Have They Gone Nuts?

This Friday   - The Italians Are Coming       Mr. Eric Bellnier from Vinifera Wines joins us again for his annual presentation of Italy's favorites. But this year he is wearing a cast on his leg - The result of an escapade in the Italian Alps? Perhaps - but his enthusiasm for wine is greater than ever. Please Join us. He will be pouring: Soligo Col de mez Prosecco Medoro Chimera Brigaldara Valpolicella Cascina Chicco Barbera, Dante Rivetti Barbera Icardi Moscato One of our favorite  whites for this time  of the year. A must have for the Thanksgiving Table. Made from a Trebbiano & Falanghina blend. "A very floral almost Pinot Gris like wine. Showing fine notes of fresh cut grass and Pear Drops. A hint of lemony acidity to balance and touch of pepper to the finish but still very mineral throughout." Lots of finesse in this bottle. Great body and a silky finish make this a perfect choice for a holiday meal.   Cascina Chicco Barbera Rated 89 Points Wine Spectator: "Full bodied yet soft with layers of mature red fruit and a finish of sweet dark cherries.  Best served with rich foods, soups and meat dishes. Great with soft fatty cheeses."  Dante Rivetti Barbera "Classic Barbera with medium weight red fruit, crackling acidity, soft tobacco notes, and a long minerally finish. This is a food wine! The acidity in this wine begs for tomato sauce, grilled chicken, or braised red meat. Pair it with some sopressata and provolone cheese for anti pasti. It is old world style at it's best." Barbera is grown all over Italy, but the best examples of this red grape come from Piedmont, where it is made into all manner of wines - from easy-drinking quaffers to serious, cellar-worthy bottlings Icardi Moscato d'Asti The ICardi style style is renowned worldwide - highly fruity wines, whose style is characterized by extreme refinement, cleanliness and elegance, and whose flavor is balanced from the very beginning. One of the most classic traits of this excellent Moscato is the rampant flavor of white flowers on the nose and on the palate. Clean and fresh, with a slight frizzante, this is perfect with cheese, fruit, or light desserts. Established in 1914 and headquartered in Castiglione Tinella, ICardi is located at the boundary between two renowned vineyard terroirs - Langa and Monferrato. In the early 1960s, the Icadri's decided to vinify the vines they owned, instead of selling of their fruit. They are an innovative producer that has a through understanding of the agricultural element in wine production. Back In Stock & NEW ARRIVALS: BEER:Berkshire Brewing 22's & GROWLERS Wolavers Coffee Porter Hennepin Belgian Style WINE:"The Dragonfly" - French Pinot Gris Lumasina - The crisp Italian white from Liguria Milou Chardonnay - French Chateau Lamonthe - NYTIMES: "Cult White Wine" (French Sauvignon Blanc blended with semillion.) Hess Select Specialties:Calvados - Amazing Apple Brandies for the holidays St. George Absinth Lidestri Pink Lemoncello Vermont Maple Cream SCOTCH: Springbank 10 Year Old 100 Proof The Balvenie DoubleWood 12 Year Old Bunnahabhain 18 Year Old Highland Park 18 Year Old The Macallan Cask Strength Scapa 16 Year Old the Orcadian Glenkinchie 1991 Distillers Edition Lagavulin 12 Year Old Cask Strength Glenmorangie 18 Years Old  Bourbon: Buffalo Trace Henry Du Yore Balcones Tatoosh Vorner Creek High West American Prairie Reserve Old Forester 2013 Birthday Bourbon Woodford Reserve Seasoned Oak Finish Maker's 46 Knob Creek Smoked Maple Angel's Envy No - We Do Not Have Pappy Van Winkle. BUT we do have some of the hardest to locate fine spirits in the book. And Special Orders are welcome. STAFF FAVORITE - NEW TO THE STORE These brightly colored packages contain some of the finest nuts we have ever encountered. We discovered them looking for products for our holiday baskets. You need to try them. They are a perfect addition to every holiday table - or gift. Try them on Friday night. Here is their story in brief: "In 1929, on the brink of the Depression, our father and grandfather "Poppy" Sol took a bold step. 22 years old, he had already worked fulltime for 10 years to support his family. Yet he was ambitious, and wanted to live the American Dream and make the lives of everyone around him better. So, donning his best of suits and an assured smile on his face, Sol walked away from the bank with a loan to start his own business, the Newark Nut Company. The rest is history." ORDER YOUR HOLIDAY CHEESE NOW   This is the time to order your cheese platters and gourmet specialties. Make your entertaining easy. And remember, We Deliver.  BUZZ       Small Business Saturday is November 30th. All of the local merchants are working hard to make this the best holiday season ever. Whenever possible - Shop Local, Shop New London. Thanks for including a six pack of Safe Harbor beer along with your holiday choices this year. It goes a long way in supporting the brand.   Treat your friends and family to New London's beer.     Tastings: * Friday December 6 - Martin Scott * Friday December 13 - Ryan Connolly Special Champagne & Sparkling Wine Night.  * Friday December 20 - Vinifera   And as always - thank you for your amazing support - we have the best customers in the business. We receive compliments all the time on the attention and interest that you show to all of our guests.  We will be celebrating our 40th year very soon. And everyone at Thames River Greenery and our related businesses appreciate your support - it is not possible with out you.

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 Royal Mistress

Lilly Langtry - The Royal Mistress

The Prince of Wales, Albert Edward ("Bertie", later Edward VII), arranged to sit next to Langtry at a dinner party given by Sir Allen Young on May 24, 1877. 

Although the Prince was married to Princess Alexandra and had six children, he was a well-known philanderer. He became infatuated with Langtry, and she soon became his semiofficial mistress. She was even presented to the Prince's mother, Queen Victoria.  

The Prince of Wales had the Red House (now Langtry Manor Hotel) constructed in Bournemouth, then in Hampshire, in 1877 as a private retreat for the couple  and allowed Langtry to design it.  The folklore is that their relationship finally cooled when she misbehaved at a dinner party,  but she had been eclipsed when Sarah Bernhardt came to London in June 1879.

In July 1879, Langtry began an affair with the Earl of Shrewsbury. For some time, the Prince saw little of her.
He remained fond of her and spoke well of her in her later career as a theater actress.

Langtry Estate

The 2010 Guenoc North Coast Victorian Claret is a complex blend of  award winning wines.
Featuring Lilly Langtree on the label.

Dark ruby in color, the wine has a wonderful fruity nose bringing on black cherry, plum, and blueberry aromas.  

Rich and soft on the palate, the hints of vanilla and nutmeg, from aging in 50% American and French Oak, add to the complexity and the long smooth finish.

The wine pairs well with any meat dish or just on its own.

Blend: 59% Merlot, 18% Syrah, 11% Cabernet Sauvignon, 10% Petite Sirah, 2% Cabernet Franc.

2011 Guenoc Lake County Sauvignon Blanc

The 2011 Guenoc Lake County Sauvignon Blanc is made from Estate Grown grapes. Cool fermented in stainless steel tanks to retain its aroma the wine has a complex mix of tropical fruit including pineapple, quince, and guava. The lively acidity enhances juicy flavors of grapefruit and white peaches on the long finish.

 

 

A perfect quaffing wine on a summer day or anytime you need a little sunshine.

2011 Guenoc California Petite Sirah

The 2011 California Petite Sirah jumps out of the glass with aromas of

blueberry, blackberry and red cherry.

In the mouth, the wine is bright and fruity, with a touch of earthiness and oak revealing a long smooth

finish.


Pair this wine with burgers , barbeque and meaty tomato

sauce-based pasta dishes.

BUZZ

Gentleman Jack whiskey tasting.
Cigar Lounge - Tuesday 30th - 6-8PM.
No Charge - but Reservations required. 
860-443-6817



 

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.

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.

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.