Doctors Orders - Take Your Medicine

 

Wine And Cheese Tasting

Every Friday 5-8 PM No Charge

If you need an excuse to get out of the house and come downtown for the weekly tasting - how about "Doctors Orders." A weekly dose of something to clear your head and get you in the right frame of mind for the weekend. This Friday - 5-8 PM

Chateau La Reyne - "Le Prestige"

South America is where most people associate great Malbec - but did you know it was originally a grape made famous in France?

Located in the town of Puy L'Eveque, the vineyards of Chateau La Reyne are comprised of carefully tended 35 year old vines. Owned and operated by the Vidal family, the winery is currently run by the family's fifth generation, Johan. He combines their traditional production methods with today's modern technology in order to produce quality wines that still reflect the terrior of his family's land.

This rich, concentrated Malbec displays intense notes of blackberry, cherry and red currants on the nose and palate. Light floral notes merge with dense tannins and balanced acidity on the long, spicy finish. Enjoy with beef, lamb or duck.  

Torrebruna - Sangiovese

Virtually synonymous with the red wines of Tuscany, and all the romanticism that goes with the territory, Sangiovese is the core constituent in some of the great names in Italian wine. Italy's love affair with Sangiovese - and indeed the world's - is generations old.

At the dawn of the 21st Century, Sangiovese equated to roughly one in every 10 vines on the Italian peninsula.

"For our Torrebruna we attentively select the best Sangiovese grapes with the aim of producing and authentic Tuscan red dominated by fruity and spicy notes that only this vine can express thanks to the Tuscan soil and climate." -winemaker

 

Bogle Phantom

The wait is over...Phantom has reappeared for the season! Bogle's tantalizing apparition of rich berry and relentless spice returns to tease wine lovers. Full of flavor, concentration and intensity, this mysterious wine will haunt you well after the last sip is gone.

Bright red cherry fruit and black pepper tempt you to take that sip, with hints of brawny juniper, rich blackberry and briary boysenberry in the background. Succulent in mouthfeel, the wine showcases its versatile grape varietals: Petite Sirah, Zinfandel, Cabernet Sauvignon and Mourvedre.  

Aged for over 24 months in 1 and 2 year old American oak, tones of spicy vanilla and toasted coconut moderate the firm tannins and create a focused and intense finish.  

Enjoy this passionate and commanding red wine, yet another vintage impossible to ignore.  Please try it this Friday night.

Back In Stock

Very Hard To Find

Michel Couvreur Whiskey

Michel Couvreur is a Belgian and an independent bottler of single malt scotch. His cellars are located in Bouze-les-Beaune in the heart of Burgundy. Michel ages his single malts for years in sherry butts and then in demijohns or giant bottles kept in total darkness in the exceptional well-protected underground galleries of Bouze-les-Beaune.

Vatted from 54 whiskies aged more than 12 years (12 to 27 years) in oak casks, this malt has a rich amber color, a nose full of dried flowers, tobacco leaf, Jerez wine and fat almond, and a powerful, fruity, long finish. What a fantastic accompaniment to smoked salmon when served over ice. It is also perfect as a dinner digestive served at room temperature.

If you have a whiskey lover in your life, take a good look at these.
A great gift.

 

Nancy's Hudson Valley Camembert, Quickes Glouchester Cheddar

& Capri Goat & Honey. Try them all this Friday night.

All Wednesday night events begin at 6:00 pm. No Charge - 860-443-6817All events are an opportunity to purchase at special prices Wednesday October 15 - Sold Out Thank You   The Wines Of Shannon Ridge   In the late 1980's they began working with wine grapes from Lake County and recognized the area's potential to grow great mountain fruit.  At altitudes of 2,100 to 2,400 feet above sea level these steep mountain ridges are cooled by steady winds off Clear Lake and from the higher peaks just north. The vines produce small berries with concentrated flavors.  Lake County California and the folks at Shannon Ridge make award winning wines.          Wednesday October 29th Burgundy Tasting rsvp required    * Marie Pierre Manciat Pouilly Fuisse     "Les Petites Bruyeres"   * Billaud Simon Chablis per Cru Vaillons   * Janotsbos Pernand Vergelesses Blanc   * Franck Givaudin Irancy 2012 * Lou Dumont Morey St. Denis 2010   Diedre Magnello is one of the most knowledgeable people in the wine business.  A sought after presenter we are proud to share our stage with her for the special tasting of wine from Burgundy. Deidre's frequent trips to the Burgundy region allow her a personal connection and access to some of the best producers and their wine in Burgundy.   This will be an opportunity to purchase wine from her amazing portfolio at a special price. Please join us and discover why Burgundy is the most sought after wine on the world. Wednesday November 12 Vinifera - Italian Wines   Wednesday November 26 - The day before Thanksgiving. Ryan Connolly will present the Michael Skurnik Holiday Portfolio. An opportunity to discover wine that you need for the holiday season.

Coming In November Amarone Tasting

Something Special For The New Year

We thought we would start the New Year off 

with something special.

Joseph Drouhin
2005 Clos de Vougeot Grand Cru - $210

Clos Vougeot is a large vineyard (125 acres) located bewteen Vosne-Romanée and Chambolle-Musigny. Joseph Drouhin owns two parcels in this mythical vineyard, both on a mild incline with a due east exposure.

The most glorious and famous of all Burgundy vineyards.  The Clos (French for "enclosure") was first planted and surrounded by a wall at the end of the 12th Century by the monks of Citeaux.
They built a castle which is now the seat of the Confrérie des Chevaliers du Tastevin.

Tasting notes by Véronique Boss-Drouhin:

"A revelation and a true wonder! The ruby red colour is magnificent and takes on a deeper hue with age. The aromas are intense and evoke raspberry and wild cherry, becoming more complex with age: undergrowth, truffle, candied fruit.
A sublime structure, with refined tannins. It is a perfect example of this ideal of elegance according to Drouhin. A remarkable balance and a lingering persistence of flavors on the palate.  It is a wine that always leaves the greatest impression".

2005 Vintage
A pure delight in all the appellations. Both Côte de Beaune and Côte de Nuits have a consistent structure, based on good balance between acidity, alcohol and tannin.  It is this balance that gives the wines such elegance.  The tannins are ripe and refined.  They harmonize nicely with a refreshing acidity devoid of astringency and a normal level of alcohol.

In summary, 2005 has a lot in common with some great vintages of the past: the beautiful richness of 1990, the harmonious character of 1989 and the haunting bouquet of 1961.

If you need a reason to get out of the house on Friday night - this is a good one. One of the best examples of its type - a benchmark by which others are judged. We believe strongly, as many of you know, that everyone should have the opportunity to try these wines that for the most part are reserved for special occasions and the "Wolves of Wall Street."

We will decant this beauty early and start pouring at 5:00pm.
First come, first served.

There will of course be others to try, delicious, warming, and perfect for the weekend. So, grab your friends and meet us here on Friday night.

Happy New Year!

Post Hurricane News

Wine Without The Mystery

Follow The Title Link For The Full Story

Rock Star Meets Cable Star

Follow The Title Link For The Full Story

Oscar Night Selections

Click The Title To See The Full Issue

A Very Merry Christmas Tasting

Click The Title Link To See The Full Issue

Holiday Royalty

Click on the title link to see the full issue

Thanksgiving Special Edition 2010

Click The Title Link To See The Full Edition

Look Ma - No Turkey!

Click The Title Link To See The Entire Issue

You Asked For It

Click On The Title Link To See The Full Issue.

The Fabulous Stork Club

Click the link for the full issue

Special Halloween Edition

Click The Title Above to See The Full Issue.


Booze And The Blues

We Are Putting The Band Back Together

Follow The Link Above To Read The Full Issue.

The Marilyn Monroe Issue

Follow The Title Link To See The Full Issue.

Wine Works Wonders!

Greetings From New London,
The wine list for Friday is just below these items of interest. Joining us in the cellar will be Bob Neville from World Wide Wines. Mr. Neville will be pouring and answering all of your questions from 6-9 p.m.

NEXT

The Fifth annual New London ChessFest
was canceled last week due to rain. Look for it again this weekend. Click here for details.


NEXT

Thanks for all of the mail regarding our own Dave Anderson and the big wedding last weekend at the Eugene O'Neill Center. We have the photos, and the stories - but we thought it better to wait until his return to show them - so he can defend himself. It was an absolutely great day.



NEXT

Friday August 27th
6-9 p.m.
No Charge

Two Great Sicilian Wines In The Line Up

Planeta La Segreta Bianco $15


This crisp white is produced from Grecanico grapes (grown in Sicily for more than two thousand years).

Versatile, tart and lovely with seafood, salads and pan-sauteed garden squash and zuchinni.

"A perfect approach to Sicilian wine with its excellent relationship between price and quality, guaranteed by the Planeta family's patient input from the vine to the wine."










Planeta La Segreta Rosso $15

Alessio, Francesca and Santi Planeta's family have been rooted in Sicilian agriculture for generations.

Here is their gorgeous Nero d'Avila blend: "La Segreta takes its name from the wood that surrounds our vineyard at Ulmo.

This young fresh wine produced mainly from Nero d'Avola grapes, flagship of Sicilian wine, earns personality and style with the addition of international variety grapes.

All the grapes are carefully cultivated in Planeta owned vineyards."

Steele Writer's Block Cabernet Franc $18

This Cabernet Franc blend comes from Jed Steele's vineyards in Kelseyville California (made with doses of Merlot Syrah and Zin).

The small amount of Zinfandel is sourced from the fairly young (under 25 years old) Duncan Vineyard located near Mount Konocti, the dormant volcano that dominates the landscape.

Spicy and interesting with a ripe, loamy, uniquely West Coast character.

•••

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

Think of us as Wine - "With Benefits."

En Passant

Meet The Anderson's

AAA.

Special News & Schedule

Thames River Greenery Schedule

Because of a busy event schedule and prior commitments our flower shop will be closed this week and will re-open on Monday July 26th.

Our Coffee Bar and City News
Will Be Open As Usual.

If you wish to place an order for the following week
CLICK HERE.









Greetings From New London,

We have an especially busy week ahead of us here at TRG. Large high profile events that were put into place months ago - require all of our resources and manpower.

We feel that the best way to honor those commitments is to close the flower portion of Thames River Greenery to devote all of our capabilities to the task.

The Beanery and City News will be open as usual and serving our morning and afternoon fare.

NEXT

Paul Brockett Roadshow playing at Jonathan Edwards Winery Thursday July 22nd 7-10PM $12 www.jedwardswinery.com
Rock & Roll! Come out and holler while wine salesman Dave plays loud electric bass! www.paulbrockettroadshow.com

When Dave Anderson is not pouring wine - or driving vintage Ferrari's - he plays a mean bass guitar too.

NEXT

Best Summer Drink Ever!
It's Scientific

Extensive research has revealed: one part Beefeater Gin, 2 parts "Q-Tonic" organic tonic water shaken with a generous helping of crushed ice + 3 paper-thin slices of cucumber = Perfection!

We have all the liquid ingredients you need.
All you have to do is add the cucumber.

NEXT

Toad Hollow July 30th - 6-9 p.m.
Toad Hollow Special Event Friday July 30th.
Meet Toad Hollow Owner Frankie Williams.

Frankie will be with us pouring wine, telling stories, shaking hands, and kissing babies!

Meet a woman that
personifies the pioneering principles of the California wine industry.

Toad Hollow wines are very seriously crafted from premium vineyards along the California Coast.

Toad Hollow won 2 Gold Medals and 1 Silver Medal at the 2009 San Francisco Chronicle Wine Competition!
Please mark your calendars for a great night.

It Is Always COOL In Our Cellar
Wine Tasting Please Join Us
Friday July 23rd - 6-9 p.m.
No Charge

Frank Family Chardonnay $34

We're going back - way back -
to say, 1982?

A big, lush Chardonnay from the Napa Valley.

"Is it oaky?"
YES it's really oaky!

We are proud to host Frank Family's first appearance in Connecticut - all of their wines are classic examples of California's finest.

Velvety and substantial, all vanilla and coconut. What was old is new again - enjoy with a big Caesar salad and a pile of Nicoise olives!

Everything about this wine is lush - from the painted label design to the old school satiny finish in your mouth. Please try this on Friday night - you will be surprised.










Yalumba Shiraz/Viognier $12

Please give us a do-over.
We poured this a few weeks ago but ran out quickly so you may have missed it.

Don't miss it!
Yalumba is the oldest winery in Australia and they happen to specialize in the Viognier grape from France's Rhone Valley. Odd.

Then they blend it with Oz's signature red Shiraz (Syrah). The result?
A gorgeous, light aromatic red, perfect for the hot weather.

Recommended with charcoal-grilled burgers and sweet corn.

We also recommend drinking this red wine "cool" - not chilled - but simply cooled a bit - you will love it.









Frassina Rosso Toscana $15


Paradiso di Frassina is situated 5 km from Montalcino, in a secluded position but within easy reach of the town.

It is owned and run by Giancarlo Cignozzi
Giancarlo is dedicated to the pursuit of perfection in perfect symbiosis with nature.



He was awarded organic certification in 2008 after 9 years of developing his organic vineyard based on playing music to the vines.

Sangiovese, Cabernet and Syrah with a touch of Ancellotta. Honestly, the 10% of Ancellotta totally makes the difference. A grown-up, lovely "SuperTuscan" (named because these rascals are growing Cabernet Sauvignon in Tuscany). Rich, heavy, in keeping with this week's old-school theme.

Now we're talking steaks. Fresh tomatoes are starting to appear - halve those beauties, grill them with the steaks and bury them in olive oil, black pepper and sea salt.
And - if your in the mood - grab that old "Cordeen" out of the attic and see if you can remember how to play Ave Maria - the wine will help - honestly.

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

Think of us as Wine - "With Benefits."

AAA.

Be 17% Smarter Right Now

G O T F L O W E R S ?

According to Dr. Alan Hirsch, a neurologist and director of the Smell & Taste Treatment and Research Foundation, if you're learning a new skill, you'll pick it up 17% faster when exposed to the smell of flowers - any flowers, so long as you like the scent. We recommend hydrangeas. Because they are so pretty.

Greetings From New London,

The lyric's of a great WW I song say it best:
"...How you gonna keep them down on the farm once they've seen Paree....?"

Many of you know our kitchen staff at Brie & Bleu has taken advantage of offers presented by a large well known Rhode Island establishment.

While we get our new people in place, and everything running the way we like - Thanks for your patience.

NEXT

New London had a fair share of personalities passing through last week - And Dave Anderson - as usual - was there.

Senate Candidate Linda McMahon & Dave Anderson

NEXT

Thanks very much to the crew and family of the
USS TOLEDO for choosing to share some off duty time with us - Go Navy!

NEXT

Toad Hollow July 30th - 6-9 p.m.
Toad Hollow Special Event Friday July 30th.
Meet Toad Hollow Owner Frankie Williams.

Frankie will be with us pouring wine, telling stories, shaking hands, and kissing babies!

Meet a woman that
personifies the pioneering principles of the California wine industry.

Toad Hollow wines are very seriously crafted from premium vineyards along the California Coast.

Toad Hollow won 2 Gold Medals and 1 Silver Medal at the 2009 San Francisco Chronicle Wine Competition!
Please mark your calendars for a great night.




NEXT

It Is Always COOL In Our Cellar
Wine Tasting Please Join Us
Friday July 16th - 6-9 p.m.
No Charge

Domaine du Tariquet Ugni Blanc-Colombard $10


Another gem from Tariquet - from France's northern Gascony coast,
this is a perfect hot weather wine - crisp, refreshing with a touch of tropical fruit.

A little softer than their very popular Sauvignon Blanc.

Enjoy with shelfish and salads or sitting in a garden with a fountain bubbling a few feet away. This is a wine that wipes away the heat, humidity, and the long hours of work that make sipping a wine like this so enjoyable. Unbeatable for the price.

Dominio de Haredia Rioja $14

Medium-bodied, old school Rioja, 100% Tempranillo with a classic mellow cherry fruit plus tobacco smoke and leather.

Drinking beautifully now, stands up exceptionally well with grilled meats while not overpowering the palate.

This is a wine drinkers wine - solid, authentic, and faithful to the tradition behind it. This is a wine that drinks like something twice its cost - please try it this Friday.



La Capra Cabernet $12



From Charles Back of Fairview (of "Goats do Roam" fame), this table red displays the smoky character unique to South Africa, but somehow remains fruity easy
and crisp.

Another lovely summer wine that would work perfectly with a bit of char from a wood-grilling picnic.

Fruit sourced from the Stellenbosch region, the wine displays a hefty cassis and currant nose with blackberry and plum notes swirling in cedar smoke.

Charles Back is a wine pioneer in South Africa and an all around maverick in the business world of wine.

He is not afraid to poke his finger into the eye of the powers that be - and that includes making fun of some of the biggest names in wine for their pretense and ostentation.

His motto is a good one: "Let's have a little fun before we die."
Friday night is a good time to start - we hope to see you at this weeks tasting.
















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

Think of us as Wine - "With Benefits."

AAA.