Thursday, August 28, 2008
Monday, August 25, 2008
Labor Day, Plumpjack, Julien Schaal, VRAC Macon Village,Puig Parahy "Georges", Chateau Saint Nicolas
The big Labor Day Weekend is almost here, and to celebrate we have something very special for you at Brie & Bleu. Jim Morrison has called in a few markers and not only is the lineup for the tasting this week not to be missed, wait until you see what he has arranged for you at our little bistro. See below.
We receive a lot of mail from our reader's. Questions and comments, suggestions, crazy idea's of every kind - (you know who you are) and thankfully lots of accolades.
The Mail Department has been working overtime.
One of the most common requests of late is about the wine list at Brie & Bleu. "We want better wines by the glass." is what we are hearing and we are listening. This is how it works.
Connecticut distributor's have a complex series of rules that sometimes prevent us from getting all of the wine we would like to offer to you at the wine store. BUT - those same rules present opportunities for us in the restaurant, and starting this week, we are sharing them with you.
The people have spoken - "We want special wines by the glass."
And we are listening. Starting this week - to compliment our new menu we are offering impossibly hard to find wine by the glass and the bottle. You will not find this anywhere else.
Remember - We have added things like Short Ribs and Roasted Chicken to our regular bistro style menu. Add to that our signature potato and cheese dishes and a carefully chosen wine and beer list - and even the biggest appetite will be satisfied.
Here's a beautiful little Gewurz that strolled into the store one day like a lost kitten. Actually, it was dragged in here by an old alleycat of a salesperson, but it's still a charming little winner in my book.
From old vines tended carefully in the red clays of Alsace, the wine is gently gravity pressed and fermented with wild yeast, making it to bottle with minimal manipulation.
Light, clean and crisp with a fresh fruit nose, the Schaal represents a classic Alsace varietal made in a natural process by a new generation vintner. Yes, the kid with the Billabong tee shirt is Julien Schaal! Hey, the proof is in the bottle. Visit Julien HERE
It would pair beautifully with fine Thai and Indian food, which we have in abundance here in New London. Please stop in after work on Monday for a chilled sip!
Please join me Monday to have a sip of their spicy new seasonal! DA
1 - VRAC Macon Village 2006 $11
Named for the French term "En Vrac" which means to buy your wine in bulk right from the winery.
This is a bright and charming little Chardonnay from southern Burgundy. We were so taken with this no-nonsense approach to decent French wine that we bought the Chardonnay, the Cotes du Rhone and some BOX WINE, you heard me.
Shocking? not really, if it gets people drinking wine everyday we are all for it.
2 - Gassier Sables D' Azur Cotes de Provence rose 2007 $12
This little number was named a best value by Wine Spectator Magazine proving once and for all that at least someone over there knows a good little wine when he sees one.
The Cote de Provence is renown for rose, the very famous Domaine Ott hails from this region. While the Gassier is in the same light and pretty Provencal rose style, it doesn't take itself quite as seriously as it's famous neighbor.
This is Drinkin' wine, nummy wine. A blend of Granache for spice, Syrah for floral aromatics and Cinsault for "street cred".
3- Domaine Puig Parahy "Georges" Cotes du Roussillon 2005 $12
Another absolute gem from the unsung reaches of southern France.
A blend of Granache, Carignan, Mouverde and Syrah from the Parahy family estate in Roussillon at the foothills of the Pyrenees.
The grapes are hand harvested from vines between 60 and 80 years old.
The wine exhibits deep black cherry fruit, licorice with a slight herbal nose.
All that and only $12!!!
4 - Chateau Saint Nicolas Cotes de Bordeaux 2005 $18
This is a direct import from our friends at Slocum and Sons.
I want to send a special shout out and thanks to Robert Colopy for bringing this wine into my life. I am on my fourth bottle.
Nestled between Graves and Entre deux Mers, Cotes de Bordeaux is not part of the great left bank, home to such wines as Latour and Lafite.
Instead, this is a region often overlooked, sitting as it does in the shadow of the Haut Medoc. But in a great year like 2005, the blend of Merlot and Cabernet Franc comes alive with real and serious Bordeaux Character.
No, this is not wine to age for twenty years. This is the wine you drink on Tues and Thursday nights with Hamburgers made from beef from Four Mile River Farm.
You don't have to be a hedge fund manager to drink great wine, not even 2005 Bordeaux.
Please Call Us Anytime With Questions
8 6 0 - 4 4 3 - 9 4 6 3
As the summer draws to a close we are forced to say goodbye to an important member of our family. Dan Swann leaves this week to return to school. I'm sure he will be studying hard, learning to save the planet or to help people in a challenging new way - but we are going to miss him. Thank you "Iron Dan" for a great summer. We can hardly wait to see you on your next break - you have our best wishes.
And to all of our friends and customers - Thank You - it has been a remarkable season.
Please join us.
It's fun, informal, and a great way to start your weekend.
AAA.
We receive a lot of mail from our reader's. Questions and comments, suggestions, crazy idea's of every kind - (you know who you are) and thankfully lots of accolades.
The Mail Department has been working overtime.
One of the most common requests of late is about the wine list at Brie & Bleu. "We want better wines by the glass." is what we are hearing and we are listening. This is how it works.
Connecticut distributor's have a complex series of rules that sometimes prevent us from getting all of the wine we would like to offer to you at the wine store. BUT - those same rules present opportunities for us in the restaurant, and starting this week, we are sharing them with you.
Brie & Bleu News:
Plumpjack Reserve Chardonnay and Plumpjack Napa Merlot
$15 a glass $60 a bottle, while supplies last.
$15 a glass $60 a bottle, while supplies last.
The people have spoken - "We want special wines by the glass."
And we are listening. Starting this week - to compliment our new menu we are offering impossibly hard to find wine by the glass and the bottle. You will not find this anywhere else.
Remember - We have added things like Short Ribs and Roasted Chicken to our regular bistro style menu. Add to that our signature potato and cheese dishes and a carefully chosen wine and beer list - and even the biggest appetite will be satisfied.
Dave's Fave
The Monday Tasting
Click on the photo to order it now
The Monday Tasting
Click on the photo to order it now
Vins Julien Schaal Gewurztraminer 2007 $17
Here's a beautiful little Gewurz that strolled into the store one day like a lost kitten. Actually, it was dragged in here by an old alleycat of a salesperson, but it's still a charming little winner in my book.
From old vines tended carefully in the red clays of Alsace, the wine is gently gravity pressed and fermented with wild yeast, making it to bottle with minimal manipulation.
Light, clean and crisp with a fresh fruit nose, the Schaal represents a classic Alsace varietal made in a natural process by a new generation vintner. Yes, the kid with the Billabong tee shirt is Julien Schaal! Hey, the proof is in the bottle. Visit Julien HERE
It would pair beautifully with fine Thai and Indian food, which we have in abundance here in New London. Please stop in after work on Monday for a chilled sip!
Please join me Monday to have a sip of their spicy new seasonal! DA
Wine Tasting Please Join Us
Friday August 29 - 6-9 p.m. - No Charge
Can't Make It To The Tasting? - click on the photos
Friday August 29 - 6-9 p.m. - No Charge
1 - VRAC Macon Village 2006 $11
Named for the French term "En Vrac" which means to buy your wine in bulk right from the winery.This is a bright and charming little Chardonnay from southern Burgundy. We were so taken with this no-nonsense approach to decent French wine that we bought the Chardonnay, the Cotes du Rhone and some BOX WINE, you heard me.
Shocking? not really, if it gets people drinking wine everyday we are all for it.
2 - Gassier Sables D' Azur Cotes de Provence rose 2007 $12
This little number was named a best value by Wine Spectator Magazine proving once and for all that at least someone over there knows a good little wine when he sees one.
The Cote de Provence is renown for rose, the very famous Domaine Ott hails from this region. While the Gassier is in the same light and pretty Provencal rose style, it doesn't take itself quite as seriously as it's famous neighbor.
This is Drinkin' wine, nummy wine. A blend of Granache for spice, Syrah for floral aromatics and Cinsault for "street cred".
3- Domaine Puig Parahy "Georges" Cotes du Roussillon 2005 $12
Another absolute gem from the unsung reaches of southern France.A blend of Granache, Carignan, Mouverde and Syrah from the Parahy family estate in Roussillon at the foothills of the Pyrenees.
The grapes are hand harvested from vines between 60 and 80 years old.
The wine exhibits deep black cherry fruit, licorice with a slight herbal nose.
All that and only $12!!!
4 - Chateau Saint Nicolas Cotes de Bordeaux 2005 $18
This is a direct import from our friends at Slocum and Sons.I want to send a special shout out and thanks to Robert Colopy for bringing this wine into my life. I am on my fourth bottle.
Nestled between Graves and Entre deux Mers, Cotes de Bordeaux is not part of the great left bank, home to such wines as Latour and Lafite.
Instead, this is a region often overlooked, sitting as it does in the shadow of the Haut Medoc. But in a great year like 2005, the blend of Merlot and Cabernet Franc comes alive with real and serious Bordeaux Character.
No, this is not wine to age for twenty years. This is the wine you drink on Tues and Thursday nights with Hamburgers made from beef from Four Mile River Farm.
You don't have to be a hedge fund manager to drink great wine, not even 2005 Bordeaux.
Please Call Us Anytime With Questions
8 6 0 - 4 4 3 - 9 4 6 3
As the summer draws to a close we are forced to say goodbye to an important member of our family. Dan Swann leaves this week to return to school. I'm sure he will be studying hard, learning to save the planet or to help people in a challenging new way - but we are going to miss him. Thank you "Iron Dan" for a great summer. We can hardly wait to see you on your next break - you have our best wishes.
And to all of our friends and customers - Thank You - it has been a remarkable season.
Please join us.
It's fun, informal, and a great way to start your weekend.
AAA.
Monday, August 18, 2008
Seriously Fine Spirits, Nutmeg Magazine, Naia Verdejo,Villerambert Julien, Matanzas Creek, Milbrandt Vineyards
The crazy summer continues here in New London. This week we saw wine dinners, parties, sing-a-long's and free-for-all's. By the way, our apologies to Mario Batali, we had no idea that the Lasagne Bolognese would turn into a "problem" - we will make it up to you. (If you are looking for the extra pair of orange crocks, they are in the cellar - right where you left them.)
Hey - The new issue of Nutmeg Magazine is out and the guest columnist for wine this month is our very own Jim Morrison. The complimentary magazine is available everywhere including all of our stores - grab a copy the next time you are in the store.
Take a look at the handsome visage on this wine professional.
Would you buy a nice chardonnay from this man?
And remember, New London is happening, live music, art galleries, plays, restaurants, movies, and much more. Start your evening with us, and then rediscover New London.
Brie & Bleu News:
The new summer menu at Brie & Bleu has just what you need to rekindle a great night out.
We have added things like Short Ribs and Roasted Chicken to our regular bistro style menu.
Add to that our signature potato and cheese dishes and a great wine and beer list - and even the biggest appetite will be satisfied.
In October we will have carried Berkshire Brewing beers for one year, but we're calling it "close enough" because their Oktoberfest brew just came out!
All Berkshire products are made by dedicated dudes who actually have forgone the idea of "going big" because they are committed to the quality and control that being a smallish company affords.
BBC is actually Massachusetts' largest microbrew (jumbo shrimp?), and as President Chris Lalli says, "We're just one step away from being the smallest 'regular' brewer." Things are looking up! We've even started pouring BBC beers exclusively at our eatery Brie & Bleu.
1 - Naia Verdejo 2007 $14
The grapes for this wine come from 98.8 acres of vineyards, of which 94 acres are 26 years old and 4.8 acres are ungrafted 90-year-old Verdejo vines. All the vineyards are located in the town of La Seca, which is considered by the locals to be the "grand cru" village of Rueda.
Since the Middle Ages Verdejo has been the traditional varietal on the left bank of the Duero River. This is the fourth release of this stainless-steel fermented wine.
With Bright grapefruit citrus and pronounced herbaceousness the wine is reminiscent of New Zealand Sauvignon Blanc only much less expensive and to my way of thinking, much better.
2 - Chateau Villerambert Julien Minervois Rose 2007 $14
The vineyard of Chateau Villerambert-Julien, created in 1852 by the Julien family, extends over 59 hectares of hills, all classified as AOC Minervois, between Carcassonne and Narbonne, on the edge of precipitous garrigues.
Its completely unique terroir, composed of veins of schist and crushed pink marble, and is fully exposed to the south.
The greatest care is given to cultivation methods, high density of planting, severe pruning, conscientious training of vines, and the use of organic fertilizer all contribute to the quality of the wine.
The rose comes from a subtle fermentation of the exsanguinated juice from the most aromatic casks of Syrah, Mouverde, Carignan and Granache. The red has been one of our favorites for years, we are very excited to offer the rose while it and the summer are here. Check out their very cool website HERE
3 & 4 - Several years ago there was a movie about one guy getting married and one guy getting divorced and their road trip through wine country. With the utterance of one line, "If they order Merlot I'm leaving" the entire varietal was relegated to the decidedly unhip list.
While I appreciate the character's passion, I always felt it was a little unfair, and worse unwise to dismiss an entire varietal. The horrors of over-produced wine-dreck notwithstanding, we are after all talking about the grape that brought us Ch. Petrus and runs through the great wines of Bolgerhi. So this week we offer a small reminder that it is ok to drink Merlot.
3- Matanzas Creek Winery 2004 Merlot $27
Tasting notes: A potpourri of fresh herbs, including thyme and sage, marry with dark boysenberries and velvety cherries in the nose.
Distinctly spicy, the palate begins with clove and quince, followed by a long, smooth finish of blackberry and earth notes.
4 - Milbrandt Vineyards 2005 Merlot $24
Tasting notes: The 2005 Merlot is a smorgasbord of ripe blackberry, spice, tobacco, plum, cherry, and coffee. It is dense, lush and voluptuous.
With a small amount of Cabernet Sauvignon and Petit Verdot in the blend for additional structure, color and weight.
The wine finishes with a dash of oak, a hint of cassis and a dollop of cedar.
We have a great team working with us, we consider ourselves very lucky. All of the folks that make it possible at the winestore, Brie & Bleu, Thames River Greenery and Beanery, and the soon to open City News, try their best to make it all work as planned. But we take our guidence from you. Your comments and suggestions, and your fantastic support are greatly appreciated - Thank You.
Please join us.
It's fun, informal, and a great way to start your weekend.
AAA.
Hey - The new issue of Nutmeg Magazine is out and the guest columnist for wine this month is our very own Jim Morrison. The complimentary magazine is available everywhere including all of our stores - grab a copy the next time you are in the store.
Take a look at the handsome visage on this wine professional.
Would you buy a nice chardonnay from this man?
And remember, New London is happening, live music, art galleries, plays, restaurants, movies, and much more. Start your evening with us, and then rediscover New London.
Most people think of us as a fine wine shop, and we like to think of ourselves the same way. But here is a surprising fact - We Stock 35 Single Malts, 26 Brands of Vodka, 23 Bourbon and Ryes, and 18 Rums.
Sure, you know we stock Dujac, Barthod, Arnoux, Paolo Bea, Chateau D'Yquem, Gaja, Shafer Hillside Select, Chateau Valandraud, and Domaine Ott - in Magnums, but don't forget we have an incredible selection of spirits too. Take a peek the next time you stop by.
Sure, you know we stock Dujac, Barthod, Arnoux, Paolo Bea, Chateau D'Yquem, Gaja, Shafer Hillside Select, Chateau Valandraud, and Domaine Ott - in Magnums, but don't forget we have an incredible selection of spirits too. Take a peek the next time you stop by.
* * *
City News Is Coming Soon
Just one block from the train station - right next door to Thames River Greenery
Just one block from the train station - right next door to Thames River Greenery
* * *
Brie & Bleu News:The new summer menu at Brie & Bleu has just what you need to rekindle a great night out.
We have added things like Short Ribs and Roasted Chicken to our regular bistro style menu.
Add to that our signature potato and cheese dishes and a great wine and beer list - and even the biggest appetite will be satisfied.
Rediscover a great night out - right here in New London
Dave's Fave
The Monday Tasting
Click on the photo to order it now
The Monday Tasting
Click on the photo to order it now
Berkshire Brewing Co. Oktoberfest Lager 2008 $4 Bomber
In October we will have carried Berkshire Brewing beers for one year, but we're calling it "close enough" because their Oktoberfest brew just came out!
All Berkshire products are made by dedicated dudes who actually have forgone the idea of "going big" because they are committed to the quality and control that being a smallish company affords.
BBC is actually Massachusetts' largest microbrew (jumbo shrimp?), and as President Chris Lalli says, "We're just one step away from being the smallest 'regular' brewer." Things are looking up! We've even started pouring BBC beers exclusively at our eatery Brie & Bleu.
Please join me Monday to have a sip of their spicy new seasonal! DA.
Wine Tasting Please Join Us
Friday August 22 - 6-9 p.m. - No Charge
Can't Make It To The Tasting? - click on the photos
Friday August 22 - 6-9 p.m. - No Charge
1 - Naia Verdejo 2007 $14
The grapes for this wine come from 98.8 acres of vineyards, of which 94 acres are 26 years old and 4.8 acres are ungrafted 90-year-old Verdejo vines. All the vineyards are located in the town of La Seca, which is considered by the locals to be the "grand cru" village of Rueda.Since the Middle Ages Verdejo has been the traditional varietal on the left bank of the Duero River. This is the fourth release of this stainless-steel fermented wine.
With Bright grapefruit citrus and pronounced herbaceousness the wine is reminiscent of New Zealand Sauvignon Blanc only much less expensive and to my way of thinking, much better.
2 - Chateau Villerambert Julien Minervois Rose 2007 $14
The vineyard of Chateau Villerambert-Julien, created in 1852 by the Julien family, extends over 59 hectares of hills, all classified as AOC Minervois, between Carcassonne and Narbonne, on the edge of precipitous garrigues.
Its completely unique terroir, composed of veins of schist and crushed pink marble, and is fully exposed to the south.
The greatest care is given to cultivation methods, high density of planting, severe pruning, conscientious training of vines, and the use of organic fertilizer all contribute to the quality of the wine.
The rose comes from a subtle fermentation of the exsanguinated juice from the most aromatic casks of Syrah, Mouverde, Carignan and Granache. The red has been one of our favorites for years, we are very excited to offer the rose while it and the summer are here. Check out their very cool website HERE
3 & 4 - Several years ago there was a movie about one guy getting married and one guy getting divorced and their road trip through wine country. With the utterance of one line, "If they order Merlot I'm leaving" the entire varietal was relegated to the decidedly unhip list.
While I appreciate the character's passion, I always felt it was a little unfair, and worse unwise to dismiss an entire varietal. The horrors of over-produced wine-dreck notwithstanding, we are after all talking about the grape that brought us Ch. Petrus and runs through the great wines of Bolgerhi. So this week we offer a small reminder that it is ok to drink Merlot.
3- Matanzas Creek Winery 2004 Merlot $27
Tasting notes: A potpourri of fresh herbs, including thyme and sage, marry with dark boysenberries and velvety cherries in the nose.Distinctly spicy, the palate begins with clove and quince, followed by a long, smooth finish of blackberry and earth notes.
4 - Milbrandt Vineyards 2005 Merlot $24
Tasting notes: The 2005 Merlot is a smorgasbord of ripe blackberry, spice, tobacco, plum, cherry, and coffee. It is dense, lush and voluptuous.With a small amount of Cabernet Sauvignon and Petit Verdot in the blend for additional structure, color and weight.
The wine finishes with a dash of oak, a hint of cassis and a dollop of cedar.
Please Call Us Anytime With Questions
8 6 0 - 4 4 3 - 9 4 6 3
8 6 0 - 4 4 3 - 9 4 6 3
We have a great team working with us, we consider ourselves very lucky. All of the folks that make it possible at the winestore, Brie & Bleu, Thames River Greenery and Beanery, and the soon to open City News, try their best to make it all work as planned. But we take our guidence from you. Your comments and suggestions, and your fantastic support are greatly appreciated - Thank You.
Please join us.
It's fun, informal, and a great way to start your weekend.
AAA.
Sunday, August 10, 2008
Show Us Your Grapes,The Rolling Stones,L'Olivette Bandol Rose,Luigi Baudana,Zeni Pinot Noir Rose,Tenuta Montebello,Caparsino Chiant
Hey - thanks to everyone that participated in the "Show Us Your Grapes" contest. What a night it was. (note to the visitors from Madison with the blue "Jag": we still have your keys to the beach house.)
Now onto this week - As usual our team at the wine store and at Brie & Bleu have great line up for you this week. Please join us and take part in the longest running social event in New London - The Weekly Tasting. Every Friday night from 6 - 9 p.m. - no charge.
And remember, New London is hopping, live music, art galleries, movies, and much more. Start your evening with us, and then rediscover New London.
Now onto this week - As usual our team at the wine store and at Brie & Bleu have great line up for you this week. Please join us and take part in the longest running social event in New London - The Weekly Tasting. Every Friday night from 6 - 9 p.m. - no charge.
And remember, New London is hopping, live music, art galleries, movies, and much more. Start your evening with us, and then rediscover New London.
Coming Soon - New London's source for Big City newspapers,
magazines, candy, personal necessities, and fine tobacco.
* * *
On The Big Screen - Garde Arts Center
Don't Forget: The New London Summer Film Festival Is In Full Swing.
Tuesday 8.12.08 - 7:30 p.m. - Shine A Light - The Rolling Stones in concert. Martin Scorsese assembles a legendary team of cinematographers to capture the raw energy of the Rolling Stones like you've never seen them before.
See The Trailer HERE
Festival runs: August 6-17. FILM SCHEDULE HERE
* * *
3rd Annual Celts & Currachs Festival - Waterfront Park (off Water Street): Sat, Aug 23, 2008: 10am to 7pm. New London Main Street hosts the annual Celts & Currachs Festival. Come see how fascinating Celtic culture can be! From traditional dance, musical performances, currach races, Celtic food vendors and artisans to hands-on educational activities - there will be something for all ages! Call Tracy at New London Main Street 860-444-2489 or email her at promo@newlondonmainstreet.org for more information!
***
Brie & Bleu News:
The new summer menu at Brie & Bleu has just what you need to get the old man off of the sofa and out for a date night.
We have added things like Short Ribs and Roasted Chicken to our regular bistro style menu.
Add to that our signature potato and cheese dishes and a great wine and beer list - and even the biggest appetite will be satisfied.
Please Join Us.
···
Dave's Fave
The Monday Tasting
Click on the photo to order it now
Domaine de L'Olivette Bandol Rose $15
Hey this is one of my favorite French wines of the summer and we haven't even poured it yet! Bandol is a beautiful spot located southeast of Marseilles, with a glacial sediment ridge to the north and bountiful Mediterranean sunshine to the south. Domaine de l'Olivette blends Cinsault, Mourvedre and Grenache, grown with very low yields in soils which have been tended for millenia.
A rose for "red-wine drinkers," with classic Provencal orange rind tones, a good amount of heft and red berry fruit. I would serve chilled with a grilled trout, a pan-fried red snapper or cracked crab claws. Some new potatoes, a pile of arugula, baby red and yellow beets...oh baby!!
(Well, at least I'll have the WINE here Monday) DA.
Wine Tasting Please Join Us
Friday August 15 - 6-9 p.m. - No Charge
Can't Make It To The Tasting? - click on the photos
Friday August 15 - 6-9 p.m. - No Charge
1 - Luigi Baudana Langhe Chardonnay 2007 $18
The Baudanas tend a 4.5 hectares estate planted to Nebbiolo, Barbera, Dolcetto and a mere .5 hectare of Chardonnay.You may remember us pouring their delectable 2000 Barolo a few weeks ago. If you were here that night you know their wines are magnificent examples of craft and typicity.
The estate produces just over 2000 cases a year, and represents one of the best values in Piedmontese wines.
If you're asking yourself "Chardonnay from Italy?!" , think of it this way, why the hell not.
2 - Zeni Pinot Noir Rose $12
The Zeni Pinot Grigio Rose is our best selling Rose, but is coming to an end for the vintage. We hope that this slightly more robust brother, the Pinot Noir rose will do the job and carry us through to the fall.
While others in Trentino use Lagrein and Lambrusco for their roses, Zeni prefers the Noble grape, believing it creates a rose "of great quality, silky pink, the smell fresh, fruity, tasting kind which commemorates the cherry" . I couldn't have said it better myself.
3 - Tenuta Montebello Barbera del Monferrato 2004 "Per Marco" $18
The story goes like this. Our dear friend and importer, Mark was trudging through Piedmont barrel tasting and looking for wine to import.At Tenuta Montebello he stood over the barrel with the winemaker tasting the soon to be released 2004 vintage. One sip and he exclaimed " That's it, that's the one, that's for me" .
To which the winemaker replied, " Si, Si Per Marco" He bought it, had it bottled and sold it to us and we've loved it ever since. Fruit driven and structured, a wine to chew on and drink with big grilled meats
4 - Caparsino Chianti Classico Riserva 2004 $30
From Radda in Chianti, the Caparsa wine estate produces Caparsino from Sangiovese grapes carefully selected from a vineyard of the same name.The wines are unfiltered, and the estate practices what it calls an "independent organic method".
The emphasis is on authenticity and finesse, with fruit, acidity and tannins balanced to create a wine that is approachable in it's youth, yet capable of maturing for years.
Please Call Us Anytime With Questions
8 6 0 - 4 4 3 - 9 4 6 3
8 6 0 - 4 4 3 - 9 4 6 3
Thanks for making this so much fun every week - we appreciate your interest, comments, and your support. We hope to see you this week.
Please join us.
It's fun, informal, and a great way to start your weekend.
AAA.
Please join us.
It's fun, informal, and a great way to start your weekend.
AAA.
Sunday, August 03, 2008
The Paris Tasting, Stags Leap Cask 23, Summer Film Festival,Cloudy Bay, Chateau de Pizay Morgon, Domaine de Fenouillet, Silver Oak 2004 Alexander
Greetings from all of us in New London,
The list of wines for the Friday tasting is just below these words of interest.
Hi-Ho everybody - the summer is cruising along nicely and this week we have TWO big names to drop for our weekly tasting extravaganza.The list of wines for the Friday tasting is just below these words of interest.
First, you won't believe what Dave Anderson is pouring on Monday - check out Dave's Fave to learn more. AND Jim Morrison is pulling the cork on one of the biggest names in California on Friday night - you won't want to miss this.
People say all the time - "I've never heard of a wine store doing such a thing." "Why do you do this?" - "How can you do this?"
Basically - this is how we roll.
From day one, we decided that it would be our job to go against the grain of traditional wine shops and "packy's." We want everyone to have a little fun before they die - not just the fat-cats and lotto winners. Your enthusiasm and support has made it possible. Thank you
One of the hardest working women in New London show business has got to be Alva Greenberg. She set the bar rather high when she first opened her gallery here on State Street and has not stopped since. The recent unveiling of her new gallery is ready for your viewing pleasure.
ALVA Gallery, located at 54 State Street, New London, is now open Tuesday through Saturday, 10am to 6pm. The gallery promotes "dressing with flair and living with style" through the sale of clothing, jewelry, accessories, gifts and art. ALVA GALLERY
* * *
On The Big Screen - Garde Arts Center
Don't Forget: The New London Summer Film Festival Starts This Week.
Every year the Garde Arts Center brings us an amazing line up of entertainment that includes the always anticipated Film Festivals. Steve & Jeanne Sigel work tirelessly to bring a Big City experience right here to New London.
Start a great evening with us - have a glass of wine and a light dinner on our deck, and then stroll the beautiful flower lined streets of NL up to The Garde. It does not get any better. Festival runs: August 6-17. FILM SCHEDULE HERE
* * *
Brie & Bleu News:
The new summer menu at Brie & Bleu has just what you need to get the old man off of the sofa and out for a date night.
We have added things like Short Ribs and Roasted Chicken to our regular bistro style menu.
Add to that our signature potato and cheese dishes and a great wine and beer list - and even the biggest appetite will be satisfied.
Please Join Us.
Dave's Fave
Special Edition - Starts At 6:00 p.m.
The Monday Tasting
Click on the photo to order it now
Special Edition - Starts At 6:00 p.m.
The Monday Tasting
Click on the photo to order it now
Stag's Leap Wine Cellars Cask 23 2000 $180
On May 24, 1976, a wine tasting took place in Paris that changed the world's view of California wines forever. The unthinkable happened. Warren Winiarski's 1973 Stag's Leap Wine Cellars S.L.V. Cabernet Sauvignon - his first vintage produced with grapes from vines a mere three years old - was judged the best.
The Cabernet had bested four top-ranked Bordeaux, including first-growths Château Mouton-Rothschild and Château Haut-Brion. The 1973 Chateau Montelena Chardonnay from California bested its French counterparts.
Dave: "If you're a regular around here, you may know we're a little nuts, but when we say we're going to do something, we do it.
Like, pour one of the most famous Californian red wines for free, so we can all taste it. I'll get back to bargains next week, but this week, I'm uncorking a bottle of Cask 23. On a Monday, at 84 Bank Street, in New London at 6:00 p.m.
Why I've been given the green light isn't totally clear to me, but we all agree it is hilarious.
In 1976, Stag's Leap's first commercial vintage of Cabernet made was, remarkably, judged in a blind tasting to be the finest red wine over first-growth Bordeaux by a panel of experts in Paris - blowing their fancy French minds and immediately putting Napa on the international wine map.
Stag's Leap's flagship wine, Cask 23, is made with only their most exceptional Cabernet grapes, including fruit from some of their original 1972 vine plantings. This is a 2000 vintage and has been resting in our cellar for years.
I hope to see you on Monday - the tasting will commence at 6PM, and it may not last long!"
There is a new movie opening this week that commemorates the The Paris Tasting - it's called:"Bottle Shock" starring Alan Rickman and Bill Pullman
"Bottle Shock" movie trailer: WATCH THE TRAILER HERE
For more info on the 1976 Paris tasting: Read More Here
Wine Tasting Please Join Us
Friday August 8 - 6-9 p.m. - No Charge
Can't Make It To The Tasting? - Order it now - click on the photos
If for some reason we did not get your attention with the Cask 23 - look what Jim Morrison has pulled out of our cool dark cellar for you to try. Don't wait until the last minute this Friday - wines like this will not last long.
Friday August 8 - 6-9 p.m. - No Charge
If for some reason we did not get your attention with the Cask 23 - look what Jim Morrison has pulled out of our cool dark cellar for you to try. Don't wait until the last minute this Friday - wines like this will not last long.
1 - Cloudy Bay Chardonnay 2005 $30
This is NOT the more famous Sauvignon Blanc, but the oft overlooked Chardonnay. The Cloudy Bay vineyards are located in the Marlborough region, at the northern end of New Zealand's South Island.
Grown under ideals conditions, the vines produce intensely flavored fruit with distinctive varietal character. This is a complex, full bodied wine with ripe fruit, citrus and grassy notes.
2 - Chateau de Pizay Morgon 2007 $15
Since the Middle Ages the fine wines of the Château de Pizay have been appreciated by Beaujolais-lovers. Noble descendants of the aristocracy of selected Crus and vinified with every respect given to tradition, these wines are tasted all over the world.
Produced from Gamay du Beaujolais, the wine is bright grenadine in color, and distinguished by it's robust personality and charm.
3 - Domaine de Fenouillet Cotes du Ventoux 2006 $12
The Domaine de Fenouillet is situated in the village of Beaumes de Venise at the foot of the "Dentelles de Montmirail", the heart of the finest vineyard sites in the southern Cotes du Rhone. The Domaine has been in the hands of the Soard Family for many generations, until 1989 the grapes were harvested and immediately sold to the growers' cooperative.
Vincent and Patrick Soard took over direction of the domaine in 1989 and, at that point, began to vinify their harvest and bottle the wines now made at the estate. There are 16 hectares planted to grapes, 3 hectares within the Cotes du Ventoux appellation. Average production levels are 34 hectoliters per hectare yielding approximately 5,000 cases of wine per year for the entire estate.
4 - Silver Oak 2004 Alexander Valley Cabernet 2004 $75
The 2004 Alexander Valley Cabernet Sauvignon is a refined and complex wine that combines subtlety and depth.It has a dark ruby color with a deep red edge and displays aromas of fresh blackberries, violets, cola, nutmeg and licorice. In the mouth, the wine has a juicy attack and offers great expression of fruit and spice on the mid-palate. Its fruit-driven finish is long and elegant.
The 2004 Alexander Valley, a blend of wine from several different vineyards, is 100% Cabernet Sauvignon. The winemaker blended the vineyard lots in early 2005 and transferred the wine to 50% new and 50% once-used American oak barrels for aging. Blending prior to barreling allows the winemaker to achieve a balance of the wine's natural elements, such as fruit and tannin, before they are influenced by oak.
The wine was then aged in barrel for approximately 25 months and another 15 months in bottle to harmonize its components before release.
New London is the place to be. There is a cultural and restaurant scene that is building to a fever pitch. This past week alone saw cruise ships, live concerts, movies in the park, and visitors from all parts of the USA and beyond.
Thanks for making us part of it, and for supporting all of our events.
Please join us.
It's fun, informal, and a great way to start your weekend.
AAA.
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