Albarino de Fefinanes, Domaine Chandon Pinot Noir Rose, Casanova di Neri Rosso di Montalcino, Four Vines Anarchy

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

It was a busy week here in New London. We had guest chef's, Broadway actors, private dinners - and Dan Swann has come back to the roost.

A great line up awaits you on Friday night - the list is just below a few items of interest.

• First a big thank you to Portable Productions - www.portableproductionco.com
They staged a one act play to a sold out audience in our cellar last week. It was followed by a wine dinner at Brie & Bleu and It was a beautiful night. It was a "big city" night - right here in New London. It started with a Champagne reception and then the stars of the show, Gail Bell and Marion Markham, brought the crowd to their feet and then joined us all for dinner. Bravo.

• Also thanks to Chef Jina Taylor - our Guest Chef for the Far East dinner. Some of the best seared duck that I have ever had. We are planning another date with her - please watch the calendar of events page for details.

• Welcome to the Bean & Leaf - 860-701-0000 - http://bean-leaf.com/
Coffee Roasters - and new coffee hot spot - they are located at 13 Washington Street - that is just around the corner from the Bank of America on State Street - it used to be Fleet Bank, and before that it was Connecticut National Bank, and I won't tell you what it was before that because I would be revealing how long we have been downtown. These folks offer free Wi-Fi and a great selection of handcrafted beverages. It is a large open space that also features the work of local artists. If you love the smell of fresh roasting coffee - check it out.

• ChessFest II was a big success - take a look here - http://www.nlchessfest.com/
Thanks to City Center for sponsoring the event and for the folks at The Saturday Market for lending a helping hand.
Remember - O! Brazil is hosting Brazilian day at the next Saturday Market - 8/4 - 1-5 p.m. food -music-dance-fun.

• The Garde Arts Center - Summer Film Festival is here!
Starting August 1st. www.gardearts.org
In fact here is a great way to plan your night: Dinner and a glass of wine at Brie & Bleu - Then a nice summer stroll up to the Garde - a great show on the Big Screen ( the way God intended us to watch movies ) - and then after the show - walk across the street to the Bean & Leaf for coffee and something sweet - Does it get any better than that? You don't have to reinvent a great night out - you can rediscover one right here in New London.

• "Dave's Fave" - Monday Tasting
Carmen Cabernet Sauvignon 2005 $8
Dave Says: "Every Friday after the wine tasting, Jim Morrison and I take a good look around the cellar and pick out the most absurd wines that we covet and bring them to dinner. This week we grabbed a bottle of Marc Hebrart Champagne Reserve, and a Cantina del Pino Barbaresco Ovello... OH MAN were they something! That was Friday. This is Monday. I can no longer afford such luxuries, so I'm making friends with this charming little Chilean Cab - very tasty tones of cherries and blackberries, easy on the wallet and we've got a ton of it!"


Wine Tasting Please Join Us
Friday August 3rd - 6-9p.m. - No Charge


1 - Albarino de Fefinanes 2006 $20
From the far northwest corner of Spain, the Rias Baixas (the low rivers) is located in lush, verdant Galicia. Located just above Portugal, It is an exceptionally beautiful wine region. Albariño wines are amazing with food and they can be found in every restaurant of the region. Give this a try on friday night - is is delicious and a very good value.

2 - Domaine Chandon Pinot Noir Rose 2006 $20
This wine is from the California powerhouse of Domaine Chandon - they produce some of the best known sparkling wines in the business.
Winemaker's Notes: "The 2006 Pinot Noir Rosé marks our first vintage to craft a Pinot Noir wine in this refreshing style. Sourced from our Carneros vineyards that are influenced by fog and maritime breezes from the nearby San Pablo Bay, this fruit-forward and vibrant wine offers an approachable warm weather alternative for Pinot Noir fans. Our Rosé features a Stelvin screwcap closure to preserve its fresh fruit character. This wine is a brilliant match for picnic foods and light summer fare, such as shrimp, salads, and lightly-grilled seafood. A sip or two will cool the heat of barbecue, Asian, Indian and other spicy cuisine." This is a very easy drinking wine - please give it a try on Friday night.


3 - Casanova di Neri Rosso di Montalcino 2005 $25
This vineyard's Brunello was Wine spectators #1 wine last year and more recently their Brunello Cerralto was given 100 points by Wine Spectator.
This is their Rosso made from declassified grapes from the same Montalcino - and the quality is right there in the bottle. Be sure to taste this one on Friday night.

4 - Four Vines Anarchy - California Central Coast 2005 - $34 - www.fourvines.com
Four Vines is a familiar name in our cellar - we have carried the brand for a while. You will enjoy the story of the small team that has built the company into what it is today - visit the website if you have a minute or two.
Here are the Winemaker's notes:
"I give you ANARCHY... I wanted to think outside the box and create an unconventional Rhone Blend. The blend is based on Syrah for that velvet mouthfeel and rich fruit, Old Vine Zin for spice and that brambly backbone, and Mourvedre provides some anise and makes the whole blend resonate. If you like the Rhone this wine will blow you away!"

Thanks for making this summer so much fun - and of course for all of the support, comments, and suggestions - we appreciate it.

Please Join Us - It's fun, informal, and a great way to start your weekend - we hope to see you on Friday night.


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