Wines We're Tasting!

Notes From the Cellar….. A beautiful May is pretty much in the books and we can now look forward for the summer to begin in earnest! This weekend we will be sampling a few new offerings that are great for warmer weather and entertaining with friends. This week an organic rosé from the Loire Valley, a Pinot Noir from California and a Malbec from Argentina. Join us Fri & Sat from 3-6 as we sample these tasty new wines! On the beer front we have recent additions from Cisco, Jack’s Abby, Two Roads, Great Divide and Coronado. Also new in are Fishers Island Spiked Lemonade! And as always take 10% off any 3 wines we are tasting. ’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. ’11 Mahoney Vineyards Estate Pinot Noir, Carneros, CA- Mahoney Estates were founded over 40 years ago and are responsible for pushing for Carneros to be recognized as its own AVA. Most of their Pinot Noir clones are vinifed in small, distinct lots so the winemaking team can make the crucial blending decisions. This Pinot from their Sonoma and Napa vineyards shows darker raspberry and strawberry fruits, a touch of oak and a little spice on the finish; with fresh acidity and moderated tannins, this Pinot is extremely drinkable on its own or with food- pairs nicely with roasted salmon, seared tuna and pasta dishes. ’11 Finca Pioneer Reseva Malbec, Uco Valley, Medoza, AR- Located about an hour 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. The primary benefits of its higher elevations are its large day/night temperature variations that allow for fruit ripening and the development of balancing acidity, as well as the ability of tannins to develop on the vine. The wine is aged for 9 months in used French & American barrels, which imparts a hint of oak and vanilla to the violet aromas, ripe berry fruit and rich cocoa. With supple tannins and balancing acidity, this is a great pairing for grilled meats and BBQ ribs.

Cheers!