100 Point Tasting, Mas de Dumas Gassac, Ruston, Cascina Ballarin, Mary Hill, John Duvall Entity

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
Coming Soon: Import - 60 State Street

Calendar of Events: http://www.thamesriver.com/wine/calendar.html

It's a short week so just a few notes before we list our wines for Friday.


First - Thanks to everyone that attended our latest 100 Point Tasting. The wines were fabulous but I must say that we have a particular soft spot for the Tesseron Lot 29 that was served at the end of the night. 1929 was a VERY good year for cognac.
And thanks to Tom & Amy for taking the party to their house after the official tasting.
ALSO - we were able to get four additional bottles of the 100 point Quilceda Creek - in stock now - first come, first served.

Next - Thanks to everyone that attended our dinner for the "Pfizer Food & Wine Society" led by Dr. Richard Huhn.
And of course thanks to our own Anne Haviland for preparing the food - yummy!

Lunch at the Cafe Du Village in Chester was great. Hosted by the owners of Mas de Dumas Gassac - we were included in a very small group that tasted their wines. Known as the Grand Cru of the Languedoc - we have stocked their wines for sometime. http://www.daumas-gassac.com/

Finally - DINNERS BEGIN IN JUNE - (Maryanne - get your calendar)
The menus & wine are being fined tuned - even as you read this!
Watch the calendar of events for the dates.


This week at Brie and Bleu:
Here is a note from our fair Colleen -
Another great cheese from Connecticut - Brigid's Abbey from Cato Corner Farm usually at $20/lb is $18/lb this week at Brei & Bleu. Brigid's Abbey is produced in a picturesque corner of Connecticut at Cato Corner Farm by mother and son team Elizabeth MacAlister and Mark Gillman. Their most popular offering, it is styled after traditional Trappist monastery cheese. Brigid's Abbey is shaped into a round tomme and aged for 2 to 3 months to allow the flavor and texture to develop. The cheese is a cow's milk with a great flavor. It has hints of hay, caramel, and walnuts. Take an additional 10% off the cheese when paired with with Byron Pinot Noir purchased at Thames River Wine and Spirits.
Cheers,
Colleen


BEER TASTINGS RESUME ON THURSDAY June 6 - 5-8 p.m. NO CHARGE -
Taking a cue from the Belgians, American brewers have been experimenting with spices to create vibrant summer ales.
Please Join Us.


WINE TASTING - This Friday June 2 - 6-9 p.m. - NO CHARGE

1 - Ruston 2002 Sauvignon Blanc - $18 - www.rustonwines.com
This sauvignon blanc is quite rich for a white wine, with aromas and flavors of white flowers, melons, kiwifruit, citrus and cream, and a long, racy finish. great for the price and an excellent food wine.

2 - Cascina Ballarin Langhe Nebbiolo- $18 - http://www.cascinaballarin.it/
This is a big wine. Ever since 1928, when building work began on the house, this family has been working and running the land and cellars.
Each area of production is handled meticulously in person: in the countryside - pruning in the winter, various jobs in the summer, the grape-harvest in the autumn - and in the winery, where the wines are fermented, racked, bottled and packaged.
The vineyards are mainly located in the villages of La Morra and Monforte d'Alba, with the following varietes being grown: Nebbiolo, Barbera, Dolcetto (and a very limited quantity of cabernet sauvignon). Please try it.

3 - Mary Hill - Wine Makers Blend - $14 - http://www.maryhillwinery.com
Maryhill's Winemaker's Blend, is the follow up to the ever popular and award winning Fort Rock Red. A combination of Cabernet Sauvignon, Syrah, Merlot and Cabernet Franc. "A bordeaux with a twist." With an elegant oak background this rich and ruby red wine sparks with chocolate and cherry aromas.

4 - John Duvall Entity - $40 - http://www.oldbridgecellars.com
Entity is an intricately structured wine comprised of rich and vibrant Shiraz fruit. A true reflection of Barossa's soil and climate, the 2004 Entity exhibits deep color and distinctive structure. Intense and elegant, Entity expresses aromas of ripe blackberry, blueberry, and a hint of spice.

John Duval, after 28 years with Penfolds, has launched his inaugural release of ‘Plexus’, under his own label, John Duval Wines. From the 2003 vintage, Plexus is an old vine Barossa Valley blend of Shiraz (46%), Grenache (32%) and Mourvedre (22%).

Duval is one of Australia’s most highly regarded winemakers, overseeing the entire Penfolds range as Chief Winemaker for the period 1986-2002. During this time he was responsible for the making of Grange, taking the marquee to new heights including being awarded Wine Spectator’s Wine of the Year in 1995.



Thanks for all of the cards, letters, emails, and calls - we appreciate your support.

Please Join Us - it's fun, informal and a great way to start your weekend.


AAA.