where the vines are grown, as well as its regional Mediterranean heritage. The domain also strives to respect the environment through all vineyard and winemaking practices. Its wines are intended to be enjoyed with food and are balanced, elegant and show a long finish. Take time to try this and you will not be disappointed.


Thanks very much for your support - we appreciate it.
And thanks for all of your comments, suggestions, emails and general encouragement - we could not do it with out you.
Please say hello if you are in the store.




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