Wines for Your Holiday Meals

Notes From the Cellar…..

Take care of all your holiday shopping needs at the Cellar d’Or! Fine wines, craft brews and spirits, bar supplies, books, and other beverage related gift ideas. Gift boxes from the Gift Gourmand are also available in store. Throwing a holiday party? Talk to us about drink ideas and stocking your bar.

This weekend from 3-6 we are sampling a couple of new wines, holiday beer, and a special tasting with Bully Boy Distillers on Saturday from 1-3pm! 
Also, be sure to check out new beers from Uinta, Green Flash, Pretty Things, and Cisco Brewers!

’13 H. u. M. Hofer Grüner Veltliner, Weinviertel, Austria – Hofer is one of the standout producers in Austria’s largest wine growing region, overseeing 20 hectares of organic vineyards of Grüner Veltliner, Riesling, Zweigelt, and St. Laurent. The 2013 Grüner shows aromas of stone fruit, herbs, pepper, followed by flavors of citrus, mineral, and white pepper with vibrant acidity. This is a great match with sushi, southeast Asian cuisine, fish and white meat. $16.99/1 Liter

’12 Vacqueyras ‘Garrigues,’ Montirius, Rhône, France – Fans of Châteauneuf-du-Pape and southern Côtes du Rhône wines will certainly enjoy wines from Vacqueyras, neighboring Châteauneuf-du-Pape, Montirius biodynamically farms this blend of Grenache and Syrah. The Garrigues is aged in cement for 18 months and displays aromas of red fruit, thyme, rosemary, and wild lavender, followed by red fruit flavor, rich texture, hints of bramble, and smooth tannins. Perfect with roasted meats and game. $23.99

St. Bernardus Christmas Ale, Watou, Belgium - From one of Belgium’s legendary brewers, this is a Quadrupel (quad) ale full of bold flavor, full bodied, rich, malty, with low bitterness but balancing alcohol (10%). This is a beer to be sipped or enjoyed with a hearty meal. $12.99/750ml

Wine Tasting at the Cellar d'Or Dec 5&6

Notes from the Cellar....

With the holiday season upon us be sure to check out our latest offerings for gift ideas, entertaining, or just relaxing at home.  This weekend we are sampling a few of new standout wine and beer selections.  Don’t miss our growing collection of craft beers from Sixpoint, Ommegang, Stone, and Mystic, as well as new spirits including Rowan’s Creek Bourbon, Willet Rye, and Barr Hill Vodka.

’12 Mâcon-Milly-Lamartine, Les Héritiers du Comte Lafon, Burgundy, France – Domaine Comte Lafon is widely regarded as the greatest producer in Meursault and among an elite handful of the greatest and most coveted producers of white Burgundy.  Les Héritiers du Comte Lafon are a collection of organically and biodynamically farmed vineyards in Burgundy’s Mâcon region located a bit further south.  Tasting any chardonnay from Lafon makes it difficult to go back to any other.  This offering is aged in large oak barrels (foudres) for about seven months resulting in a lovely vibrancy with clean, flavors but a full mouthfeel.  A great match with pan seared fish or mushroom risotto.  $26.99

’11 Dolcetto d’Alba, Marcarini ‘Fontanazza,’ Piedmont, Italy – Dolcetto and Barbera often take a back seat to the great Nebbiolo based wines of the region, but many producers are paying closer attention to these grapes, selecting prime vineyard sites resulting in dynamic and interesting wines.  The Fontanazza is receives no oak aging resulting in an intense, persistent floral and fruity bouquet followed by red fruit flavor, medium to full body, bright acidity and  clean finish.  This is  a great accompaniment to red sauce pasta dishes, particularly a nice rich ragu.  $18.99

Delirium Nocturnum, Huyghe Brewery, Belgium – This is a Belgian Strong Dark Ale showing high alcohol, lots of complexity with dark malt flavors and light hops, with a hint of spice on the finish.  $11.99

Cheers!

Post Thanksgiving Wine Tasting

Notes From the Cellar….. We hope everyone had a happy Thanksgiving! With Thanksgiving behind us we are officially in the holiday season with dinners and parties with friends and family, so this weekend we selected a couple great wines that are versatile and a great value. Join us Fri. & Sat. from 3-6 as we sample one of our old favorites, a Picpoul de Pinet from France that matches perfectly with oysters and a young Rioja from organically grown and hand harvested estate grapes. ’13 Domaine Félines Jourdan Picpoul de Pinet, Languedoc, France- The Jourdan family has been growing wine in Languedoc for several generation & purchased these vineyards in 1983; they are located on the coast of the Mediterranean Sea which moderates temperatures in the vineyards and impart a touch of salinity to the wines. The mother & daughter team farm the three vineyard sites with different soils of clay, limestone, and sandstone which contribute different aspects of their terroir to this wine giving it wonderful nuances. This 100% Picpoul is fermented in stainless steel tanks and sits on its lees for 3 months before bottling. It is fresh and clean with notes of melon and lemon and great minerality. It is a great light wine that pairs perfectly with oysters as well as other shellfish, salads & lighter fish dishes. $11.99 ’13 Señorío de P. Peciña Cosecha Rioja, Spain- Bodegas Hermanos Peciña is located in the heart of the Upper Rioja, or Rioja Alta. All grapes are estate grown; the bodega practices organic farming and harvests the grapes by hand. This is their young wine, with vines being an average age of 25 years old and is a blend of Tempranillo, Graciano and Garnacha. Fermentation occurs naturally with wild yeasts on the skin and is aged for 3 months in stainless steel to highlight its soft fruit. This is a fruit driven wine with notes of blackberry, red cherries and hints of balsamic. A soft, juicy wine with great acidity and soft tannins, it is great both with or without food. This is a versatile wine that pairs well with pasta, grilled meat or spicy dishes. $11.99

Cheers!

Thanksgiving Wine Tasting!

Notes From the Cellar…..

November marks our first year anniversary! We are proud to be a part of the Duxbury community and greatly appreciate your support!

This weekend from 3-6 we will be sampling wines that match with Thanksgiving fare. Thanksgiving typically consists of a large array of food dominated by turkey, gravy, stuffing and seasonal accompaniments such as squash, cranberry and mushrooms. It is usually best to serve a selection of wines with the feast, not only to appeal to personal preferences, but also to offer ideal pairings with the dishes. Chardonnay is ideally suited due to its rich texture, balanced with bright acidity. Perhaps the most ideal red is a grape called Gamay, best known as the grape of Beaujolais. Unfortunately, Beaujolais has become most associated with the Beaujolais Nouveau, young wine from the current harvest and typically of dubious quality, released more as a marketing ploy than as serious wine. We are offering two top quality Gamay based wines for you to taste. Another often overlooked wine to serve, due to its food matching versatility, is a nice dry rosé, so be sure to peruse our selection of rosé wines from Spain, France, Italy, and California.

New beer selections have arrived from Maine Beer Company, Troegs, Long Trail, and Mayflower Brewing.

Happy Thanksgiving!

’12 Waterstone Chardonnay, Carneros, California – Carneros offers a slightly cooler climate than the Napa benchland making it more suitable for growing Chardonnay grapes. 2012 provided optimum ripeness giving an aroma of citrus, pear, green apple, nectarine and a hint of oak. The palate is long and lingering with good structure and the potential to improve with age. A nice Chardonnay matches well with many of accompaniments on the Thanksgiving table as well as the main course- perfect with squash. $19.99

’12 Coteaux Bourguignons, Dominique Piron, Burgundy, France – This is 100% Gamay from a 14th generation winemaker from the Beaujolais region, though the Coteaux Bourguignons appellation, or Burgundian Hills, falls outside of Beaujolais. This sustainably farmed gamay is an easy drinking, everyday wine from selected vineyards giving a deep purple hue with aromas of blueberry, bramble, bay leaf and cinnamon, finishing with very soft, light tannins. As with most Gamay, this is a perfect match for turkey and gravy. $15.99 (1 Liter)

’12 Chénas, Pascal Aufranc, Beaujolais, France – Chénas is one of the ten cru Beaujolais designates, which are the very best sites in the region, producing wines that are age-worthy, fuller bodied, and have more concentrated flavors than Beaujolais-Villages and barely resemble the well-known Beaujolais Nouveau wine. This wine is made from 80 year old organically farmed vines, producing a aromas of spice, red fruit, and some floral hints. Not only is this a perfect wine for Thanksgiving, but it is also great with ham or roasted meats. $17.99

’11 Châteauneuf-du-Pape Grande Réserve, Philippine de Saint-Cyrille, Rhône, France - Châteauneuf-du-Pape is perhaps the most familiar region in southern Rhône producing wines blended from up to 13 different grape varietals in a broad range of styles due to the varied terrain. This blend of Syrah, Grenache, and Mourvedre displays aromas plum, cherry, cocoa, and espresso with blackberry, cherry, and fig coming through on the palate, finishing with grainy tannins and a hint of toffee. The rich fruit component of this wine will not overpower turkey with gravy, but will go best with those who add other roasted meats to the table. $29.99

New Wines for Tasting Nov 14&15

Notes From the Cellar….. Join us Fri & Sat from 3-6 as we prepare for the rapidly approaching winter season! This weekend we have a pair of new wine selections available for tasting. Just in this week is a lively Chardonnay from France and an amazing Spanish blend from one of the top producers in Priorat. We are happy to have brought in some new local spirits from Dirty Water Distillery from Plymouth – ‘What Knot’ White Rum and ‘Velnias’ Honey Liqueur, a traditional Lithuanian Krupnikas, perfect for warming the mood during the cold months; as well as Caledonia Spirits Barr Hill Gin- distilled in Hardwick, Vermont with juniper berries and their own raw honey added post distillation. We are now open Sundays for the holidays from 10-6 and will be open the Monday of Thanksgiving week. As always take 10% off purchase of 3 wines from our tasting table. ’12 Saint-Véran, Albert Bichot, Burgundy, France - Saint-Véran is in the Mâconnais region located in the southern part of Burgundy, perhaps best known for the neighboring Pouilly-Fuissé appellation. As with most chardonnay from the region, this wine is aged in stainless steel resulting in aromas of ripe fruit, light smoke, fern and floral fragrances followed by a pleasant round mouthfeel adding notes of citrus, vanilla, and hazelnut. The finish is well balanced and generous with underlying mineral tones. Try this versatile wine with monkfish, mushrooms, prawns, crab, or grilled poultry. $16.99 ’13 Camins del Priorat, Alvaro Palacios, Priorat, Spain – Alvaro Palacios is regarded as one of the top producers in the modern era of Spanish wine due to his acclaimed flagship wine, L’Ermita. The Camins del Priorat is a sustainably farmed bend of Garnacha, Samso, Cabernet Sauvignon, and Syrah, aged in barrel for 8 months. The deep ruby colored wine has raspberry and floral aromas with a hint of spice, followed by tangy red berry flavors, finishing with sweet cherry and even tannins. Pair this wine with roasted game. $22.99 Special arrival! We were lucky enough to secure a few bottles of the '12 Beaux Frères 'Zena Crown' Pinot Noir, Eola/Amity, OR. Also in is The Prisoner Wine Company's signature "The Prisoner" Napa Red Blend.

Cheers!

Wines for the Holidays

Join us Fri & Sat from 3-6 as we sample a pair of wonderful new wines on this fall weekend. This weekend we have an amazing organic Sancerre and bold Rioja Reserva. Also, be sure to check out new beers from Backlash Beer Company, Brouwerij St. Bernardus, Tröegs Brewery, Notch, and Shipyard. We are pleased to offer new small batch Bourbons from Garrison Brothers and Bib and Tucker. Special arrival! We were lucky enough to secure a few bottles of the '12 Beaux Frères 'Zena Crown' Pinot Noir, Eola/Amity, OR. We are now open Sundays for the holidays from 10-6 and will be open the Monday of Thanksgiving week. As always take 10% off purchase of 3 wines from our tasting table. ’11 Sancerre ‘Cuvée C. M.’ Jean-Max Roger, Loire, France – The three villages of Sancerre, Pouilly-Fumé, and Menetou-Salon produce some of the finest Sauvignon Blanc in the world along the Loire River. This offering is sourced from two distinctly different vineyard parcels resulting in floral and fruity notes framed by a light and fresh palate with perfectly balanced acidity. This wine is best enjoyed with seafood ranging from crustaceans to raw or cooked fish. $29.99 ’06 Rioja Reserva, Bodegas Viña Herminia, Rioja, Spain – Blended from Tempranillo, Garnacha, and Graciano, aged in oak barrels for 18 months, this classic Rioja displays hearty aromas of oak and fresh, ripe cherries, followed by round, rich flavor with an intense, fleshy finish. Pair this with roasts, game and red meat. $22

Cheers!

Halloween Tasting at the Cellar d'Or!

Notes From the Cellar…..

Boo! Happy Halloween!

Join us this Halloween weekend from 3-6 Fri & Sat as we sample a pair of excellent wine selections that pair wonderfully with hearty meals. We have seasonal beers covered from Avery, Dogfish Head, Post Road, Shipyard, and Delirium; and new beers from Maine Beer Company, Bitburger & Sixpoint. Also, be sure to try our selection of craft spirits available for sampling. This is a big weekend for entertaining with Halloween parties and the big Patriots game Sunday, and we have everything you need to entertain well!

Special arrival! We were lucky enough to secure a few bottles of the '12 Beaux Frères 'Zena Crown' Pinot Noir, Eola/Amity, OR.

Please note a change in hours: We will be closed Sundays until Nov. 9 for the holidays.

As always take 10% off purchase of 3 wines from our tasting table.

’13 Côtes du Rhône Blanc, Château du Trignon, Rhône, France – Château du Trignon has been in the Quiot family for 5 generations, located in the southern Rhône bordering Gigondas, Rasteau, and Sablet. This wine is made from 100% Viognier grapes from gravelly and limestone soil types resulting in classic Viognier aromas of peach, mango, and wildflowers followed by a fleshy, round texture and full finish. Try this wine with mushroom risotto, or duck a l’orange. $14.99

’10 Cuvelier los Andes ‘Colección’, Mendoza, Argentina – Here we have another stellar offering from the Cuvelier family, hailing from Bordeaux, bringing their old world attention to detail to South America. This robust red is a blended from 57% Malbec, 20% Merlot, 11% Syrah, 8% Cabernet Sauvignon, and 4% Petit Verdot. Cassis, plum, and spice are found on the nose and the palate accompanied by balanced acidity and smooth, velvety tannins on the finish.Pair this with lamb, dark game meat or beef chorizo. $21.99

Cheers!

Wines to Warm up from the Monsoon! Oct. 24&25

Notes From the Cellar…..

It's been a long few days of rainy & raw weather and we've got a couple great reds perfect to warm you up and pair with seasonable meals. This week we have a couple new selections; a dark, concentrated Malbec from Cahors, France & an equally full bodied Bordeaux. Join us from 3-6 Fri & Sat Oct 24/25 as we sample these new French selections and recover from this week’s monsoon. We are also proud to now be offering spirits from Dirty Water Distillery from Plymouth. 

Please note a change in hours: We will be closed Sundays until Nov. 9 for the holidays.

As always take 10% off purchase of 3 wines from our tasting table.

’11 Cahors, La Tour Chambert, Southwest France – Cahors is a region in southwest France known for deeply colored, meaty red wines predominantly made from Malbec, though the grape has become associated with Argentina in recent decades. The Malbecs from Cahors tend to be tighter and less rich and opulent than those from Argentina, thus more suitable for aging. This offering is made from sustainably farmed grapes and blended with 20% Merlot resulting in aromas of spiced black cherries, herbs and a hint of cedar, followed by a grainy tannic finish. Cahors is best served with roasted meats or veal. $14.99

’11 Graves, Château de Chantegrive, Bordeaux, France – Graves, meaning gravely land, is a large region on the left bank in Bordeaux that encompasses many important sub-regions such as Pessac-Léognan and Sauternes, and is almost equally known for its wonderful dry white wine as it is for red. This 30 acre château blends 50% cabernet Sauvignon and 50% Merlot resulting in aromas of toasted breads and ripe black fruits, followed by a full bodied attack with silky smooth tannins. The 2011 is drinking well in its youth but will continue to improve with 5-10 years of cellaring. Pairs well with grilled or braised red meat, duck breast, including preparations with five spice rubs and sichuan pepper. $28.99

Autumn Specials Wine Tasting- Oct 17/18

Notes From the Cellar…..

Enjoy this pleasant fall weekend with some great additions perfect for the cooler months and all seasonal dining. For light fish dishes and late season oysters we have a crisp, dry Riesling; for all the hearty meat dishes- a smooth and concentrated Cabernet Sauvignon we are excited to have discovered; and for all the beer lovers we will be sampling Avery Brewing's Imperial Oktoberfest Lager! Join us from 3-6 Fri & Sat, Oct 17&18 as we sample these great wines. Don't forget we have some great spirits open to taste as well.

For the whiskey lovers we have limited quantities of rare whiskies from Hillrock Distillery in the Hudson Valley, Jefferson’s Bourbons, and Balcones "Baby Blue" from Texas.

Also, be sure to peruse our beer selection featuring new offerings from Lagunitas, Jack’s Abby, Smuttynose, Avery Brewing, Ommegang, Southern Tier and Cambridge Brewing.

Please note a change in hours: We will be closed Sundays until Nov. 9 for the holidays.

As always take 10% off purchase of 3 wines from our tasting table.

’13 Andreas Diehl Medium Dry Riesling, Pfalz, Germany – Riesling is arguably, but justifiably, considered the greatest white grape by many wine critics because of its subtle nuances and variety of expression. Unfortunately, it is very often misunderstood in part due to low quality versions often blended with other grapes exported from Germany in the late 20th century, and poorly made versions from regions often not well suited for Riesling cultivation in the first place. Luckily, that has changed and there are many fine selections available these days, though there are still many inferior versions on the market. Here we have a well-made, subtle, barely off dry Riesling from Germany’s Pfalz region. The wine has fine mineral and melon notes on the nose followed by bright, clean and light palate. Pair this wine with raw or cooked shellfish and most light, white fish such as cod or haddock. $16.99 1 Liter bottle

’11 Cuvelier los Andes Cabernet Sauvignon, Mendoza, Argentina – The Cuvelier family has owned and operated 3 exceptional Châteaux in Bordeaux for over 100 years, bringing their old world expertise to Mendoza. The result are powerful, intense wines with old world elegance and balance. The ’11 Cabernet displays aromas of black cherries, exotic spice, lavender, and cassis, followed by a plush palate full of ripe fruit, soft, velvety tannins and a hint of vanilla. A superb pairing with roasted lamb. $21

Avery Brewing Company "The Kaiser" Imperial Oktoberfest Lager - The Kaiser is the fall installment of Avery's quarterly 'Dictator' release series. Their Oktoberfest takes the traditional German märzen style of a copper colored, malty & hoppy beer and intensified it- using Vienna and Munich barleys in addition to Bravo, Tettnang & Hersbrucker noble hops; clocking in at 9.5%. Pairs great with Oktoberfest meals of bratwursts, potato salads and sauerkraut as well as smoked meats! $9.99

Cheers!

Columbus Weekend Wine Tasting!

Notes From the Cellar….. Join us Fri & Sat Oct 10&11 from 3-6 as we celebrate the long weekend with three new wine selections for the cooler months available for tasting. This week we are featuring the Pali Pinot Noir from the Sonoma Coast, a Primitivo (Zinfandel) from Italy and a sparkling wine from France. Also, check out our new beer offerings from Ommegang, Lagunitas and Unibroue. For the cocktail enthusiast, we are excited to offer Perry’s Tot Gin from New York Distilling Company. Try it with Jack Rudy Small Batch Tonic for the ultimate gin and tonic. Also just in we have some small batch artisan Rye and Bourbon produced by Hillrock in New York State as well as Balcones "Baby Blue" Corn Whiskey from Texas- this is a limited release so supplies are limited! Please note a change in hours: We will be closed Sundays until Nov. 9 for the holidays. As always take 10% off purchase of 3 wines from our tasting table. NV Grandial Blanc de Blancs Brut, France – This white blend from near the Bordeaux region is simply one of the best values in sparkling wine, with characteristics reminiscent of Champagne. It is light in body with dry, toasty, bready notes followed by a smooth mousse on the palate and a crisp finish. This is great pairing with shellfish. $9.99 ’11 Pali ‘Riviera’ Pinot Noir, Sonoma Coast, CA – Pali Wine Co. is dedicated to producing single vineyard and appellation designated Pinot Noir. Riviera is from prime vineyards in Sonoma Coast, arguably the best area in California for world class Pinot. The nose displays aromas of black fruits, forest floor, and mushroom followed by nuances of blackberries, boysenberry and lavender on the palate and finish. This is a great accompaniment to grilled salmon. $24.99 ’12 Vigneti del Salento ‘I Muri’ Primitivo, Puglia, Italy – The Salento Peninsula, the heel on Italy’s boot, produces some fantastic red wines from unique grapes such as Negroamaro, and Primitivo. Primitivo, originally from Croatia, is actually the same genetically as Zinfandel, as it was brought to California by Italian immigrants, lost or forgotten, and then “rediscovered.” While the California version tends to be alcoholic, sweet fruited, and chocolatey, the Italian counterpart is drier, tannic, and rich. The I Muri shows aroma of blackberry cocoa bean, with hints of nutmeg and charcoal, followed by a nicely balanced finish with soft tannins. A great match for strong cheese or roasted game. $13.99

Cheers!

Fall Wine Tasting & New Stock Keeps Arriving!

Notes From the Cellar….. Brighten up this grey week with some new selections at the Cellar d’Or. This weekend (10/3 & 10/4 from 3-6) we are tasting a great value Napa Cab as well as delicious Alsacian Gewürztraminer. New offerings continue to come in- this week in the spirits world we just brought in a fantastic new London dry gin from Sipsmith as well as Jefferson's small batch bourbon and their Reserve. For beers we have Rockart, Rising Tide, Dogfish Head, Mayflower, and Baxter Brewing. Please note a change in hours: We will be closed Sundays until Nov. 9 for the holidays. As always take 10% off purchase of 3 wines from our tasting table. ’12 Willm Gewurztraminer Réserve, Alsace, France – Gewurztraminer is one of the great grapes of Alsace ranging from rich and sweet to dry and medium bodied. This sustainably farmed offering from Willm is dry with intense aromas of exotic fruits and rose petals giving way to a lighter, round mouthfeel with hints of spice and pear fruit. This is a wonderful wine to pair with Asian or Indian cuisine. $15.99 ’11 Waterstone Cabernet Sauvignon, Napa Valley, CA – An excellent effort from a challenging vintage! This is a winery that delivers high quality, balanced wines rivaling many of the well known big name Napa wines- and at down to earth prices. The 2011 Waterstone displays aromas of cedary oak, currants, black cherries, and ripe plums with a rich palate of firm, yet balanced tannins. Try this wine with grilled meats. $27.99

Cheers!

Wine Tasting Sept 26/27

Notes from the Cellar....

As always, we will be tasting wines at the store this weekend from 3-6pm and have a full range of new brews including a great variety of fall offerings from last nights festivities!

’13 De Wetshof ‘Limestone Hill’ Chardonnay, Robertson Valley, South Africa – The de Wet family is dedicated to producing world class white wine from the ideal terroirs found in Robertson Valley.  The Chardonnays have balance and structure rarely found outside of Burgundy.  The Limestone Hill is rich in chalk and clay, giving this unoaked Chardonnay aromas of grapefruit and pear, with flavors of grilled nuts, lime, and mineral, followed by buttery richness and nuttiness on the finish.  This is a great pairing with lobster, shrimp, or crab dishes.  $16.99

’13 Colonia las Liebres Bonarda, Mendoza, Argentina -  Bonarda is originally a blending grape found in Piemonte and Lombardia, Italy, but has shown great potential on its own in Mendoza.  This wine is sourced from high elevation vineyards in a unique microclimate ideal for ripening and acid retention.  Aged in concrete tanks to preserve the purity of fruit, the wine displays aromas black cherry, raspberry, plum, rose, and a hint of mint and herbs.  The palate, adding flavors of chocolate and toast, followed by a lingering finish.  Pair this wine with grilled meats. $9.99

Cheers!

Cellar d'Or- Tasting New Wines! 9/19-20

Notes From the Cellar…..

Join us Fri & Sat from 3-6 Sept 19&20 as we sample some brand new wine selections from France and California. Fall is an exciting time for wines as we are on the hunt for new selections for the cooler seasons to rotate in!

Our seasonal beer selection is in full swing so take advantage of some of our favorite fall selections that are around for only a few months!

As always, take 10% off any 3 bottles of wine we are tasting on the table.

’12 Waterstone Chardonnay, Carneros, California – Carneros offers a slightly cooler climate than the Napa benchland making it more suitable for growing Chardonnay grapes. 2012 provided optimum ripeness giving an aroma of citrus, pear, green apple, nectarine and a hint of oak. The palate is long and lingering with good structure and the potential to improve with age. Try this wine with lobster, risotto or fall dishes such as squash soup. $19.99

’13 Minervois, Château Sainte Eulalie, Languedoc-Roussillon, France – Minervois is known for, supple, dry reds utilizing typical southern French varietals such as Grenache, Syrah, and Mourvedre. This offering is a blend of Grenache, Syrah, and Carignan showing luscious fruit aromas of ripe plums and blackberries and a hint of black pepper spice. The mouthfeel is medium to full with long dark fruit and grainy tannins on the finish. This is a great accompaniment to grilled meats and pasta dishes. $15.99

Also don't forget about the upcoming Duxbury Food & Wine Festival. We will have some of our beers represented at the Oktoberfest as well as a great selection of our wines available to try at the Grand Tasting on Sat. Sept. 27th! The weekend will also feature a Gala Dinner at the Maritime School and an Oyster Fest on Sunday!

Tickets are available in the store or online at http://www.duxburyfoodandwinefestival.com.

Wine Tasting Sept 12-13; Duxbury Food & Wine Festival

Notes From the Cellar…..

Join us Fri & Sat from 3-6 (9/12&13) as we sample some of our summer favorites while there is still some beautiful weather to enjoy. This weekend we are featuring a refreshing rosé from California made from 100% Pinot Noir; a sustainably produced, crisp Sauvignon Blanc from just outside the famous Sancerre region in the Loire Valley, France; and a rich, structured Cabernet Sauvignon made by one of Napa Valley's best producers. Also, check out or new beer selections from Baxter Brewing, Uinta, Pretty Things, Rock Art, and Sam Adams.

'13 Fleur Pinot Noir Rose, North Coast, California - The 2013 rose wines are arriving, which means warm weather is not far away! This balanced rose shows fruit and floral aromas, giving way to a mouthful of fresh strawberry and honeysuckle, finishing refreshing and palate cleansing. A good pairing with oysters or baked salmon. $15.99

’12 Reuilly ‘Les Pierres Plates,’ Domaine de Reuilly, Loire, France – Denis Jamain is committed to sustainability and producing wines with a distinct sense of place and purity of flavor. Reuilly is a lesser known appellation often falling in the shadow of the more well known districts of Sancerre and Pouilly Fumé. This wine is made from organically grown Sauvignon Blanc grapes resulting in a subtle nose of wild rose and grapefruit followed by a rich and well-structured palate and crisp finish. Loire Valley Sauvignon blanc is excellent with smoked salmon, goat cheese, and seafood in general. $19.99

’12 Felino Cabernet Sauvignon, Viña Cobos, Mendoza, Argentina – This is a joint venture from Napa Valley luminary, and Cabernet specialist, Paul Hobbs and his South American winemaking partners Andrea Marchiori and Luis Barraud, sourced from vineyards in the Valle de Uco and Luján de Cuyo. The unfined wine has a nose of sweet red berries, menthol, and vanilla, followed by berries, white pepper, and cassis on the palate. The finish shows round tannins and good structure. $18.99

Also don't forget about the upcoming Duxbury Food & Wine Festival. We will have some of our beers represented at the Oktoberfest as well as a great selection of our wines available to try at the Grand Tasting on Sat. Sept. 27th! Also the weekend will feature a Gala Dinner at the Maritime School and an Oyster Fest on Sunday!

Tickets are available in the store or online at http://www.duxburyfoodandwinefestival.com.

Notes From the Cellar……

The kids may be back in school, but summer is still here! In the spirit of this post Labor Day warm spell, we have selected some seasonal wine samples with the patio, grill and sunshine in mind. We also still have a few summer brews in stock along with a growing selection of fall offerings. Please join us Friday & Saturday from 3-6 to sample these great selections!

’12 Gavi di Gavi, La Caplana, Piedmont, Italy – Gavi is a light, crisp white made from the Cortese grape, known for retaining freshness, even when grown in hotter climates. The 2012 La Caplana has a nose of green apple and honeydew, adding some mineral and lime zest tones on the palate, and finishing crisp and clean. Try this wine with raw oysters or littlenecks. $13.99 ’13 Gérard Bertrand Gris Blanc Rosé, Southwest France – Bertrand is a large producer of value driven wines from southern France. The Gris Blanc is made from Grenache vines located in the sunny, dry terrior near the Pyrenees Mountains. This pale colored rosé displays subtle red berry aromas with a hint of wildflower followed by a crisp and clean palate with lingering fruit on the finish. This is a great accompaniment to Asian cuisine and a range of seafood dishes. $14.99 ’12 La Posta ‘Pizzella Vineyard’ Malbec, Mendoza, Argentina – The Pizzella family produces some of the finest under $20 Malbecs available sourced from high elevation vineyards resulting in balanced intensity. This offering is ripe and flashy with aromas of mocha, spice cake, raspberry, and boysenberry; with a dense but lithe palate and a creamy finish. This is a great bbq wine. $17.99 Pretty Things ‘Fieldmouse’s Farewell’ Harvest Saison, Westport, MA – This farmhouse style saison is made from all the various harvest grains resulting in a full, malty beer with aromas of pepper and citrus. $7.99/22oz

Cheers!

Labor Day Tasting

Notes From the Cellar….. Happy Labor Day weekend! Before you pack away the white pants for the season, join us as we sample some new selections from Germany and France. Also, be sure to check out our growing selection of fall brews including offerings from Brooklyn Brewery, Shipyard, Ayinger, Weihenstephaner, Jack’s Abby, and Stone. ’13 ‘AIX’ Saint Aix Rosé, Coteaux d’Aix en Provence, France – A deliciously fresh Provence rosé made from Grenache, Syrah, Cinsault, and Counoise grapes. The pale pink color displays aromas of fine herbs, red berries, mineral tones, and a touch of orange zest followed by lush flavors and a balanced, clean finish. Try this wine with raw oysters. $19.99 Also available in magnum for $38 ’11 Herrenberg Riesling Kabinett, Maximin Grünhaus, Mosel, Germany – This kabinett, or regular harvest, Riesling is from the ancient Herrenberg vineyard in Germany’s Mosel region, home to many of the country’s most powerful, showy Rieslings. The 2011 is rich and full bodied with aromas of almond, white fruits, apricot and gooseberry giving way to a fruity driven texture and a hint of sweetness on the finish. This is a wine to be served with spicy cuisine such as Indian or Thai. $28.99 ’10 Crozes-Hermitage, E Guigal, Rhône, France – Crozes-Hermitage is situated in the northern Rhône, home to the greatest Syrah in the world, particularly from the famous neighboring appellations of Hermitage and Cote-Rotie. The 2010 exhibits notes of red currants, raspberries, and bay leaf with an elegant medium body, fine tannins and fruity texture. Northern Rhône reds make an excellent accompaniment to all kinds of red meat, game, and strong cheese. $24.99

Cheers!

Wine Tasting Aug 22, 23

Notes From the Cellar…..

Join us Fri & Sat Aug 22/23 from 3-6 as we sample some new selections on the last weekend before Labor Day! We are featuring new wines from Napa and one of our favorites from Madrid, Spain – the 2013 Camino de Navaherreros. The 2012 was one of our most popular wines, and the new vintage does not disappoint.

In the beer world, we have some of the first seasonal fall beers in stock – Ayinger Oktoberfest-Marzen, Weihenstephaner Oktoberfest, Shipyard Pumpkinhead, and Post Road (Brooklyn Brewery) Pumpkin.

As always, we offer 10% off 3 bottles of wine purchased from the tasting table.

’12 Whitehall Lane Sauvignon Blanc, Napa Valley, California – Whitehall Lane is a small, family owned winery located in Napa’s Rutherford district, founded in 1979. The Sauvignon Blanc has a crisp and delicate balance with flavors of grapefruit and lime essence. In the Bordeaux tradition, it is blended with a touch of Semillon grapes for added depth and 30% is aged in French oak. This is a wonderful accompaniment to shellfish and goat cheeses. $19.99

’13 Camino de Navaherreros, Bernabeleva, Madrid, Spain – Sourced from 80 year old organically cultivated Garnacha vines on the eastern edge of the Sierra de Gredos Mountains, about 75 minutes from Madrid, Bernabeleva produces meticulous wines, particularly their old vine Garnachas. The Camino is the 'baby' Navaherreros – fresh, young and very accessible, in contrast to the “black label’ which has extensive oak aging. The aroma is highly perfumed with notes of raspberry, potpourri, and Asian spice, followed by silky red fruit flavors that continue to evolve with air into a pleasantly long, lingering finish with a hint of tannins and orange peel. Pair this wine with anything from roast duck to cured or smoked meats. $15.99

Ayinger Oktober Fest-Marzen, Bavaria, Germany – This beer pours a clear amber color with a creamy head. Aromas of light, sweet bread with a hint of caramel and balanced carbonation. $3.55/500ml

Wine Tasting Aug 15&16

Notes From the Cellar…..

Another prime summer weekend is upon us! Join us Fri & Sat 3-6 as we sample some new selections and some old favorites….

In addition to new summer beer offerings from Uinta, Thomas Hooker & Dogfish, we continue to rotate new craft offerings including: Long Trail’s wonderfully hopped Limbo IPA ($10.99/6pk), Firestone Walker ‘Opal’ a limited dry hopped saison farmhouse ale ($6.99/22oz), and Baxter Brewing’s ‘Backpack,’ a mixed 12 pack featuring their Pamola Extra Pale Ale, Stowaway IPA, Tarnation Lager, and Summer Swelter ($19.25/12pk) as well as Great Divide, SixPoint & Ballast Point!

NV Crémant d’Alsace Prestige Brut, Willm, Alsace, France – Many regions of France outside of Champagne produce incredible sparkling wines made in the Champagne method, known as crémant, often delivering tremendous value. This offering is a blend of Chardonnay (80%), Pinot Noir (15%), and Riesling (5%) resulting in a wine with a beautiful persistent mousse, bright, discreet aromas of white flowers, with hints of tropical fruit and toast on the palate. Try pairing this wine with an array of appetizers, as an aperitif or with raw shellfish. $19.99

’12 Bourgogne Rouge Réserve, Bouchard Père et Fils, Burgundy, France – While 2011 was somewhat disappointing and uneven for much of the Pinot Noir from the southern parts of Burgundy, many of the recently released 2012’s are showing strong right out of the gate. Here we have a very aromatic bouquet of small ripe red fruits, such as cherry, raspberry, and currant, while the mouthfeel is lightly fleshy, finishing with a nice balance of soft tannins and red fruit. Pair this with grilled salmon. $19.99

Also available for sampling:

Mystic Saison - This flagship offering from our friends at Mystic Brewery in Chelsea is a traditional farmhouse ale made with barley, oats, wheat and Hallertau Hops. Farmhouse ales were traditionally brewed in the winter to be consumed in the summer and are usually a very complex style. Look for earthy yeast tones, mild tartness, with spice and medium bitterness. $9.99/750ml

St. Germain Cocktail

2 parts Prosecco

1 ½ parts St-Germain elderflower liqueur

2 parts club soda

Simply pour each measure into a flute, in the order listed, add a lemon twist and enjoy!

Notes from the Cellar... Join us Aug. 8&9 from 3-6  as we sample some new French selections in each color – red, white and rosé. ’13 Chinon ‘Messanges Rosé’, Domaine de Pallus, Loire Valley, France -Made from 100% organically farmed Cabernet Franc in the Chinon appellation. The wine shows wonderful tangy, tart fruit elements, balanced with mineral and stone fruit tones. The finish is clean and crisp with subtle fruit flavor and crisp acidity. Truly a wine for all occasions – sip on its own or pair with grilled fish, raw fish and shellfish, or soft, pungent cheeses. $14.99 ’12 Saint-Veran ‘En Messie', Domaine Daniel Pollier, Burgundy, France – Saint Veran can produce some of the most stunning Chardonnay in Burgundy’s southern Mâconnais region, often overshadowed by the more well- known neighboring Pouilly-Fuissé appellation. This offering displays a subtle nose of nuts, dried fruit, with hints of pineapple and melon. The palate is lively and fresh, with good acidity and medium richness. Pair this wine with sweet shellfish such as lobster, shrimp, or crab. $15.99 ’07 Haut-Médoc, Château Larose-Trintaudon, Bordeaux, France – 60% Cabernet Sauvignon/40% Merlot. In the gravelly soils of Bordeaux’s Médoc region, 2007 was considered a very ripe year with low yields and many wines approaching early maturity. Here we have a spicy nose of black pepper and menthol framed by black currant and blackberry fruit. It is a homogenous wine showing roundness on the palate with ripe fruit and tannic structure. Try this wine with lamb shanks or a marinated flank steak. $18.99

Cheers!

Notes From the Cellar…..

Join us Fri & Sat (Aug 1&2) from 3-6 and start your weekend with a sample of some of our tasty new selections! We have a white, rosé and a red, as well as a unique cocktail featuring Privateer rums from Ipswich.

’13 Andreas Diehl Medium Dry Riesling, Pfalz, Germany – Riesling is arguably, but justifiably, considered the greatest white grape by many wine critics because of its subtle nuances and variety of expression. Unfortunately, it is very often misunderstood in part due to low quality versions, often blended with other grapes, exported from Germany in the late 20th century; and poorly made versions from regions often not well suited for Riesling cultivation. Luckily, that has changed and there are many fine selections available these days. Here we have a well-made, subtle, barely off dry Riesling from Germany’s Pfalz region. The wine has fine mineral and melon notes on the nose followed by bright, clean and light palate. Pair this wine with raw or cooked shellfish and most light, white fish such as cod or haddock. $16.99 1 Liter bottle

’13 Château Saint Baillon Rosé, Côtes de Provence, France – From the heart of Provence, nestled between the sea and mountains, Château Saint Baillon comprises about 500 acres of wooded hillsides, vineyards and orchards. This offering is blended from Cinsault, Grenache and Syrah grapes resulting in a clean and thirst quenching wine with aromas of flowers, strawberries, dried cranberries, spices and herbs leading up to a balanced palate and clean, dry finish. The wine is an excellent pairing with bbq chicken or grilled fish. $15.99

’09 Sean Minor Red Blend, Napa Valley, California – Sean Minor’s proprietary blend changes from year to year with the 2009 blended from 30% Merlot, 23% Petit Verdot, 17% Zinfandel, 16% Petite Sirah, 10% Syrah and 4% Malbec. The result is a rich wine with aromas of blueberry, dark cherry, cassis and vanilla; leading to a palate of cherry, blueberry and hints of oak spices- finishing with soft tannins and sweet oak. Try this wine with red meats, ribs, and classic blue cheeses. $20.99

Also available for sampling, we are featuring Privateer Rums from Ipswich. Try our own take on the daiquiri:

The Punch d’Or 
3/4 oz. Privateer Silver Reserve Rum 
3/4 oz. Privateer Amber Rum 
2 oz. Ripe Lemon Sour 
2 dashes Cocktail Kingdom Falernum Bitters 
Pour ingredients into a shaker. Dry shake. Add ice. Shake again. Strain into martini glass or large cordial glass. Garnish with lemon twist. 
Another twist is to substitute Ripe Agave Punch instead of lemon sour.

Cheers!

Wine Tasting July 25 & 26

Notes From the Cellar…….

Join us Fri & Sat 7/25/26 from 3-6 as we sample more seasonably appropriate selections on another beautiful weekend in the middle of this fine summer.  We continue to offer the area’s best selection of craft summer beers, cocktail suggestions, and wines for all occasions and cuisines. 

’13 Casa do Valle Branco, Vinho Verde, Portugal – Vinho Verde encompasses a vast region in northern Portugal and can be made from a number of different grapes resulting in very uneven results and styles.  In the hands of a serious producer, sourcing the right grapes from the right locations, the results can be unique and stunning.  The Casa do Valle is sourced from estate vineyards in the Basto sub-region on slopes along the Tâmega River and protected by the Barroso and Alão mountain ranges.  Blended from Arinto, Azal, and Loureiro grapes the wine displays citrus, mineral and floral aromas followed by a slight spritz on the palate, framed by vibrant finish.  This wine is a great pairing for sushi and many spicy Asian dishes.  $11.99

’12 Willm Pinot Blanc Réserve, Alsace, France – Here is a beautifully balanced Alsatian Pinot Blanc at a very reasonable price.  As is common in Alsace, Jean-Luc Ostertag practices integrated and sustainable farming resulting in a wine that is fresh, fruity, yet subtle and balanced.  Aromas of lemon and grapefruit give way to a medium bodied mouthfeel with good structure and acidity.  This is a great accompaniment to shellfish, white met, roasted poultry and quiche.  $12.99

’12 HRW Pinot Noir, Napa Valley, California – This is a great value offering from Hendry Ranch Wines!  Much of Napa is not well suited for Pinot Noir, but these vineyard blocks are from the western side, close to Redwood Creek, moderated by morning fog and protected by hills, giving a zone similar to parts of Carneros.  Aged for 11 months in used oak barrels, the resulting wine is very light in texture with a pronounced red fruit nose, perfectly balanced acidity and smooth berry fruit finish.  This is a great wine with grilled salmon.  $19.99

Also available for sampling, we are featuring Privateer Rums from Ipswich.  Try our own take on the daiquiri:

The Punch d’Or

3/4 oz. Privateer Silver Reserve Rum

3/4 oz. Privateer Amber Rum

2 oz. Ripe Lemon Sour

2 dashes Cocktail Kingdom Falernum Bitters

Pour ingredients into a shaker.  Dry shake.  Add ice.  Shake again.  Strain into martini glass or large cordial glass.  Garnish with lemon twist.

Another twist is to substitute Ripe Agave Punch instead of lemon sour.

Notes From the Cellar……..

Here we are with another beautiful weekend upon us, giving us another reason to think about great food, wine and seasonal cocktails.  Join us Fri/Sat July 18&19 from 3-6 as we sample an assortment of wines and spirits on the tasting table.

’13 Kato Sauvignon Blanc, Marlborough, New Zealand – New Zealand has perhaps become most recognized for its unique signature style of Sauvignon Blanc, delivering fresh, zippy, wines with explosions of citrus flavor.  Kato, meaning “harvest” in Maori, is produced from vineyards in the Awatere Valley, within the famous Marlborough region.  The 2013 is tangy and refreshing, showing clean, crisp flavors and aromas of lime blossom, passion fruit and pink grapefruit.  In general, NZ Sauvignon makes a great accompaniment to all kinds of shellfish and as a patio sipper on its own.  $11.99

’13 Sean Minor Vin Gris Pinot Noir Rosé, Carneros, California – Sean Minor has created a well-deserved reputation providing top quality yet well priced wines from major growing areas in and around Napa Valley.  This Carneros Rosé displays remarkable restraint and subtle notes from an area where Pinot Noir can often border on over ripeness and poor acidity.  This vibrant, salmon colored wine shows aromas of cherry, strawberry, and watermelon, giving way to flavors of strawberry, raspberry and hints of spice.  Try this rosé with smoked salmon, salads and goat cheese.  $15.99

’11 Château de Francs ‘Les Cerisiers,’ Francs Côtes de Bordeaux, France – The Francs area within the broad Côtes de Bordeaux appellation can produce stunning “sleeper” values in the right vintage, from the right producer.  This wine is a Merlot and Cabernet Sauvignon blend displaying a nose of plums and blackberries, with hints of tobacco leaf.  The palate is full and balanced with hints of red fruits and eucalyptus and tobacco.  Still in its youth, this wine will rapidly evolve in the glass.  Pair this wine with red meats, grilled or roasted.  $20.99

Nahmias et Fils Mahia – This is a unique spirit from a small distiller in New York based on an ancient recipe from Morocco.  It is essentially an eau du vie  distilled with figs and anise.  Surprisingly versatile, it is very complex as a sipping spirit, for the brandy or grappa aficionado, or as a base for an array of cocktails.  We have the Mahia available to try on its own or in our unique twist on the margarita, we have dubbed the “Mahiarita.”

Notes From the Cellar….

Join us Fri & Sat 7/11/12 from 3-6 as we celebrate this perfect weather with some seasonal selections.  From the vine, we have an outstanding Sicilian white, a sublime rosé from Loire Valley and a sumptuous Pinot Noir from Oregon.  We also have an eye popping gluten free IPA from Millers Falls, Mass.

Also come and sample our full range of spirits including Tanteo Tequila, Privateer Rum, Ryan and Wood Distillery, and much more!

As always purchases of 3 Bottles of wine from the Tasting Table get 10% off.

’13 Etna Bianco, Murgo, Sicily, Italy – This is truly a surprisingly elegant, complex white blend from the volcanic sands of Mt. Etna.  It is blended from local varietals Catarratto and Caricante resulting in aromas of flowers, green fruit, mineral and river stone.  The palate is harmonious, persistent with delicate nuances developing throughout the finish.  Try this wine with lobster or fleshy fish such as grouper, and dishes with goat cheese.  $13.99

’13 Chinon ‘Messanges Rosé’, Domaine de Pallus, Loire Valley, France -  We’ve added another stunning 2013 rosé to the selection, made from 100% organically farmed Cabernet Franc in the Chinon appellation.  The wine shows wonderful tangy, tart fruit elements, balanced with mineral and stone fruit tones.  The finish is clean and crisp with subtle fruit flavor and crisp acidity.  Truly a wine for all occasions – sip on its own or pair with grilled fish, raw fish and shellfish, or soft, pungent cheeses.  $14.99

2012 Kings Ridge Pinot Noir, Willamette Valley – Another fine small production selection from Kings Ridge, the ’12 Pinot Noir is aged for 10 months partially in steel and partially in neutral oak barrels. Aromas of fresh blackberry, cherry and hints of chocolate, give way to full berry flavors with a balanced acidity and fine tannins. Try this with seared salmon or even barbecued pork ribs. $19.99

Element Brewing Company ‘Plasma’ Sake-IPA, Millers Falls, MA – This is a unique brew from brown rice, malted millet, malted buckwheat and Aramis hops.  The result is a strong, hoppy IPA style beer with a different twist and naturally gluten free.  $13.99/750ml bottle

Cheers!