The Devil's Work Is Never Done

We Have Great Mother's Day Cards
Stop In And Take A Look.
8 6 0 - 4 4 3 - 6 8 1 7

Think of us as Wine - "With Benefits."

Thanks to everyone that turned out for the weekly tasting last Friday night. If you missed it - you can imagine that the hundred dollar Beaucastel was popular - but also intoxicating. It was SO good that we opened a second bottle just to calm everyone down - I mean the stuff is like magic.

We want to let you know that we appreciate your generous support - and it is because of your continued grass roots evangelizing of our store and events to your friends and colleges - that we are able to open and share wines like the Beaucastel with you. We have a great season planned for you.

The list for the weekly tasting is just below a few items of interest.

First
Many thanks to our friends at The O'Neill for gathering at City News on Friday night. A good time was had by all.


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Our Gift Baskets Make A Lasting Impression.
Keep them in mind for Mother's Day.

Our gift baskets can be a combination of all the wonderful goodies that we have. A recent example was a box of Davidoff cigars, a bottle of Scotch, and an assortment of cheese and crackers - for a 50th birthday.

Others might include desert wine, baked goods, flowers and chocolate - you get the idea - anything goes.

Please visit our expanding cheese & gourmet department - We have an amazing selection and we love to sample them all. Please stop in and have a taste.

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In 1993, a simple but remarkable concept took root in Portland, Oregon. That concept was to handcraft superior chocolates - chocolates that would not only taste exquisite, but that would look exceptional, as well. The result would be a chocolate indulgence for all the senses. We are proud to be an authorized retailer of Moonstruck Chocolates.

Do You Know A Chocoholic?

Decadent chocolate truffles with fresh flavors found in the Pacific Northwest and beyond. Our case is full - but it goes quickly. A Great Gift For Mother's Day.

Friday April 30 - 6-9 p.m.
No Charge Please Join Us

Domaine de Ballade Sauvignon Blanc $10

Remember this one? You may not as it never made it to the tasting party. Let's go back in time to March, long, long ago: "Another little treasure from Gascony on France's northern Atlantic coast.

Has the price of Sancerre and New Zealand Sauvignon Blanc gotten to you too?

Here's is a lovely substitute - white flowers and lemon with a marvelous round finish. Crisp, clear and exquisitely made, a wonderful match for seafood and salads. This weekend cook up some fresh cod with an arugula salad - Add a couple bottles of Ballade = dinner party!" - Why, that menu sounds better suited for May 1st!

Varaschin Prosecco Cuvee Rose $15

Another in our "don't fear the rose, the sun's coming out" series, this is an old favorite that you may be familiar with. Dry sparkling Prosecco, colored with a helping of Moscato Rose, so much fruit, it's like taking a nap on a cloud of raspberries on a sunny afternoon. Still the same price, we're loading back up on the Varaschin (Brut as well), so come by and hoist a glass of our finest Italian bubbly!



Santa Ema Merlot Reserve $12

Have any of our regulars noticed how these prices haven't changed in years?
It's remarkable. We call this a brown-bag special, because we dare you to take it to a party in a brown bag and put it up against all comers. From the Maipo Valley, this concentrated Merlot was created by Italian immigrants, the Voglino family, who have been making wine in Chile for 80 years. A concentrated deep red with exquisite oak treatment - 10 months in French barrel.
If your friends are bragging about their favorite new California wallet-buster, bring this.
We'll wipe the price off.






"Costozza" di Longare Cabernet 2004 $16


Continuing our walk down memory lane, let's not forget this gorgeous Cabernet/Cab Franc from Veneto in Northern Italy.

Do you remember when this wine was $26?

Well the new vintage has come in and it's still on deep sale. May we remind fanatics 2004 (along with 2001) is considered a prize year in Italian reds? Leaner and more elegant than the '03, still the unmistakable old-world qualities of direct acidity, earthy fruit and persistent finish. Incredible with seared red meats if you're already breaking out the charcoal grill...


Please join us. Its fun, informal, and a great way to start your weekend.
AAA

Why Limit Happty To An Hour?

We Have Great Cards
Stop In And Take A Look.

8 6 0 - 4 4 3 - 6 8 1 7

Think of us as Wine - "with benefits."

A fantastic list of wine this week for the tasting - including a hundred dollar blockbuster.

The list for the weekly tasting is just below a few items of interest.

First

Beer, Burgers, Baked Potatoes, and even Merlot.
A good cheddar makes the world go round.

If you still have not seen our expanding cheese & gourmet department - what are you waiting for?We have an amazing selection of cheese and we love to sample them all. Please stop in and have a taste.


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This Wednesday - April 21st - is Administrative Professionals Day.



We have thoughtfully put together a number of options that will help you to say Thank You.


Flowers, chocolate, gourmet, wine, and combination's to grab and go.


Your team works hard making you look good all year - remember to order early for timely deliveries.








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In 1993, a simple but remarkable concept took root in Portland, Oregon. That concept was to handcraft superior chocolates - chocolates that would not only taste exquisite, but that would look exceptional, as well. The result would be a chocolate indulgence for all the senses.
We are proud to be an authorized retailer of Moonstruck Chocolates.

Do You Know A Chocoholic?
Our assortments from Moonstruck make for an experience without compare. Handcrafted, using the finest ingredients. Decadent chocolate with fresh flavors found in the Pacific Northwest and beyond.
Our case is full - but it goes quickly.

A Great Gift For Mother's Day.

Friday April 23 - 6-9 p.m.
No Charge Please Join Us

Diehl Halbtrocken Riesling $12

This is a refreshing, bright, "half-dry" Riesling from the high-altitude vineyards of Pfalz, Germany. Light and citrusy, with a bit of a sizzle on the tongue - would pair beautifully with salads, cheese and fruit. Comes in a convenient one liter bottle!

Santo Cristo "Za-Za" Rose $12

Yes, it is time to roll out the pink wine, but never fear - we're fans of the old-school dry varieties, not mass market sugar pills. This rose of Grenache is from Campo de Borja Spain, grown in the chalky and clay soils on the slopes of Moncayo. Tremendous raspberry and strawberry fruit combine with cinnamon and a creamy finish. A lovely addition to a warm spring afternoon.

Chateau Soucherie Anjou $20

Great Loire Valley reds seem to be harder to find, but well worth it - this one is a stunner. Cabernet Franc from northern France, light alcohol and rich roasted beet flavors combine with hints of smoke and leather. A very pretty red, not overpowering, but with enough muscle to combine with hearty beef or lamb dishes. Orsini sausage with spinach and white beans? Or wood-grilled chicken thighs and mushrooms!

Chateau de Beaucastel Chateauneuf-du-Pape 2006 $100

We have a good stash of these simmering in the cellar, and figured we should just reaquaint ourselves. From the Perrin family comes this benchmark, gorgeous Chateauneuf from the heart of France's Rhone Valley.

This may be Our Favorite Wine of all time.
A bottle for the ages - winemaker Marc Perrin might call drinking these too young "infanticide," it is true they will develop the most extraordinary flavors at around the dozen-year mark, and continue to smolder well into their twenties. But we need some reference point, non?

Please come and get a sip - we will only open ONE, so arrive early. (We also have half bottles at $55)

Please Join Us - it's fun, informal, and a great way to start your weekend.

AAA.

The Tax Time Cure

We Have Great Cards For Mother's Day
Stop In And Take A Look.

8 6 0 - 4 4 3 - 6 8 1 7
The wine list for Friday is just below these few items of interest - we always pour a little heavy at tax time - we hope to see you this week.

Think of us as Wine - "with benefits."

This past Wednesday New London's own Murray "The Eye" Renshaw - brought his TV camera to City News for an interview with Tomas Lochem, Master Cigar Maker. If you are a fan of the show - you know that no ones does an interview like Murray. So watch for the show Thursday nights at 8 p.m. on your local channel 26.

Consider This:
It may be time to rediscover the original Dry Martini.
No other cocktail can sooth the angry blow of the Taxman like this one can. It is a timeless classic - and even though the hipster's have "Tini-Ized" just about everything, it is this magic potion that will always endure. We have an exceptionally fine selection of Gin on our shelves stop in and have a look.

A London dry gin can stand up to a lot more vermouth than you might suspect.
The original 1910s-era formula for this iconic drink demonstrates that fact elegantly:

1.5 ounces London dry or Plymouth gin
1.5 ounces of French white dry vermouth
2 dashes of orange bitters and a strip of orange peel.

In a large glass, combine gin, vermouth, bitters, and 2 cups ice. Stir for 15 seconds and strain into a chilled cocktail glass. Twist a strip of orange peel over the top and drop it in. Honestly - there is something perfect about this, give it a try.

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April 21 is Administrative Professionals Day.


We have thoughtfully put together a number of options that will help you to say Thank You without straining the new budgets that are in place at most businesses.

Your team works hard making you look good all year - remember to order early for timely deliveries.














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We have a ton of easy ways to make a gathering at home really shine. We can deliver it right to your front door too. All you have to do is take credit for being a fabulous host.

Tax Time Tasting
Friday April 16 - 6-9 p.m.
No Charge Please Join Us

No-shows, pinch-hitters and old standbys...
A common feature of our wine tastings is substitution.
Great wines sell out, are forgotten, ruined, even jacked by mysterious forces in some Jersey shipyard - really, it could happen.

We proudly avoid the mass-produced corporate marketing exercises that pass for wine.
We don't really have anything against them - its just not our jam- that's all. And besides, you can find them anywhere.

But it's still a bummer when we can't deliver the goods.
So this Friday we will celebrate bottles which have been tardy, unreliable, or got in the game in times of crisis - in order to toast YOU, our patient, understanding customers! *All selections subject to availability.

La Vieille Ferme Cotes du Luberon Blanc $9

Last month we had planned to pour a little Sauvignon from Gascony, a wine which fell into a wormhole, perhaps to be rediscovered in the future on Star Trek.

So this little white Rhone from "The Old Chicken Farm" was the unannounced white feature at the tasting.


What a lovely surprise! Gorgeous, multi-layered and glossy (Grenache Blanc, Bourboulenc, Ugni Blanc and Roussanne).
A pearl in under-$15 whites, at significantly less...









Louis Max Pinot Noir $18


"Remember me? You were supposed to try me LAST Friday, and hopefully I will have made it into Southeastern Connecticut by the time you read this!" That was the wine talking. You may even remember our bold proclamation: "This is the best Pinot under 20 bucks we have ever carried!"
So yeah, see for yourself - if we can get our hands on it. From the Cote d'Or in the heart of Burgundy, France, etc. It's awesome. We still want to pour it and make it a regular on the shelf!


Gran Familia Rioja $14

We kept searching for old-school Riojas while our favorites ran out or stopped being imported.

Luckily this trend seems to be cycling back - we are not alone in craving the classic delicate style (conversely, if you want a BIG Spanish wine there are plenty to choose from).

This pretty wine at this price makes so much sense.

Our only regret is that we haven't always had it on hand for you - please retry on Friday.








Fratelli Allesandri Barbera d'Alba $27


This bottle with the pink capsule used to linger patiently on the shelf then got caught up in the whirlwind of celebrity.

Stunningly crafted Barbera from one of the greatest producers we carry. This hasn't been around because when we can get it, it's already out the door.

A certain somebody buys every case.We snagged an extra case this time, hope there's still some here on Friday, but if not...well that's the whole point of this exercise anyway!










Thanks again for a great week, we appreciate your support.

Please Join Us - it's fun, informal, and a great way to start your weekend.

AAA.

Spring Fever Tasting

We Have Great Cards - Lots of Them.
Stop In And Take A Look.

8 6 0 - 4 4 3 - 6 8 1 7

The wine list for Friday is just below these few items of interest.

Think of us as Wine - "with benefits."


Many thanks to Mark Peele for tickling the ivories this past Friday - he made a great night even better.

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International Dogs Debut This Week at The Beanery

Care for a little Fiery Kimchi on your "Korean Dog?"
or maybe some shaved Dubliner cheese on your Irish Cheddar Dog. This Wednesday we push the concept of the hot dog to a new level.
We will feature the world famous Mucke's hot dog with it's all natural casing. Then add perfect buttery rolls from the grill and an assortment of international flavors. Please join us for something different this Wednesday at The Beanery. 70 State Street in New London.

Spring Fever Tasting
Friday April 9 - 6-9 p.m.
No Charge Please Join Us

Louis Max Beaucharme Chardonnay $16

It's been a long time since I woke up actually excited because a couple cases of wine were coming in...Friday was one of those days! From Louis Max comes what we believe are two of the best values to be found in two favorite varietals. Let's start with the Chardonnay: from Burgundy, France (where else?), mellow, aromatic, cool and pleasant. Pale gold, with fresh pear, butter and white flowers. (Arugula salad with spring asparagus and toasted pine nut?)

Louis Max Beaucharme Pinot Noir $18

Next up, their Pinot Noir - I'm going to go out on a vine here and announce: "This is the best Pinot under 20 bucks we have ever carried!" Again - from The Source: Cote d'Or, in Burgundy, France, Pinot's hometown. Brilliant red, with cherry, kirsch and notions of lime and mint. (They also make a Monopole, in the Mercurey vineyard - stay tuned)

Fratelli Corsi Michelangelo Chianti $10

Here's a nice little find for bargain hunters, genuine Sangiovese-based Chianti with a light, peppery dried-flower bouquet. Soft-textured with dark berry undertones, a Chianti that won't pickle your tongue. Ideal for pasta and pizza, or next to a big Caesar salad!

Carlo Giacosa Dolcetto d'Alba "Cuchet" $18

•••

This small-production gem comes from the heart of Tuscany. Deep violet tones and bright red plummy fruit, giving way to an earthy, morel mushroom and smoked wood character. Round, full-bodied and velvety. This shows brilliantly with food - say, Orsini fennel sausage in red sauce over pan-seared polenta with shaved romano and wilted spinach? Just an idea...

Thanks for all of the reservations and party plans for the coming weeks. Brie & Bleu and City News are great venues for a private get together. Graduation & wedding season is upon us and we have options to suit rehearsal dinners, birthdays, and client meetings too. Please give us a call to discuss your plans.

Thanks also for all of the kind words about our new staff members and the very enthusiastic input on the new menu ideas we have been trying out. We can hardly wait for Brie & Bleu to open for the season*.

Please Join Us - it's fun, informal, and a great way to start your weekend.

AAA.

*Brie & Bleu will be back to regular dinner service at the end of May.