Happy September to All. Here’s hoping that the upcoming Labor Day weekend will be enjoyable, and the transition, for many, of “back-to-school” smooth. It’s been a nice summer for us here at the store. We will be open on Monday, Sept. 1st from 11AM-5PM in celebration of Labor Day. Remember, every Thursday is “Ladies’ Day”, with a 10% discount given at the register on any wine purchased by our wonderful female customers.
New items over the last month include:Polmos Wisniowka, an absolutely awesome Polish cherry cordial, Tuaca, an Italian cordial, and Svedka Clementine Vodka. Additions to our wine selection are:Excelsior Paddock Shiraz (So. Africa) Finca el Origin Torrontes (Argentina… Sue’s new favorite white wine) Festival 34 Chardonnay, Cabernet Sauvignon, and Merlot (Calif.) Santa Julia Chardonnay (ORGANIC-Argentina) Oxford Landing GSM (a blend of Grenache, Shiraz, and Mouvedre from Australia) Joseph Drouhin Saint-Veran 2007 (a white Burgundy from France) and from our area’s Finger Lakes– Americana Vineyards Riesling, Knapp George’s Peach, and Lakewood Vignoles. Also, a sampler selection (i.e. 300 ml. bottles) of Hakushika Sakes in 3 different styles, which are a great way to try this well-known Japanese rice wine. Just in are 3 more wines from California:Toasted Head Reserve Pinot Noir, Cambria Julia’s Vineyard Pinot Noir, and Red Truck organic Petit Sirah. Some wines from Bogle will be coming soon.
Current “Wine Deal” has TWO offerings:Ironstone Vineyards (Calif.) 2001 Reserve Cabernet Franc, and Lake Sonoma Winery Dry Creek Valley 2005 Sauvignon Blanc. GREAT PRICES on a limited number of bottles…check them out on the “WINE DEAL” rack near the register when you’re next in the store.
Friday night (5 – 8PM) wine tasting schedule follows:
Sept. 5th:NO TASTING THIS WEEK. Sue will be away celebrating her birthday, and Mike will be working alone this night.
Sept. 12th:Sue and Mike will be your hosts in sampling the Santa Julia Organica line—Chardonnay, Tempranillo, and Cabernet Sauvignon.
Sept. 19th:Dave from Empire North joins us to sample 2 Argentinean wines—Tamari Reserva Malbec and Tamari Torrontes, along with Black Opal Cabernet-
Merlot Blend (Australia) and Greg Norman Pinot Noir (Calif.)
Sept. 26th:John from Southern Wine and Spirits will be with us pouring Red Truck Petite Syrah (ORGANIC-Calif.) Ray’s Station Cabernet Sauvignon (Calif.)
Columbia Crest Sauvignon Blanc (Washington) Ste.Chapelle Dry Gewürztraminer (Idaho).
Still no “perpetual tasting” machine, although Mike has been looking at new and more elaborate systems…hmmm. But first signs for the wine room are in the works; and some Sunday AFTER Labor Day weekend, when the weather is cooperative, we will be closed for the afternoon for resurfacing of our parking area. Hopefully, we will know enough in advance to send out a quick email…
That seems to be it for now. As always, a huge THANKS for your ongoing patronage. This month’s wine quote:“The juice of the grape is the liquid quintessence of concentrated sunbeams…the pure Septembral juice…” Francois Rabelais (1494-1553).
* Of interest—We have at the store information from Cornell University’s Library on exhibitions there entitled “Song of the Vine: A History of Wine” which explore the origins of viticulture in Europe and the development of wine making in America including the growth of the New York State wine industry. If interested, the info. can be found on our tasting bar.*
Midsummer—what a wonderful time of year! Hope everyone is having an enjoyable summer. We must be having fun because time is sure flying…hard to believe it’s August already. Still a few months of warm weather and longer days left to continue to enjoy decks, porches, pools, yards, the lakes, and of course family and friends…. all enhanced by enjoyment of wine and spirits. So here’s to summer! And to health and well-being.
We have added a few new selections—on the spirits side, Milagro 100% Blue Agave Tequila (very reasonably priced) UV Blue and UV Vanilla Vodkas, Kahlua Mocha Liqueur (chocolate and coffee-a match made in heaven) and an AMAZING traditional Polish honey liqueur called Stawski Krupnik, which is indescribably delicious. Also you can find a Greek brandy, Metaxa 5 Star, and Bacardi’s Select Dark Rum. Several new organic wines include Four Chimneys Celestial Peach and Raspberry Sunrise, for the sweet wine lover in you, and Santa Julia Tempranillo 2007 from Argentina. We also now carry MOJO ROJO, a Spanish table wine made from the Monastrell (also called Mouvedre) grape, which is very reasonably priced.
The “Wine Deal” currently features a 2003 Jessie’s Grove Petite Sirah, a gem from Lodi, California. Visit the website or the store to learn more about this BIG wine.
Our initial “wine club” offering was a success, with only a few bottles of Frances Ford Coppola’s Director’s Cut 2005 Alexander Valley Cabernet Sauvignon yet to be picked up. We will be selecting another outstanding dry red during the month of August, and will let everyone who has signed up know by email when the wine has arrived. If you would like to join us as we explore some great new wines, or need more information about how it works, just let us know at the store.
A different approach to this month’s Friday night wine tastings:“Potluck” month will feature spontaneous selections likely to be made the day of each tasting. There will be 5 such tastings in August– on the 1st, 8th, 15th, 22nd, and 29th. We will work to find a few sweeter wines to feature per requests from our customers. If you are in for some adventure, please join us. As always, a 10% discount will be given at the register on wines tasted that evening. Our dedicated sales reps can enjoy a summer month free from their commitment to us, and Mike can work on the wine preservation system in the time freed up from more organized events. We believe this month’s more informal approach will continue to be a fun and educational experience for us all.
Special tasting: Thursday July 31 from 4 to 7 we will again have a Bacardi Girl in the store making Mojitos.
So here’s to a Happy August to all. Thanks to all of our fabulous customers. Hope to see everyone soon.
Well it’s time to tear off another page of the calendar. Summer is in full swing. School’s out, it’s the Dick’s Sporting Goods Open as well as the 4th of July. Think of us for all your summer party libations. We will be open regular hours (11am – 9pm) on the 4th. As usual, we have many new selections in the wine room, as well as a few new things up front.
New on the French racks are: Lucien Albrecht Pinot Blanc (2006), Chateau HauteRian Bordeaux (2005), Chateau Ribebon Bordeaux Superior (2005), and Joseph DrouhinCote de Beaune (2005). From New York State (Seneca Lake) Chateau LafayetteReneau’s Cuvee Rouge, Pinot Noir Blanc, and Meadow Mist, as well as Fox Run’s Riesling. There’s a new and very delicious organic Cabernet Sauvignon from Santa JuliaWinery in Argentina. We have, at customers’ requests, added the Bohemian Highway line (owned by Beringer). We have their Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Chardonnay, and Sauvignon Blanc. Line priced at $6.99 (750 ml.) and $11.99 (1.5L) they are an inexpensive, but tasty addition.
We are finally starting our “Wine Club”. Because Susan and I get to taste so many fabulous wines, and can’t put them all in the store, we have decided to begin the Wine Club by offering customers who enjoy fine dry red wines the opportunity to savor some of them. The deal is if you sign up for the club, once a month we will buy a case of one of the best that we have tasted and offer it to you. We’re talking in the $25 to $40 range, and you will get to try some new “high end” wines that you probably won’t find in other stores and won’t normally find on our shelves. So call us, email us, or let us know the next time you are in the store. In time we will expand the Wine Club by offering other wines besides dry reds, again with selections out of the ordinary.
On to the July tasting schedule:
The month’s first tasting will be held on THURSDAY JULY 3RD(because of the Holiday being on Friday we figure many of you will have plans so we’re tasting this week on Thursday). John from Southern will be here pouring Voga Pinot Grigio (Italy), Cavit Riesling (Italy), Chateau Saint Michele Riesling (Washington), Ruffino Orvieto (Italy) and Kendal Jackson Merlot (California).
Special Tasting Saturday, July 5thThe Bacardi Girls will be in the store from noon until 3pm making Mojitos. So come on down and learn how to make Mojitos from scratch from the pros.
Friday, July 11thwe will be pouring the Bohemian Highway (California) lineup– Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Chardonnay, and Sauvignon Blanc. As we have not yet tasted these wines we are looking forward to this one.
Friday, July 18thMike and Sue will offer samples of Woodbridge (Calif.) wines-Riesling, Chardonnay, Pinot Noir, Merlot and Cabernet Sauvignon.
Friday, July 25thDave from Empire North will be with us to explore some Beringer (California) wines:From the Founder’s Estate line, he will pour Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon, and Chardonnay. Also a Pinot Grigio (California Collection line) and their Napa Valley Chardonnay.
As you can see, we will continue Friday night wine tastings throughout the summer months. Your interest and support are very much appreciated! Looking forward to seeing you all soon.
Mike and Sue/ Glendale Spirits
Wine quotes for the month:
“Whether businessmen of the 20th Century, bankers of the 19th, thinkers of
the 18th, princes of the 17th – and even Adam and Eve – careworn people have
always found succour in the natural rhythms of a vineyard. Each year the roots
dig deeper to produce wines of increasing complexity, which in bottle will mature
for another generation, immune to all the madness which Man seems condemned
to create for himself.”Peter Sichel
“Five qualities are wine’s praise advancing:Strong, beautiful, fragrant,
It seems that Memorial Day was the first official day of summer. Hope you are all enjoying this more seasonal, warm and beautiful weather. Thanks to all for your patronage over the Holiday weekend, and we hope your gatherings and celebrations were most enjoyable. We propose a toast to June’s Dads and Grads, and are happy to help you with gift ideas and/or beverages for upcoming gatherings.
SO MUCH in the way of new products this past month! On the spirits side, we have added Bacardi Long Island Iced Tea, another ready-to-serve, like their luscious Mojito; Luksusowa Potato Vodka; Smirnoff Cranberry Twist Vodka, Boodles British Gin, Kahlua Mocha (they’re onto something wonderful with this new flavor) Evan Williams Single Barrel Bourbon, Patron XO Café (an unsweetened coffee liquour) Ouzo #12; the new line of Skyy Infusion Vodkas; OBAN Single Malt Scotch; Dr. McGillicuddy Lemon Drop; and Don Julio Silver and Anejo Tequilas. As for wines, check out our “New Items” area near the register where you will notice 13 new imported selections and 11 new domestic wines. This includes 3 new organic wines, and a few customer-requested selections, like Pepperwood Chardonnay (Calif.) and Americana Baco Noir (Finger Lakes, NY). As always, we are very excited about our new offerings (having tasted most of them with our salespersons) and look forward to sharing them with you!
June 6thJohn from Southern Wine and Spirits will be our host for sampling the Baron Philippe de Rothschild value-priced and approachable French wine line, a Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Pinot Noir, and Chardonnay…all 2006 vintage.
June 13thMike from Elmira Distributing will return to offer samples of Babich Riesling 2006 (Marlborough, New Zealand) G&M Machmer Gewurztraminer Spatlese (2006 Germany) Fortress Vineyards Sauvignon Blanc (2006 Lake County, Calif.) Marietta Cellars Old Vine Red Lot 46 (Sonoma, Calif.) and De Martino Cabernet-Malbec (Organic, 2006, Chile)
June 20thSue & Mike will pour Barefoot Moscato (non-vintage Calif.) Pepperwood Grove Chardonnay (2005 Calif.) Felipe Rutini Malbec (2005 Argentina) and Monte Antico Toscana(an organic red blend, 2004, Italy)
June 27thDave from Empire North (is back!) and will conduct our tasting of Bodega Norton Malbec (2005 Argentina) Caposaldo Pinot Grigio (2006 Italy) Castello di Gabbiano Chianti D.O.C.G. (2006 Italy) Cellar No.8 Merlot (Sonoma Co., Calif.) and quite possibly a New York State Riesling…T.B.A.
The “Wine Deal” on Bellevue’s Tumara Titan (2002 So. Africa) continues this month, as we were able to procure a bit more, and this week we are checking out a white wine that sounds promising. So remember to check out the “Wine Deal” display near the register. And remember,“Wine has been the foremost of luxuries to millennia of mankind.”Hugh Johnson, from “The Story of Wine”
Hello to All. Wasn’t that “suddenly summer” run of weather the best thing? Nice to still have our beautiful springtime to experience, along with a Holiday, Mother’s Day, and celebrations of graduations and weddings…all of which make for a wonderful season of warmth and new beginnings.
We have so many new wines in the store. Thanks for bearing with us as we all relearn where our favorites are now housed. Take some time when you’re in to check out the new wine rack, where most of the smaller production wines are now housed. Our organic selection, on the shelf next to the New York wines, now features Bonterra Vineyards (Mendocino Co., Calif.) line of varietals, Alois Lageder Pinot Grigio (Italy) Mas de la Dame Rose (France) Patianna Sauvignon Blanc(Calif.)Two Princes Riesling (Germany) Albet i Noya Tempranillo Classic (Spain) and a sustainably grown, meticulously farmed, and with little to no intervention during the winemaking process, Laurel Glen’s (Calif.) Red Wine for the People. And 3 selections from Four Chimneys (America’s oldest certified organic winery on Seneca Lake). Also from New York, we’ve added Thirsty Owl’s Diamond and Lot 99.New from California:Clos du Bois Reserve Merlot and Russian River Chardonnay, and Riesling, Kendall Jackson Grand Reserve Chardonnay, Cycles Gladiator Pinot Noir, Gnarly Head Cabernet Sauvignon, “J” Pinot Noir, Sterling Napa ValleyChardonnay, and Piper Sonoma Brut. New imported wines include: Chateau Picau Perna Saint-Emilion (2005 Bordeaux) La Chablisienne Petit Chablis (Burgundy 2005) Lucashof Pfalz Riesling (2006 Germany—Biodynamic) and from Italy: Banfi’s Fumaio (a blend of Sauvignon Blanc and Chardonnay) and Centine (a blend of Cabernet, Merlot, and Sangiovese) Masi Masianco(Pinot Grigio & Verduzzo) and Masi BonacostaValpolicella. Also new, and great for summer:Cruz Garcia REAL Sangria,Bacardi Classic Mojito…very refreshing and ready to serve, and a fantastic and reasonably priced premium gin, New Amsterdam No.485, made in California and called NYC’s original name.BIG NEWS in the Back-In-Stock department—Marietta Cellars Lot 46 California Red blend. You may recall when we tasted the Lot 45 a few months ago and all LOVED it, only to find there was no more available, and we had to wait until the winery released the new lot. We are very pleased to have it back! Also GREAT NEWS on the Shannon Ridge 2003 PETITE SYRAH—with the help of Opici’s sales rep., we have more in stock. Those who tasted this one on April 18th and/or previously purchased a bottle know what an exceptional gem this is, so grab yourself some while the supply lasts!
Our new website was launched in mid April. Go to www.glendalespirits.com to check it out. All of the wines can be found in the “our selections” section, most with a photo and description. If any of you have testimonials you would like to add, feel free to let us know by email or in person. We continue to place great value on any and all feedback from you, our customers. Thanks!(continued next pg.)
Friday evening tastings will continue throughout the month of May. The schedule:
May 2nd 4-7 PMA representative from Empire North Distributors will pour the organic line from Bonterra Vineyards:Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon, Chardonnay, Viognier, and Sauvignon Blanc ((Mendocino County, CA)
May 9th 4-7PMA Bacardi rep will be here offering samples of their new premixed Classic Mojito, along with Bacardi Superior and Diet Coke.Sue and Mike will pour two red wines—Masi Bonacosta Valpolicella 2006 (Italy) and Virgin Vines Shiraz (Mendocino Co., CA)May 16th 5-8 PMJohn from Southern Wine and Spirits will be our guide as we explore Barone Fini Pinot Grigio (Italy) Gnarly Head Cabernet Sauvignon (Calif.)AutoMoto Riesling (Calif.) Clos du Bois Riesling (Calif.) and Cruz Garcia REAL Sangria (Spain).May 23rd 5-8 PMSue and Mike will pour 4 imported white wines:Santa Margherita Pinot Grigio, Banfi Fumaio, Masi Masianco (Italians) and LucashofPfalz Riesling (Germany).SATURDAY, May 24th 3-6PMAn Empire rep returns to offer Bonterra Vineyards organic selections (see May 2nd above).May 30th 5-8 PMSamples of more organic wines, with selections from Lauber Imports:Alois Lageder Pinot Grigio (Italy)Patianna Sauvignon Blanc (Mendocino Co., CA)Mas de la Dame Rose du Mas (France) and Laurel Glen REDS..a wine for the people (CA)Remember, Thursdays are always “Ladies Day” with 10% off any wine all day for our wonderful female customers. Mike is still working on the “perpetual tasting machine”…hopes to have it up and running soon…Think about wine and spirits for all of your spring entertaining and gift-giving needs and, of course, shop for them here. We are happy to help you with the right selections to fit your budget, and offer complimentary gift-wrapping. Hope to see you soon.Mike and Sue/Glendale Spirits“Bacchus (the Greek god of wine) opens the gates of the heart.”Horace (65-8 BC)“(Wine) stimulates the appetite and enhances food. It promotes conversation andeuphoria and can turn a mere meal into a memorable occasion.” (Derek Cooper)
Happy April, and doesn’t a touch of “Spring Fever” feel nice? This morning our new shelving unit for the wine room was finally delivered! Hopefully, only a few more days of disarray, then we can all enjoy finding our favorites in their new spots. Thanks to all of you for bearing with us as we continue to change and improve the store. Only a few more weeks now until the launch of our new website, and, we should also be getting the wine preservation system up and running this month. We will then be able to offer tastings on an ongoing basis, without being limited to Friday evenings.
As always, we have several new selections to tell you about. Wines added over the month of March include:Charles Krug Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon, RobertMondavi Private Selection Cabernet and Merlot, Red Diamond Chardonnay, AutoMoto Riesling, Castello di Monastero Chianti Classico, and an entire line of Shannon Ridge wines—Chardonnay, Sauvignon Blanc, Viognier, Syrah, Petite Syrah, and Barbera. Also returning to our French wine inventory is the Jean Pierre Moueix Saint-Emilion Bordeaux (2003).
Clay Shannon, who for 25 years grew grapes for some of California’s most prestigious North Coast wineries, established Shannon Ridge, a new California wineryjust north of Napa Valley. His vineyards, at altitudes of 2000 to 2500 feet, are on steep, windswept slopes on brick-red volcanic soil. The vines produce small, ripe berries with concentrated flavors, and the wines have earned ratings of 90+ points in Wine Spectator, Wine Enthusiast, and Wine & Spirits.
Kendall Jackson’s owner sponsorsAutoMoto’s female winemaker. Her wines are also earning high marks, and we found the Riesling to be especially nice.
Some of you may remember the Red Diamond Chardonnay from our wine deal last year. Though we are unable to offer their new label and later vintage at that incredible price, we have added it to our regular selection of Chardonnays.
On the spirits side, new to the store are: Cruzan Rum Cream, and, Mickey Finn’sSour Apple S’napps, priced at only $3.99.
REMEMBER:Every Thursday is ‘Ladies’ Day’, with a 10% discount given on all wine
To All our Fantastic Female Customers!
We learned just yesterday that the Mattie’s Perch line of wines will be no longer available. Due to a 2- year drought in Australia, there is not enough juice to go around, so the bigger winery which has been overseeing Mattie’s has decided to close their smaller sister winery. We do still have all varieties in stock, and they will remain at a great price while they last. If you’ve been a Mattie’s Perch fan, stock up soon.
In honor of APRIL, which is NEW YORK WINE MONTH, our Friday night tastings will feature lots of New York (in this case Finger Lakes) wines. Schedule is:
APRIL 4THLucas Vineyards (Cayuga Lake) Tug Boat Red, Tug Boat White, Miss Adventurous, Miss Behavin’, and Butterfly(Continued next page)APRIL 11THAssorted Seneca Lake wineries:Lakewood Niagara, Hickory Hollow Ol’Hickory, Red Newt Cellars Red Eft, Four Chimneys (organic) Eye of the Bee, and Atwater Estate Vidal Blanc 2006
APRIL 18THShannon Ridge (Lake County, Calif.) Chardonnay, Viognier, Sauvignon Blanc, Syrah, and BarberaAll are 2006 vintage. Sue and Mike are most excited to share with you these exceptional, dry wines.
APRIL 25THA representative from Thirsty Owl Wine Company (Cayuga Lake) will be here to host tastings of their Blushing Moon, Riesling(2007) Dry Riesling (2007) Lot 99 and Pinot Noir (2006).
We continue to shop for the next “Wine Deal”. ALMOST had a beauty earlier this week, but alas, it was already gone from the warehouse. Stay tuned as you are in the store; we hope to find our next great value soon! Newsletter a bit late (it’s April 3rd now) due to awaiting confirmation from Thirsty Owl. Thanks for your patience, and continuing business. See you soon!Sue & Mike
This month’s wine quote:“A meal without wine is like a day without sunshine.”
As a very long, wintry February draws to a close, we can be sure that spring is right around the corner! Thanks to all for braving the weather to stop by for your wines and spirits and to attend our February tasting events. More improvements to the wine room are in store for March, as we await delivery of a beautiful, and large, custom-made wine rack—much needed to accommodate our ever-growing inventory! New to the store since last month: Bersano Barolo (2001), JP Azeitao Vinho Tinto, Barone Fini Pinot Grigio, La Crema Pinot Noir, Chateau Gravat Medoc Bordeaux, Goose Watch Classic Cream Sherry, Cayuga Ridge Cranberry Essence, Francis Coppola Claret, Chateau Grand Colombier Saint-Emillion Bordeaux (2005) Tiz Red, Catharine Valley Lost Irishman, and Penfolds ClubReserve Tawny Port. On the spirits side, we have added Pernod, a French anise liqueur, Mickey Finn’s Sour Apple S’napps, and Bacardi Coconut Rum.
Getting the Wine Club started has been delayed while we reorganize our inventory, get our new website launched, and work out a “technical difficulty” with our small wine preservation system. It’s a good thing that Mike is such a mechanical genius! It’s going to be wonderful VERY SOON to offer perpetual tastings of some great wines.
The “Wine Deal” continues with a wonderful, Italian artisan red—Bottega Vinala 2002 Teroldego, an estate bottled beauty made from a unique grape variety in limited production. Regularly priced at $21.99, we are pleased to be offering at $9.99, and have just over a case left. The “Odds & Ends” Clearance Sale Table still has some nice selections at 25% off original prices.
March’s Friday night wine tasting schedule:
MARCH 7John from Southern Wine and Spirits will be here to share his expertise and pour:Tiz Red 2004 (Sonoma Co., Calif.)Goat Door 2006 Chardonnay and Goats do Roam 2005 Red (So. Africa) and Barone Fini 2006 Pinot Grigio (Italy).
MARCH 14Sue and Mike are pleased to offer Marietta Zinfandel 2005 (Sonoma Co., Calif.)…. Remember their Lot 45 from a few weeks ago? It was primarily comprised of Zinfandel, and while we anxiously await possible availability of Lot 46, we have this one to enjoy… Virgin Vines Shiraz 2005 (No. Calif.) Caves des Papes Cotes du Rhone 2005 (France)…an amazing blend of 5 white varietals, and Penfolds Tawny Reserve Port (Australia).
MARCH 21Your friendly proprietors will offer Australian wines—3 Shiraz Cabernet Sauvignon blends: Rosemount 2004, Jacob’s Creek 2005, and Lindeman’s 2006, and Black Swan Chardonnay (2005/2006).
MARCH 28Sue and Mike again pouring samples of Ecco Domani’s 2005 Merlot, 2005 Chianti, and 2006 Pinot Grigio, and Bolla Chianti 2003/04 (all from Italy)
That’s all the news for now, and even though many wish that winter would hurry up and pass, consider the words of Jancis Robinson regarding taking your time: “Every glass of wine we drink represents a whole year of vineyard cultivation and perhaps several years of effort in the winery…Yet most of us throw it away, straight down our throats, without even trying to ‘read ‘ it.” Time means so much in the life of a fine wine, that time should not be stinted in its appreciation. Maybe there’s a life lesson here, for us, as we rush and hurry about our days? Wishing you all a great March. Look forward to seeing you soon. Have a Happy Leap Day!!Sue & Mike/Glendale Spirits
January is behind us, and the days are getting longer. Will the ground hog see his shadow? Be sure to hoist a glass to our furry little friend on Saturday.Now that our year-end business tasks are wrapped up, we are concentrating on goals for this year – more new shelving for more new wines, with a focus on creating an organic section as well as increasing our New York and imported wines; and to offer perpetual tastings of new items, made possible by our recent purchase of a wine preservation system. Details are being worked out for the formation of our Wine Club. Soon it will be possible for those interested to obtain some great wines not currently available in the store. More on this next month….
The Neil Ellis 2004 Sincerely Shiraz (So. Africa) continues into this month as our “Wine Deal”, and we have heard some rave reviews also about their Sauvignon Blanc. Watch for a change in the “wine deal” later this month while you’re in the store. An “Odds & Ends” Sale is in place on our Clearance Table, with a variety of wines available at 25% off. And as you’re celebrating Valentine’s Day, perhaps libations will be a nice addition to that special time together…and if you want to serve more than beer for this exciting Super Bowl, remember we are always open on Sundays from 12-5 PM.
New wines now on the shelves include a line from Argentina, Dona Paula; a very tasty Pelligrino Marsala* (Italy); 4 California wines — Hess Chardonnay, Five Rivers Pinot Grigio, Beaulieu Vineyards Coastal Cabernet, Marietta Old Vine Red Lot 45*; Enrique Foster’s Ique Malbec* (Argentina); MontGras Reserva Carmenere* (Chile) and Leonard Kreusch Riesling Auslese* (Germany) *indicates tasting as noted below.
On the spirits side, 2 beauties from France–a wonderful and very affordable cognac, Dumorier VSOP, and (sound the trumpets and drums here) LUCID Absinthe –a drink of great mystique and colorful reputation.
February tasting schedule:
FEB. 1stSue and Mike will be pouring samples of Arena Loca Ringmaster Red 2004 (Spain)Santana Tempranillo 2003 (Spain)Neil Ellis’ Sincerely Shiraz 2004 (So. Africa)and Goundrey Offspring Shiraz 2003 (Western Australia)
FEB. 8THJohn from Southern Wine and Spirits Distributing will be our host for Leonard Kreusch 2005 Auslese (think sweet) Riesling (Germany)Columbia Crest Grand Estates Merlot 2005 (Columbia Valley, Wash.)Esser Merlot 2005 (Sonoma Co., Calif.)and Pellegrino Sweet Marsala Superior (Italy)
FEB. 15thMike from Elmira Distributing will be here for the first time (so let’s come out and give him a warm welcome) hosting the tasting of some long awaited wines from Sheldrake Point Vineyard’s (Finger Lakes, NY) their Cabernet Franc, Waterfall Chardonnay, Riesling, and Dry Riesling along with J.P. Vinhos Tinto (a red from Portugal) and Marietta Old Vine Red, Lot 45 (Sonoma Co., Calif.).
FEB. 22ndSue and Mike are excited about offering tastings of some of our newest selections:a Bordeaux by Chateau Gravat 2005 Medoc (France) Mont Gras Reserva Carmenere 2006 (Chile)Ique Malbec 2007 (Argentina) and Two Princes Riesling 2006 (organic) from Germany
Feb. 29thMark from Empire North Distributors will pour a fabulous new Cabernet Sauvignon, William Hill 2004 (Napa, Calif.), a Rancho Zabaco 2005 Zinfandel (Sonoma Co., Calif.) and White Haven Sauvignon Blanc 2006 (New Zeal.)
That’s the news for now. Remember, as we find ourselves in the middle of winter, Galileo’s words…”Wine is sunlight, held together by water.”…and the Italian proverb: “One barrel of wine can work more miracles than a church full of saints.” We look forward to seeing you soon! Happy (?) Ground Hog Day, Happy Valentine’s Day, and may the best team come out on top this Sunday.
A Very Happy New Year to All! Here’s hoping the Holidays were a wonderful, magical time for you and yours. The season was great here at the store, and we want to extend a Huge Thank You for your patronage. May the libations you enjoy and share bring continued cheer, good health, and fond memories, and we’re happy that our tastings have made some of your selections easier.
A mere 6 bottles of the Pulpit Rock Pinotage arrived at the store on Friday, Dec. 28th. We have learned that a container of this lovely wine is being prepared for shipment to the United States, and that we can expect to have a complete order in our store by the beginning of February. So, hang onto those “rain checks” folks…some great wine to enjoy as winter is starting to feel long.
Our January “Wine Deal” is a nice 2004 South African Shiraz from the Neil Ellis portfolio called “Sincerely”. With very good reviews, and regularly priced at $14.99, another closeout from a warehouse allows us to offer this gem at $7.99. More information is posted above the “wine deal” rack near the register.
And now a quick list of ‘what’s new’ on the shelves. Hess Chardonnay 2005 from Monterey Calif.; A few French Champagnes: Taittinger Brut, G H Mumm CarteClassique, and Perrier Jouet Grand Brut; an interesting red blend from Spain– Arena Loca; a beautiful 2005 red zinfandel from Rancho Zabaco (Calif.)OpiciBarberone, a large jug of an old Italian favorite; Masi Costasera Amarone 2003 (Wine Enthusiast 90 pts) and last, but not least, a REAL Irish Cream by Knickers.
Before listing the January wine tasting calendar, please be aware of changes to our tasting schedule:Beginning on January 4, 2008, the Friday night tastings will be held from 5 – 8 PM, and there will be no formal Saturday afternoon tastings. Thursdays will be LADIES’ DAY from open to close, with 10% off any wine purchase (except the wine deal) and a select tasting being offered for our female customers. Saturdays will be reserved for special tastings hosted by industry reps of spirits and liquours.(As you may remember from last year, we are more than happy to pour wines remaining from Friday night tastings for our customers on Saturdays)
Other changes for the New Year:A case discount of 10% will be given for the purchase of 6 bottles of wine, ANY SIZE. The 15% discount will remain in effect for 12 bottles, any size, and any variety. (10% off continues towards purchase of any bottle of wine tasted at Friday night tastings).And now on to the schedule of tastings:
January 4th, 5-8 PM, Mark from Empire Distributing will host the Mattie’s Perch (Australia) line, which includes their Shiraz, Shiraz Cabernet, Chardonnay, and White Shiraz. Be sure to join us to sample these delicious and very affordable wines.
January 11th, 5-8 PM, John from Southern Wine & Spirits will offer tasting of the Yellow Tail (Australia) wines (reds and whites).
January 18th, 5-8 PM, Sue and Mike will offer sampling of some Cabernet Sauvignons – Ray’s Station 2004 (Calif.)Beringer Founder’s Estate 2004 (Calif.)Turning Leaf Reserve 2006 (Calif.) and Penfolds 2004 (Australia). A nice opportunity to compare Cabs from different wineries/areas.
January 25th, 5-8 PM a representative from Southern Distributors will host us in tasting wines from Seneca Lake, NY’s Castel Grisch Winery – whites and reds in both dry and sweeter styles all made from Finger Lakes grapes.
So let’s toast to a healthy and happy New Year! And remember some words from Louis Pasteur (1822-1895), who said, “A meal without wine is like a day without sunshine.” and also claimed “Wine is the most healthful and most hygienic of beverages.”A few more related wine quotes:“Wine nourishes, refreshes, and cheers…Wherever wine is lacking, medicines become necessary.” From “The Talmud” and “If penicillin can cure those who are ill, Spanish sherry can bring the dead back to life.”Sir Alexander Fleming (1881-1955) We look forward to seeing you soon, Sue and Mike/Glendale Spirits
