Stefano Inama, Duckhorn Tasting, Our Man In Madrid

Greetings from all of us in New London,
Thames River Wine & Spirits - 860-443-9463
Thames River Greenery - 860-443-6817
Brie & Bleu - 860-437-2474
IMPORT - 860-443-6817
www.thamesriver.com

Well this has been an exciting week - and we have a truly great line-up of wines for the tasting on Friday night.
The list is just below these other items of interest and information. I thought I would pull the corks on something special this week -
Let's do it - an all Duckhorn line up.

I am calling this Fridays tasting - The Welcome Home Jim Morrison Tasting.
And I hope that many of you can join us to taste and to listen as Jim tries to convince us that he was working very hard in Spain.
And that it really was no fun at all. Come On big Jim - you're talking to us.

As some of you know we have been getting erratic transmissions from our man in Madrid.
Jim has been using the Blackberry to phone in and keep us posted.
But every-time he calls, the music in the background is so loud, it is almost impossible to understand what he is saying.

The last call came in on Friday night - Jim was shouting something about being blind-folded and swinging at a Pinata -
Then there was the sound of a scuffle and a woman came on the line.
She said that Señor Morrison would have to call us back - "He very tired now."
Please join us on Friday night - lets see if we can get the rest of the story.


• Last Wednesday morning the front door opened and who waltzes in but Stefano Inama - one of the most exciting winemakers working in Italy today.
He was candid and shared many thoughts and ideas with us - we never know who might come through that front door.
You can watch a bit of our visit with Stefano on our calendar page -
Just scroll down a bit to the WineRadio section: http://thamesriver.com/wine/calendar.html
You will need Quicktime to watch our videos - this is a fast & free download if you do not already have it.
Get it here: www.quicktime.com - The whole process should take less than a minute if you need it.

• Thanks to everyone at Connecticut College that made our big Saturday night bash up at Harris Hall so much fun.

• Our Tuesday & Wednesday food series continue with a new slate of menus will be posted very soon on the website - keep a lookout and if you see something that strikes your fancy - call & reserve. Space is limited. - 860-443-9463

• The Bulgarian Connection:
Two of our favorite local artists that have had recent residencies in Bulgaria are showing some of their results.
Kat Murphy is the featured artist for March at La Belle Aurore Bistro - 860-739-6767
Opening reception id Wednesday, March 7th - 6-9 p.m. - 75 Pennsylvania Ave., Niantic.
This is a wonderful organic bistro and a nice opportunity to "Dine Out For Art." www.labelleaurorebistro.com

AND - Mark Patnode - Showing 'Scenes From Bulgaria' - An art exhibit featuring a series of 14 works which were completed during a recent residency at the Sharon House in Smolyan, Bulgaria. Opening February 24 - March 24, 2007.
Located at 3rd Rail Studio, 49 Plain Avenue, New Rochelle, NY 10801 - 914-712-9831 or visit : http://www.3rdrailstudio.com


This Week At Brie & Bleu:
Featured This Week - An Amazing Marinated Feta -
The featured cheese this week at Brie & Blue is marinated feta from Australia at $19/lb. The marinated feta is definitively creamy with impeccable taste. The cheese is crafted with skill and care by a farmhouse cheesemaker in Victoria, Australia, 34° Marinated Feta is made from a combination of sheep and goat’s milk. Marinated in a blend of olive and canola oil, fresh thyme, whole peppercorns and garlic, this rich and flavorful cheese is exceptionally smooth and satisfying. Eat this creamy feta straight from the tub, or enjoy with 34° Fresh Australian olives and green salads. Pairs well with a light, dry wine with fruity, grassy flavors, such as Ruston Sauvignon Blanc purchased at Thames River Wine and Spirits for an additional 10% off the cheese.
Enjoy, "Mrs. Z"

ALSO Our own Jim Lalumiere
Will be serving up delicious Cheese & Beer Parings at the Riverside Restaurant in Danielson.
Saturday March 17 - St. Patricks Day
Beer Dinner @ The Riverside Restaurant, 13 Water St. Danielson, Connecticut - (860) 774-3508


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

I will let the reviews and accolades speak for themselves this week. Duckhorn is a name that does not need much introduction.
Please Join Us for great wine and a welcome back to our own Jim Morrison. We can debrief him together.

Co-founded by Dan and Margaret Duckhorn in 1976, Duckhorn Vineyards has spent a quarter century establishing itself as one of North America's premier producers of Bordeaux varietal wines. From its modest inaugural vintage of 800 cases of Cabernet Sauvignon and 800 cases of Merlot in 1978, to its addition of Sauvignon Blanc in 1982, Duckhorn Vineyards has crafted a tradition of quality and excellence that continues today. For nearly three decades, the commitment to crafting wines of distinction has remained at the heart of the Duckhorn Vineyards philosophy. As its Napa Valley estate properties continue to mature, the winery will continue creating world-class wines from exceptional vineyards.

1 - Duckhorn Sauvignon Blanc 2005 - $28
Wine Enthusiast
December 1, 2006
"I love this wine. Duckhorn has been on a roll with Sauvignon Blanc, and this is the best yet. It's dry and refreshingly crisp in acidity, with delicious citrus, fig, honeysuckle, green apple and spice flavors. A bit of barrel fermentation makes it even richer." 91 points, Editors' Choice

2 - Duckhorn Napa Merlot 2004 - $54
Wine Enthusiast
March 2007
"There's a beautiful Merlot in here but you're going to have to paddle against the powerful tannins to find it. It brings to mind the old Duckhorn Three Palms Merlots, which were similarly tough and tannic in youth, but aged well. This wine is ripe in chocolate, blackberry, cassis, coconut macaroon and plum sauce flavors, but needs four or five years to begin to come around." 90 points, Cellar Selection

3 - Duckhorn Estate Cabernet 2003 - $95
Stephen Tanzer's International Wine Cellar
January/February 2007
"Ruby-red. Blackcurrant, dark chocolate, tar and licorice on the nose. Then spicy and bright if a bit lean and minty on the mouth, with cassis, licorice and mineral flavors. The tannins are supple." 88 points

4 - A Surprise. - It is going to a great night and we will let Jim pick something to share with us.
I hope you can join us.


Thanks very much for all of your support - we appreciate it.
And we especially appreciate people taking the time to send us their comments and suggestions.

Please Join Us - It Is fun, Informal, and a great way to start your weekend.


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