Penfolds Grange, Jaboulet Crozes-Hermitage, Four Vines Syrah, Fairview Jakkals Shiraz,

Greetings 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

There's a lot going on in town this week - Don't forget the New London Lions Club Spring Ahead Wine Tasting Benefit.
Proceeds to benefit Connecticut Lions Eye Research Foundation - $20 admission - held at Ocean Beach.

We have a fabulous wine tasting planned for Friday too. If you are out and about - please stop by.
The highlight will be the legendary Penfolds Grange - $250 per bottle.
Don't miss this opportunity to sample what has been called the greatest red wine in the world!

More details about our free weekly tasting - just below the other news and information & highlighted in RED.


Featured at Brie & Bleu this week -

Beltane Farms Fresh Chevre $6.00lb - A light, delicate fresh cheese with a velvety texture.
This is great on salads or on crackers, or as an ingredient in baked and cold appetizers or as an alternative to cream cheese on breakfast bagels. Enjoy plain or rolled in scallions. Their fresh Chevre was awarded first place in 2000 by the American Cheese Society in national competition.
This cheese is discounted at $6.00 this week. Save an additional 10% with the proof of purchase of Clos Roches Blanche Touraine Rose at Thames River Wine & Spirits. It is a perfect match! - Learn more at: http://www.beltanefarm.com/


Beer Tasting This Thursday - 5-8 p.m. - No Charge
Join the president of our beer division George "Jorge" Whitehouse in our cellar -

Jorge: This Thursday we're taking another foray into the always enticing world of Belgian beer.
We'll be tasting a white, a blond, and two lambics; the classic Kriek (Cherry), and the luscious Peche (Peach).

Hoegaarden, "The Original Belgian White Ale": Hoegaarden is a phenomenon in the world of beer. A delightfully refreshing beer that has captivated so many discerning beer drinkers, Hoegaarden's distinctive character makes it a unique experience every time you drink it. http://www.gemeentehoegaarden.be/documents/home.xml

Leffe Blond: This beer just became available in a six-pack, Jorge is VERY excited. Leffe is the brand leader among Belgian abbey beers - a beer for the connoisseur, which should be served cold at 5° C. Leffe Blond is a top fermented ale which combines typical yeast characteristics with a fruity flavour. It has a beautiful yellow-gold colour, a full body and a subtle, aromatic flavor. http://www.biere2005.be/home/biere/index.htm

Lindeman's Kriek and Peche Lambic:
The romantic, mysterious, wild-fermented wheat beers of Belgium’s Flanders are among the world’s rarest beers. The unique natural combination of the Senne River valley; small hills with numerous cherry trees; small farms growing hops, barley and wheat; and wooden kegs with fermentation liquids, has given the region an air-disseminated microflora that has seeded farm breweries for more than 500 years. http://www.lindemans.be/

In other words, they're FANTASTIC. Say "Hola" to Jorge, same Beer time, same Beer place.


WINE TASTING - Friday 4/21/06 - 6-9 p.m. - No Charge

1 - Jaboulet Crozes-Hermitage 'Domaine de Thalabert' 2004 - $38
Magnificently rich deep color, dark as ink, with purple reflections. Rich with aromas of very ripe fruit (blackcurrant, blackberry), pepper and spice and a slightly herbal, licorice touch. Nice liveliness on the palate, round and well structured. Superb overall sensation of fullness and body. Powerful and generous, it still has plenty of unrevealed character in reserve. Great with: Soft cheeses, roasts, red meat, Hard cheeses, grilled meats. If your favorite animal is steak - give this a try.

2 - Four Vines Syrah - $16 - http://www.fourvines.com/
A big backbone of concentrated fruit, tannins and structure. The result is a beautifully balanced wine with elegance and grace. On the nose it emanates rich berry fruit, Provincial herbs and spice. The palate delivers layers of berry fruit, pepper and spice which trail into silky vanilla oak finish that lingers, lingers and lingers.

3 - Fairview Jakkals Shiraz - $30 - Wine Spectator 91 Points - http://www.fairview.co.za/
This is a great Shiraz - It's packed with deep, dark fruit and a range of notes that include coffee, smoke, pepper and spice. The tannins are ripe and long, the balance is good, the finish is long and dense. Overall, it's well-structured-not a fistful of fruit driven into your palate, but a big Shiraz that achieves an astonishing level of finesse. Pair it up with well-flavored, dense food, like well-seasoned meats.

4 - Penfolds Grange - $250 - http://www.penfolds.co.uk/
Wine Spectator magazine named the 1990 vintage Grange 'The Best Red Wine in the World'.
This accolade has sent the price of both the '90 and subsequent vintage releases soaring at auction.
Penfolds Grange is a wine of extraordinary dimension and power. Richly textured, intensely concentrated and packed with fruit sweetness, these wines, regardless of vintage, develop into immensely complex, beguiling wines that seduce the senses.

Thanks for all of your support - we appreciate it.
The summer season is taking shape - check the calendar of events to keep up on the latest information.
We hope to see you on Friday - Say hello when your in the store.

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


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