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!