Carmen Reserve, Chateau Montelena, Arcadian Sleepy Hollow, K Vintners Milbrandt Syrah

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

Staying cool this week was a chore - BUT
people found it easy with a glass of wine in our cool dark cellar.
We have a great line up for Friday, including some very hard to find Pinot Noir -
The list is just below a few items of interest.

• Remember that Books, Tugs, & Sails is coming on Saturday August 11 - from 11 - 6 p.m.
Meet the authors, see the boats, lots to do and see for the whole family.
I would like to mention one author in particular. Anna Troiano - about a year ago at one of our wine dinners, she said to me that she was writing a children's book. Well she finished it: Mystical MerFairies is on the shelf and if you get the chance please visit her at the event. And check out her website here: http://storiesbyanna.com/

Books, Tugs, & Sails Website: http://newlondonmainstreet.org/events/fishtales2007.php

• August 15 - A Taste of Chesapeake Maryland Cuisine - Sold Out, thank you.

• Join us on Wednesday the 22nd.
That's when our own Anne Haviland returns with Herb Rubbed Four Mile River Farm Sirloin, and a host of Farmers Market goodies to satisfy.
Of course there will be wine with each course - seating is limited - please call early to reserve - 860-443-9463

Dave's Fave - Monday Wine Tasting
Zeni Pinot Grigio Ramato $12
Dave:
"That's not a typo - our everpresent favorite Italian blush had a price drop and it's the exact same delicious wine it's always been!
Fear not the pink wine folks, this a fun crisp summer bottle, still bone dry, just a little weightier and fruity than it's yellow brethren.
A couple weeks ago a woman came into the shop and exclaimed, "I've only seen this before in Italy! I asked around and people told me there was no such thing..." Ohhh but there is such a thing, available in Italy and right here in New London. Try it Monday afternoon, the tasting starts whenever you show up!"


Wine Tasting Please Join Us
Friday August 10 - 6-9 p.m. - No Charge

1 - Carmen Reserve Chardonnay 2004 $12 www.carmen.com
Viña Carmen was founded in 1850 by Christian Lanz, who named the winery in honor to his beloved wife Carmen. Carmen has been recognised for its quality and for being a pioneer in the Chilean wine industry. Today, Viña Carmen is one of the most important Chilean wineries in the premium wine segment. A bright yellow green color. Nice aromas of mango, melon, lime and grapefruits with touches of toast and vanilla. Soft and ripe fruits; plenty of tropical fruits flavors and a mineral acidity. A nice concentration and a long finish. Light and creamy cheeses, pastas with vegetable sauces, backed fish as seabass and of course seafood.

2 - Chateau Montelena Chardonnay 2005 $40 www.montelena.com
In 1976 Chateau Montelena put California at the forefront of the wine world. That year a who's-who of the French wine and food establishment gathered for a grand tasting at the Inter-Continental Hotel in Paris. Four white Burgundies were tasted against six California Chardonnays. When the scores were tallied, the French Judges were convinced that the top-ranking white wine was one of their own. In fact, it was Chateau Montelena's 1973 Chardonnay, rated above all other wines.
Winemaker's Notes:
"The 2005 Vintage was excellent for ripening weather, crop yield and juice quality resulting in ideal conditions for flavor and fruit chemistry development. In fact, for the entire season we enjoyed a very mild and overall good weather pattern. In the end it was a fun, smooth running and all-around great harvest where everything just clicked."

3 - Arcadian Sleepy Hollow Pinot Noir 2001 $50
According to the winery there are only TWO restaurants in the state that offer this wine.
It is very hard to find.
Rated 90+ points by Steven Tanzer

Famed winemaker Joe Davis recently said this about his wine and his competitors:
"They're making Anna Nicole Smith, we're making Michelle Pfeiffer".
Or his wry smile as he recounts an old French saying -
"Cabernet throws you down and rips your clothes off, and pinot noir subtly convinces you to take them off yourself."

Arcadian makes some of the most elegant and feminine wines the Central Coast has to offer.
We are pleased to bring you this carefully selected, collectible wine.
Please try it on Friday night.
It will go fast, so keep that in mind as you make your plans for the night - stop by early.


4 - K Vintners Milbrandt Syrah 2004 $36
Wine Spectator rated this wine 89 points. Wine Enthusiast gave it 91 points.
Only 720 cases of this were produced -
thats it, for the entire world - and we have some right here.
But wait, it gets better - they actually stomp these grapes by foot!
The Seattle Times: "Another aromatic and pure expression of tangy berry fruit, enlivened with scents of smoke, meat and black olive.
Balanced and taut, supple and delicious."

We have been fans of this vineyard for a long time - they know what hey are doing and they set the bar very high for what they are producing.
I encourage you to try this on Friday night - it will not disappoint.


Thanks for all of your support - we appreciate it.

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


AAA.