Stop & Think

New Yorker Cards Available At City News

Greetings From New London

Thanks for the great turnout last week for both our wine tasting and the first Yoga Basics at City News.
Just a reminder that we have a huge selection of health and fitness magazines - and the biggest selection of YOGA magazines in New London - at City News.

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Remember that Administrative Professional Day - is just around the corner. We have a number of very cost effective ways to say thank you with style. Order early for timely delivery. 8 6 0 - 4 4 3 - 6 8 1 7

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Wine Tasting
Please Join Us
Friday April 17 - 6-9 p.m. - No Charge

1 - Four Vines Naked Chardonnay 2007 $12
Step away from the barrel! This Chardonnay was fermented in 100% stainless steel and has not seen any oak, nor does it want to. This is crisp, concentrated Chardonnay with all its natural acid. Naked exhibits apple, white peach, and pear, finishing long with hints of citrus and mineral. Eat oysters and drink "Naked" often!! Share with a friend.












2 - Four Vines Old Vine Cuvee Zinfandel 2006 $12

Four Vines has such a great wealth of Zinfandel that they have the ability to put together a fantastic multi-appellation Zin Blend. On the nose the wine has layers of berry fruit and anise aromas with hints of spice. On the palate, blackberry and spicy plum fruit with a rich mouth feel trailing to a velvety toasted oak finish. Enjoy with a friend!










3 - Domaine Du Gour Chaule Cotes du Rhone 2007 $18

The Domaine du Gour de Chaulé, situated in the heart of the village of Gigondas, was founded in 1900 by Eugene Bonfils, the grandfather of the current proprietor, Aline Bonfils.

All the wine produced at the estate was sold in bulk to negociants until 1972 when the mother of Madame Bonfils began to bottle a small percentage for sale to private clients. The tradition of estate bottling has continued to grow under the direction of Aline Bonfils so that now approximately 50% of the annual production is selected for sale in bottle (approximately 25,000 to 30,000 bottles).

The domaine comprises 15 hectares, 10 of which are within Gigondas with the remaining 5 situated in the surrounding communes of Vacqueyras and Violes. 85% of the vineyards are planted to Grenache, with approximately 10% dedicated to Syrah and Mourvedre and the balance planted to Cinsault.

4 - Ondarre Rioja 2004 $18

For more than two years now I have been seriously divided about Spanish wine. The overwhelming majority of wine available to me was very modern and failed to express the authentic terroir of Spain. Those wines that were classically styled were often very expensive. Not knowing what to do, I did nothing, I waited.

Then one day an old friend walked in the door, Juan Carlos Rodriguez . Juan Carlos is, by all accounts, the most knowledgeable Spanish wine representative in the state of Connecticut, or as we say in New London, "Juan Carlos is the Man". But most importantly he has a great plate and at heart, he is a classicist.

He brought with him new wines, wines he had chosen himself, wines that are the best Spain has to offer. Interesting, traditional, authentic and very well priced, his wines are the most exciting Spanish wines I've seen in years.

This week we will try his Ondarre Rioja 2004, made of 100% Graciano. Graciano is one of the five grapes allowed in Rioja. It is typically blended into a Rioja to add color, structure and aging potential, much the way Petite Verdot is used in Bordeaux. I have tried thousands of Spanish wines, and spent an entire week in Rioja, but this is the first straight Graciano I've ever seen.

Incredibly structured, with deep dark flavors, this wine is a magnificent example of the varietal and fantastic value at only $18.

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Thanks for all of the comments lat week, we appreciate your support. Please join us. It's fun, informal and a great way to start your weekend.

AAA.

Are You Emotionally Equipped For This Week?

Greetings From New London

The Line up for the Friday night tasting is unbelievable. In fact it may change some of you forever.

We may have a nurse or two on hand to evaluate you as you enter - and some may be asked to sign waivers before being allowed to visit our cellar.

One of the featured wines is legendary - I hope you can join us. The list is just below these announcements.

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Great fun last Wednesday night at the second Italian Wine Dinner presented at City News. Anne Haviland was in the kitchen, Ashley Turney informed us about Italy and the wine flowed like water - nobody pours like like Jim Morrison. And special thanks to Alwynn Mattern & Peter Schmidt for keeping everything moving beautifully.

And of course, there was a surprise or two - Frank Ribas had a birthday basket FULL goodies delivered right to his lap - and we had to send out a search party for Henry Doughton - we found him singing

"O Sole Mio" up in the lounge - where he got the old COR-DEEN he was squeezing - we may never know.

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

1 - Henri Bourgeois Petit Bourgeois Sauvignon Blanc 2007 $11
The grapes come from the slopes of the Loire Valley known as "The Garden of France". This wine ferments in thermoregulated stainless steel tanks then matures for 3 months on its fine lees.

Very aromatic with pleasant flower and fruit fragrances recalling the flower of the vine and the fruit of the Sauvignon. On the palate it reveals a freshness and vivacity characteristic of grapes harvested at good maturity. Petit Bourgeois is most expressive served chilled.








2 - El molinet Valencia 2006 $15
77% Tempranillo and 23% Cabernet Sauvignon

This project started as a tribute to Tempranillo by winemaker Joaquin Galvez and Aurelio.
With Tempranillo forming the backbone of Spain's most famous wines, the La Viña Cooperative in Valencia planted Tempranillo widely with the goal of reproducing some of the qualities of those famous wines.
This project would not be possible without the wealth of vineyards and range of altitudes the coop has planted. Contrary to popular opinion that Valencia is too warm for Tempranillo, the cooperative has planted the varietal at a range of altitudes from 300 to nearly 900 meters above sea level, at these high altitudes, the Tempranillo ripens slowly developing a tremendous aromatic potential.

The lower altitude vines take advantage of cooling sea breezes and the higher altitude vines cooler night to maintain and develop those aromatic qualities.

The reason Cabernet Sauvignon is blended into the wine is to allow for a stylistic continuity vintage to vintage.
The varietals are co-fermented in stainless steel tanks and aged 6 months in oak barrels prior to being bottled unfiltered.


3 - Beckman Cabernet Sauvignon 2006 $24

This is still our best selling California Cabernet, all estate fruit, only 1815 cases made. For the life of us we cannot figure out why the price has not gone through the roof.
The name Beckman has been whispered around as the "next big thing" for a while now.
Awed and inspired by a perfect convergence of soil, microclimate, wind and sun - Tom Beckmen purchased a stunning, unplanted 365-acre hillside property overlooking the Santa Ynez Valley in 1996. Respect for the land is a fundamental element of the Beckmen Vineyards philosophy.

In this spirit, beginning in 2006, Steve Beckmen began farming 100 percent of the Purisima Vineyard biodynamically. In the years since Beckmen first started farming Purisima Mountain Vineyard, it has proved to be an ideally situated property that consistently bears superior fruit. The stellar vineyard, together with Tom and Steve Beckmen's approach to winegrowing and their innovative viticultural practices, represents a coming of age for Santa Barbara County winegrowing.

For lovers of Cabernet you will not want to miss this one. The nose of this wine is almost bottomless with aromas of jammy black cherry, earth, and chocolate. Flavors start off big and follow up with a seductively long finish. Please try it on Friday.

4 - Dujac Fils & Pere Vosne-Romanee 1er Cru "Aux Malconsorts" 2005 $236

Some people are simply not equipped emotionally to taste this wine. We will have tissues on hand for those of you that - need them.

If you have to ask what this wine is, you are not ready to try it.

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It is your continued support that allows us to pour wine like the legendary Dujac Fils & Pere Vosne-Romanee 1er Cru "Aux Malconsorts" 2005 $236.

We offer these kind of wines with out charge because we believe that everyone should have the opportunity to try them and judge for themselves why they are considered the best.

We feel especially privileged to offer these wines to you in this new economy - we sincerely appreciate your support at all of our stores and for all of the input that you send to us. We are listening.

Please join us. It's fun, informal and a great way to start your weekend.

AAA.