Christmas Favorites!

Notes From the Cellar….. Happy last weekend before Christmas! With the days buzzing by before some well deserved rest and celebrations with family and friends, as well as the inevitable last-minute scramble for presents, we’ll keep it brief and to the point. Wine. Lots of delicious, robust wines that enliven the senses. Wines with lip-smacking fruit, structure, and lively acidity to quench the palate and keep us coming back for more. Every day leading up to Christmas Eve we’ll be pouring some of our favorite wines in the house with something sure to please any taste out there; all hand selected and superbly produced. (And yes there will be bubbles too!) Among the selections for the next week: Sancerre, Vouvray, Chardonnay (California & France) Grower Champagne, Cava, Barolo, Priorat, Côtes du Rhone, Alexander Valley Cabernet Sauvignon, and Garnacha from Madrid. We have lots of great gift ideas available for wine, spirits and beer lovers; and there is still time to place gift box orders! Gift certificates are also available as great stocking stuffers. On the beer front we have new options from Rogue, Lord Hobo, Boulevard, Revolution, Founders, Mikkeler, 21st Amendment and Bear Republic. As always take 10% off any 3 wines we are tasting. Holiday Hours: Sunday Dec. 20 12:00-5:00 Monday Dec. 21 10:30-8:00 Tuesday Dec. 22 10:30-8:00 Wednesday Dec. 23 9:00-8:00 Open Early Thurday Dec. 24 9:00-6:00 Open/Close Early Christmas Day Closed After Christmas Closed Sundays & Mondays for the winter.

Cheers!

Holiday Wines!

Notes From the Cellar….. The winter weather is setting in…sort of... and the holiday party season is upon us. We have the perfect wines for all your celebration needs including bubbles, gotta have some bubbles this time of year! Join us Friday from 3-6 and Saturday anytime as we sample a crisp & fruity Prosecco, a rich and aromatic white Bordeaux from the Graves region, and an intense, concentrated Super Tuscan. All are fantastically produced and downright delicious! For those hosting holiday parties, we can help to select the perfect accompaniments that are customizable for any taste and budget; allow us to help select any wine, craft beer or spirits for your holiday needs. Delivery is available to your location to help simplify matters for you. Also available are gift certificates that make great stocking stuffers and customizable gift boxes that make for great gift ideas for business associates and wine lovers! (Please allow 3 days for packaging) NV Valdo Prosecco, Veneto, Italy- Located right in the heart of the Valdobbiadene Prosecco Superiore DOCG production area, the Valdo Winery has been cultivating this unique area for generations. The hilly vineyards are sheltered by the Dolomite Mountains and benefit from the cooling effects of the Adriatic Sea. With a fine perlage and an aromatic fruity fragrance highlighted by golden delicious apples and white fruits, it has a well-balanced structure and the fresh acidity to be a perfect aperitif or to be paired with appetizers & seafood. Also makes a great brunch mimosa! $13.99 2014 Château Graville-Lacoste, Graves, France – The dry white wines of Bordeaux, often overshadowed by the famous reds, are particularly noteworthy from the Graves region. Graville-Lacoste is a premier producer, only concentrating on dry and sweet white wine. The 2014 graves is blended from 75% Semillon, 20% Sauvignon Blanc, 5% Muscadelle grapes creating a dry, medium-full bodied wine with hints of citrus, pear, and apple on the nose. The palate has vibrant acidity from the Sauvignon and richness from the Semillon. These wines are fantastic with most fish, poultry, and curried dishes. $19.99 '12 Montepeloso A Quo Rosso, Tuscany, Italy- The Suvereto DOCG's challenge to Bolgheri as Tuscany’s premier source of Super Tuscans is led by 2 estates, Montepeloso being one. Climatically warmer than interior Tuscany, this locale naturally limits yields and is capable of producing wines with great concentration and perfume. Organically cultivated on a hillside of chalky gravel and clay, it is a blend of 30% Cabernet Sauvignon, 30% Montepulciano, 20% Sangiovese, 10% Marselan & 10% Alicante. Aged 4 months in used oak, it displays dark red fruits, earthiness, tobacco and smoke accented with herbal, brambly notes. The palate weight is pure Cabernet Sauvignon- balanced by its acidity and lingering tannic finish. A wonderful pairing with steaks and roasted meats or stews. $23.99 As always take 10% off any 3 wines we are tasting. Lots of new beers in this week from Wormtown, Jack's Abby, Rogue, Bear Republic, Anderson Valley, Magic Hat, Left Hand, Founders, Evil Twin, Oskar Blues, Uinta, Great Divide & Stone! Open Sundays through Christmas

Cheers!

'Tis the Season!

Notes From the Cellar….. Happy December and the return of normal weather for these parts. With the holidays upon us and parties at home or work, let us help you find the perfect accompaniments for your festivities. Customizable for any taste and budget, allow us to help select any wine, craft beer or spirits for your holiday needs. Delivery is available to your location to help simplify matters for you. Also available are gift certificates that make great stocking stuffers and customizable gift boxes that make for great gift ideas for business associates and wine lovers! (Please allow 3-5 days for packaging) This weekend we will be featuring a few delicious, well-made wines that will help to liven up the holiday festivities and provide some needed respite from all the bustle of the season! Join Friday from 3-6 and Saturday anytime to sample these tasty selections. ’14 Mt. Beautiful Sauvignon Blanc, North Canterbury, New Zealand- Sustainably farmed and grown on the cool, windy coast of New Zealand, this Sauvignon Blanc displays all the citrusy, tropical fruits we love from the region with a silky texture and crisp acidity that makes it food friendly and easy drinking. ’13 Mâcon-Péronne, Domaine de la Condemine “Tradition” Chardonnay, Burgundy, France- A mix of vines 35-100 years old, this sustainably farmed and hand harvested, unoaked Chardonnay shows lovely floral aromas and a bright fruit character balanced by fresh acidity. Rich and amazingly buttery you’d swear this was aged in oak! ’13 Valdibella Jaki Rosso, Sicily, Italy- A 50/50 blend of Cabernet Sauvignon and the local Nero d’Avola that is Organically farmed at higher elevations, it displays ripe red and black fruits characteristic of both varietals with a dark tarry, meaty edge that gives it extra body and a smooth tannic finish. Also open we have a couple reds- a hearty Priorat and Langhe Nebbiolo that make for a great pairing for those Christmas roasts! As always take 10% off any 3 wines we are tasting. Lots of new beers in this week from Wormtown, Jack's Abby, Rogue, Bear Republic, Anderson Valley, Magic Hat, Left Hand, Founders, Evil Twin, Oskar Blues, Uinta, Great Divide & Stone...whew! Open Sundays through Christmas

Cheers!

For Your Thanksgiving Table!

Notes From the Cellar….. With less than a week before Thanksgiving, we’ll be open every day and pouring lots of tasty, food-friendly French wines* great for feasting with family & friends! We have an exciting selection picked, and there will be something open every day until Thanksgiving with selections made to help wash down our hearty meals. (Holiday hours listed below) *Mostly French wines... there's a couple we had to sneak in there :) This week’s line-up will include the following: (different day- different wines) The Whites: '14 Le Plan des Moines "Les Silènes" Blanc, Côtes du Rhone, France $13.99 '13 Emile Beyer Riesling Tradition, Alsace, France $23.99 '14 Limoux, Chateau Rives-Blanques "Odyssée" Chardonnay, Languedoc, France $18.99 '14 Andreas Diehl Gewurztraminer, Pfalz, Germany $18.99 '14 Spáter-Veit "Rotschiefer" Feinherb Riesling, Mosel, Germany $16.99 The Reds: NV Dibon Cava Rosé, Spain $14.99 '13 Hautes Côtes de Nuit, Domaine Moillard Bourgogne, Burgundy, France $24 '14 Beaujolais Villages, Jean-Marc Burgaud "Les Vignes de Thulon", France $14.99 '14 Chénas, Pascal Aufranc, Cru du Beaujolais, France $17.99 '13 Brouilly, Les Frères Perroud "Amethyste" Cru du Beaujolais, France $19.99 '12 Anjou Rouge, Clos de la Cerisaie, Loire, France $18.99 '12 Mas d'Intras "Cuvée La Souche" Syrah, Ardeche, France $15.99 '13 Châteauneuf-du-Pape, Domain des 3 Cellier "Alchimie", Rhone, France $29.99 And don’t forget the rosé- sparkling or still is a great start to a big meal and pairs wonderfully with turkey and that cranberry sauce! As always take 10% off any 3 wines we are tasting. For beer we have a limited collaboration between Evil Twin & Two Roads as well as: Mayflower Thanksgiving Ale, Baxter, Sierra Nevada, Lagunitas, Cisco, Samuel Smith, Long Trail, Stillwater and Revolution. New Hours for the Holidays: Opening early Wednesday Nov. 25 at 9:00am Open Sundays 12:00-5:00 through Christmas Open Monday of Thanksgiving week and Christmas week 10:30-8:00

Cheers!

Holiday Kickoff!

Notes From the Cellar….. Thanksgiving is only 2 weeks away!! I repeat, Thanksgiving is 2 weeks away!! Unbelievable as it may sound- but the days are shorter, the leaves have fallen and the holidays are upon us. We’ll do what we can to help with wines geared for cold weather and holiday cooking as well as great beer and spirit options to keep you warm and ready to celebrate. Stop by Friday 3-6 and anytime Saturday to sample some tasty wines that are sure to please while entertaining or dining. ’14 Branko Collio Friulano, Friuli, Italy- Italy’s northeastern corner is its powerhouse for sleek, modern white wine production- specifically the DOC of Collio, tucked in the hills by the Slovenian Alps. Here winemaking is dominated by family-owned producers; and besides some fantastic Pinot Grigios, the grape of choice is Friulano (previously known as Tocai Friulano until the Hungarians took umbrage to anything that sounded like their famed Tokaji, but that’s a story for another time). Showing green apple, stone fruits and a little almond, it is fresh and clean on the palate with some added texture from a small amount of oak aging. Pair with fish dishes as well as poultry and white wine reduced pasta dishes. $23.99 ’13 Sharecropper’s Pinot Noir, Willamette Valley, Oregon- From star winemaker David O’Reilly of Owen Roe winery in Washington State comes a Pinot Noir under his second Sharecropper label. Due to the recession of the early 2000’s, farmers were having a tough time, so Owen Roe brought back the old practice of making wine out of the fruit, selling it and then repaying the farmers- Sharecropping. Fortunately the wines have been a success and they are now able to pay the farmers up front. Sourced from the Dundee Hills of Willamette Valley, 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, roasted fowl or pork dishes. $24.99 ’13 Cantine Valpane “Rosso Pietro” Barbera del Monferrato, Piedmonte, Italy- The vineyards of the Valpane Estate have been farmed since the 1700’s in its vineyards shaped like a perfect amphitheater to catch the sun. Since 1902 it has been in the hands of the Arditi family who make wonderfully approachable Barberas- drinkable young and able to be enjoyed with a wide variety of local cuisine. Delightfully aromatic with ripe black cherry, blackberry and violet, it is well structured with a lingering finish and that bright acidity that allows it to pair well with food. Pairs with lasagna, bolognese, roast pork or mushroom risotto. $16.99 As always take 10% off any 3 wines we are tasting. On the beer front we have new beers from Evil Twin, Stillwater Brewing's Cellar Door (get it :)), La Chouffe, Sam Smith, Cisco, Long Trail, Great Divide, Lord Hobo, Weyerbacher and Lagunitas!

Cheers!

Take a Break from Raking!

Notes From the Cellar….. It’s been yet another another beautiful …er November week?? here in New England with more totally normal weather that we’ve come to expect! This weekend we will be sampling a lively Chardonnay from one of the more respected winemaking families of Alto Adige as well as a delicious Cabernet from one of California’s up-and-coming winemakers that we have been fans of for years! Join us Friday from 3-6 and Saturday to sample these new wines. ’14 Elena Walch Selezione Chardonnay, Alto Adige, Italy- In the far northern reaches of Italy, in the alpine regions close to the Austrian Alps, Alto Adige boasts hilly vineyards at higher elevations surrounded by the Alps. A melting pot of sorts, German is more commonly spoken than Italian and French varietals are more commonly planted. The Elena Walch estates have been family run for generations- with Elena and her 2 daughters at the helm of vineyards driving modern concepts and sustainability in the vineyards. The Chardonnay is produced to display its lively fruit quality and fresh acidity, fermented in stainless steel and spending several months on its lees for added mouthfeel. $18.99 ’13 Foxglove Cabernet Sauvignon, Paso Robles, CA- One of the great values from California, the Foxglove wines from twin winemakers Bob & Jim Varner- who makes some stunning Chardonnays under the Varner label, is made from organically grown grapes sourced from Paso Robles. Big advocates of minimal oak aging of their wines in order to showcase the fruit character, their Cabernet Sauvignon is stainless steel fermented- displaying the dark fruit, cassis, cedar and savory herbs typical of Cabernet. The 2013 vintage benefitted from a drier growing season, giving it ripe fruit, great structure and a smooth tannic finish. $17.99 As always take 10% off any 3 wines we are tasting. On the beer front we have new beers from Brewmaster Jack, Innis & Gunn, Maine Beer Co. Revolution Brewing, Two Roads and Harpoon!

Cheers!

Friday Night Pick's

Notes From the Cellar….. Cooler weather, the trees changing colors and harvest time is here- it’s definitely Fall in New England! This weekend’s wines are great drinking on their own and versatile to enjoy with a variety of meals while keeping warm! Join us Friday & Saturday from 3-6 as we sample a couple of new additions to the shop. Bedrock Wines Shebang Cuvée III, North Coast, CA- Born into a winemaking family, Morgan Twain-Peterson has been working in the wineries since childhood, later purchasing the ancient vines of the Bedrock Vineyards. The Shebang Cuvée III is a blend of 78% dry farmed Sauvignon Blanc and old vine Chasselas and Muscadelle sourced from Mendocino & Sonoma. Aged in stainless steel with about 15% seeing new French oak for a little added texture, it is full of citrus, aromatic orchard fruits, and a touch of honey on the finish. With plenty of acidity, it is lively on the palate with a little weight and a dry finish. Pair with seafood, creamy dishes and poultry. $15.99 ’14 Altesino Toscana Rosso, Tuscany, Italy- Altesino is widely recognized as one of the top Brunello di Montalcino producers of the region with winemaker Claudio Basla at the helm. One of the more innovative wineries, they were the first to use limited aging of their everyday IGT wines in small French oak to not overwhelm the fruit with wood. The result is a wine with ripe red berries and red cherry fruit, plenty of acid and supple tannins on the finish. Medium bodied and soft on the palate, it has a lingering dry finish. Pairs well with rich pasta dishes with meat, roasted poultry and sausage. $19.99 As always take 10% off any 3 wines we are tasting. On the beer front we have plenty of seasonal offerings of pumpkin beers, domestic & German Oktoberfest styles, stouts & porters to keep you warm, Great Divide Fresh Hop! Also back in Massachusetts is Bear Republic Racer 5 IPA and the last of the Stone Enjoy By IPA- get 'em while they're still incredibly fresh! Event Notice: We are pleased to have the folks from Privateer Rum in the store Friday Oct. 30 from 4-6 to sample their rums and get some great cocktail ideas!

Cheers!

Wines for Your Table!!

Notes From the Cellar….. Happy Friday! Come on down to taste a couple of new wines perfect to keep warm with and enjoy with a delicious meal. Join us Friday from 3:00-6:00pm and Saturday anytime to sample a crisp white Soave Classico from Northern Italy and a rich robust Syrah from Southern France! As always take 10% off any 3 wines we are tasting. ’14 Suavia Soave Classico, Veneto, Italy- The DOC of Soave is located in northeast Italy near the city of Verona, with the Classico zone being located in the heart of the region on hilly, higher elevations and ancient soils primarily composed of volcanic sediment. Garganega is the traditional grape variety planted there for hundreds of years; these vineyards having been in the hands of the Tessari family since the late 1800’s. Now in the hands of their two daughters who run a state-of-the-art facility, their 100% Garganega is vinified in stainless steel tanks before spending a few months on their lees. Bright and fresh with aromas of green apple, pear and a hint of almond and white flowers, the wine maintains a steely, mineral character and fresh acidity. A crisp & refreshing wine, it is easy drinking and can pair well with a variety of dishes from appetizers and salads to white fish. $16.99 ’12 Mas d’Intras Syrah La Souche, IGP Ardèche, France- Mas d'Intras is located in Ardèche, in the Southeastern part of France- essentially in the gap between the Northern & Southern Rhone along the Ardèche River. The small estate that has been family owned for generations; certified Organic/Biodynamic, the family focuses on the 3 main varietals of the region: Grenache, Syrah and Carignan. The “La Souche” vineyards were planted over 40 years ago with Syrah vines- the grapes being macerated for 5 weeks to extract maximum color & tannin and then aged for 8 months in older oak barrels. Characteristic of Syrah- it is deeply colored & full bodied, showing blackberry, cassis & floral notes. With a gritty core of dark chocolate and black pepper, it is balanced by moderate acidity and a lingering, tannic finish. An excellent complement to game meats or hearty, rustic stews. $16.99 On the beer front we have plenty of seasonal offerings of pumpkin beers, domestic & German Oktoberfest styles, stouts & porters to keep you warm, breakfast beer (Founders Stout) and the newly released Boom Sauce American IPA from Lord Hobo Brewing! Event Notice: We are pleased to have the folks from Privateer Rum in the store Friday Oct. 30 from 4-6 to sample their rums and get some great cocktail ideas!

Cheers!

Peep These Wines!

Notes From the Cellar….. Happy long weekend! Now is the time of year for leaf peeping and harvests, so in keeping with the comfortable weather and fresh food, we have a of couple new selections this weekend that will make for some delicious sipping and are versatile enough to pair with a variety of accompaniments. Join us Friday from 3-6 and Saturday anytime to sample these Old World selections! As always take 10% off any 3 wines we are tasting. ’14 Avancia Cuveé de O Godello, Valdeorras, Spain- Godello is a local Spanish grape nearly extinct and forgotten that has been enjoying a revival since the 1970’s from young and upcoming winemakers drawn towards reviving Spain’s traditional grapes and regional distinction. The sub-region of Valdeorras is located in the mountainous north-west of Spain within the Galacian region. Planted in slate soils at higher elevations in 1975, the vineyards are able to soak in the sun while benefitting from the cooling effect of the ocean. The resulting wine is fresh and mineral, showing green apple, pear and the citrus of lemon. With juicy acidity, it is light and refreshing with an extra bit of mouthfeel and vanilla & almond imparted from a small percentage of oak treatment as well as time on its lees. Very drinkable on its own, this pairs wonderfully with snacks from nuts & olives to dishes highlighting prawns and other seafood. $19.99 ’08 Bonfio ‘Le Portine’ Sangiovese, Tuscany, Italy- Le Portine is one of several vineyards of the Bonfio estate located in the heart of Chianti Colli Senesi. Each with its own microclimate, vineyards are processed separately to create different wines of their own character. Grown in vineyards shale & clay, the wine is aged in large Slovenian oak for 2 years with at least another 6 months in bottle before release. Made from 100% Sangiovese, the Le Portine has an expressive bouquet of dark cherry fruit, plum and a hint of violets. In classic Chianti style with plenty of time in bottle to develop a balanced structure, it still maintains refreshing acidity and a soft, dusty tannic finish that lingers. This is great food wine that pairs ragu pasta dishes, steaks and roasted poultry. $18.99 On the beer front we have plenty of seasonal offerings of pumpkin beers, domestic & German Oktoberfest styles, breakfast beer (Founders Stout) and the newly released Boom Sauce American IPA from Lord Hobo Brewing! Special Columbus Day Sale Join us Columbus Day- Monday Oct. 12 from Noon-6:00 for a special wine tasting & sale! Plenty of great new finds to try out for the fall and save some money in the process! Take 10% off all wine and 15% off case purchases Monday only! Sale does not combine with any other offer

Cheers!

Wines to Keep You Dry! :)

Notes From the Cellar….. What a beautiful weekend we have in store…. perfect to get out of the house, grab some wine and food, and run back inside! Bundle up and stop by Friday from 3-6 and Saturday anytime to sample a couple of wines perfect to lock yourself indoors with and enjoy some nice, hearty meals! This weekend we will be sampling the newest vintage from one of our favorite Grüner Veltliner producers as well as a hearty red blend from a small, rugged appellation in the Languedoc! Fun new wines for the fall are coming in each week which we are excited to recommend to you for something new! As always take 10% off any 3 wines we are tasting. ’14 Hermann Moser Grüner Veltliner ‘Karmeliterberg,’ Kremstal, Austria – Martin Moser produces stunning Grüner, Riesling & Zweigelt from his 300 year old estate in the Kremstal wine-growing region of Lower Austria. The vineyards cover 19 hectares and are some of the best vineyards from Rohrendorf. This is textbook Grüner – stone fruits on the nose, hints of apple and pear, and a distinct white peppery spice. Try this wine with light appetizers, lightly spiced Asian dishes, cured meats and bacon. $17.99 ’13 Château de la Liquière Vielles Vignes, Faugères, France- The Vidal family has been making wine since the 1700’s in the tiny appellation of Faugères in the south-eastern corner of the Languedoc. In fact the father of the current owner, Bernard Vidal helped to create the wines that eventually led to Faugères achieving an official AOP designation. At higher altitudes on wild, rocky soils of schist, grapes have to be harvested by hand out of necessity. The resulting wine is a smooth, mineral-rich, concentrated, dark fruit-forward wine made 50-100 year-old Carignan, Grenache, Mourvèdre and Syrah vines. Pairs with lamb of beef dishes as well as roasted fowl. $17.99 On the beer front we have new selections from Baxter, Founders, Lord Hobo, Ballast Point, Sixpoint, Great Divide, Mayflower, Weyerbacher, *Store Hours Note- We are now closed on Sundays until the holidays.

Cheers!

Wines for Fall Days!

Notes From the Cellar….. With the beautiful & seasonable weather setting in we can start looking forward to comfortable evenings with richer wines & a wider variety of beers to enjoy with great meals and great friends! Join us this Friday from 3-6 and Saturday anytime as we sample a bright & buttery Chardonnay from Southern Burgundy as well as a rich & slightly rustic Malbec from its birthplace in Cahors, France! Also, we have some excellent new wines coming in each week for you to enjoy! As always take 10% off any 3 wines we are tasting. '13 Verget Mâcon-Villages, Burgundy, France- Jean- Marie Guffens contracts with selected growers for only ideally situated, low-yielding vines; and his own teams pick when and where he dictates, thus controlling vinification from the outset. This lovely expression of Burgundian Chardonnay hails from 20 years old vines in calcareous clay soil. Aged for 6 months in stainless steel with some stirring of its fine lees, the wine has fruity aromas of peach, lychee and citrus fruits. Full-bodied with a buttery texture, it still maintains vibrant fruit and quenching acidity. A great pairing with poultry dishes, pork and creamy sauces. $18.99 ’11 Château Armandière Malbec Ancestral, Cahors, France– Cahors is a region in southwest France known for deeply colored, meaty red wines predominantly made from Malbec. The Malbecs from Cahors tend to be more polished and refined than those from Argentina, delivering the same boldness & intensity expected from a Malbec but with a tighter mouthfeel and a more structured backbone that you get from older vines and 4th generation winemakers. With an aromatic nose of violets, dark berries, cherry and a hint of smoke & cedar from the oak aging, it delivers a smooth mouthfeel and a lingering finish with grainy tannins. Cahors is best served with hearty meat & vegetable stews and roasted meat dishes. $19.99 On the beer front we have new selections from Baxter, Ballast Point, Sixpoint, Great Divide, Mayflower, Maine Beer, Weyerbacher, Southern Tier, Jack’s Abbey, Long Trail & Shipyard! *Store Hours Note- We are now closed on Sundays until the holidays.

Cheers!

It Sure Feels Like Summer!

Notes From the Cellar….. This is another example of why September might be one of the best months of the year- warm, beautiful days and cool, comfortable nights! With what might be the last gasp of summer weather, we've got a couple of tasty wines that are perfect for the porch and dinners all year! Join us Friday from 3-6 and Saturday anytime to sample a relatively unknown but light and aromatic white- a Hungarian Furmint, as well as smooth and refined Rioja Reserva- perfect for the grill and any cooler weather cooking. As always take 10% off any 3 wines we are tasting. ’13 Evolúció Furmint, Tokaj, Hungary – Although not a household name, the Furmint grape is used to produce the famous sweet wines of Tokaji, but can also be perfectly dry. Grown at higher elevations in vineyards of volcanic stones or sand & clay based silt, grapes hand harvested, gently pressed and fermented in stainless steel; this is a wonderfully aromatic wine best enjoyed young. Floral aromas complemented by peach & green apple lead to a crisp, clean mineral characteristic, followed by rich acidity, vibrant fruitiness and a touch of almond on the finish. Pair this wine with soft, mild cheeses, seafood & raw shellfish. $13.99 ’08 La Rioja Alta Viña Alberdi Reserva, Rioja, Spain- Established over 100 years ago, the Bodegas has always stood out as a quality oriented producer, producing wines in the traditional Rioja manner. This 100% Tempranillo is grown at high elevations in estate vineyards planted over 30 years ago in chalk-clay soils. Aged for 1 year in new American oak made in-house followed by another year in old oak. With over 4 years in bottle, it is medium bodied, smooth and elegant on the palate with aromas of blackberry, cherry & a touch of vanilla and smoke from the oak. With softened tannins and a long finish, it still maintains abundant acidity to pair nicely with various dishes. A wonderful cool weather wine, pair this with mushrooms, stews, any grilled or roasted meats and raw sheep’s milk cheeses. $23.99 On the beer front we have new selections from Baxter, Sixpoint, Great Divide, Mayflower, Maine Beer, Weyerbacher, Warsteiner, Weihnstephaner, Left Hand, Southern Tier, Jack’s Abbey, Long Trail & Shipyard! *Store Hours Note- We are now closed on Sundays until the holidays.

Wines for Your Weekend!

Notes From the Cellar….. As we get into our favorite time for good home cooking we thought we'd open a couple bottles perfect for the dinner table and a variety of dishes. Join us this Fri. from 3-6 and Sat. anytime as we sample a fantastic old-vine, organic Chardonnay from one of Burgundy's best young producers as well as an eminently drinkable & food-friendly Dolcetto from family run vineyards predominately in Barolo! As always take 10% off any 3 wines we are tasting. ’11 Burgogne Blanc ‘Vieilles Vignes,’ Maison Roche de Bellene, Burgundy, France – This is a superb entry level Chardonnay from one of Burgundy’s finest winemakers, Nicolas Potel. The 65 year old vines are farmed organically in the Côte de Beaune and Côte Chalonnaise regions. The wine shows aromas of tropical fruit, light oak, and a hint of almond, with a creamy texture and remarkable freshness. This is an excellent wine to pair with roasted chicken or pork, crustaceans and a variety of cheeses. $19.99 ’13 G.D. Vajra Dolcetto d’Alba, Piedmont, Italy- G.D. Vajra is entirely a family affair- Aldo and Milena work with their daughter Francesca and sons, Giuseppe and Isidoro; farming their vineyards in Barolo & Novello using sustainable methods, hand harvesting grapes and triple sorting them before pressing. This lovely Dolecetto is a mixture of old & young vines fermented in stainless steel to preserve the purity of fruit. Vibrant and fresh with aromas and flavors of violets, red cherry and red berries; it is smooth on the palate & balanced with refined tannins and lightened by a fresh acidity. A great accompaniment to red sauce pasta dishes, particularly a nice rich ragu. $19.99 On the beer front we have begun the transition to fall offerings (there are still some summer beers left and warmer days ahead!) For Oktoberfest style and pumpkin beers we have selections from Warsteiner, Weihnstephaner, Hacker-Pschorr, Mayflower, Left Hand, Troegs, Southern Tier, Jack’s Abbey, Long Trail & Shipyard! *Store Hours Note- We are now closed on Sundays until the holidays. Event Update: We will be taking part in the 2nd Duxbury Food and Wine Festival this month with the Grand Tasting Event happening Sat. Sept. 19. We hope to see everyone there as there will be lots of great wines to sample. Ticket are available online or in the store. Please visit the website below for more information. http://www.duxburyfoodandwinefestival.com

Weekend Wine Picks

Notes From the Cellar….. Summer may be winding down but we still have plenty of great weather ahead perfect for enjoying with friends! Join us this Fri. from 3-6 and Sat. anytime to sample a few new selections we're really excited about! One of our favorite rosés of the year from Provence, a light crisp Cheverny from the Loire Valley and an exceptional, rich Aglianico from Italy! '14 Cheverny, Domaine du Salvard, Loire, France – Cheverny is an often overlooked commune in the Loire Valley, producing lively Sauvignon Blanc. This offering is grown in sustainably farmed chalk, limestone, and sandy soiled vineyards in the northeastern part of Touraine, blending 15% Chardonnay with the Sauvignon. The wine is fresh, lively, and fragrant with aromas of citrus and hay, followed by green orchard fruit, lemon/lime, and bright minerality on the palate, finishing dry yet expansive with a round mouthfeel. This is a great wine to enjoy with mussels, steamers, or oysters. $16.99 '14 Cotes de Provence Rosé 'Corail' Chateau de Roquefort, Provence, France– Provence has become synonymous with rosé wine with good reason. Many producers set out to make rose as their only wine, rather than as an afterthought. While Chateau de Roquefort does make a range of red, white, and rose, they place equal pride on all their efforts through organic farming and detailed winemaking. The Corail is blended from Grenache, Syrah, Cinsault, Carignan, Vermentino, and Clairette grapes from vineyards at over 1200 feet elevation. The resulting wine has a delicate spicy nose of citrus fruits followed by white fruits, citrus , and a hint of fennel on the palate. The finish is clean and refreshing. It is an excellent match with Mediterranean style dishes, particularly with garlic and olive oil, seafood, and wood grilled meats. $18.99 ’11 Aglianico del Vulture, Grifalco, Basilicata, Italy – Aglianico del Vulture produces some of the most underrated wines in Italy, capable of complexity and richness found in in many of the world's greatest wines. Aglianico refers to the local grape varietal and Vulture refers to nearby Mount Vulture, where the vineyards derive their volcanic soil. This is a small production offering from sustainable vineyards then aged in stainless steel and small to medium sized oak barrels. It is of medium body with aromas of blueberry, chocolate, garrigue, and a hint of cherry, which comes through stronger on the palate. The tannins are present, but not overly firm, with a lingering finish. Aglianico matches well with a variety of red meats and medium to hard cheeses. $16.99 And as always take 10% off any 3 wines we are tasting. For spirits, we have a limited amount of Balcones Single Malt & Baby Blue in stock! On the beer front we have new seasonal offerings from Long Trail Pumpkin, Hacker-Pschorr Oktoberfest, Jack's Abby Copper Legend Oktoberfest, and Shipyard Pumpkin

Cheers!

Summer Treats!

Notes From the Cellar…..

Notes From the Cellar….. We have a couple great new wines to try out this weekend to go with one of our favorite rosés of the year! Join us this Friday from 3-6 and Saturday anytime to sample these tasty treats from Provence & Alsace, France & Puglia, Italy! '14 Domaine La Blaque Perrevert Rosé, Provence, France- Located in the small AOC of Coteaux de Pierrevery in north-western Provence, Domaine la Blaque is one of a handful of growers in the high altitude hills of the region that benefit from ample sunshine as well as wide day/night temperature variations. Vineyards are composed of limestone & clay, harvest by hand and certified organic. A blend of Cinsault-direct pressing, Grenache, Syrah & Vermentino, this lovely pale rose colored rosé displays soft aromatics of roses, melon and cherries with a palate that remains delicate & full of watermelon, apricots and lively acidity. Drinks perfectly on its own as an apéritif or with a range of dishes from summer salads and shellfish to lighter grilled meats. $16.99 ’13 Emile Beyer Pinot Blanc “Tradition”, Alsace, France- Founded in 1580, this Domaine represents 14 generations of winegrowing around the village of Eguisheim, in the heart of Alsace. Currently Christian Beyer runs the vineyard following his training in Burgundy, Sauternes, and the Rheingau which instilled an appreciation for creating world class wines. To that end he uses traditional and modern methods; farming follows organic practices, the grapes are hand harvested and fermented in stainless steel. The resulting wines are a pure expression of Alsatian terroir with a purity of fruit, floral notes and a mineral, wet stone texture that is lean and vibrant with refreshing acidity and a dry finish. Pair with seafood, cream sauces and curry dishes. $17.99 ’13 Botromagno Nero di Troia, Puglia, Italy- Nero di Troia, known locally as Uva di Troia is an ancient grape variety of nebulous origins, though many believe that the variety originated in Asia Minor (and named after the mythical city of Troy) and was brought to Italy by the Greeks when they first colonized southern Italy. Historically a tough, tannic grape, modern growing & winemaking practices have managed to fashion softer, more aromatic wines. Under the tight control of the D’Agostino family that oversees the cooperative of farmers, the wines spend 20 months in stainless steel before another 6 months of bottle aging. Deeply colored with aromas of dark cherries, dark fruit and a hint of violet, it shows savory spice and cinnamon that accents its fruit character. With a slightly rustic edge to it, it maintains smooth tannins, fresh acidity and a lingering finish. Pairs with hearty pasta dishes, grilled meats and aged cheeses. $19.99 And as always take 10% off any 3 wines we are tasting. For spirits, we have a limited amount of Balcones Single Malt & Baby Blue in stock! On the beer front we have recent additions from SixPoint, Belhaven, Longtrail, Victory, Ommegang, Brewmaster Jack & Anderson Valley.

Cheers!

Hand Made Wines for You

Notes From the Cellar….. With summer in full swing and beautiful days all around we have a few of our favorite wines out on the table perfect for lazy afternoons and backyard BBQs! Join us Fri. from 3-6 and Sat. anytime to sample another lovely rosé, a light, aromatic Albariño and a rich, full bodied Cabernet! ’14 Chinon ‘Messanges Rosé’, Domaine de Pallus, Loire Valley, France - Another stunning 2014 rosé selection made from 100% organically farmed Cabernet Franc in the Chinon appellation. Winemaker Bertrand Sourdais was trained at the University of Bordeaux and then served as an understudy at Mouton-Rothchild and Alvaro Palacios in Priorat before retuning home to Chinon in the early 2000’s to take over the family’s vineyards. The wine is wonderfully aromatic, with tart fruit elements balanced with mineral and stone fruit tones; finishing clean with 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. $15.99 '13 Bodegas La Val Albariño, Rías Baixas, Spain- Among one of the finest Albariños we have tasted, the Bodegas La Val is located in the warmest subzone of Condado de Tea within the northwest corner of Spain- Rías Baixas. Grown in granite & slate soils that contribute to an excellent mineral base, it is aged for 6 months on its lees in stainless steel tanks. A very bright wine with a silky texture and full of aromas of white orchard fruits, pear and citrus and lively on the palate with a chalky minerality it is dry wine with a lingering finish. A versatile wine, it pairs well with most seafood, including grilled. $15.99 ’12 Tapiz Cabernet Sauvignon Alta Collection, Mendoza, Argentina- South of the city of Mendoza, the Uco Valley is generally recognized as the top wine growing region of Mendoza due to its higher elevations, excellent climate, soils & natural source of irrigation from the Andes Mountains. Serving as winemaking consultant to Tapiz is the world renowned Jean Claude Berrouet- the retired winemaker from the revered Petrus winery in Bordeaux. Following sustainable farming practices and hand harvested, it spends 10 months in a mixture of mostly new French oak. Full bodied with big flavors of blackberry, cassis, mocha & liquorice, its is smooth on the palate with ripe tannins, balanced acidity and a lingering finish of sweet cassis & vanilla. Pair with steaks, roasts and aged cheddar cheese. $19.99 And as always take 10% off any 3 wines we are tasting. For spirits, we have a limited amount of Balcones Single Malt & Baby Blue in stock! On the beer front we have recent additions from Jack's Abby & Otter Creek, Victory, SixPoint, Founders, Ommegang, Brewmaster Jack & Anderson Valley.

Cheers!

Wines for Hot Days!

Notes From the Cellar….. The summer heat has definitely set in and that calls for something refreshing to help stay cool. Join us from 3-6 Fri & Sat (anytime) to sample another fantastically quenching rosé, a crisp Chablis (Duxbury Oysters anyone?!) and a light bodied red grown on the side of Sicily's active volcano- Mt. Etna! '14 Domaine St. Anthelme Rosé Vin du Pays de Gard, France- Domaine Genestiere has holdings in Côtes du Rhone, Lirac & Tavel where they produce wonderful reds and rosé wines, particularly Tavel which only produces dry rosés of greater structure than most- therefore able to stand up to some aging. This Pays du Gard comes from their holdings on the outskirts of Tavel & Provence- creating a rosé of exceptional value in the style of Tavel. A blend of Syrah & Grenache, it is fresh with white fruit- peach & citrus with some rose petal aromas. With a little spice, it has more body but remains dry and refreshing. $13.99 '14 Domaine Gueguen Chablis, France- Chablis produces Chardonnays like nowhere else in the world. Its vineyards were under the ocean in prehistoric times and therefore its soils are rich in limestone and marine fossils which impart the most distinct sense of terroir into its wines in the world. Frédéric Gueguen & his wife Céline farm several parcels of old vine Chardonnay in and around Chablis including a couple 1er cru vineyards; they practice organic farming and harvest all their grapes by hand. Aged in stainless steel only and undergoing full malolactic fermentation, their wines are wonderful expressions of Chablis’ limestone-driven minerality. Showing an lively nose of white fruits and flowers, it displays intense aromatics while remaining fresh, mineral driven and well balanced. $21.99 '11 Murgo Etna Rosso, Sicily, Italy- Once the largest producer in Italy with an output greater than California’s, the realities of 21st century EU wine production have forced Sicily to become more efficient and of higher quality. Arguably the center of concentrated quality is Mount Etna, where some 50 producers of, um, dubious sanity work vineyards that wind three quarters of the way around the active volcano; where the Murgo family has been making wine since 1860. A blend of the indigenous Nerello Mascalese & Nerello Cappuccio (90%/10%) de-stemmed and aged in a combination of steel and ultra rare chestnut barrels, this is a lively wine that is fresh and perfumed. Lightly textured, showing soft red fruits and minerality from the volcanic soils, it possesses refreshing acidity to maintain its simple elegance. $14.99 And as always take 10% off any 3 wines we are tasting. On the beer front we have recent additions from Jack's Abby & Otter Creek, SixPoint, Founders, Ommegang, Brewmaster Jack & Anderson Valley.

Cheers!

The 3 R's of Wine!

Notes From the Cellar….. This weekend's tasting is going to be an exploration of the 3 R's- that's Rosé, Riesling and Ruché! Never had a rosé from Minervois? Been generally unimpressed with Riesling? Never even heard of Ruché? Well that's why we're here. Come on by Friday from 3-6 and Saturday anytime and sample these delicious wines that are sure to impress. '14 Chateau St. Eulalie Minervois "Printemps d'Eulalie", Languedoc, France- The estate’s vineyards are located on the terraced hills in the appellation of Minervois in the Languedoc. Since its purchase in 1996 the vineyards have been farmed organically- currently certified sustainable. A blend of syrah, cinsault, carignan & grenache, it is medium pink in color with tart strawberry & raspberry flavors, refreshing acidity and a dry finish. Perfect for sunny afternoons, shellfish and salads. $15.99 ’13 Von Winning Riesling, Pfalz, Germany- Probably one of the biggest rising star estates of Germany right now, Von Winning has been turning out exquisite wines with texture and character under the watchful direction of Stefan Attmann. From their entry Rieslings through their Grand Crus, Attmann keeps fanatic focus on creating great wines that can stand up with any across Europe. Organically farmed (transitioning to biodynamic), raising the wine in traditional, huge oak casks and using only natural, ambient yeasts, he is committed to creating wines of substance naturally. Displaying melon fruits, citrus and markedly floral aromas with just a tiny bit of sweetness that helps to create wonderful balance on the palate with its lip smacking acidity, this Riesling is of amazing quality at the “basic” echelon. Pair with shellfish, sushi, roasted pork and soft cheeses. $23.99 ’11 La Mondianese Ruché di Castagnole Monferrato, Piedmont, Italy- So this is one of those grapes that you may not have heard of before but is definitely worth giving a try. It is a relatively scarcely grown grape in the hills north of Asti in Piedmont- completely overshadowed by the region's more well known varietals. Made from 100% Ruché that is fermented in stainless steel before spending 5 months in old oak barriques, this is an approachable medium bodied wine that displays floral and dark berry aromas and a bit of black pepper. Very smooth textured with fresh acidity and soft tannins, it pairs well with Italian dishes, salami, roasted white meats and hard cheeses. $22.99 And as always take 10% off any 3 wines we are tasting. On the beer front we have recent additions from SixPoint, Founders, Ommegang, Brewmaster Jack & Anderson Valley.

Cheers!