Drink Different This Friday Night

It is cooling off - the nighttime air is inviting an extra layer or two. And the best wines for the season have started to arrive.

THIS FRIDAY NIGHT

We are running so very late this week that there is almost no time at all to list the goodies we have for this week's tasting.  

Let me just say that in addition to some very tasty fall selections - This Friday is a good night to sample something different. When is the last time that you tried White Port? This is a very traditional European thing - chilled white port is just right before dinner and just after that drive home from work.

  

White Port is made the same way as other Port wine but is made from white--rather than red--grapes, and little juice-to-skin contact is allowed. This produces a bright, clear wine. 

White Port is a polarizing style of port produced by every major house on the Douro river. The style, often derided by traditionalists, has become increasingly popular as a chilled aperitif and mixing agent in cocktails. Typically inexpensive, white port is almost universally produced to a medium (or higher) sweetness level.    

Wine Club members may add a bottle of Santa Eufémia White Port to their next delivery for just $10.

Cellar Club Members may choose one bottle of Santa Eufémia red or white port at no additional charge. 

Please join us every Friday 

5:00-8:00 PM - No Charge 

BUZZ      

We are booking the coming months with many special events and guests - some informal, some a little more formal. But all of them entertaining.

Thank you all for the continued support - it has made a lot of things possible for us. We sincerely appreciate all of the interest and comments.

   

Tastings:

* Friday October 25 - Bob Neville 

* Friday November 1 - John Orfice

* Friday November 8 - Roger Hoadley

* Friday November 22 - Eric Bellnier

* Friday December 6 - Martin Scott 

In the coming weeks we plan on reintroducing you to "Grower Producer" Champagnes. There will be special tastings, pricing, and displays in the store. You need to know the truth about Champagne.  

CAN YOU SAY EMPANADA?

  

BACK IN STOCK & New Arrivals

 We do our best to keep your favorites on the shelf - but it is not a perfect system.
Several favorites are back on the shelf. The "DragonFly" wine, "Picassos Verdejo", Don Tomassi wines, The $12 white Burgundy - to name just a few. So have a look around, you might see an old favorite.

Beaune Clos Saint-Landry
White Burgundy - $45
Rated 93 Points

In 1731, Michel Bouchard (1691-1755), a cloth merchant from the Dauphiné (a region in the French Alps), set up business in Volnay with proceeds of the sale of his possessions in the Dauphiné. He started in the wine business with his son Joseph (1720-1804) buying and reselling barrels of wine.

In 1775, Joseph Bouchard acquired the first parcel of Bouchard Père & Fils vineyard on buying an estate in Volnay and a house in Beaune.
Unlike many winemaking regions, one of the peculiarities of Burgundy is the almost total absence of blends of several grape varieties. Two main grape varieties are found in Burgundy: Pinot Noir (red wine) and Chardonnay (white wine).

This is 100% chardonnay. But not the California style that most are familiar with.
If I had to choose one word to describe this wine it would be very difficult.
Elegance. That would be a good one. But the lush, supple, and silky characteristics of this wine are more than elegant. They are at times magical.
We have just one case. First come, first served.
10% off case purchase.


Don Tomassi Grillo Chardonnay - $12
We featured this wine a few weeks ago.
It was a huge favorite and we sold out quickly. It is back in stock and this is the time to grab a few bottles for your summer needs.

Tommasi Viticoltori (Tommasi Vintners) is a family viticultural company founded in 1902. Tommasi is located in Pedemonte village in the heart of Valpolicella Classico region, on a small piece of land in the northwest part of Verona, between the Lessini mountains and their plains near Lake Garda.

From grandfather Giacomo's tiny vineyard, the Tommasi estate has grown steadily over the course of years and today extends over 135 hectares of vineyards blessed by mother nature not only by a magnificent landscape, but more importantly, by its perfect suitability for grapes. The estate is run by the 4th generation of the Tommasi family, 6 members working together in complete harmony



TULLAMORE DEW


GLASSES UP!
Tullamore Dew

The original blended Irish whiskey, known the world over for its smooth and gentle complexity. For one, it is triple distilled and patiently aged in a combination of ex-bourbon and sherry casks, developing its distinctive smoothness. Secondly, being a blend of all three types of Irish whiskey, it has a gentle complexity. The malt and the pot still whiskey we use give it citrus and spicy notes.


Three natural ingredients, three varieties of grain, three distillations and a blend of all three types of Irish whiskey - pot still, malt and grain.

This is an especially fine whiskey and a great gift.

  On the cover of The current issue of Whiskey Advocate Magazine. Tullamore Dew is very affordable too.

A few months ago - our Mexican Chef de Cuisine had to take a maternity leave.

Everything went very well. Jessica now has a beautiful bouncing baby boy.

For the scores of people that miss her specialties - Jessica lived and cooked in Mexico City for 10 years - They will be back on our menu starting this Thursday and Friday.
And every Thursday & Friday throughout the summer.

People drove all the way from Bridgeport to sample her fresh tacos, empanadas, and burritos. This girl has a real following. This is not "Tex-Mex". She cooks from the heart and it is authentic. BYOB from our wine store and have yourself a treat.

This Friday Night - 5-8 PM
We continue our salute to summer wine this Friday with
Mr. Allan Goedecki from Grand Vintage Selections.


So your saying - wait - where is the list for Friday?
Where are all of the fancy pictures?

This week, as we go to press on Tuesday night, we have not finalized The List.
And because of special projects for tomorrow and Thursday there will not be enough time to get them into the email and out to you.

What I can tell you is this: The gentleman pouring for us on Friday has been responsible for some of the most interesting wines and spirits that we have offered. Things from Russia, things from Italy, even things from California.

So I will just remind you that the weekly tasting is a great way to start your weekend. Meet your friends here, have a little wine, and then maybe visit one of the local restaurants for dinner. Or take a short ride over to Captain Scott's with a  bottle of wine or a six-pack of Safe Harbor - all Icy Cold & Delicious.

Join us on Friday night and help us salute the great wines of Summer.



Tasting Schedule

* Friday June 7th - Allan Goedecki - Grand Vintage
* Friday June 14th - "The Flag Day Tasting" with Stephan Wich
* Friday June 21st - Bob Neville - Sparkling Summer Treats - World Wide Wines

BUZZ 
Father's Day is just around the corner - Sunday June 16th.  
We have very thoughtful options to brighten his day. 

Sexy And More Experienced

Meet Chardonnay's Sexy 

More Experienced Older Sister.
Viognier.

The best Viognier has this heady characteristic scent that one feels envelopes the glass and the drinker in a hedonistic cloud, together with real density and extract and, ideally, a dry finish.

Yves Cuilleron Viognier - $28
The aromas of apricots, flower blossoms, honeysuckle, ripe peaches, & a touch of musk all come to mind.
It is certainly distinctive. Brisk, full bodied and invigorating, with or without food.

91 Points | International Wine Cellar - "Light gold. Intensely perfumed bouquet of ripe peach, poached pear, violet and anise. More exotic on the palate, offering suave passion fruit and floral honey flavors, and finishing with impressive length and lingering sweetness.
This is awfully sexy right now."

We have a single case of this wine.
First come, first served.  Drink Different.

Cave de Lugny Mâcon-Villages - $12

Drinkers who have sworn off Chardonnay because of the heavy, over-oaked style of many Californian and Australian wines ought to take another look at white Burgundy.

These wines are what first made Chardonnay's reputation, and they can reach stunning heights of quality-and, unfortunately, of price, too. Happily, the local village wines in Burgundy can be great values for those looking for a break from the California style: instead of rich, buttery textures and huge body, the wines produced by Cave de Lugny and its peers are clean, crisp, packed with minerality, and tingling with acidity.

Mâcon-Lugny Les Charmes - $15

The pride  of La Cave de Lugny. Clean and fresh on the palate, it has floral and fruity aromas and a hint of lemon. Golden green in color when young, this wine is dry and rich, almost creamy. Its slightly spicy flavor and its structure put it on equal footing with the best Mâconnais wines.

Try this Unoaked, creamy Chardonnay from the Maçon region. Delicious and packed with flavor and superb value.

"Mid-gold in color, the nose is attractive, ripe yet subtle showing ripe orchard fruit, melon, grapefruit, an earthy mineral note, hints of apricot and a tinge of honey and creamy spice." WS   

"Bright and fairly crisp with a refreshing, lively mouthfeel, but also sufficiently round and creamy. Nice palate weight, with ample broad, well defined flavors that mirror the nose. Moderately long finish." WE

We also have a number of other special wines that were uncovered by our Wine Detectives on their recent trip to France. Take a look around the store the next time you visit. If you see the Wine Detective symbol - you know it is something special.

If you missed the tasting last Friday night - it was a good one.

Drinking Grand Cru White Burgundy was a real treat.

The French have decided to take a very serious run at reintroducing us to their remarkable wines. And they want to make a big impact in the 10-15 dollar range.
They want to show us that it is not neccessary to spend $40 and up to get a great bottle of French wine.

What that means here in New London is that we will have the opportunity to enjoy superior French wines for a fraction of the old price. Wines that will drink like they cost much, much, more.

For example:

La Grand Ribe 'Centenaire' Cotes du Rhone Red
RATED 93 Points - Robert Parker.

Robert Parker - Wine Advocate Says:
" The blockbuster 2009 Cotes du Rhone-Villages Centenaire tastes more like a Chateauneuf du Pape than a Cotes du Rhone. Dominated by Grenache with a small amount of Syrah included in the blend, the wine possesses great intensity, a terrific texture, full-bodied power, and wonderful purity and Provencal typicity.

This sensational effort is filled with red and black fruit, roasted herb, barbecue smoke, meat juice and bouquet garni characteristics. Enjoy it over the next 7-8 years or longer. Sleeper of the vintage. "


AND - it is only $12.  

 

TAVEL - Les Lauzeraies

Only one wine is made in Tavel in the southern Rhone region of France: Rosé. Louis XIV and Balzac are reported to have savored this succulent beverage, which is made chiefly from grenache and cinsault grapes whose skins are fermented briefly to extract color. Only red grapes can be legally used for rose in France.

Les Lauzeraies is part of Les Vignerons de Tavel, a cooperative founded in 1937. The organization today has 85 members that grow the grapes for the region's heralded roses.

The 2010 Les Lauzeraies Tavel is coppery in color, with strawberry notes on the nose. The lean, simple flavors are nicely piquant and refreshing. It's a classic summer sipper, nice change from innocuous whites and hip varietals.  

The Rosé of Kings & The King Of Rosé 

Drink like Louis XIV for just $12. 

 

Domaine Poiron Dabin

This is a wine that generally please everyone. That's why it is a perfect choice to serve at a casual dinner or to present as an Aperitif.

Matches well with fish in sauce, foie gras, sauerkraut, 'tartiflette', 'fondue savoyarde', melon with Parma ham or fruit desserts.

A deep golden yellow with straw-colored tints. Suave and heady, with rose and pepper aromas. Full-bodied and bewitching with a persistent intensity accompanied for a long time with a hint of residual sugar.

This Pinot Gris is an original wine for the Nantes region. Its limited production has put an end to an absence of three centuries.
Please try it this Friday.

Just $15   

We also have a number of other special wines that were uncovered by our Wine Detectives on their recent trip to France. They are seriously worth considering for your enjoyment. Take a look around the store the next time you visit.

We hope to see you this Friday Night. Tasting Schedule * Friday April 5th - Monsieur Touton * Friday April 9th - World Wide Wines * Friday April 26th - Stefan Wich BUZZ  Coming soon: Beer Dinners. Wine & Food Events. Scotch Tastings. More Skype visits from industry luminaries. New Episodes of The Wine Detectives    Drink Different.

Reinvention

Ernesto Catena, the owner of Ernesto Catena Vineyards in Argentina, is the eldest son of Nicolás Catena of Catena Zapata. A 4th generation winemaker, Ernesto has traveled and lived around the world, and along the way has earned a Bachelors degree in Computer Science and Economy, a Master's in Design in Milan and a degree in history in London. Defined by many as the "bohemian" side of the Catena family, Ernesto is a tireless and avid reader, painter, art collector, horseman, polo player and archer. 

While president of Bodegas Escorihuela, Ernesto felt the need to produce wines that would reflect his basic beliefs: high quality, a different style from the majority of wines being made at the time, smaller volumes and a strong brand concept. In 2002, Ernesto Catena Vineyards was created to express those beliefs.

This Friday night we will taste through his great wines.
Presented by Mr. Bob Neville from World Wide Wines (seen here on the right?)

Certified Organic / Biodynamic 

Robert Parker: The 2011 Padrillos Malbec is from the Uco Valley and is raised in French and American oak for eight months. It has a clean, generous bouquet of dark cherry, Dorset plum and blueberry that is generous and rounded. The palate is sweet and rounded with soft tannins. It is silky smooth and slips down the throat with ease. This is a consummate easy-drinking Malbec that you will finish sooner than you think - so pleasurable it is."

Wine Spectator: A dark, jammy red that weaves baking spice, toasty oak and dark licorice with dense blackberry, cassis and kirsch notes. Coarse tannins close in on the smoky finish. Drink now."

Superior wine making at very affordable prices. Please try them on Friday night.

The fascination with whiskey continues to grow. And we are pleased to announce the arrival of The Bruichladdich - (Brook-Laddy).  

The subject of a feature story in the current issue of The New Yorker magazine - 
READ IT HERE

This is something that you need to try.

PERDOMO CIGAR EVENT
Limited Seating You Must RSVP To Attend.
Tuesday March 19th - 6:00 8:00 PM.

Events Calendar

* Friday March 1st - World Wide Wines
* Friday March 15th - Grand Vintage - Vodkas From Italy!
* Tuesday March 19th - Nick Perdomo Cigar Event in the lounge
* Friday April 5th - Monsieur Touton
 
BUZZ 
    
We are sending a team to Domaine Paul Mas
next week to look things over. 
 

Special offers and a full report upon their return. Stay tuned.

 

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

Toad Hollow Vineyards - Wine Tasting

Join Us This Friday Night

August 10 - 5-8 PM - No Charge

Francine Williams

The owner of

Toad Hollow Vineyards

Returns Home To New London

Under her maiden name of Francine Smith, "Frankie" graduated from New London High School in 1966 and worked at Electric Boat before moving to California.

Though she loves her work and the wine country, there are definitely things besides family and friends Frankie looks forward to in her trips back to Connecticut.
"The two things I miss the most are fried clams and pizza," she says. "In California, everyone's hot on fancy designer pizza."

We are honored once again to host an evening with one of wine's most recognizable stars.

Francine will be here to share a glass of wine, sign bottles, takes photos and recount her adventures west of the Mississippi. If you can make it to just one of our events this month - make it this one.

Wine and Cheese 5-8 PM - No Charge.

BACKGROUND:
How it All Began - The name Toad Hollow conjures nostalgic images of pastoral scenery: a winding country road and a gently flowing river with big oak trees and grasses swaying in the summer breeze. This is a place where you can relax and enjoy a sip or two of wine while gazing out on a pond hopping with Toad Hollow friends.

Toad Hollow is the collaboration of two old friends who retired, more or less, to an existence of peace and quiet in the Hollow, after a life of whirlwind world travel. Neither of these two gentlemen believed in self-denial.

Todd Williams and Rodney Strong - Dr. Toad and The Dancing Badger (as they were fondly called) were sitting on the veranda one day gazing out over Mr. Badger's beautiful hillside vineyards that ran from the banks of the Russian River clear up to the house. During their conversation they decided they wanted to find a way to repay the warmth and friendship shown them along the way. The two old friends had in common a love of good food and fine wine, so they made a decision. "We'll make fine wines!"

Toad Hollow as a boutique winery in 1993. 
Through Todd's relentlessly infectious personality and a damned fine product, the winery went from moving 300 annual cases of unoaked chardonnay to a hugely successful company with several types of wine and yearly sales of over 200,000 cases - without ever sacrificing quality or the sense of joy. 

Frankie says adherence to the founding principles is not only good business sense but perpetuates the spirit of Toad Hollow. Just the way she speaks in casual conversation is indicative of her pride and enjoyment.  "We try and produce wonderful wines at reasonable prices," she says. "We think you should be able to enjoy wonderful wines on a daily basis and not worry about the cost. If you want a $50 or $100 bottle of wine for special occasions, that's excellent." She laughs. "But you can afford to drink Toad Hollow Monday through Thursday."

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

70 State Street New London, CT 06320