FEBRUARY 2008 NEWS & NOTES

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. 1^st  Sue 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. 8^TH  John 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. 15^th  Mike 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. 22^nd   Sue 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. 29^th  Mark 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.

                                                            Sue and Mike

GLENDALE SPIRITS

JANUARY 2008 NEWSLETTER 

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. 28^th. 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 Carte Classique, and Perrier Jouet Grand Brut; an interesting red blend from Spain– Arena Loca; a beautiful 2005 red zinfandel from Rancho Zabaco (Calif.)  Opici Barberone, 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 4^th, 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 11^th, 5-8 PM, John from Southern Wine & Spirits will offer tasting of the Yellow Tail (Australia) wines (reds and whites).

January 18^th, 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 25^th, 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