It's Official

It's Official - The Countdown Begins. Top 100 Wines Make A Great Gift Shafer Relentless - Wine Of The Year - 96 points WS.  Fontodi Flaccianello - Rated 96 Points Calera Central Coast Pinot Noir - Rated 93 Points Can Blau Monsant - Rated 91 Points - SOLD OUT  Nyers Caneros Chardonnay - Rated 93 Points - SOLD OUT  Mollydooker Shiraz - Rated 94 Point We even have a couple of 100 point  wines on the shelf. Valdicava Brunello di Montalcino D.O.C.G. Madonna del Piano Riserva 2006 - Wine Spectator  practically weeps over this when they describe it - and a 2009 Jean Louis Chave Hermitage.  This Friday Night    Maria Garcia-Izquierdo - 3 Castillos Importing & Charles Lebel - Monsouier Touton Selections present PradoRey Crianza - Rated 90 Points Robert Parker PradoRey's history dates back to 1503 when the Earl of Ribadeo sold the Real Sitio de Ventosilla estate to Queen Isabella I of Castile, belonging to the Crown of Castile until 1521 when King Charles I bestowed the estate to the 2nd Marquis of Denia. The Crianza shows a cherry red color with strong bluish shades, brilliant and intense color. Intense nose with dominance of ripe red fruit, and a touch of sweetness derived from its time in oak barrels. Rich in the mouth with round tannins and pleasant freshness on the palate. Velvety rich finish with strong fruitiness. One of the great Crianza's of all time. This wine is a must try on Friday. Remarkable on its own or with your holiday menu.  LAN - Rioja - Rated 90 Points Wine Spectator #44 On the Top 100 list in 2010 Lan Reserva is brilliant ripe black cherry red color with good depth. Fruity aromas with elegant nuances of fine wood. "Fresh and balanced, this red brims with cherry, spice and licorice, with light, firm tannins and vibrant acidity. The texture is generous yet delicate. Not heavy, but vivacious. It shows good balance on the palate coming from the sweet and elegant tannins. The wine is delicious paired with cold starters, pasta, cheeses. Also perfect as a wine by the glass." WS. Roureda Llicorella Seleccio - Rated 93 Points - RP Robert Parker: "Llicorella Seleccio raises the bar significantly. It is a blend of Garnacha Negra, Carinena, Cabernet Sauvignon and Syrah aged for 12-14 months in French and American oak. Dark ruby in color, it has a fragrant bouquet of pain grille, leather, mineral, meat, blue and black fruits which jumps from the glass. The wine has terrific grip, a racy style, and intense, sweet fruit. The finish is long and pure. Drink this beauty over the next 10 years." Robert Parker. Deluxe - it is full, deeply layered, and a standout for serving with big holiday meals. We will pair it up with a full bodied cave aged cheese for you to try ion Friday night. Please join us. Also Available Moonstruck Holiday Truffles Have Arrived. Perfect For The Chocolate Lover On Your List. Events Calendar There Is No Charge For Any Of The Following Events This Wednesday 12.12.12 - Doug Rankin / Brooks Wines FULL  - WAIT LIST ONLY RSVP - 6PM  - 12.12.12. - 860-443-6817 Oregon Super Wines - Doug Rankin of Fountainhead Selections & Janie Brooks of Brooks Wines. Doug Rankin will be here in the studio, and we will be joined via Skype by the owner of Brooks wines. FOUNDED in 1998, Brooks is a reflection of the visionary Portland native, Jimi Brooks.  His reverence for the land and vines made him a practitioner of organic and biodynamic farming.  "One of the best wine stories in the Northwest is how excellent wines continue to be made under the Brooks name..." - Cole Danehower, Northwest Palate Magazine It doesn't get any better than this if your looking to discover the wine of the Great Northwest and to meet with one of the most knowledgeable people in the wine business - Doug Rankin. We will be pairing these remarkable wines with a selection of cave Aged Cheese from Artisinal in New York and we are looking forward to a great night. Please Join Us. FRIDAY 12.21.12 - No Reservation required. Eric Bellnier will be pouring from one of the best Italian portfolios in the business. This pre-Christmas bash will include some very cool wines. And if we know Mr. Bellnier there will be a taste of something special. The last time he was here the 1979 Barberesco was generously sampled with you. Who knows what he has planned this time. BUZZ - News & Events          We have to thank everyone for the comments and kind words about the holiday atmosphere here in the stores. The lights, the trees, the Good Will Toward Men... We appreciate the support you have been showing to us and to all of the small businesses here in New London. It really does make a difference. We hope to see you this week. Drink Different.

ThamesRiver.com Please Join Us On Friday Night. It Is Fun Informal And A Great Way To Start Your Weekend. Wine & Cheese Tasting Every Friday 5-8 PM - No Charge

The Atmosphere Will Be Lively

The Thanksgiving party may be over - and the leftovers are just about gone, but now it is time to get down to business.

Special items have started to arrive for the holidays.
The big names from California, the iconic names from Europe and South America. They are all on our shelves now. There is very limited availability on some of these items - Here are just a few.

El Nido - Rated 96 Points - Robert Parker:"Deep, bright ruby. Powerful aromas of blackberry, blueberry, smoky herbs, potpourri and Asians spices. Weighty dark berry flavors display a liqueur-like depth, with zesty minerality providing lift and velvety tannins adding support. Manages to be large-scaled and lithe at once, finishing with real cut and clarity. This seamless wine is delicious now, and I'd be inclined to drink it young for its alluring, vivacious fruit."

One of the most sought after and famous wines from Spain. It is seriously hard to find. In a beautiful gift box this is a true collectors item - ready to enjoy young, but if you have the patience it will reward you and your friends in 10-15 years. First Come First Served.

33 Years In The making

Flora Springs TRILOGY

Rated 94 Points The Wine Enthusiast:

"The 2009 Trilogy possesses all the attributes that make Trilogy so great - Ripe berries, allspice, white chocolate, espresso and black currant.  

Three varietals merge together to form a beautiful balanced lush wine that makes you just want to have one more sip. The Merlot brings out the red fruits, while the Cabernet and Malbec are responsible for the black fruits.  

We are proud to say that after 33 years of winemaking and 25 years of crafting Trilogy, Flora Springs is still breaking new ground. We credit the consistent organic and sustainable farming practices of our vineyard team as well as the focus and direction of our winemaker, Paul Steinauer."

Critical Acclaim:

"A lovely wine, soft and charming, but far from simple. Although it has complex layers of cherries, blackberries, cassis and cedar, it also shows a fine structure of ripe, smooth tannins and supporting acidity."

We had a full case on Wednesday we are down to 4-5 bottles. The suggested price is $75 - it is on our shelf for 60. A great gift for the holidays.

Also Available 

Make The Holiday Memorable

Gift baskets in every combination.
Great corporate gift ideas in all price categories.
And remember - we deliver.









Gourmet & Cave Aged cheese from NY's Artisinal.
Taste the difference - it really is a world a part.




Include Safe Harbor beer along with your favorite beverages this season. Widely available this is a medium bodied beer that is lightly hoppy. Brewed to especially delicious with food without being heavy. New London's beer makes a great gift and is a perfect conversation starter  this holiday season. We include free SH coasters when you buy it here, but asking for it at your favorite restaurant, bar, or retail outlet helps to support this local effort. Icy Cold & Delicious - ask for Safe Harbor Today.

Events Calendar

There Is No Charge For Any Of The Following Events

This Friday night meet local author Marci Alborgheti.
Wine & Cheese tasting and reception starts at 6:00 PM.

6 PM - Friday 11.30.12 - Meet Local Author Marci Alborghetti - and have copies of her latest books signed just in time for your holiday giving.

 

 

DECEMBER 

RSVP - 6PM  - 12.12.12. - 860-443-6817
Oregon Super Wines Doug Rankin of Fountainhead Selections & Janie Brooks of Brooks Wines
Doug Rankin will be here in the studio, and we will be joined via Skype by the owner of Brooks wines. It doesn't get any better than this if your looking to discover the wine of the Great Northwest. Please reserve your seats early - space is limited.

FRIDAY 12.21.12

Eric Bellnier will be pouring from one of the best Italian portfolios in the business. This pre-Christmas bash will include some very cool wines. And if we know Mr. Bellnier there will be a taste of something special. The last time he was here the 1979 Barberesco was generously sampled with you. 

BUZZ - News & Events 

     

 

There is a lot going on Friday night. First we have local author Marci Alborghetti. She will be meeting, greeting, and signing copies of her most recent books - she will be stationed at the City News desk in The Greenery.

Over in the wine store we will be pouring a variety of specials to get you thinking about the fast approaching holidays. And if you like cheese - there will be plenty to sample. The atmosphere will be lively. We hope you can join us.

Drink Different.

Be Gentle - Its His Very First Time

THIS FRIDAY NIGHT
The Black Sheep Of Chile 

7th Annual Wines of Chile Awards - Oveja Negra Wines

Best Value Award for Oveja Negra Wines

For the past couple of months, one of our regular salespeople, Mr. Shawn Taylor, has been cajoling us to let him host a Friday night and present to you a selection of wine. We put him off as long as we possibly could - but we ran out of reasons to postpone. And so, for the very first time, on our big stage - please welcome Shawn Taylor and the wines of Oveja Negra. He sincerely looks forward to meeting you and sharing these award winning selections from Chile.

This emblematic San Rafael Estate is located in the geographical area of San Rafael in the Maule Valley, close to the Andes Mountains and the Descabezado Volcano.

Since 1994 550-hectares have been planted predominantly to red varieties. In 1998 this all organic project commenced totaling today 38 hectares planted to Cabernet Franc, Cabernet Sauvignon, Chardonnay, Sauvignon Blanc, Merlot, Malbec, Syrah and Pinot Noir. In search of better expression and identity of each variety, Oveja Wines has  investigated the range that best match the characteristics of the soil in San Rafael.

The climate is Mediterranean throughout the valley, with variations from the coast to the Andes. Even temperatures and scant precipitation is the norm due to the proximity to the Pacific Ocean.

There is no doubt that these wines are a bargain for upcoming holidays and you may consider stocking up a bit.  Please join us on Friday night.

1 - Sauvignon Blanc/Carmenere - 11    90 Points  2 - Cabernet Sauvignon / Syrah - 11     88 Points  3 - Cabfranc / Carmenere - 11                89 Points  4 - Lost Barrel - 14                                   90 Points  This is an opportunity to get a taste of the Maule Valley wine region in Chile's Central Valley. Although not as well-known as some of the country's other wine regions, Maule is the largest and one of the oldest in Chile.           Calendar Review November & December are full of special visitors and events - please mark your calendars, AND Please be sure to RSVP when indicated. There Is No Charge For Any Of The Following Events   RSVP - 6 PM - Wednesday - 11.14.12 Wines of the Rhone Presented by Roger Hoadley of Slocum & Sons. RSVP - 6 PM - Thursday November 11.15.12 Michael Mondavi Joins us via Skype from his home in Napa Valley. Limited Seating for this event. We will be joined locally by Stefan Wich from Hartley & Parker distributors. 6PM Friday 11.16 .12 - A special night that unites the experts from Artisanal Cheese in New York and Jim Kowalyschyn from Esprit Du Vin Wines. Both will be here in the store pairing wine and cheese and answering questions that should all add up to a great night and a way to make your holiday shopping very easy indeed. 3 PM - Saturday 11.17.12 - 3pm - Italian Super Tasting - with Eric Bellnier. LETS HAVE A LITTLE FUN - 8 different wines AND we will open and share a 1979 bottle of Barbaresco! - because we can. Wednesday November 21st - Ryan Connolly Martin Scott Wines 6 PM - Friday Novenber 30 - Book Signing Meet Local Author Marci Alborgheti - and have copies of her latest books signed just in time for your holiday giving. DECEMBER - RSVP - 6PM  - 12.12.12. - Oregon Super Wines Doug Rankin of Fountainhead Selections & Janie Brooks of Brooks Wines And more to come. BUZZ - News & Events          Because of the storm last week, we know that many of you missed the email and are wondering about seating for some of the events. If any of the upcoming events strikes your fancy - give us a call. We can review availability and accommodate as many people as possible. It is better to call now and make a reservation than to wait until the last minute - limited seating goes quickly - 8 6 0 - 4 4 3 - 6 8 1 7. And if your plans change - please call to let us know - there are people on the waiting list that can be offered your seats. First of their kind, ground breaking, one on one - that's what we are working on now. And it is only because of your remarkable support that we are able to make these types of events happen. Thank you for being part of the revolution. Drink Different.

 ThamesRiver.com

 

 

Please Join Us On Friday Night.

It Is Fun Informal And A Great Way To Start Your Weekend.

 

Wine & Cheese Tasting Every Friday 5-8 PM - No Charge

Ground Breaking News

What A Beautiful Audience

How would you like to taste wine with Michael Mondavi himself? You will have your chance in November - and in the next few weeks we will publish a list of guests that will set a new benchmark for bringing our friends and customers directly to the makers of the greatest wines in the world.

First of their kind, ground breaking, one on one - that's what we are working on now. And it is only because of your remarkable support that we are able to make these types of events happen. Thank you for being part of the revolution. Drink Different.

This Friday - 10.16.12

1 - Cline 2011 Cashmere - $16

Let's face it: $16 wine values from the Côtes Du Rhône region of southeastern France are among the world's best red wine values. But that doesn't mean that California versions, using similar grape blends, shouldn't also share space on your wine rack. Cline Cellars has been doing Rhône for years, and one of their most recent incarnations, seductively named "Cashmere," is a treat.

Garnet/ruby color. High-toned, slightly grapey nose, with appealing brightness and notes of fresh herbs, raspberry, Kirsch, and coffee grounds. Turns more toward cherry flavors and hints of milk chocolate in its smooth, warm and balanced texture. Good acids on the finish to cut through burgers, lamb chops or a mushroom/onion tart. (A blend of Mourvèdre, Grenache and Syrah)


Cline Cellars proudly supports Living Beyond Breast Cancer and over the years has contributed more than $200,000 to breast cancer foundations.

We are proud to support their efforts this Friday night - please join us.


 2 - Paso a Paso Verdejo - $12

 
This winery is located in the best terroir of La Mancha found in the eastern region of the ¨Denomination of Origin. Sandy soils with lots of chalk. Winters are very cold; summers are hot with cool nights and it is a very arid climate. The grapes for this wine come from 14 hectares ( 34 acres) of Verdejo vines planted in 1998. The yield is 4T/ha (1.60 T/acre). After very careful vineyard selections, only the best vines of Verdejo grapes are hand harvested.

Tanzer's Internation Wine Cellars::
"Green-tinged gold. Very fresh scents of quince, melon and agave. Juicy and broad in the mouth, with good depth to its pit and orchard fruit flavours. Becomes spicier with air and finishes with strong cut and a lingering citrus pith note. This offers excellent value. "


This has got to be one of the best values we have offered in a long time - this is a wine that you will want to have around for the rest of the year. Perfect for dinners, hosting a holiday get together, or just sipping with friends. It is as they say - a crowd pleaser.  Please try it on Friday night.

The Fall Season - Events

WINE WORKS LIKE MAGIC

Please Mark Your Calendars

Wednesday - 10.24.12 - The Wines Of South Africa
No Charge - Please RSVP - Limited SeatingPresented by Knauth & Visser. Paired with small plates.
Learn about the great South African Winelands and try wine that is available here for the first time.

SPECIAL - Friday - 11.16.12 - No Charge - RSVP Required

Very Limited Seating
Jim Kowalyschyn Espris Du Vin Wine &
Samantha Brennen Artisinal Cheese of
New York.
Wine and cheese pairings presented by two of the leaders in the field.

SATURDAY - 11.17.12 - 3PM
Eric Bellnier presents Essential Italian Wines for the holidays.
Special pricing on Award Winning Fontodi Wines.

ALSO -

Friday October 19
Mangetout Restaurant
We have a collaboration dinner event with Mangetout the
Organic Cafe just up the block.

An Organic Oktoberfest Dinner and wine pairing
Friday, October 19 
Just Two Seatings
6pm & 8pm.

We will be pairing wine with each course. You must contact Mangetout directly to make reservations. Seating Is Very Limited. 8 6 0 - 4 4 4 - 2 0 6 6. Do Not Wait To Call if you are interested.

THIS FRIDAY NIGHT Will will be joined by a special guest - Please Join Us. 1 - Clos des Mures a Single Vineyard Syrah - $16 Jean-Claude Mas has blazed the trail for premium winemaking in the Languedoc region of the South of France. Since taking the helm of the centuries-old Domaines in 2000, his driving mission has been to use only premium quality grapes to craft superior wines with a modern, New World flair. Intense purple violet with garnet tints. Complex nose with blackcurrants, violet, blackberries, turning to cacao and spices. Well balanced and smooth tannins, full bodied. WINEMAKER: "Grapes, some of which are cultivated on 40-year old vines, benefit from hot summer days and a cooling sea breeze. A deep garnet red wine.Complex on the nose with aromas of blackcurrants, violets and blackberries that evolve into hints of cocoa and spice. Elegant and fruit-filled on the palate, liquorice and toasted notes lead   to a long-lasting and well-balanced finish over smooth tannins.  The Syrah vines are between 26 and 46 years old, the Grenache 47 years old. The wine is aged for 10 months in French and American Seguin Moreau and François Frére oak barrels 30% new oak barrels, 35% 1 year old oak barrels, 35% 2 year old oak barrel. Intense purple violet with garnet tints. Complex nose with blackcurrants, violet, blackberries, turning to cacao and spices. Well balanced and smooth tannins, full bodied. Strong fruity characters with a long finish evolving towards liquorice and toasted notes. Elegant and refined.  Food pairing: Preferably pasta dishes, beef stews, red meat, game, pate and soft full flavor cheeses."     2 - La Forge Estate, Languedoc France - $14    Deep Bright and lovely light garnet-red colour. Nose: Very elegant with a quintessence of red berries, strawberry, cherry, and soft spices aromas with a hint of vanilla. Palate: It's a medium bodied wine, with ripe tannins and acidity which testify his capability to age. It develops very delicate aromas and a long lasting finish. Pinot Noir causes more discussion and dispute in the wine world than any other grape variety, most of which centers around the wine style which best represents the 'true' Pinot Noir. Examples from Central Otago are so different from those grown in Santenay that even an untrained palate can tell them apart. Yet both are unmistakably, unquestionably Pinot Noir. It is this strength of character which has made Pinot Noir such an internationally successful and desirable grape variety. Pairs well with grilled red meats such as lamb, veal, pork and game. Also goes well with soft cheeses such as brie or goat's cheese. 3 - Domaine Paul Mas Carignan 2010 - $14 Never heard of Carignan? Until around 1990, it was the most widely grown grape in France. The workhorse grape of France and Spain, its ancestral home (where it is called Cariñena), Carignan is traditionally used in blends and is the primary, unsung ingredient in French wines that are labeled simply "Red table wine" or "Vin de Table." That is why most people have heard of Carignan only in passing, or not at all. Located on the hillsides of the Hérault overlooking the Mediterranean Sea, the Savignac vineyard is the ideal growing location for Carignan grapes. These mature vines, some over 50-years old, have reached a perfect natural balance. Even though produced in the Côteaux du Languedoc, Cru Grés de Montpellier appellation, this single varietal wine can only be designated IGP Pays de L'Hérault.   100% Carignan On the nose, spices and blackberry give way to aromas of cherry jam and cocoa over toasted oak notes. A full-bodied, rich and mellow wine, with delicious velvety tannins and complex flavors.    BUZZ - News & Events          As promised our dance card is filling up for the coming season. Please take a moment to check your calendar with our posted dates. If you see something that you like, don't wait to call because things fill up quickly. We will be adding more attractions and finalizing more special guests in the next couple of weeks Thanks for all of the comments and suggestions that we receive every week. We try to incorporate as many of your ideas as possible. AND Thank you for the support, we know there are a lot of choices you can make for shopping - but keeping your business local and supporting small business in New London is greatly appreciated. We hope to see you soon.

 ThamesRiver.com

Please Join Us On Friday Night.

It Is Fun Informal And A Great Way To Start Your Weekend.

Wine & Cheese Tasting Every Friday 5-8 PM - No Charge