Nickel and Nickel - Dragonfly/Tench/Carpenter/Vogt

NICKEL & NICKEL - LIMITED SUPPLY
The wineries dotted along the flat, tidy expanse of the Napa Valley appellation of Oakville are celebrated for producing world-class Cabernet Sauvignon and other varietal wines. In fact, the region’s vineyards are some of the most coveted in the valley. The Nickel & Nickel winery, founded in 1997 but born from a tradition of exceptional winemaking, is devoted to creating wines that articulate the singular expressions of the vineyards in Oakville and beyond.

We are happy to announce limited availabllity of:

Dragonfly - $90

Tench - $80

Carpenter - $80

Vogt - $80

First come, first served

Marci Alborhgetti/Harley Davidson/Morgan Stanley/DogFish Head/Chateau St.Michelle

Greetings from all of us in New London,
Thames River Wine & Spirits
Thames River Greenery
Brie & Bleu
www.thamesriver.com
www.brieandbleu.com
Calendar of Events: http://www.thamesriver.com/site_2/wine/calendar.html


Before I outline the wines for this weeks tasting let me update a few things of interest.
Don't forget to check the calendar of events - there are several NEW listings to consider.

First - Many of you attended the opening of New York Photographer Joe Standart's show
in our cellar. "The New London Project - Portrait of a City" is an amazing collection of photographs that must be seen. The full show will be on display at the Lyman Allyn Art Museum from October 7 thru December 4, 2005. New London residents will be admitted without charge.
For more information check here: http://www.thenewlondonproject.org/
OR : http://www.lymanallyn.org


NEXT - Lots of thanks to everyone out at Mike' Famous Harley Davidson in Groton
and Morgan Stanley from Mystic. We had a great time on Thursday night - it was an honor to be included.
http://www.mikesfamous.com

And to that crazy girl that kept starting up the bikes in the showroom......Yeah baby, yeah!


Local Author Marci Alborhgetti was packing them in on Friday night.
They came from far and wide to visit with the author and have copies of her latest book
"When Lightning Strikes Twice" signed.
Twenty-Third Publications was given a City of New London Citation for relocating to our fair city and for bringing in over 40 full time employees into downtown. Representatives Peg Curtain and Ernest Hewitt were on hand to do the honors. See the highlights in our photo gallery.

The Dogfish Head Beer tasting on Thursday night brought crowds of people to taste the beer and to try drinking directly from "The Gizmo" - A fresh hops filter. There was music, there was beer, and there were people having a party. This is the best fraternity in town - remember every Thursday 5-8 p.m. - NO CHARGE - Stop in and meet our "Rush Chairman" - George Whitehouse.


WINE TASTING
THIS FRIDAY SEPTEMBER 23 - 6-9 p.m. - NO CHARGE


Chateau St. Michelle - Washington state's founding winery - Voted Winery of the Year 10 times!
Washington state's oldest and most acclaimed winery offers award-winning wines and a tasting experience second to none. The winery combines Old World winemaking tradition with New World innovation. We are happy to feature their wines this Friday night.

1 - Chateau St. Michelle - Indian Wells - Chardonnay - $20 (90 points wine spectator)
This elegant wine shows aromas of fresh Golden Delicious apple, sweet lemon and a hint of mineral and baking spice. The wine is bright and lively and exhibits flavors of apple, lemon and vanilla cream. The texture of the wine is rich and silky and has a toasty lingering finish. Perfect with salmon, fresh crab, pork and poultry.

2 - Chateau St. Michelle - Indian Wells - Merlot - $20 (90 points Wine Enthusiast)
Aromas of roasted nuts are complemented with licorice and black cherry. Black cherry and blueberry intermingle elegantly with black tea and leather on the palate. Firm, restrained tannins provide an elegantly long finish. Outstanding with lamb, pasta and beef.

3 -EROICA RIESLING - $24 - Wine Spectator placed this in the top 100 FIVE years in a row!
Named after Beethoven's masterpiece, the winemaking partnership between famed Mosel winemaker Ernst Loosen and Chateau Ste. Michelle - Eroica delivers a unique combination of tangerine aromas characteristic of Washington state Riesling, melded with the mineral and slate notes and lively, crisp acidity associated with German Riesling. Made for Asian dishes, Indian curries, crab & scallops.

4 - Chateau St. Michell - 2003 Sauvignon Blanc - $12
Distinct aromas of jasmine and honeydew melon lead to sweet lime flavors.
This 2003 vintage is a fresh, fruit-driven, crisp style of Sauvignon Blanc, as a result of increased stainless steel fermentation. This stuff is why they invented goat cheese and oysters!

Our fall season is shaping up nicely. Based on your suggestions and requests we have been able to try new things, meet new people and raise the bar even higher than anyone could have imagined.

The number of interesting guests, on location events, food guru's, authors, life style experts and circus people that are scheduled to join us is growing on a daily basis. Thank You all for your interest and your support - the best is yet to come.



AAA.

F.U. JazzBoy/Dogfish Head/Marci Alborghetti/Berkshire Blue/"What's My Wine"

Greetings from all of us in New London,
Thames River Greenery - 860-443-6817
Brie & Bleu - 860-437-2474
Thames River Wine & Spirits - 860-443-9463
www.thamesriver.com
www.brieandbleu.com

Calendar of Events - http://www.thamesriver.com/site_2/wine/calendar.html

We had a beautiful group of people last Friday night -
Not just the number of people - but really a good looking crowd.
Lots of new faces and with the arrival of each ferry from Long Island and Fishers Island,
and with each train coming and going from New York and Boston - new visitors all night long.

Next door at Brie & Bleu we introduced Tappas in addition to our regular menu.
Now People are able to "dig right in" when they sit down. - And they are so tasty

Saturday night we hosted our first Sake Dinner - Many thanks to Chad Beverlin and Kaoru Ishiguro
for taking the time be be with us all the way from New York City. They were fabulous guests and never tired of answering questions. - Thank You.

** Special Event ** F.U. JazzBoy - Friday October 7, 2005 - 6 p.m. - $20.
You may have seen these award winning musicians on T.V.
Or you may have heard them on one of the CD's in your collection
We are presenting them on the Stage at the Hygenic Art Park.
Ticket includes beer tasting with Brooklyn Brewing Company
Buy your tickets now - available at all three of our stores.

THIS WEDNESDAY - 9/14/05 -6 p.m. - "What's My Wine"
The return of our popular blind tasting with Howard Asadow.
There is No Charge for this event BUT PLEASE call to reserve your seats -
We have to know how many blindfolds to get:-)

THIS THURSDAY - 9/15/05 - 5-8 p.m. Beer Tasting & Musicale - DOGFISH HEAD BREWING CO.
The return of "Randal The Enamel Animal"
By popular demand we were able to get the folks at DogFish Head to come back and launch the fall season of beer tastings. Mr. Allen Reitz will be serving the Midas Touch, Raison D'Etre, and Chicory Stout.
AND OF COURSE - they are bringing "The Gizmo" - as I like to call it - the hop filter.
They will be serving their Indian Brown Ale as it is DRY-HOPPED right before your eyes through a series of tubes and filters and fresh hopps - This is not for the squeamish - But if your a hop head - you'll be right at home.


THIS FRIDAY - 9/16/05 - 6-9 p.m. - Wine Tasting / Book Signing / Boats Books & Brushes
The 5th Annual festival on New London's Historic Waterfront - Boats, Books & Brushes begins.
Welcome Twenty-Third Publications to New London - And Meet Local Author Marci Alborghetti
Join us in the cellar - when she signs copies of her new book : "When Lightning Strikes Twice".
And try these wonderful wines too.

1 - Bonarda, 'Colonia Las Liebres - $8 (86 points Robert Parker)
Highly expressive aromas of black raspberries, plums, and violets are found in the nose of the 2004 Bonarda Colonia Las Liebres. Well-concentrated, this medium-bodied wine is expressive, revealing loads of plummy, floral flavors. Its finish reveals some firm tannin. Drink it over the next 3 years.

2 - Shiraz, Marquis Philips Australia - $17 - (89 Points Robert Parker)
The Shiraz is ripe, juicy and fleshy. Dark ruby/purple-colored, with blackberry, charcoal, and fig characteristics, this medium to full-bodied, potent, mouthfilling red can be enjoyed over the next 2-4 years

3 - Sauvignon Blanc, 'California', Joel Gott - $12
A style of Sauvignon Blanc that has zesty, herbal and citrus aromas with tropical, grapefruit and mineral flavors.
This is a wonderful food friendly wine, with bright acidity, a full mid-palette, and a long lasting finish.

4 - Selbach Mosel-Saar-Ruwer - $13
“Johannes Selbach, this estate's winemaker and director is on fire.
His wines are top flight and yet his winemaking appears to be improving with each vintage." – Wine Advocate
This one will surprise you - take a minute to try it - it is a great food wine.

THIS SATURDAY - 9/17/05 - Meet The Cheese Maker at Brie & Bleu
In 1997, Michael Miller put an advertisement in an English cheesemakers magazine that read:
"Retired newspaper publisher wants to make raw Jersey milk blue cheese."
Berkshire Blue won the Gold Medal for blue cheeses at the 16th annual World Cheese Awards in London, beating out blue veined cheeses from all over Europe. The cheese also was awarded the first place by the American Cheese Society in 2002, and was the chef’s choice at the James Beard dinner in New York in 2002.02.


Please remember to check the website and the calendar of events for the latest information and updates.
Thank you for all of the email and calls. Most importantly thank you for your support and making it so much fun.

And before we sign off - here is one more nugget of information -
Starting in October we will begin a weekly one hour show called "Wine Fever".
Our guests will include winemakers, authors, and food & lifestyle experts that will share their secrets.
More details will be on the website soon.

Please join us, it's fun, informal and a great way to start your weekend.


AAA

Domaine Larochette - Bodegas Godeva - Jean-Paul Brun

Greetings from all of us in New London,
Thames River Wine & Spirits - 860-443-9463
Brie & Bleu - 860-437-2474
Thames River Greenery - 860-443-6817

www.brieandbleu.com
www.thamesriver.com
Calendar of events: http://www.thamesriver.com/site_2/wine/calendar.html


If you were lucky enough be be in town on Friday night you were in the middle of all the action.
The decks were full, the harbor was busy, there was music in the air, and lots of people were strolling - hand in hand - It was a beautiful night.

Our calendar of events for the coming weeks is filling up fast - please take a look to stay up to date.
Authors, musicians, winemakers, cheesemakers they are all on their way.
It's all based on your comments and suggestions - thanks for your support.

It will be a short week so I will get right to it.

THIS THURSDAY - September 8th - 5-8 p.m. - NO CHARGE
Beer Tasting and Musicale - The list of beers was not made available to me at "press time".
However, if last week was any indication, the bar has been raised again.
The variety of Belgium beers that was sampled up last week caused much discussion.
Our cellar was busy with aficionados of all shapes and sizes.
If you have grown tired of "lite" beers please join us - it will change everything.


THIS FRIDAY - September 9th - 6-9 p.m. - NO CHARGE
Great mid priced wines that offer a lot of value.

1 - Domaine Larochette - French - Pouilly-Fuissé - $22.
This gorgeous French white is perfect for sipping and savoring before and during dinner.
The tropical, slightly citrusy notes linger subtly, like piano music from the bar during a romantic dinner for two in the main room. It makes a brilliant accompaniment to a lobster and scallops, or with a grilled piece of sole with a simple lemon aioli Only 600 cases made.

2 - Bodegas Godeva - Spanish - White - Vina Godeval - $14
The new Spanish whites, which are becoming more widely available in the United States, offer some outstanding values especially when compared to our domestic offerings. What’s more, they provide some appealingly distinctive alternatives to our formulaic, Chardonnays. This excellent estate-bottled offering, made from the indigenous Godello grape, is surprisingly intense. Great fruit characteristics are accompanied by hints of apricots, white peaches, medium body, a luscious texture, and a dry, zesty finish. Enjoy this non-oaked white wine with a variety of dishes over the next 1-2 years.

3 -Jean-Paul Brun - French - Cote du Brouilly - $16
Jean Paul Brun succeeded his father as the head of this family estate, situated in the heart of the “Terres Dorées,” in 1978. With a real love for the Beaujolais terroir, this passionate winemaker today makes one of the finest wines of the appellation. Harvested from vines on the Brouilly hillside of blue granite, this Cote de Brouilly is a reflection of the painstaking efforts of Mr. Brun. This is a wine that you can impress your friends with - IF you decide to share. Bright, clear pink-purple color. Pure, restrained berry fruit. Some tropical notes -- papaya and blood orange. Yummy. Recommended without reservation.

4 - CHATEAU DE CAPITOUL - French - ROUGE 2003 "Les Lavandines" - $16
On December 22nd, 1423, a judgement was passed by the 5 Consuls of Narbonne, they declared that the Bastide de Rieumar should be the property of the the Saint-Just Cathedral. That they alone had the banderage, forestry, grazing, watering rights and attached vineyards - Talk about your history - FAST FORWARD - The construction of the present chateau dates back to the end of the 19th century. Charles Mock took over management of the domain in 1983 on a site with a centuries-old wine growing culture. He is the 4th generation of winegrowers after his great-grandfather,Jean-Marie Aupecle. He is a passionate winemaker and this one deserves your attention. Try it, you'll like it. Great dark color. Complex aromas with a mixture of spices and red fruits. Very good mouth-filling, flexible with accents of small red fruits. This complexity is attained by careful mixing of their Mediterranean grape varieties. This wine goes well with grilled meat, white meals or roasts, as well as with light cheeses.

Also - I was reminded by a new friends in Rowaton over the weekend that there are remarkable everyday wines in our cellar in the $7-$10 dollar range. If you have not been in the cellar for a while - take a minute to look at the racks along the back walls - you will be very pleasantly surprised.

Thanks for all of your calls and emails - we love hearing from you.
Your input keeps us pointed in the right direction.

We hope to see you this week -
Please join us - It's fun informal and a great way to start your weekend.




AAA

Into The Dark / Pink Floyd/Chimay/Les Sorcieres

Greetings from all of us in New London,
Thames River Wine & Spirits- 860-443-6817
Brie & Bleu - 860-437-2474
Thames River Greenery - 860-443-6817
www.thamesriver.com
www.brieandbleu.com

As many of you know we have been on vacation for the past week - and that is the reason that this week's note is late and a bit shorter than usual.

It is good to be back - we missed you.

WEDNESDAY 8/31/05 - Our Mexican Dinner featuring beers from around the world starts at 6 p.m. - there are a couple of seats available. 860-443-9463

THURSDAY 9/1/05 - Beer Tasting & Musicale - from 5-8 p.m. NO CHARGE
"Into The Dark" - with the music of Pink Floyd

Chimay is an authentic Trappist beer that is it is brewed within a Trappist monastery, under the control and responsibility of the monastic community.
Only 6 beers in Belgium can carry the appellation "Trappist": Chimay, Orval, Rochefort, Westmalle, Westvleteren and Achel.
Tonight join us and sample two of the most popular from the abbey.
1 - Chimay Red
2 - Chimay Blue

3 - Allagash Double Ale
A dark-amber, medium bodied Belgian Style Ale, Allagash Double is the perfect complement to the White. The combination of 7 different malts, a special sugar, and our Belgian yeast strain results in a beer with a complex, malty taste and remarkably clean finish.

4 - Corsendonk Monks Ale -
Pours a deep dark brown colour with a thick tan head that stays thick. From bottle to glass this is an attractive beer. This is a very good Abbey. Looks solid brown with mohogany highlights accompanied by active carbonation. Forms an off white head of loosely knit bubbles. Fruity and spicy to the nose. Nice malty sweetness is spread over barley, caramel, and chocolate malts. Sweet and tart to the taste. Sweet fruitness of plumbs, raspberries, dark grapes, figs, and dates. Aside from the sweetness, the tartness rounds out the beers flavors. Playful carbonation and sweet alcohols keeps the beer from tasting or feel cloying. Finishes mildly sweet and dry.

FRIDAY 9/3/05 - Wine Tasting - 6-9 p.m. - NO CHARGE

1 - Les Sorcières 2001 Côtes du Roussillon - $21
Your palate will be most titillated by this wittily packaged - with its silhouette of a witch and star on the cork - wine from France - intense, lingering and mysterious. Please give this one a try.

2 - Nicodemi Montepulciano - $15.
Founded by Bruno Nicodemi, the property has now passed into the hands of the second generation and is currently being revamped by Elena and Allessandro Nicodemi. The full potential of this area, not yet fully explored, will surely find the forefront of revelation in the hands of this ambitious brother and sister team in the Teramo Montepulciano d'Abruzzo appellation! 100% Montepulciano aged in Slavonian casks yielding a rich and plush red wine! Made from a combination of old vine Montepulciano, responsible for the depth and concentration, and 5-10 year old vines, giving this wine the finer tannic material that makes it so extraordinarly silky and pleasant in the mouth-feel. Talk about yummy - this is the one.

3 - 2004 Provenza, Lugana, Garda - $12
There's nothing like a gulp of a good Lugana to slake the thirst on a warm day. Its zippy acidity and refreshingly crisp fruit make it both a super partner for white-fleshed fish dishes and for sipping as an apéritif . Perfect for broiled trout and other tasty fish dishes, enjoy this juicy, refreshing Lugana over the next year. Trust me - this is worth your attention.

4 - Frank Sinatra - Merlot ( Kahn Vineyards) - $17
So many people have asked about the Sinatra wine over the summer that we adding it to the Friday night tasting. This wine begins with pomegranate and cherry
flavors that leads into rich aromas of cola and spice and an undertone of vanilla oak.
Only 2,024 Cases Produced - Come Fly With Us on Friday night.


We will be back to our regular schedule this week.
There are many changes coming to the calendar of events - keep watching.

Thanks for your support, and please join us - it's fun, informal and a great way to start the weekend.

Beer Tasting / Hopler Gruner Veittliner / Ahlgren Syrah/ Vacation Notice

Greetings from all of us in New London -
Thames River Wine & Spirits - 860-443-9463
Thames River Greenery - 860-437-2474
Brie & Bleu - 860-437-2474
Calendar of Events - http://www.thamesriver.com/site_2/wine/calendar.html
www.brieandbleu.com
www.thamesriver.com

*** VACATION NOTICE***
Thames River Greenery &
Thames River Beanery will be closed for the week of August 22 - 27.
It's time to enjoy a mid summer vacation - oh yeah.

ALSO -Brie & Bleu will enjoy an abbreviated schedule during the week.
ALL events and functions that are scheduled will take place as planned - see you there.
BRIE & BLEU - 860-437-2474 - if you have questions.

The wine store will be open as usual.
Any questions - please call - 860-443-9463

This week:

Wednesday 9/24/05 - The Spanish Dinner - SOLD OUT - thank you.
**** there is space on the wait list at this time*****
( The Italian Wine dinner is filling quickly - please call early for seating )

Thursday - 9/25/05 - BEER TASTING & MUSICALE - 5-8 p.m. NO CHARGE
Featuring the White Ales of the World & the great "White Albums" of the world.

This Friday - 9/26/05 - 6-9 p.m. - NO CHARGE

1 - Hopler Gruner Veittliner - $17
The 2002 Grüner Veltliner color is light straw.
On the nose, citrus, apple and peach are present up front and in the background minerality and some spice.
Great zesty acidity, a medium body and an almost oily mouthfeel. This is a fantastic food wine and deserves your attention.

2 - Hopler Pinot Blanc - $19
White wines are Austria’s forte, including Grüner Veltliner, Riesling and Sauvignon Blanc, Those fortunate enough to have experience with these wines know that in many ways they have more in common with Alsace than Germany while still retaining their own distinct personalities. Some say that although they have the freshness of the Rhine in them, there is more of the fieriness and high flavor of the Danube. Try this with your favorite late summer recipes -

3 - Ahlgren Syrah - Paso Robles - $25 - http://www.ahlgrenvineyard.com/
Many of you got to meet Dexter and Valarie Ahlgren when they were here at the store. You know that they make small batches of award winning wine. They send their regards AND they have sent us TWO wonderful wines. First the syrah -Deep, warm, rich smoky, & chocolate bouquet. Ripe and fruity flavors. Well balanced. Mouth filling, complex. Unfined & unfiltered - ONLY 600 cases produced.

4 - Ahlgren Zinfandel - Livermore - $27
Next they would like you to try thier Zin.
Big, soft, classic Zin with a great fruit bouquet showing hints of chocolate. Rich, intense, balanced, mouth filing and complex with a long finish. A big, gracious Zin. Almost a meal in itself. Unfined and unfiltered.
ONLY 249 cases produced.

FAVORITE DISCOVERY OF THE WEEK -
Just in - There is a sparkling French Rosé in the store that is the most amazing wine.
Delicate - off dry - gorgeous color - perfect with food - I am telling you this is the bottle you want to start off the party. ASK JIM to show you the "Sparkling French Rosé" - he will know what you mean. There might be six or seven bottle left in stock right now.

Thanks so much for all of your support - all of you continue to make it a party every night.
Please check the calendar of events for updates and items of interest - it changes often.

Please join us. It's fun, informal and a great way to start your weekend.


AAA

Great Rums & Arturo Fuente /Anchor Steam/Fontanafredda

Greetings from all of us in New London,
Thames River Wine & Spirits - 860-443-9463
Thames River Greenery - 860-443-6817
Brie & Bleu - 860-437-2474

Last Wednesday the French dinner turned into a party because one of the guests happened to be celebrating a birthday -
What a great night - Anne Haviland and her merry band of staffers in the kitchen have been really raising the bar and the food included mustard crusted rack of lamb- and all of the wines were amazing - One of the guests even brought in a couple of surprise bottles from his own cellar to share with everyone. Very old - impossible to find - and oh so good. I don't think that would happen in too many places. Thanks to everyone - it was fabulous.

Thursday in our cellar the beer tasting featured the beers of Belgium - and on our deck
we had one of our best Cellar Club guests ever. Mr. Charles Mara joined us. He was generous with his time - answered all questions that were asked - and he sat at each table for awhile - getting to know our customers & friends. He is truly a wine industry insider and had many great stories to tell about wine & food celebrities. It was like being a fly on the wall.
He even recounted the episode of winding up in the guiness book of records - He explained how the bidding for the single most expensive bottle of wine ever purchased was going along in 500 dollar increments until it "really got serious" around twenty thousand dollars - thats when the bidding switched to one thousand dollar increments.

The bidding came down to two people - Charles and the other guy - the auctioneer called out - "I have twenty-five thousand, twenty-six thousand, twenty-seven thousand - do I hear twenty-eight"???
Charles raised his numbered paddle one more time - I have twenty eight thousand, at that point the other bidder smiled and gave a short bow to Charles. The bidding was over - the history books had a new name - and get this......he swears he was sober at the time.

On Friday night the celebration of the opening of the Hygenic Art Park was in full swing.
Hanafinn's - the new Irish Pub across from the Garde theater was open and
The night was full of music and people and wine - Lots of new faces in our cellar and on the deck at Brie & Bleu.
New London is jumping - come on down and see what your missing.

THIS WEEK -

WEDNESDAY -AUGUST 17 - 6-9 p.m. - on the deck at Brie & Bleu - 860-443-9463
The Great Rums of the world and the famed cigars of Arturo Fuente
Please call - space is limited

THURSDAY - AUGUST 18 - BEER TASTING & Musicale - 5-8 p.m. - NO CHARGE -- Anchor Steam
Anchor Brewing has played a significant role in San Francisco's rich history. Anchor's seven unique beers—including Anchor Steam®—are all produced in one of the most traditional and handsome breweries in the world. Each brew is virtually handmade from an all-malt mash in their handcrafted copper brewhouse, a veritable museum of the simple, traditional breweries of old.
This is great beer - please stop by and hoist a few.

FRIDAY AUGUST 19 - 6-9 p.m. - NO CHARGE - WHITE WINES OF ITALY
Among the four wines featured : Fontanafredda Arneis
A name which stands out among the great Piedmontese wine-makers, Fontanafredda represents long-standing tradition an approach which has taken it to the top of its field. Its labels include the best wines produced in the Langhe area, the home of the most noble Piedmontese vines. The Fontanafredda estate is over 125 years old. King Vittorio Emanuele II donated it to his commoner wife Rosa Vercellana and son Emanuele Guerrieri, Count of Mirafiori, who began making wine there in 1878.
Join us and drink like Italian Royalty - see you there.

*** VACATION NOTICE***
Thames River Greenery & The Beanery will be closed for the week of August 22 - 27.
It's time to enjoy a mid summer vacation - oh yeah.
******
Thank you all for your support and for making it so much fun.
Please check the website for items of interest and the latest news.
And if you are in the neighborhood - please stop by. It's fun, informal and a great way to start the weekend.

AAA.

Charles Mara / Belgium Beers / Ballet of Angels / Bacchanalia

Greetings from all of us in New London,
Thames River Wine & Spirits - 860-443-9463 - 84 Bank Street
Thames River Greenery - 860-443-6817 - 70 State Street
Brie & Bleu - 860-437-2474 - 84 Bank Street
www.thamesriver.com
www.brieandbleu.com
Calendar of events: http://www.thamesriver.com/site_2/wine/calendar.html

The Film Festival at the Garde Arts Center is in FULL SWING.

There is nothing like seeing a movie on the big screen and this is an excellent way to support the Garde Arts Center.
Check out the full schedule here: http://www.gardearts.org/

Keep in Mind they are showing SIDEWAYS on Saturday August 20 at 7:30 and
to support that idea we will be sampling wine from the movie and matching it with food next door at Brie & Bleu.
We start at 6 and keep it going until 9 p.m.

The Pan Asian dinner we had at Brie & Bleu- was a great evening - lots of great food and amazing wine - decadence - oh yeah.
Our favorite course?: lobster dumplings with lemon grass and a chilled dry riesling by S.A. Prüm - decadence - oh yeah.
Anne Haviland makes it look easy - how does she make everything so delicious? She makes it with love - oh yeah.
We have added her recipes to the website: www.brieandbleu.com

Jonathan Edward's Winery packed them in last Friday night. - http://www.jedwardswinery.com/
They poured and poured....and then poured some more.
Their first all Connecticut Estate wine was a big hit - keep your eyes open for the reviews.

Also, Mr. Paul Trubey from Beltane Farm in Lebanon CT unveiled their newest cheese at Brie & Bleu on Friday.
The samples of "Beltane's Grace" were sublime. Paul was loaded with information and happy to share everything.
Brie & Bleu will be one of the few places to purchase the cheese when it's available - in a few weeks - It is fabulous.

THIS WEDNESDAY - French Wine Dinner - SOLD OUT - THANK YOU - remember to call early.
Our weekly themed dinners are very popular - some say the best kept secret in New London.
They are small, casual, and a very good time.


THIS THURSDAY AUGUST 11 6 p.m. - TWO EVENTS

First:
Have you ever said to yourself "what kind of nut pays thousand's of dollars for a bottle of wine"???
Well join us on Thursday August 11 at 6 p.m. and you can see for yourself.

Meet Charles Mara - He is listed in the Guinness Book of World Records TWO SEPARATE TIMES.
1 - "most paid for a single bottle of wine". ($28,000)
2 - "most paid for a case of American wine". ($24,000)

He may be some kind of nut - but he also makes some of the greatest wines we have ever tasted.
Try his highly rated & allocated wines
Featuring: Kosta Brown, Conn Vineyard Russian River 2002 - $52,
Mara Dolinsek Ranch Zinfandel 2002 - $40,
Mara Cabernet Reserve 2001 - $40, and a few surprises too.
The Wines of Mara & Kosta Brown. http://www.marawines.com/

IMPORTANT:
Charles Mara is a Cellar Club Event - which is normally Members Only.
BUT there is very limited additional seating available to the public.
Reservations Are Required - 860-443-9463
Speak to Jim Morrison - he will take your information.

Second:
Thursday Night Beer Tasting and Musicale -Belgium Beers
Our own George Whitehouse continues the weekly beer tastings.
This week the great beers of Belgium - featuring:
Chimay Cinq Cents - Orval Trappist - Lindemans Gueuze - Duchesse de Bourgogne.
Apparently many people have thought that the "musicale" part of the evening is just a joke.
Honestly - George is serious about the music part of the evening.
Bring in old VYNYL records - we will play them.
It sounds crazy - but some how it works - really.

THIS FRIDAY - Lots of action downtown - read on

FRIDAY AUGUST 12 2005 - 6-9 p.m. NO CHARGE

In our Cellar - Connecticut's Sharpe Hill Vineyards. - http://www.sharpehill.com/

Featuring:

Sharpe Hill Ballet of Angels $11. -
A crisp and semi-dry white wine with a lovely floral bouquet. It has flavors of citrus and pear with a long finish.
We suggest serving this wine well chilled as an aperitif or with spicy foods

Sharpe Hill Cabernet Franc $17. -
A Bordeaux style wine that is made entirely from Cabernet Franc grapes.
This wine has a classic Cabernet bouquet and a delicate soft finish.
We suggest serving this wine with all red meat dishes as well as chocolate desserts.

Sharpe Hill Red Seraph $12
A dry table wine that is a robust blend based on the St. Croix grape.
This lovely colored red wine is both soft and smooth, and is the perfect accomaniment to beef, lamb, and pasta dishes.

AND ACROSS THE STREET
AT THE HYGENIC ART PARK: http://www.hygienic.org/programs.asp

The dust from all of the construction is just about settled.
It is time to see what all the hard work has created.
It is time to see Paul McMasters and all of his tireless colleagues take a deep breath and have a cocktail.
They have put an extraordinary amount of time into this project. It has not gone unnoticed.

BACCHANALIA:
The friends of the Hygienic Art Park cordially invite you to BACCHANALIA
A Fundraiser and celebration supporting the Hygienic Art Park
Please join us on August 12th,2005
At the Hygienic Art Park - 87 Bank Street - New London, CT - 7:00 pm
$75.00 per person
R.S.V.P. by July 22nd, 2005 - Reservations are limited
Parking in the Eugene O'Neill parking lot
For questions or requests please call Kathryn Salvio Scarano,Chairperson at (860) 447-2066
Featuring: Live Music, Flowing Wine, International Cuisine provided by many of the finest restaurants in New London,
Silent Auction, Drawings, and Live music and dramatic entertainment.

Thanks for all of the comments and emails - we love hearing from you.
We try to implement your suggestions when ever possible.
Your participation is the reason that we have become a hub of information & activity.
We have wonderful plans for the upcoming months keep an eye on the calendar - and right here - on the weekly update.
Thanks for making this so much fun - we appreciate your support.


AAA.

Decadence Is Alive, Happily, In New London

Featured in Columns & Editorial

Decadence Is Alive, Happily, In New London

By STEVEN SLOSBERG
Day Staff Columnist
Published on 8/2/2005

Living large on a deck overlooking the harbor in New London on a Wednesday evening in late July, the air fragrant with the smoke of superior cigars and the bouquet of single malts, and skewers of succulent Cuban-style pork, and thinking if I praise Charlotte Hennegan one more time, being stamped as owned-and-operated will be indelible.

So let me toast, instead, Fred Argilagos, Hennegan's long-time partner, both business and domestic, who has engineered the return of monthly cigar and spirits nights with, well, Hennegan's signature flourish and fine taste.

What transpires on occasional Wednesday evenings on the back deck of Thames River Wine & Spirits on Bank Street, a few blocks away from Hennegan's venerable Thames River Greenery on State Street, is a throwback to the headier days of the 1980s and early '90s. This was money-to-burn era of the fabulously decadent cigar dinners, during which well-ventilated establishments would serve up, for maybe $80 to $125, a full-course evening of gourmet food, cigars, wines and whiskies. The protocol was generally a different cigar and wine with each course, and there were typically four to five courses.

Argilagos, in concert with his wine shop manager, Jim Morrison, has been hosting Friday wine tastings, free to the public, in the granite catacomb wine cellar since the shop opened more than a year ago. Lately, with chef Anne Haviland, once of Anne's Bistro in Old Lyme, he's presented weekly limited-seating, themed-cuisine, wine dinners for $50. In June, Argilagos, a professed aficionado of the famed Connecticut broadleaf wrapper, welcomed a gathering to the first cigar and spirits night. For $25, people were treated to four different single malts, with abundant snifter refills, a Davidoff cigar and plates of cheese and fruits and elegant sandwiches.

For those who like their single malts aged and pronounceable, the first array included Cragganmore 12-year-old; Oban 14-year-old; the regal Lagavulin 16-year-old and Dalmore Cigar Malt.

The second such evening, the one in July, featured the best domestic cigar in the land, one equal to most any upscale hand-rolled from the Dominican and Honduras and smoother than many Cubans. They are called Moore & Bode, made by an Irish woman, Sharon Moore, and her Cuban-Dutch husband, Robert Bode, in Miami's Little Havana. The whisky was on the same par: Glenmorangie 12-year-old, and, at around $150 a bottle, 1964 Scott's Selection North of Scotland, a bracing, full-bodied spanking.

Again, the hosts were not shy about refills, and served up a couple of Spanish wines at the finish. Beside plates of cheese, bread and fruits, there were skewers of seasoned pork. The price this night was $35, and all those on the back deck, perhaps 20 people, each received three Moore & Bode cigars.

Among those savoring the evening was Kyrena Robinson, who ran Kyrena's Restaurante in Norwich several years ago and lately works in her family's tack shop, the Paddock, on Rose Hill in Ledyard. She prefers petit cigars, but took her leisurely time on this Wednesday evening to enjoy one of the Moore & Bode coronas. Her husband, Gary Robinson, smoked beside her.

The next cigar night, later in August, will feature Arturo Fuente cigars and world-class rums, including the enviable 15-year-old Barbancourt from Haiti.

Charlotte Hennegan and Fred Argilagos are doing it downtown, again, and I'm saying it again. They are the brand for New London to live and prosper by.

This is the opinion of Steven Slosberg.


© The Day Publishing Co., 2005
For home delivery, please call 1-800-542-3354 Ext. 4700

Brooklyn Brewing / Jonathan Edwards Estate Wines / Rao's Size Private Dinners

Greetings from all of us in New London,

What a great week it has been - We are getting a late start this week so I will keep it short and sweet.
Thanks to all of the cellar club members that attended Thursday's gathering -
I've never seen so many empty bottles of wine or so many smiling faces. Thanks for making it so much fun.

Also - We finished our week long salute to the wines & foods of Spain and it reached a near fever pitch when we hosted
our boutique wines of Spain last Wednesday night. Some amazing wines that will most likely never be available again in this area.
You can visit our BLOG to review the details of the Special Evening at: http://newlondonwine.blogspot.com/


Our weekly dinners continue on Wednesday August 3 2005 - 6 p.m.
Our Pan Asian Dinner is - S O L D O U T -
BUT We do take names for a waiting LIST.

Take a look at our calendar: http://www.thamesriver.com/site_2/wine/calendar.html
All of our upcoming wine diners and food events are listed there and remember it changes often with additions and information of interest.
We keep the gatherings small - it's a lot more fun that way - but unfortunately it's the early caller that gets the seat.

Our Thursday night Beer Tastings & Musicale continue - or as I like to call them "Thursday Night Beer-a-Palooza's"
Last week no one took the prize for the Herb Alpert album challenge - So this week I am making it easier.
Almost everyone has a copy of Henry Mancini's original Pink Panther sound track. Remember we want VYNYL.
For those of you out there that have never seen a rotary phone - this may prove too big of a hurdle.

This Thursday we are hosting Brooklyn Brewing Company: http://www.brooklynbrewery.com/

In 1984, Associated Press correspondent Steve Hindy returned from a six-year stint in the Middle East and settled in Brooklyn's Park Slope neighborhood. Hindy had caught the homebrewing bug from diplomats stuck in Islamic countries like Saudi Arabia and Kuwait where alcoholic beverages were forbidden. With his downstairs neighbor, Tom Potter, a former lending office at Chemical Bank, Hindy quit his job and founded The Brooklyn Brewery. Their initial goal was to bring good beer back to New York City. Due to their limited resources, they had no choice but to have their first beer, Brooklyn Lager, contract brewed in Utica, New York. They commissioned a fourth-generation German-American brewmaster, William M. Moeller, to develop a recipe for Brooklyn Lager. Moeller's grandfather had brewed beer in Brooklyn and willed his notebooks and brewing records to his sons. For the label design and company identity, they hired the world renowned designer, Milton Glaser, best known for the "I Love NY" logo.It was not all glory for Hindy and Potter in the first years of the company. An initial test batch was hand-labeled in the basement of their Brooklyn brownstone. They have come a long, long way since those days. We are very happy to be hosting the Brooklyn Brewing Company this Thursday.

Thursday August 4 2005 - 5-8 p.m. NO CHARGE

1 - Brooklyn Lager
Their flagship beer, the award-winning Brooklyn Lager is amber-gold in color, and displays a firm malt center supported by a fine bitterness and floral hop aroma. The aromatic qualities of the beer are enhanced by “dry-hopping”, the centuries-old practice of steeping the beer with fresh hops as it undergoes a long, cold maturation. The result is a wonderfully flavorful beer, smooth, refreshing and very versatile with food.

2 - Brooklyn East India Pale Ale
Their East India Pale Ale is a deep golden beer brewed from British malt and a blend of hops featuring the choice East Kent Golding variety.
It is traditionally dry-hopped for a bright aroma of hops and citrus fruit, and has a robust snappy bitterness, a warming malt palate and a clean hoppy finish. It is excellent with spicy dishes, steaks and chops.

3 - Brooklyner Weisse Beer
Their Brooklyner Weisse is brewed in the classic German style from European wheat and barley malts. Our special Bavarian yeast produces the flavors and aromas that wheat beers are prized for – bananas, cloves, and melon, with a smoky note in the background. Refreshing, light, and brisk, wheat beers have been popular in Bavaria for centuries. Remarkably versatile with your favorite dishes. Its light touch is perfect with all sorts of salads. It’s great with egg dishes at brunch, Mexican dishes and spicy Asian cuisine. It’s also terrific with seafood, especially snapper, salmon, shrimp, and crab cakes.

4 - And a SURPRISE from the brewers.

Now onto the the wine tasting -

THIS FRIDAY August 5 2005 - 6-9 p.m. - NO CHARGE

A great night featuring a CONNECTICUT gem.
Jonathan Edwards Vineyards: http://www.jedwardswinery.com/
North Stonington will unveil their first all Connecticut wine.
Be among the very first to try their ESTATE WINES - before the general public.

1 - Chardonnay - FIRST RELEASE - of their Estate Connecticut Chordonnay!
After four years of hard work and anticipation Jonathan Edwards Winery will finally be releasing their first estate Connecticut wine!
This will mark the beginning of their premium Connecticut wine program with a focus on classic European white varietals.
Call the winery for more information at 860.535.0202 or visit http://www.jedwardswinery.com/

2 - Cabernet 2002 Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon
The 2002 Cabernet Sauvignon is sure to please those fans that helped make the 2001 a quick sell-out.
Dark chocolate, fresh tobacco leaf and peat continue to dominate this smooth finishing wine. -

3 - Zinfandel 2002 Napa Valley Zinfandel -
One of our best sellers! Our 2002 Zinfandel was grown on 50 year old head-pruned vines in St. Helena.
Jammy fruit, black pepper, and even violets permeate the nose on our version of the monster Zin!

4 - Merlot 2002 Napa Valley Merlot
Our first 100% Merlot release hails from a gorgeous vineyard in Oakville directly behind Opus One.
This wine has deep color, a bright clear bouquet of cherry, raspberry and is followed by a lush finish of plum and spice.
Near perfect growing conditions in 2002 delivered a quintessential Napa Valley Merlot. Enjoy this with red pasta dishes, almost any meats and alongside your favorite cheese.

ALSO : AT Brie & Bleu - http://brieandbleu.com/
Mr. John Trubey of Beltane Farm in Lebanon, CT will unveil their new "Beltane Grace".
The first release of their newest cheese - try it BEFORE it is available in stores.

CORRECTIONS:
The Upcoming French Wine Dinner is in fact on Wednesday August 10 - 6 p.m.
The photo on the calendar incorrectly states the date as 8/3/05.

Thanks for all of your support - we appreciate it.
Please join us - it's fun, informal and a great way to start your weekend.


AAA.

THE WAIT IS OVER! / Buzzards Bay / Special Evening

Greetings from all of us in New London,
Thames River Wine & Spirits - 860-443-9463 - www.thamesriver.com
Thames River Greenery - 860-443-6817 - www.thamesriver.com
Brie & Bleu - 860-437-2474 - www.brieandbleu.com

Before I get to the wines for this week I just have to mention a few things :

The New Menu at Brie and Bleu. There are so many tasty new additions to the summer menu that it is hard to choose.
Take a look and see for yourself at: http://brieandbleu.com/menus.html

This WEDNESDAY JULY 27th - 6 p.m. - ONLY TEN SEATS AVAILABLE - $60
This is A Very Special Evening -
Very probably the only chance we will all get o try these wines.
The Boutique Wines of Spain.
The production is so low and the availability almost non existent.
Take a look at our favorites page to get the details on this wine:
http://www.thamesriver.com/site_2/wine/instock.html
The wines include:
El Bosque - $140.
Amancio - $135.
El Puntido - $54.
And of course a surprise or two
We will be serving a light menu to compliment the wines - But the focus this night will be inside the bottles.
Do Not Wait To Call for Seats - 860-443-9463

Thursday July 28th - 5 -8 p.m. NO CHARGE
Beer Tastings & Musicale - Buzzards Bay Brewing Company will be on hand for the beer. http://www.buzzardsbrew.com/
And for the "Musicale" part of the evening -
The first person that brings in the Herb Alpert & The Tijuana Brass Taste of Honey Album - in playable condition -
Will get a special prize.

The Calendar of Events is full of information and has just been updated - take a look at:
http://www.thamesriver.com/site_2/wine/calendar.html


******** BREAKING NEWS *********

The long wait is over! -
Ladies & Gentlemen for the dozens of you that have been requesting and calling to check on the arrival of TXAKOLI - (Shock - oh - lee)
The amazing white wine from the Basque region of spain - It Is Back. This is the wine seen on almost every table last summer at Brie & Bleu.
We have it in stock - case discount will still apply - and it is on a first come, first served basis.
Txakoli Txomin Etxaniz: This is a house favorite and one of the best summer/food wines we have ever had.
"Perfumed, estery aromas of peach, grapefruit, apple, tarragon and ginger.
Offers lovely spicy fruit with atypical ripeness and density, thanks to the superripe year, yet manages to avoid heaviness
(in cool years, this can be distinctly lemony). Finishes very long, spicy and delicious. 89 points.



Now onto this week -

Friday July 29 - 6-9 p.m. - NO CHARGE

1 - Heredad De Aduna - Reserva 1998 $ 27 - http://www.heredadaduna.com
Heredad de Aduna, with a long family tradition, still make their wines in the traditional manner,
thanks to the knowledge and good work of their elders, especially their father and maestro, Jose Martinez Aduna -
Bodegas Heredad de Aduna specialize in a large variety of young red wines, Vintages, Reservas and Grandes Reservas that reach a widely-spread market that knows how to appreciate the quality of the end product, proof of which are the number of prizes they have received since they started out as harvesters. This wine wins gold medal awards all over Europe in blind tastings - you must try this.

2 - Heretat Mas Tinell Cava - BRUT RESERVA - $24
A pure delicacy. Fresh and clean on the palate. Straightforward and scented. Royal Brut, the Cava to be served at any time.
Elaborated with the local varieties of the Penedès Region –Macabeu, Xarel•lo and Parellada- it masterly combines the virtues of Cava and craftsmanship tradition. Pale yellow colour, brilliant appearance. Abundant small bubbles, closely spaced forming the three or four typical columns.
Good intensity of nose, fruity recall ( apple and pear ) and sensation of freshness. Ample palate of adequate acidity.
Extremely well-balanced: it invites to drink. Excellent and persistent final impression.
This is the sparkling wine that the King of Spain - chose to serve at HIS wedding - Trust me, price was not the issue.
This is great wine - please try it. It's good to be the king.

3 -TERRA DO GARGALO 2003/04 (Monterrei) $18.
From a relatively new, state of the art winery in south central Galicia, built and planted from scratch by Spanish fashion guru Roberto Verino, this Catalan wine gets regular wow Parker reviews and it is easy to see why: dark cherry in hue, it is lively, vigorous and aromatic with vivid red cherry fruit flavours and attractive, spicy, slightly resinous overtones. Partner with full-flavored food.

4 -Godello, Dona Blanco 2003 - $18
This is a good example of why Godello is beginning to emerge as a very strong contender in the Spanish white wine sweepstakes.
The color is light straw. Apple, pear and mineral scents open the evaluation. On the palate, there’s crisp acidity, a medium body and a velvety mouthfeel. Lemon and apple flavors together with some background minerality predominate in the long finish.
As far as food pairings, fish and shellfish would be fine…now, as to the question, who’s number one among Spanish whites?


Thank you for your support - it is allowing us to redefine what this type of store can be.
You should have heard the "nay sayers" when we first started - ".....what do you mean, no scratch offs or 1/2 pints"?

You have proved them wrong - and it is onward and upward from here.

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

August Events

8/3 - Pan Asian Dinner - Featuring the wines of S.A. Prüm & J.J.Prüm - $50.

8/5 - Jonathan Edwards Connecticut release party and tasting.
Try their first ALL Connecticut wine before it hits the stores. - No Charge.
Beltane Farm - Lebanon, CT - first release of their newest cheese.

8/11 - Wines of Mara & Kosta Brown. Meet Charles Mara and try his highly rated & allocated wines - $50
Featuring: Kosta Brown, Conn Vineyard Russian River 2002 - $52, Mara Dolinsek Ranch Zinfandel 2002 - $40, Mara Cabernet Reserve 2001 - $40, and surprises.

8/12 - "BACCANALIA" - at the Hygenic Art Galleries - open tasting AND Connecticut's Sharpe Hill Vineyards in our Cellar.
Featuring: Ballet of Angels $11. - Cabernet Franc $17. - Red Syrah $12.

8/17 - The Great Rums of the World & Cigars - $25.

8/19 - Italian White Wines - Open Tasting - No Charge.
Featuring : Gavé D' Gavé and Fontana Freda Arneis

8/24 - Spanish Wine Dinner - $50.
Featured Wines : Morgandio Alberino, Museam Real, Don Pedro 1972 classic Sherry

9/27 - Premium Italian Wines & Dinner - $50.
Featured Wines: Brunello, Barolo, Amarone, Ripasso

Great Summer Wines / Best Party in Town / Smutty Nose

Greetings from New London -
Thames River Wine & Spirits - 860-443-9463
Thames River Greenery - 860-443-6817
Brie and Bleu - 860-437-2474
www.thamesriver.com
www.brieandbleu.com


Last week was Hazy - Hot - Humid - Oh yeah - but NOT in our cellar! - because it's "KEWL". Maybe that's why it was so busy.
Or maybe it was because of the show that featured the photographic art of Mr. Joe Standard and the New London Project.
Or maybe it was the deck at Brie & Bleu - full of action, well dressed chattering people hopping from one table to the next.
Or maybe it was because our regular open tasting featured some of the best Australian wines this side of the Pecos.
Or maybe it was simply because it is a beautiful scene.
And do you know who is responsible for all of the fun & excitement? - YOU.
This is your clubhouse and we will keep the party going as long and as loud as you want.

This is how we have responded to your requests:
Weekly Wine & Beer Tastings? DONE.
Cellar Club & Special Events? DONE.
Wine Dinners? DONE
Private Tastings & Parties? DONE.
Hot Stone Massages and a Full Seaweed Wrap?
Talk to us privately. We will look into it on a case by case basis.

I have to take a minute to thank all of the wonderful guests that attended our French Wines and Dinner last Wednesday.
It was a lovely night - such great conversation and shared stories. And a special thanks to Mr. Roger Hoadley.
Roger "Officiated" & spoke eloquently about the wines and answered all of the questions - and kept our glasses full.
Bravo Roger.
The dinners that we have every week now - are like going to a great party with really cool people.
And I'll tell you what the secret is - we keep them small. That's what makes it so much fun - thank you all.

Remember we have a dinner every week at Brie & Bleu with wines and food matched and prepared - with love.

Our next French Dinner is on Wednesday August 10 at 6 p.m.
- Italian Wines & Food on Thursady July 21st
- Pan Asian Dinner & Wines on Wednesday July 27th

And an updated list of all dinners with wine lists & menus can always be found on our website:
http://www.thamesriver.com/site_2/wine/calendar.html
It changes often so remember to check it every now and again.

THIS FRIDAY JULY 22 2005 - 6-9 p.m. - NO CHARGE

1 - St. Urbans - Hof Riesling 2004 - $12 - http://www.urbans-hof.de/index.htm
This wine, typical of Mosel Rieslings, is almost as pale as water, showing just a light greenish-straw color. Its initial aroma impact speaks more of earth than fruit; it's worth pouring the wine with vigorous aeration a half-hour before serving, though, as these aromas blow off to reveal appetizing juicy, limey citrus fruit. Limes and lemons show on the palate, too, with hints of peach, and light fresh-fruit sweetness fully balanced by steely "minerally" acidity. Gentle 10 percent alcohol makes this an obvious candidate for aperitif quaffing, but its exceptional affinity for food earns it a place at the dinner table.

2 - La Craie Vouvray 2003 - $13
When I suggest a Vouvray to some of my friends, I often get a response like, "Sounds "kewl", but what is it?"
Vouvray ( VOOve Ray ) is sexy, but it is often not understood by wine drinkers because it can come in so many styles, ranging from very dry to slightly sweet. Vouvray is the appellation for wine that comes from one of eight villages in the Loire Valley of France, including the village of Vouvray.
It is made from the chenin blanc grape. The dry wines can be rich, full-bodied and intense, while the sweeter wines can be very fruity and full of flavor.
Vouvray can accompany a wide range of foods. The dry wines can pair with chicken and white sauces or fish and seafood. The sweeter wines may be matched with spicy Asian food or Indian curries.

3 - Chateau Sansey Graves Blanc 2002 - $12 - http://www.vins-graves.com/?page=VinsGravesLayout
It seems like it’s tougher than it should be to find good Bordeaux blancs, and this position has remained unfilled for a few months.
Enter this delightful Graves, a pretty blend of 60% Semillon, 20% Sauvignon, and 20% Muscadelle, hand-picked and aged in oak.
The nose is fresh, floral, and has the expected underpinning of minerality, there is plump, juicy melon and passion fruit flecked with some ‘Gravesy’ stones, and enough acid for brightness and not get in the way. Delicious, easy-going, and nicely priced.

4 - Huber Gruner Vettiner Alte Setzen 2003 $24
For people who are not familiar with Gruner Veltliner, Austria’s most widely planted grape, we liken it to Sauvignon Blanc.
They’re not always the same because Sauvignon Blanc doesn’t have the white pepper note that Gruner Velt-liner does, for example.
But we tell people that if they like Sauvignon Blanc, they’ll generally like Gruner Veltliner. This is a great way to try it.
Another thing Gruner Veltliner has in common with Sauvignon Blanc is an affinity for food.
The lighter styles make good aperitifs and excellent partners for vegetables, seafood, even caviar.
Richer versions can go with white meats.

Also this week -

Wednesday JULY 20th - 6:00 - p.m. - $35.
Cask Finished Single Malt Scotch:
Port Wood -Sherry Wood -Madeira Wood - Bordeaux Wood
The evening will include the "BOMBSHELL"
Scotts Selection - 1964 North of Scotland ($180) 39 years in the barrel!

AND on the deck - The Hand Crafted Cigars of Moore & Bode.
http://www.mooreandbode.com/quotes.htm
Cigar Aficionado Magazine said:
"There are cigars, and there is the art of the cigar.
Moore & Bode cigars are the foremost exposition of the roller's art, expressed in the highest possible quality of construction."
The factory has prepared a special gift for each of our guests. - Limited Seating.

THURSDAY - 5-8 p.m. BEER TASTING - NO CHARGE - http://www.smuttynose.com
The Granite State's leading craft brewery, located in the historic seacoast city of Portsmouth, New Hampshire.
Smuttynose was founded in 1994 by the folks who started the Northampton and Portsmouth Breweries.
The beers - Shoals Pale Ale, Old Brown Dog, Portsmouth Lager, IPA, Robust Porter, and The Big Beer Series - are distributed throughout New England and the mid-Atlantic.

1 - SMUTTYNOSE OLD BROWN DOG ALE
Winner of a Silver Medal at the 1989 Great American Beer Festival.
AWARDED BEST BROWN ALE IN THE NORTHEAST - 8th Annual US Beer Tasting Championship
Old Brown Dog has been cited as a classic example of the "American Brown Ale" style of beer. Compared to a typical English Brown Ale, Old Brown Dog is fuller-bodied and more strongly hopped. Old Brown Dog has been around for many years. It was first brewed in 1988 at the Northampton Brewery. In 1989 it won a silver medal in its category at the Great American Beer Festival in Denver.

2 - SMUTTYNOSE SHOALS PALE ALE
GOLD MEDAL WINNER - Best American Beer 2003 Great British Beer Festival.
"...the closest thing to an English ale in an American bottled beer." - Boston Globe, September, 1999.
Their interpretation of a classic English beer style is copper-colored, medium-bodied and highly hopped.
Its flavor is delightfully complex: tangy fruit at the start, with an assertive hop crispness and a long malty palate that one well-known beer writer has compared to the flavor of freshly-baked bread.

AND from the UK

3 - Old Speckled Hen http://www.oldspeckledhen.co.uk/
This is the flagship beer of the Oxfordshire brewery, named after the vintage MG car rather than the popular farmyard animal.
The beer is a rich reddish golden-brown colour with a solid, bubbly head, but very little aroma (perhaps a hint of malt).
It is remarkably smooth on the palate, with a fairly heavily hopped bitter flavour and a strong element of maltiness.
The finish is long and bitter. Altogether, this makes a beautifully balanced, session beer - a little on the strong side for a long session, perhaps.

4 - Old Peculiar
This is the best known of Theakston's beers. It is dark coloured with a tight, fairly long-lasting head. It has a hoppy aroma but with a distinct underlying doughy tinge, very much like partially baked bread. There is some sweetness, becoming more pronounced in the finish. Aftertaste is of sweetish malt, but rapidly fades. An interesting and distinctive beer and worth a try if you have ever wondered what this type of beer is like.

Our own George Whitehouse - the President of our beer division - takes great pride in the SIXTY beers that we now carry - he would love to see you on Thursday night - please stop by if you can.

Thanks for your support - we love hearing from you -
Please join us - it's fun, informal and a great way to start your weekend.
TRW&S



AAA.

Cocktails / Taylor Farm / Spirits & Cigars / New London Project

Greetings from all of us in New London
Thames River Wine & Spirits - 860-4439463
Thames River Greenery - 860-443-6817
Brie & Bleu - Cheese & Specialty Market - 860-437-2474
www.thamesriver.com
www.brieandbleu.com

Well it goes without saying that this past week was a whirlwind in New London.
It was a short week to begin with and then the annual SailFest took center stage.

One of my personal favorites of the past week was the Sherry Dinner that we hosted on Thursday. The food prepared at Brie & Bleu by Anne Haviland was fabulous. www.brieandbleu.com
The Sherry was perfectly matched with each course and the room was full of laughter and conversation. For those of you that joined us thanks for making it so much fun. We were joined by industry "legend" Mr. Fred Segerman. This guy has forgotten more about sherry than any of us will learn - He has been crawling around the cool dark sherry bodegas of Spain for over 40 years and he brought us about six or seven of his favorites. I'm telling you - some of this stuff is better than a morphine drip.

And to the folks that joined us on Saturday - on the deck at Brie & Bleu - to watch the fireworks - thank you, it was a wonderful night.

Before I give you the line up for THIS Friday - I want to direct your attention to our Calendar of Events Page on our web site :
http://www.thamesriver.com/site_2/wine/calendar.html

We have lots of interesting things taking place - The list is updated often - and it is the best place to see items of interest before the email goes out. Several people have commented that by the time they get the email - it is too late to reserve seats or learn about limited quantities on certain things. I hope this is helpful.


THIS THURSDAY - July 14th - 5-8 p.m. - NO CHARGE
Nantucket Off Shore "Cocktail Party" - www.nantucketoffshore.com
This is the company that produces all of those great drink mixers in those bright colorful bottles - we sell them in all of our stores - Apple Martini, Mojito, Cosmopolitan are just a few of the cocktails that will be served up for you to try.

ALSO ON THURSDAY NIGHT

Thursday 14th - MEET THE CHEESE MAKERS - Brie & Bleu - NO CHARGE
Taylor Farm - from Vermont - www.taylorfarmvermont.com
For the past seven years the Wrights have hand-crafted award winning Gouda cheeses using raw, fresh, sweet milk from their herd. This creates cheeses with a depth of flavor not found in others made with pasteurized milk. Currently about 1,000 pounds of cheese are produced each week

AND I cannot forget to mention in advance our second Spirits & Cigars night coming on Wednesday JULY 20th - 6:00 - p.m. - $35.
Cask Finished Single Malt Scotch -
Port Wood -Sherry Wood -Madeira Wood - Bordeaux Wood
The evening will include the "BOMBSHELL" Scotts Selection -
1964 North of Scotland ($180) 39 years in the barrel!
IN ADDITION
The Hand Crafted Cigars of Moore & Bode.
http://www.mooreandbode.com/quotes.htm
Cigar Aficionado Magazine said - "There are cigars, and there is the art of the cigar.
Moore & Bode cigars are one of the foremost exposition of the roller's art, expressed in the highest possible quality of construction."
The factory has prepared a special selection just for our evening! - Limited Seating.


THIS FRIDAY - July 15 - 6-9 p.m. - NO CHARGE
The Australian Wines of d'Arenberg AND The New London Project
http://www.darenberg.com.au/

1 - d’Arenberg 'The Stump Jump' White - $11.
The Stump Jump White is a great summer wine - a real crowd pleaser.
An unoaked blend of premium varietals which changes from vintage to vintage, but always conspires to create an excellent crisp dry, lively white, proudly named after an important South Australian invention - the stump jump plough.

2 - d’Arenberg d’Arry’s Original Grenache Shiraz - $20
Well cellared, d'Arry's Original becomes, soft, generous, full flavoured, velvety long & seamless in bottle, with no particular component standing out, as more than four decades of previous vintages have shown. Serve at room temperature. Now or over the next 3 – 20 years with grilled or barbecued meats, potato based dishes, dishes with noodles, rice pasta, cous cous, served with beef, veal or lamb. Roast meats and mature cheese.

3 - d’Arenberg The Hermit Crab Marsanne Viognier - $16
The Hermit Crab McLaren Vale Marsanne Viognier has a green, brilliant mid-straw colour and exhibits fresh and tropical fruit with a strong emphasis on stone fruits, pineapple, mango and honeysuckle. Great with a large range of foods from lightly flavoured, through to full flavoured poultry, veal, lamb and pork as well as desserts and cheeses. Also good as an aperitif.

4 - d’Arenberg The Footbolt Shiraz - $19
(previously known as the Old Vines Shiraz)
The Footbolt Shiraz undergoes minimal processing and as such may throw a deposit in the bottle. This is a wine which will benefit from further bottle age, as will most of d’Arenberg’s reds. The young Footbolt Shiraz has a deep red-purple, then the immediate hallmarks of spicy, ripe mulberry and blackberry fruit aromas.
Good now or cellar for the next 2- 20 years. Serve with especially hearty stews, rich pasta dishes, roasted and grilled meats including poultry and other white meats. Also goes well with slightly hot or spicy dishes and with hard- pressed cheeses. Serve after decanting as an older wine.

Now if all that wine was not enough fun for one night - remember that it is also a night to see the amazing "Portrait Of A City" - The New London Project.
These are larger than life size portraits of New London residents and business people - you have to see them - please stop by.

OPEN STUDIO & WINE TASTING
Come talk with artist Joe Standart - http://www.joestandart.com/
about his monumental public art exhibition/event The New London Project,
while sampling The Wines of D'Arenberg

And visit his studio a few doors down at 24 bank Street
There is detailed information about this in a
more Informative Brochure in pdf format:
Click here to Download project Brochure.

Thanks for your comments and email - we appreciate all of your interest.
Please Join Us - it's fun, informal and a great way to start your weekend.
AAA.

Sherry Dinner / Columbia Crest / SailFest

Greetings from all of us in New London.
Thames River Wine & Spirits - 860-443-9463
Brie & Bleu Cheese Market - 860-437-2474
Thames River Greenery - 860-443-6817
www.thamesriver.com

We hope you had a fabulous holiday weekend.
It a short week so I will keep it brief.
A very busy week in NL - as everyone prepares for SailFest. - http://www.sailfest.org
Thanks to everyone that made all of last weeks events such a great success and so much fun.
We could not do it with out you.

Before I tell you about Friday's "SailFest Tasting" - here are a couple of updates:

Please Join us
Thursday July 7 2005 - 6 p.m. - $50
Sherry Dinner
Meet Mr. Fred Segerman - a true living legend of the wine world.
The original founding partner of Slocum & Sons - He is an expert on the great
sherries of the world and travels each year to visit the finest boutique producers in Spain.
He will be on hand to answer your questions and explain away the mysteries of this great wine.

From the greatest sherry bodegas of Spain we have selected a remarkable range of wines.
Manzanilla, Oloroso, Amontillado, and Moscatel. Each one paired with the perfect dish.
Limited Seating - Please Call Early

The menu includes:

- Manchego Cheese & Baguette
- Ham & Cornichon Crostini’s
- Paella with:
Prawns, Chicken & Andouille Sausage
- Gazpacho
- Sauteed Artichoke Hearts with Chipolte aioli
- Chocolate orange tart with walnut crust
- And of course - a surprise or two


This Friday July 8 2005 - 6-9 NO CHARGE

Our regular tasting and the beginning of Sailfest share our center stage.
We will feature two award winning wines from Columbia Crest. www.columbia-crest.com
And we will open some "special wine" as a surprise.
Some of you may recall that we opened the Nickle & Nickle wines last year on the spur of the moment.
You just never know what might happen.

1 - Columbia Crest’s Two Vines Shiraz (2001
THE Top Scoring Value From Around the World
Wine Spectator has rated Columbia Crest’s Two Vines Shiraz (2001)
Number one on their “Best Red Wine Values From Around The World” list, awarding it with a stunning 90 points.

2 - Columbia Crest Two Vines Gewürztraminer
Wonderful floral, spiced apricot and citrus aromas also trail across the palate, finishing with a delicate spicy-sweet flavor.

ALSO - Please visit us on the Amistad Pier FROM 6-9 p.m. - PIRATE NIGHT! - http://www.sailfest.org
This is a "gated" event is hosted by the SailFest Organization. An evening of Pirates and Caribbean Fun.
We will be under the Rum tent -helping everyone into the pirate spirit with fresh frozen drinks topped with fine rum.
You must be 21 years old or older. tickets are on sale now or available at the gate.
Tour the the tall ship "Providence" just back from shooting Pirates of the Carribean II with Johnny Depp.
There will be music & food and ....Pirates!


Saturday Sailfest will be in full swing -
Downtown will be buzzing. And the world famous Grucci family will be setting their fuzes for the big event.
Fireworks start at 9 p.m.

Many people have asked about our deck for Fireworks -
here is the story:

Brie and Bleu will be open for business until 6 p.m.
THEN - we will clear out the store and the deck and close for the night to the public.
There is a private party on the deck that night.
Thank you for all of the interest.

Please check our website calander for updates, additions, and items of interest - it changes often:
http://www.thamesriver.com/site_2/wine/calendar.html

Please call us anytime with your comments or questions. We love to hear from you.
860-443-9463

Please join us - its fun, informal, and a great way to start your weekend.


AAA.

El Bosque / Amancio / El Puntido

These AMAZING wines are just in and very limited in supply.
Thames River Wines & Spirits - 860-443-9463
www.thamesriver.com

El Bosque is spectacular.
RATED 94 POINTS by Parker / 93 POINTS by Wine Spectator
Sadly, there are only 50 cases for the USA - 40 Bottles for Connecticut
We have FOUR bottles - $140 each 7/1/05
It spent 16 months in new French oak, and was bottled unfiltered.
An opaque purple color is accompanied by a gorgeous bouquet of graphite, black currants, licorice, espresso, and chocolate.
This full-bodied, dense, concentrated red requires another 2-3 years of cellaring because of its elevated tannin, but it should last for 10-15 years.
It is very impressive.’ -Robert M. Parker, Jr.


AMANCIO SIERRA CANTABRIA
RATED 96 POINTS by Parker & WS.
ONLY 116 bottles in Connecticut.
We have 4 bottles - $135 ea. 7/1/05
If you want to be ravished by a red wine, this is your chance.
It dominates the palate, with muscular tannins and mouthfilling flavors of plum, blackberry, coffee and dark chocolate.
It has it all: ultraripe fruit, lavish oak, heady alcohol and a finish that just won't quit.
Quite a departure from the bashful elegance of traditional Rioja.


VIÑEDOS DE PÁGANOS Rioja El Puntido 2001
RATED 95 POINTS by WS - ONLY 100 cases for the United States
We have 6 bottles $54 ea. - 7/1/05
Almost syrupy, but this red never loses its balance.
It's dense and thick, with blackberry, currant, mineral, dark chocolate and espresso flavors that build on each other through the long finish.
Yet it remains graceful, and brings you back for another sip. Best after 2007.

Great Couples -

Great Couples
Matching Wines And Cheeses Takes Some Know-how

"PHOTO"
Sean D. Elliot
A Pecorino di Sardo cheese and Serego Alighieri Vaio Armaron wine are a match made in heaven, according to Ryan Connolly, manager of Brie & Bleu in New London.

By ELISSA BASS
Day Staff Columnist, Feature Editor
Published on 6/29/2005

Bogie and Bacall. John and Yoko. Hepburn and Tracy. Fred and Wilma.

Something special happens when a great match is made. The same is true of wine and cheese. But while Lauren and Humphrey may have known it was love at first sight, how is the average consumer to know if a Pinot Grigio will get along with a Camembert?

We sought help from Ryan Connolly, manager of Brie & Bleu, a gourmet cheese shop on downtown New London's Bank Street that opened last October. Brie & Bleu is — not coincidentally — next door to Thames River Wine & Spirits, an upscale wine store. Both are owned by Charlotte Hennegan and Fred Argilagos, proprietors of Thames River Greenery, which is around the corner on State Street.

One way to successfully pair cheeses with wines is geographically, Connolly says.

“Geography plays into it a lot,” he says. “The grasses, the flavors that are specific to that region. ... Within a certain micro-climate exists something unique to that place” and it translates into the wine and the cheese that comes from that place.

We asked Connolly to suggest some wine-and-cheese couplings. The cheeses are all available at Brie & Bleu and the wines are for sale at Thames River Wine & Spirits.

1. Cobb Hill Caerphilly and Sharpe Hill Cabernet Franc

Cobb Hill is a small farm in Vermont that has been making cheese for about five years. Caerphilly is an English-style cow's milk cheese, comparable in texture to a soft cheddar. But Cobb Hill's Caerphilly is unique, Connolly says, because it comes from Vermont.

“The taste is really its own, because it comes from this small farm, so it is not like anything else,” he explains. “It's the American expression of an English cheese. It is very different in flavor than English Caerphilly, which is bland. This is a lot richer flavor.”

Cost:$21 per pound.

Sharpe Hill is a small vineyard in Pomfret, “about as close as a winery gets to Vermont,” Connolly says. He describes it as a “light-bodied red.”

Cost:$17 a bottle.

2. Porbica and Dão Particular

“This is one of my favorite cheeses,” Connolly says of Porbica, a Portuguese cheese made of a blend of cow, goat and sheep milk. “It is rubbed with paprika, which imparts a nice flavor.” It is a mild cheese, but the combination of the three milks makes it “complex,” Connolly says. “It is more of a textural exercise. It's soft; it coats your mouth.”

Cost:$19 per pound.

The Dão is a single-vineyard Portuguese wine: its grapes come from only one vineyard. The winery is quite small, manufacturing only a few thousand cases a year. “It is very reflective of the place it comes from,” Connolly says of the wine's flavor. “And the great thing is, it is only 12 dollars (a bottle). Because they aren't known yet, they price themselves so people will be willing to experiment. This is one of the best 12-dollar bottles of wine you'll have in your life.”

3. Beltane Farm goat cheese and Chamard Estate Chardonnay

Beltane Farm is in Lebanon, and Chamard Vineyard is in Clinton, making them practically next door neighbors in the world of wines and cheeses. “These both show what Connecticut is capable of,” Connolly says.

“These pair together really well,” he says of the goat cheese, which is rolled in dill, and the Chardonnay. Because Beltane is just up the highway, the cheese “is about as fresh as you can get. This was milked three weeks ago.”

Cost:$7 per 4 ounces.

The Chardonnay is Chamard's Estate Reserve, which means all the grapes that went into it were grown at the vineyard in Clinton. “It is an amazing Chardonnay,” Connolly says. “It has a gorgeous golden color. It has oak (flavor) but is not over-oaked.”

Cost:$13 a bottle.

4. Pecorino di Sardo and Serego Alighieri Vaio Armaron

This sheep's milk cheese is hard and sharp. It can be served on its own, with crusty bread or crackers, or in an antipasto.

Cost:$12 per pound.

This wine goes for $60 a bottle, but it's worth it, Connolly says. The grapes at the Italian vineyard are hand-picked and then laid on hay mats to partially dry in the sun in order to concentrate the juice.

“It is the most intense, rich, deep wine,” Connolly says. “It is inky purple. It has a gorgeous flavor.” It goes well with the Pecorino, he says, because “it has enough to it to stand up to the strong flavor of the cheese.” 

Biodynamic Wines / Beer Dinner / Old Chatham Cheese

This past week was full of excitement -

Wednesday's Single Malt Scotch night was great.
Four great scotches - great food, the best deck seating in town and
of course the Davidoff Grand Cru cigars.
Thanks very much to everyone that joined us. We had a lot of fun.
The next Spirits & Cigar Nights will be on:
July 20 - Cask Finished Scotch & the hand made boutique cigars of Moore & Bode.
August 17 - Worlds Greatest Rums & cigars from Arturo Fuente .

The beer tasting on Thursday was a hoot.
The folks from Dogfish Head Brewing Company - poured with real style.
The hooked up their crazy gizmo - I like to call it the "Hops-in-a-tor" - BUT they call it "Randall The Enamel Animal" -
Basically - this thing is a large clear Cylinder that is absolutely packed with fresh hops.
Then they filter the beer through this contraption as they pour a glass.
And it delivers such a rich "hoppy" flavor that it's like getting hit in the head with a rolled up newspaper.
It's great - if you like that sort of thing.

REMEMBER - and I mention this only because so many people have asked -
Our Beer Dinner is this Thursday June 29 - starts at 6 p.m.
All of the information - menu, price, etc - can be found at: http://www.thamesriver.com/site_2/wine/calendar.html
Or give us a call - 860-443-9463 we can tell you all about it.

There has been such interest in organic & sulfite free wine lately that we have asked Mary Kaye from Organic Vintages to share with us this Friday.
She will be bringing BIODYNAMIC & Sulfite Free wines. The process to create these wines is truly special and Mary Kaye is a wealth of info.

This Friday July 1 2005 6 - 9 p.m. - NO CHARGE

1 - FREY 2003 - Biodynamic® PETITE SIRAH - $17
Estate Bottled - Redwood Valley A lovely clove and nutmeg nose. Big North Coast flavors. Jammy red fruit with loads of pepper, hints of iron. Very spicy and completely captivating. Alcohol: 14.4% by volume. Total sulfite: BATF analysis, none detected. Total production: 400 cases

2 - Guy Bossard - Bio-dynamic muscadet - $14
Nice and plump up front, with peach and floral notes, then it picks up sea salt and mineral flavors on the crisp finish.
Drink nowGuy Bossard 87 Muscadet sur lie 2003

3 - Nevada County Wine Guild - 2003 Our Daily Red- Sulfite Free Organic - $8
A light, uncomplicated blend of carignan, cabernet franc and carmine from CA. It’s an unpretentious, fun red wine that will bring joy to grilled foods, burgers, pizza and other easygoing but spunky food.of carignan, cabernet franc and carmine from CA. It’s an unpretentious, fun red wine that will bring joy to grilled foods, burgers, pizza

4 - Nevada County Wine Guild 2001 Zinfandel - Sulfite Free, Organic - $8
From the same vineyard as the Syrah, these big, tasty barrel aged wines are perfect with that mad cow or hearty Italian style dinner.

Thanks for all of the calls and emails - we love your feedback.
We are adding more "Meet the Cheese Maker" events at Brie & Bleu -
keep checking the calendar - Old Chatham Sheep Herding Company - will be the first July 14th - No Charge
Check them out at: www.blacksheepcheese.com

The weeks ahead are full of food, wine, parties and events of all shapes and sizes - thanks for your support - we appreciate it.
www.thamesriver.com is at your service 24/7 with updates and items of interest.

Please join us on Friday - it's fun, informal and a great way to start your weekend.
AAA.

Rutz Cellars / Davidoff Cigars / Dogfish Head beer

Greetings from all of us in New London -
Thames River Wine & Spirits - 84 Bank Street - 860-443-9463
Thames River Greenery - 70 State Street - 860-443-6817
Brie & Bleu - 84 bank Street - 860-437-2474
www.thamesriver.com

There is so much happening this week that I feel woooosey just thinking about it - so here we go!

The food clubs and gourmand societies of Europe have NOTHING ON US!
Our French Wine Dinner was fan-tab-u-lous. -
Thanks to everyone that attended - new faces and "regulars" alike.
These dinners are the best kept secret in New London - The next one is just around the corner - please call early for seating.
Thank you all for making it so special.

NEW TABLES AND CHAIRS for the deck at Brie & Bleu should arrive in time for the WEEKEND.
Don't forget the new menu and the new hours **NOW OPEN ON MONDAY** - check the website for more details.

THIS WEDNESDAY JUNE 22, 2005 - Starts at 6p.m.

Single Malt Scotch & Cigars.
We have selected three marvelous Single Malts and paired them with Davidoff Cigars.
The Grand Cru Series # 2 - Provided by Liberty Tobacco of San Diego California - www.libertytobacco.com
Seating is VERY limited and the cost is $25 per person - and that's for everything.
The scotch alone makes this an amazing value.
I am very glad to see that many women have reserved space - DO NOT BE SHY -
This is open to everyone - First come first served - 860-443-9463


THIS THURSDAY JUNE 23, 2005 - BEER TASTING - 5-8 p.m. NO CHARGE

DOGFISH HEAD BREWING COMPANY - www.dogfish.com/reviews.cfm
The President of our beer division - George Whitehouse - has pulled out all of the stops for this event.
This is moment so many of you have been waiting for. Join us and try four of the finest beers being made in the United States.
SO - YOU SAY YOU LIKE HOPS - TRY MATCHING YOUR SANITY AGAINST
"Randall The Enamel Animal" some call it "The Hops-in-ator"
Lots of beer - plenty of "swag" - LIVE MUSIC provided by The Governors (jazz funk trio) - and don't forget those gorgeous "Dogfish Head Girls".
Please remember to ask about our 2nd BEER DINNER on JUNE 29th -
It would mean a lot to George if you asked him about it - because his job is on the line.

Now lets pull ourselves together - shall we?

THIS FRIDAY JUNE 24, 2005 - 6-9 p.m. - NO CHARGE

RUTZ CELLARS - www.rutzcellars.com
After years of living in the Russian River Valley and inspired by the greatness of Burgundy,
Keith Rutz dreamed of making great classically-styled wines from the best Chardonnay and
Pinot Noir grapes available in California. His goal was - and is - to craft small lots of wine that
will be recognized as worthy competitors to the top French products.
Join us and try these wines you will not be disappointed.

1 - Rutz Cellars - 2001 Dutton Ranch Pinot Noir - $34
Ruby red in appearance. Smokey, spicy, black cherry nose. The finish is long and toasty with hints of more dark fruit and caramel. 
From one of the finest growers of pinot noir in the region, Dutton Ranch fruit is the backbone of Rutz Cellars' quality set.  100% Dutton Ranch pinot noir is hand picked, hand sorted, and cold-soaked.  It begins fermentation in 500 gallon open-top fermentors and finishes in small French oak barrels from Louis Latour, Claude Gillet and François Freres.  Gravity moved to repose in Rutz Cellars' caves, the wine ages in barrel for 11 months.  Deep and rich in fruit and mineral flavors.  ONLY 769 cases produced.

2 - Rutz Cellars 2001 Maison Grand Cru Pinot Noir - $23
Rutz Cellars Maison Grand Cru designation represents the best blend of the vintage from select Pinot Noir vineyards.  After cold-soaking, the juice is fermented in small open-top fermentors and is punched-down by hand 4-5 times per day to extract color and flavor.  Bright garnet in color. Intense ripe cherry and floral aromas with hints of dried rose petals. Plush, plumy, black cherry fruit flavors that are expansive on the mid-pallet have a lingering depth. The finish is long and toasty with hints of more dark fruit and caramel.

3 - Rutz Cellars 2002 Russian River Valley Chardonnay - $15
Blended from the offerings of five separate vineyards including Dutton Ranch and Martinelli.  Aged sur-lie in Louis Latour and François Freres French oak barrels for 11 months.  Bright golden-straw color. Very crisp with well-balanced acid and a touch of butterscotch on the nose. This vibrant wine offers overtones of white grapefruit, Granny Smith apples, and a bit of nectarine. Toasty French oak enhances the richness and full flavors. The finish is long and lingering.

4 - Rutz Cellars 2002 Sonoma Coast Pinot Noir - $15
A stylish blend from highly regarded Russian River and Sonoma Coast vineyards. The Russian River fruit is primarily from the Gold Ridge soil mantle, and the West Sonoma County fruit is from the Cazadero area, close to the Pacific Ocean.  The grapes are hand picked and hand sorted, then cold-soaked and fermented in small open-top fermentors.  The wine is barrel aged for 11 months in the constant natural temperature and humidity of Rutz Cellars' caves.  Aromas of strawberry and Bing cherry, spiced cherry flavors, and a long finish with moderate tannin.

Please join us. It's fun, informal and a great way to start your weekend.

Thanks for all of your comments, suggestions, and support. We appreciate all of it.
Please check the website for news, updates, and items of interest.
www.thamesriver.com

Hess Select / Otter Creek / New Hours / Cobb Hill Cheese

Greetings from all of us in New London,

Thames River Wine & Spirits - 860-443-9463
84 Bank Street New London

Thames River Greenery - 860-443-6817
70 Captain's Walk New London

Brie & Bleu - 860-437-2474
84 Bank Street New London
***** NEW HOURS **** ***** NEW HOURS **** ***** NEW HOURS ****
MONDAY Thru THURSDAY - 10 - 8 p.m
FRIDAY & SATURDAY 10 - 9 p.m.

This week Brie & Bleu is featuring COBB HILL CHEESE
Cobb Hill Cheese is made with raw whole milk from the farm’s small herd of grass fed Jersey cows.
Farmed without chemical fertilizers, feeds or additives.

www.thamesriver.com

Remember to check the calendar of events link on our website.
It has frequent updates and additions and is an excellent place to look for information of events and items of interest.

http://www.thamesriver.com/site_2/wine/calendar.html

Our Thursday Beer Tastings Continue
This Week Featuring the brews of Otter Creek & Wolavers.
THURSDAY - June -16 2005 - 5 - 8 p.m. NO CHARGE

Otter Creek & Wolaver beers are craft brewed with the finest domestic malts and hops available.
www.wolavers.com

1- COPPER ALE
Their year 'round flagship brew is Copper Ale, a medium bodied, amber ale inspired by the Altbiers of Northern Germany. Brewed with six different malts, three hop varieties and our special house yeast, Copper Ale is characterized by a well-balanced blend of malty notes and mild bitterness

2 - Wolaver's certified organic Wit Bier!
A belgian style white beer is our offering for the warmer months.
Naturally cloudy, due to a high percentage of local organic raw wheat, and mildly spiced with orange peel and coriander.
Light, fruity, and refreshing.

3 - STOVEPIPE PORTER
Stovepipe Porter is made in the traditional porter stlye, and is a favorite with all porter lovers.
Ruby-black in color, Stovepipe Porter has a rich palate and a roasted, hoppy aroma.
It is delicious on its own or with a meal, and tastes great with chocolate


THIS FRIDAY - June 17 2005 from 6-9 p.m. NO CHARGE

The HESS Collection www.hesscollection.com
The Hess Collection embraces both art and wine passionately. Their commitment to quality is evident in the contemporary paintings and sculpture lining the galleries of their Visitors Center.
It is also evident inside each bottle of the wine - from the acclaimed Hess Collection label to the popular Hess Select Wine.

1 - Cabernet Sauvignon - gold medal winner San Francisco Chronicle annual contest
This wine has all the classic Cabernet Sauvignon flavors of cherries and cassis but is further enhanced by other aspects of the blend. Syrah brings white pepper and spice, Petite Sirah adds plum, earth, and weight on the mid palate. The hint of French oak helps balance the fruit and provides focus on the aroma. The palate reveals red cherry, plum, and vanilla and the Petit Verdot and Merlot help integrate the tannins in the finish.

2 - Hess Select Chardonnay
This 2003 Hess Select Chardonnay brings fruit aromas of freshly cut pineapple, pear, and lemon blossom with notes of vanilla, caramel, and a light touch of oak. In the mouth, the fruit continues showing ripe pear, peach, and pineapple with a great texture on the mid-palate leading into a crisp, bright finish. Given the fresh fruity style, this wine is best consumed in the next two years

3 - Hess Select Syrah
A darkly colored wine with aromas of sweet blackberry, maple, and a subtle earthy character followed by caramel and a hint of almond extract.
The palate delivers sweet ripe fruit and cedar spice. The mid-palate is big with rich and fleshy tannins.
The finish offers lingering ripe fruit and supple tannin. Enjoy over the next five years.

The summer is shaping up nicely - great things happening all over town.
We have food and wine events lined up that will make your heads spin!

Please join us. It's fun, informal and a great way to start your weekend.

Thanks for all of your support - and for telling others about us.
We really appreciate it.
Hey by the way, if anyone knows Faith Middleton - we would love to show her the store.

TRW&S