Wines to Warm Up With!

Notes From the Cellar….. Its fair to say the holiday season is in full swing with Christmas music playing everywhere, cold weather setting in and the mountains already getting piles of snow. We are your source for great quality, unique wines & spirits for parties and gift giving and our craft beer selection is second to none! This weekend we will be sampling 3 wines perfect for entertaining with friends or enjoying a relaxing evening at home. Our holiday gift baskets are back- this year Italian baskets loaded with gourmet goodies straight from Puglia, Italy and a couple of wines to match! Choose from our ready made assortments or customize for any of your gift giving needs! We are always happy to work with you to make great selections for any holiday parties. As always we have a great selection of artisan cheeses and local charcuterie and are happy to make recommendations for cocktail and dinner parties. This Friday from 4-7 and Saturday we will be pouring 3 excellent selections from around Europe that are sure to please: ’15 Ottella Lugana, Veneto, IT- From the Veneto region in Northeast Italy around Lake Garda comes this 100% Trebbiano hand harvested by Brothers Francesco and Michele Montresor. Slow fermented in tank with 5 months on its lees, it is aromatic with white flowers with hints of candied citrus. Subtle on the palate with light weight and fresh acidity it makes an excellent pairing with a variety of seafood dishes or white meats. $16.99 ’15 Macedon Pinot Noir, Tikves, Macedonia- This Pinot comes from the ancient wine-growing region of Macedonia & named for Alexander the Great (the original “Macedon”). The vineyards fall at the same latitude as Burgundy & Russian River Valley where these 40+ year old vines receive virtually no rainfall, yielding concentrated fruits. This Pinot is remarkably rich yet still maintains wonderful elegance and complexity. $16.99 ’13 Colliano, Cuvée Red, Primorska, Slovenia- Just over the border of Italy on the northern end of the Adriatic Sea in the rolling hills of Slovenia comes this lovely blend of Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot and Cabernet Franc. Produced by a cooperative from local farmers using both stainless steel and oak in fermentation, the Colliano is a rich and elegant wine with a warm mouth-coating feel to it. Perfumed with violets and dark berry fruits it maintains softness on the palate and the body & structure of the Cabernet Sauvignon on the finish. $14.99 As always take 10% off any 3 wines we are tasting. On the beer front we have newer arrivals from Banded Horn, Singlecut Queen City, Nightshift,Jack's Abby, Bear Republic & 21st Amendment. Cheers!

Weekend in Wine

Notes From the Cellar….. We hope that everyone is having a great start to the holiday season as December has quietly arrived. With upcoming holiday parties, gifts and well-needed time to unwind we are here to help with great wines & spirits to celebrate with, give to friends and clients and enjoy at home. Our holiday gift baskets are back- this year Italian baskets loaded with gourmet goodies straight from Puglia and a couple of wines to match! Choose from our ready made assortments or customize for any of your gift giving needs! We are always happy to work with you to make great selections for any holiday parties. As always we have a great selection of artisan cheeses and local charcuterie and are happy to make recommendations for cocktail and dinner parties. This weekend we will be pouring Burgundy’s forgotten white- Aligoté and a Tuscan red- both are great for the dinner table or for enjoying on the couch! ’14 Domaine Marc Morey & Fils Bourgogne-Aligoté, Burgundy, FR- With vineyards holdings mostly concentrated around the renounded Chassagne-Montrachet, this 100% Aligoté is vibrant and crisp on the palate but with a an undercurrent of Burgundy’s trademark creaminess. Floral on the nose with green apple and lemon aromas and a hint of hazelnut on the palate it maintains crisp acidity that makes it an excellent pairing with many dishes. ’13 Fattoria Montecchio Rosso, Colli della Toscana Centrale, IT- From one of Tuscany’s great Chianti producers comes this IGT blend of 90% Sangiovese and 10% Canaiolo aged in cement tanks shows a big nose of rose petals, cherry and a hint of cedar. With rich fruit on the palate and medium tannins balanced by its fresh acidity this is a great pairing for pasta dishes with ragout or even mid week pizza night! A warming wine it is easily enjoyed by the fire on these colder nights. As always take 10% off any 3 wines we are tasting. On the beer front we have newer arrivals from Jack's AbbyBear Republic, 21st Amendment, Dogfish, Dark Horse, Mikkeller, Nightshift, SoMe, Rhinegeist, Mystic, Singlecut & Avery.

Countdown to Thanksgiving!

Notes From the Cellar….. Le Beaujolais Nouveau est Arrivé! That’s right- the freshest of fresh wine is in the store marking the official countdown to Thanksgiving! Make no mistake about this selection- it is NOT that insipid juice found in stacks at grocery stores everywhere, but a traditionally crafted wine- produced in a record 4 weeks using natural yeasts and no added sugar; embodying all the juicy, terroir-driven deliciousness of Gamay- light, fruity and pure joy to slurp down on Thanksgiving! We will be open this Monday Nov. 21 leading up to Thanksgiving for your convenience and pouring wines everyday with lots of great suggestions to stock your holiday table! So much wine- so little time; here is what we can look forward to this week: Friday - '15 Vidaubanaise Le Provençal Rosé, Provence, France - '14 Portlandia Pinot Gris, Oregon - '16 Pierre Chermette Beaujolais Nouveau, France Saturday- Amar from Charles River Wine will be here from 2-5 pouring a great line-up from around the world including: - NV Rosi Mosi Sparkling Rosé, Austria - ’15 Cordero di Montezemolo Arneis, Piedmont, Italy - ’14 Andreas Diehl Gewürztraminer Kabinett, Pfalz, Germany - ’14 Fleur Pinot Noir, Monterey, California - ’13 Domaine des Escaravailles Rasteau “La Ponce”, Rhône Valley, France Monday- Wednesday- in no particular order so stop by and be as surprised as we will be! There will be Gamay (Cru Beaujolais and Village), Rosé, Grüner Veltliner, Gamay, Riesling, Côte du Rhone, Chardonnay, Pinot Noir and maybe some Gamay!! As always take 10% off any 3 wines we are tasting. On the beer front we have newer arrivals from Bear Republic, Dogfish, Dark Horse, Foley Brothers, Mikkeller, Nightshift, Mayflower Thanksgiving, Down the Road, Maine Brewing, SoMe, Rhinegeist, Mystic, Singlecut & Avery.

Cheers!

Thanks to the Veterans & Our 3rd Birthday!

Notes From the Cellar….. Happy Veterans Day and a special thanks to all who have and continue to serve our country! With Thanksgiving around the corner it’s hard to believe its been 3 years since we opened our doors here in the Duxbury Marketplace. As a thank you for all of the support and a way of helping to stock up for the holidays we are offering 10% off all wine purchases with 15% off case purchases this weekend through Sunday! We will be sampling lots of wines as we get closer to Thanksgiving and are always happy to help select the best offerings for your family feasts! Next Saturday we will have a guest pourer showing off a great selection perfect for your dinner table. Also we will be open Monday Nov. 21 for your convenience! This weekend we are sampling wines that are excellent values and make a great go-to for any night- perfect for the cooler weather. ’14 Mossback Chardonnay, Russian River Valley, California- A creamy, buttery Chardonnay with bright fruit flavors of melon, peach and lemon citrus, with fresh acidity to balance and a hint of vanilla and toast from the oak aging $17.99 ’14 P-U-R Beaujolais Villages, France- Mmmm…Gamay! We can never say enough about how delicious and simply fun Gamay is to drink. Organically farmed, no additives or oak, it bursts with juicy red fruits, violet flowers, refreshing acidity and smooth, soft tannins. Pair this with just about everything or just enjoy! $15.99 ’14 Black Sheep Pinot Noir, Languedoc-Roussillon, France- From the hilly regions of Southern France where the hotter climate and higher elevations contribute to creating a richer, rounder style of Pinot Noir. With ripe black cherry and dark berry fruits, a touch of spice and vanilla on the finish from the 6 months it spends in oak, this is a well balanced and easily enjoyed Pinot. $13.99 ’11 Haras de Pirique Gran Reserva Cabernet Sauvignon, Maipo Valley, Chile- This estate is a project of the Antinori Family in the heart of the esteemed Maipo Valley. All estate grown it is a deep purple & aromatic with dark fruits, hints of tobacco & herbs and a full, rich palate with a lingering finish. $19.99 As always take 10% off any 3 wines we are tasting. On the beer front we have newer arrivals from Aeronaut, Foley Brothers, Banded Horn, Mikkeller, Nightshift, Mayflower Thanksgiving, Down the Road, Maine Brewing, SoMe, Rhinegeist, Mystic, Singlecut & Avery.

Cheers!

Get Out, Vote & Taste Wine!

Notes From the Cellar….. We are finally here- the last weekend before Election Day! This weekend’s wine selections come from the good old USA- a couple of Willamette Valley wines perfect for cooler weather and seasonable meals. Join us Friday from 4-7 & Saturday as we sample a Pinot Gris & Pinot Noir perfect for the coming holiday season! This weekend we will be pouring Night Shift Whirlpool Pale Ale Don’t forget about our freshly stocked selection of artisan cheeses and charcuterie- locally produced NE Charcuterie salamis made from Massachusetts Heritage Pork! ‘15 Kings Ridge Pinot Gris, Willamette Valley, OR– As with most Oregon Pinot Gris, this offering is made from the Alsatian style clones, as opposed to the Italian clones (known as Pinot Grigio), resulting in a medium bodied white with aromas of ripe pear, nectarine, and melon. The wine shows a rich palate with great intensity and a long, lingering finish. This is great wine to serve with mild, soft cheeses and many fish dishes. $16.99 ’14 Illahe Estate Pinot Noir, Willamette Valley, OR- With vineyards over 300ft above sea level, Illahe Vineyards practices Organic farming with no irrigation to help develop concentration of flavors. Hand harvested and fermented with native yeasts, it is then barrel aged for 10 month in new French & Oregon oak. With strawberry and blackberry fruits and hints of cocoa it is soft on the palate and maintains fresh acidity. $24.99 As always take 10% off any 3 wines we are tasting. On the beer front we have newer arrivals from Aeronaut, Foley Brothers, Banded Horn, Mikkeller, Nightshift, Mayflower Thanksgiving, Down the Road, Maine Brewing, SoMe, Rhinegeist, Mystic, Singlecut & Avery.

Cheers!

No Tricks- Just Treats!

Notes From the Cellar….. Not a lot of tricks around here- just treats to warm all you grown up kids out there after an evening of chasing around miniature ghosts and goblins! Stop by this weekend from 3-6 to sample a couple of great wines for the fall weather as well as new beer to the store- Nightshift Brewing from Everett! Don’t forget about our freshly stocked selection of artisan cheeses and charcuterie- locally produced NE Charcuterie salamis made from Massachusetts Heritage Pork! This weekend’s wines: ’13 Evolúció, Tokaj Furmint, Hungary- Famed for its long lived sweet wines- Royal Tokaj, the Furmint grape nonetheless is capable of creating fresh and lively dry wines when grown without the development of noble rot. The vines are grown on hillsides of volcanic soils that retain heat, allowing the grapes to ripen fully for a rich fruitiness balanced by fresh acidity and a remarkable mineral character. Floral with green apple fruit and a touch of honey this wine is a tremendous value and with black birds on the label will give you a touch of trepidation when paired with the surrounding darkness of night! ’15 Celler Comunica “La Comedia”, Montsant, Spain- Surrounding the famed Catalan region of Priorat, Monstant lays at higher elevations with many of the most notable bodegas concentrated around a one-horse town named Falset that is the gateway to Priorat. Here the soils are mostly granite based typical of Monstant and perfect for ripening Garnacha. This blend of Garnacha, Carignan & Syrah come from 30 year old vines fermented & aged without the use of oak. Rich, with lively red fruit, this is an easily enjoyed wine that still maintains a depth of character and a soft lingering finish. A serious wine without any pretense, it is just the thing to uncork and have a laugh with friends! As always take 10% off any 3 wines we are tasting. On the beer front we have newer arrivals from Mikkeller, Nightshift, Mayflower Thanksgiving, Down the Road, Maine Brewing, SoMe, Rhinegeist, Modern Times, Mystic, Singlecut & Avery.

Cheers!

Italian Wines for Your Table!

Notes From the Cellar….. It’s been an interesting week of beautiful weather with the leaves changing and beginning to fall- giving us one more round of yard work and soon, evenings by a warm fire. This weekend we will be sampling a couple of delicious wines from Italy that are easily enjoyed and pair nicely with many weeknight meals. Join us Friday from 3-6 and Saturday as we sample these versatile Italian sippers as well as a great new fall Oktoberfest from Down the Road Brewing that is an easy drinking German style Festbier- perfect for game day! Don’t forget about our freshly restocked selection of artisan cheeses and charcuterie- new to the store are locally produced NE Charcuterie (Moody's Deli) salamis made from Massachusetts Heritage Pork. This weekend’s wines: ’15 Conti di Buscareto Verdicchio dei Castelli di Jesi, Marche, IT- The Verdicchio grape has been widely planted in the Marche region of central Italy towards the eastern coast since the 14th century. Generally a pale straw colored wine with naturally high acidity, overall quality has improved as producers have begun to limit yields to produce fuller flavored grapes that balance out the higher acidity. This 100% Verdicchio from the heart of the Castelli di Jesi region is lightly colored with floral notes, lemon and green apple flavors a hint of almond and a fresh palate driven by its citrusy acidity. Pair with a variety of foods including white meat, fish, soups and risotto dishes. $14.99 ’11 Azienda Agricola Platinetti Guido, Barbera, Piedmont, IT- While Piedmont is famed for its tannic Nebbiolo grape from Barolo and Barbaresco that require long aging, Barbera is the region’s second most fashionable grape with bold flavors and deep purple color that generally sees some oak aging and can be enjoyed young. This small, family-run business in the wine region of Colline Novaresi follows Organic farming practices and a traditional winemaking philosophy with an eye to modern technology. Hand picked and aged in Slovenian oak barrels for a minimum of 15 months with another 6 months in bottle before release, this Barbera is full of rose petal & dry cherry aromas, earthy red cherry flavors that shows subtle spice from the oak treatment and as with all Barberas- lively acidity and softer tannins that make this an ideal wine to be enjoyed with the cuisine of Italy. $19.99 As always take 10% off any 3 wines we are tasting. On the beer front we have newer arrivals from Stone, Maine Brewing, SoMe, Finback, Rhinegeist, Modern Times, Mystic, Weyerbacher, Singlecut, Avery, Stone & Great Divide.

Cheers!

Delicious Wines for Your Table!

Notes From the Cellar….. Autumn is here in its golden glory along with fall harvests and fresh cooking. This weekend we will be sampling two wines from Burgundy, both excellent examples of grapes displaying the character of their place of origin, though one comes with a twist! Both are easily enjoyed on their own but make excellent pairings with meals of the season! Please join us Friday from 4-7 and Saturday as we sample these wines as well as Modern Times Hoppy Amber from San Diego! Don’t forget about our freshly restocked selection of artisan cheeses and charcuterie- new to the store are locally produced NE Charcuterie (Moody's Deli) salamis made from Massachusetts Heritage Pork. This weekend’s selections: ’15 Sylvaine & Alain Normand Mâcon La Roche Vineuse Chardonnay, Burgundy, FR- Located just to the north of the famed region of Pouilly-Fuisse is located the village of La Roche Vineuse known for its rocky, limestone-rich soils that are responsible for the lively fresh acidity of the Chardonnay grapes grown there. The Mâcon is slightly warmer than the northern regions of Pinot fame and is definitely white wine country, able to ripen the grapes a little more to produce Chardonnays of greater richness and texture while maintaining zesty acidity. As with most Chardonnays of the Mâcon, this is aged without the use of oak but undergoes long fermentation on its lees giving it increased richness on the palate. With an intense, rich nose of white flower and white fleshed fruit balanced by crisp acidity, it is a wonderful complement to many dishes including poultry & fish, rich sauces and mushrooms or root vegetables. $19.99 ’13 Maison Guillot-Broux, Mâcon Rouge Gamay, Burgundy, FR- Gamay is generally known to be produced in the far southern end of Burgundy in the region of Beaujolais The soils of Beaujolais are granite heavy and produce wines of a more vivid, fruity character. When grown further north in the Mâcon with its soils of clay and limestone, the wines take on greater depth of fruit and a more rustic edge. Grown Organically from older vines, this Gamay shows violet aromas, darker red fruit & spice followed by light touch of oak and backed by Gamay’s fresh acidity and low tannin. Generally under-appreciated, Gamay is one of the more enjoyable wines to drink and are wonderful accompaniments to virtually any dish. $19.99 As always take 10% off any 3 wines we are tasting. On the beer front we have newer arrivals from Maine Brewing, SoMe, Finback, Rhinegeist, Modern Times, Mystic, Weyerbacher, Singlecut, Avery, Stone & Great Divide.

Cheers!

Wines for a Sports Weekend!

Notes From the Cellar….. It’s a big weekend for sports around here with the Sox back where they belong in the playoffs and something else happening Sunday…. oh ya- Brady’s back and his vengeance will be swift and wondrous! This weekend we thought we’d open a couple wines from smaller producers who pride themselves in the art of their winemaking craft and are not afraid to push the boundaries of the traditional. Join us this Friday from 3-6 and Saturday to sample a little greatness in a glass to take home and sit back and enjoy the fun! Don’t forget about our freshly restocked selection of artisan cheeses and charcuterie- new to the store are locally produced NE Charcuterie (Moody's Deli) salamis made from Massachusetts Heritage Pork. This weekend’s line-up: ’15 Ottella RoseRoses Rosato IGT, Lombardy, IT- With a beautiful, sunny weekend on hand we thought a rosé from Italy would be appropriate as that was the last place Brady was cited enjoying his last week of exile contemplating all manners of retribution. With warm days complementing the warm thoughts of revenge he was likely sipping some soft, quenching Italian Rosato to sooth and calm his spirit. A blend of the grapes of Valpolicella, this is a light pink rosé with flavors of white peach, mineral sensations on the palate and fine acidity. $14.99 ’15 Luigi Baudana, “Dragon” Langhe Bianco, Piedmonte, IT- Luigi Baudana is one of the last garagiste estates in Langhe now under the direction G.D. Vajra. With just 4 quality hectares, they are located in some of the most prestigious Barolo crus. Sustainable and dry farmed, the Dragon is a blend of mostly Chardonnay & some Sauvignon with a touch of Riesling and Nascetta from cooler sites more suitable for growing white grapes on 14 million year old Helvation soils. Round on the palate from the Chardonnay, this displays all the tropical fruit of the Sauvignon with a touch of the peach & flowers of Riesling and crisp acidity to keep the wine lean & fresh. $19.99 ’13 Groundwork Grenache by Sans Liege, Central Coast, CA- Curt Schalchlin is every bit the cult wine maker of California who discovered wine after college and abandoned his background to immerse himself in the world of winemaking. The wines of the Rhone are what he became fascinated with, but developed a philosophy of expressing the heritage of the Rhone while embracing the freedom of the New World to create wines that did not need to follow rules to be expressive- hence the name “Sans Leige”- “without allegiance”. The Groundwork Grenache is a single varietal expression that is both dark and juicy while maintaining a textured depth of character- ripe strawberry & blackberry backed by liquorice, cocoa & savory spice with a long dry finish. $24.99 As always take 10% off any 3 wines we are tasting. On the beer front we have newer arrivals from Rhinegeist, Modern Times, Mystic, Weyerbacher, Innis & Gunn, Fullers, Dogfish, Singlecut, Avery, Stone & Great Divide.

Cheers!

Wines to Warm the Soul!

Notes From the Cellar….. With the cooler days of fall setting in we’ve decided to open a few wines that will keep you warm and complement heartier dishes with the flavors of the fresh harvests. Join us this Friday from 3-6 and Saturday as we sample these wines with elegance and body. Don’t forget about our freshly restocked selection of artisan cheeses and charcuterie- new to the store are locally produced NE Charcuterie salamis made from Massachusetts Heritage Pork. This weekend’s line-up: ’14 Mossback Chardonnay Russian River Valley, Sonoma County, CA-From family owned vineyards in the cool climate of the Russian River Valley where the long growing season allows for the slow ripening of fruit while balancing acidity is able to be maintained. Cool fermented and aged in Hungarian oak that imparts subtle hints of vanilla and spice. Fresh with bright tropical fruit character and crisp acidity, it maintains a full body and a long finish. $17.99 ’07 Amisfield Pinot Noir, Central Otago, NZ- Amisfield Wine Company’s Estate Vineyard is situated slightly north of the 45th Parallel at the foot of the Pisa mountain range of Central Otago. Central Otago is growing in recognition for lively, bright fruited Pinot Noirs due to the exceptionally sunny, hot days at high elevation. With cold nights that help to build acidity, the resulting wines are remarkably balanced with layered fruit profiles. Full of dark red berries and dark cocao and earthy undertones it maintains a rich palate and fresh acidity. $19.99 NV Mouton Noir, Horseshoes & Handgrenades Red, USA- Sourced from vineyards across the Southern Oregon and Washington State’s Red Mountains, Mouton Noir is a Garage Winemaking project of sommelier Andre Hueston Mack who left his career in restaurants to make fun, accessible wines from grapes sourced from a reliable set of vineyards. A rich, fruit driven blend of Syrah, Cabernet and Merlot, this is a full bodied wine that maintains complexity while embracing the winemaker’s fun loving sense of humor! $24.99 As always take 10% off any 3 wines we are tasting. On the beer front we have newer arrivals from Innis & Gunn, Fullers, Harpoon, Dogfish, Singlecut, Maine Beer Mo, Avery, Stone, Aeronaut, Mayflower & Great Divide.

Cheers!

Post Equinox Wines!

Notes From the Cellar….. With fall officially on hand and the seasons slowly changing over, we are in the process of hunting (i.e. tasting lots and lots of wine!) for new and exciting offerings to take us into the holidays and cozier months. This weekend we will be sampling a textured and balanced Pinot Gris from Oregon, a smooth, easy-drinking red blend and of course, Rosé from Provence! Stop by Friday from 3-6 and Saturday to sample these wines and see what’s new! Don’t forget about our great selection of artisan cheeses and charcuterie- new to the store are locally produced NE Charcuterie salamis made from Massachusetts Heritage Pork. This weekend’s line-up: '15 Domaine de la Chapelle St. Victor Rosé, Coteaux d'Aix-en-Provence, France- Family owned since the 1940's by the Breban family who started making sparkling wines in their garage, this organically farmed blend of Grenache, Cincault & Syrah is a classically styled Provence rosé- pale pink with sweet berry fruits, rose petals and refreshing acidity. $14.99 ’14 Portlandia Pinot Gris, Oregon- Hand-selected wine lots predominantly from Larkin Vineyard (between Amity and Dallas, Oregon). The Van Duzer Corridor allows this site to get cool breezes from the Pacific during the hot summer months. This allows for a longer hang-time in the vineyard to fully ripen the grapes while maintaining balanced acidity. With aromas and flavors of green apple, pear and citrus, it is medium bodied and warmly textured with fresh acidity that quenches the palate. $19.99 ’12 Domaine Magellan Pezenas Rouge, Languedoc-Roussillon, France- One of the more inventive vintners in the Languedoc is former Burgundy winemaker Bruno Lafon, who moved to the Languedoc in 1998 to start his own winery. Lafon, whose brother Dominique oversees the famed Burgundian estate of Comtes Lafon shies away from the use of new oak barrels because he values the pure fruit flavors that his grapes provide. A 50/50 blend of sustainably farmed Grenache and Syrah this has bright red raspberry and dark berry fruit with hints of rose petal and black pepper, a silky texture and a long smooth finish with fine tanning structure. $19.99 As always take 10% off any 3 wines we are tasting. On the beer front we have newer arrivals from Innis & Gunn, Fullers, Harpoon, Dogfish, Singlecut, Maine Beer Mo, Avery, Stone, Aeronaut, Mayflower & Great Divide.

Cheers!

Wines for Cooler Days!

Notes From the Cellar….. We have a beautiful weekend in store with delightful days and cool nights to enjoy the changing of the seasons. Fall beers are out and we are in harvest time which calls for heartier meals to keep warm with. Join us this Friday from 3-6 and Saturday as we sample a fuller-bodied Chardonnay from Napa and a rich, silky Cabernet from Chile as well as one of our favorite rosés of the season from Austria- that’s right, it's still rosé season! You heard it here first- drink rosé until Thanksgiving!! Don’t forget about our great selection of artisan cheeses and charcuterie- new to the store are locally produced NE Charcuterie salamis made from Massachusetts Heritage Pork. This weekend’s selections: ’15 Schlosskellerei Gobelsburg Cistercien Rosé, Kamptal, Austria- The name may be a mouthful, but this rosé is nothing but lean and elegant with fragrant roses and fresh berry and cherry fruit. With long vibrant fruit and refreshing acidity, its fantastic food companion that will keep you thinking of eternal summer! ’13 Cultivar Chardonnay, Oak Knoll, Napa Valley, California- From the winemaking team of Caspar wines of Rutherford (Allocation list only) comes their Cultivar lines of wines sourced from some of Napa’s best sub-AVAs. Oak Knoll being one of the cooler climates in Napa lends itself to Chardonnay, producing a wine with baked apple and melons, balanced acidity and a restrained sense of oak from the use of predominately used French Oak. ’11 Haras de Pirque Hussonet Gran Reserva Cabernet Sauvignon, Maipo Valley, Chile- In the heart of the Maipo Valley, the Haras estate is a partnership between the Antinori family of Tuscany and the Matte family of Chile. All estate fruit, the grapes are hand-harvested and carefully sorted prior to crush. Deep purple with an aromatic nose, natural herbs and spiciness dominate the fresh flavor of this wine. Typical notes of Maipo are present with its dark fruit, tobacco, earthiness and mineral notes. Elegant and long lasting in the palate with fine, grainy tannins. As always take 10% off any 3 wines we are tasting. On the beer front we have newer arrivals from Singlecut, Maine Beer Mo, Avery, Stone, Aeronaut, Mayflower, Dogfish 120min & Great Divide.

Cheers!

Wines for the Return of Football!

Notes From the Cellar….. Football is back and so is the heat! Stop by Friday from 3-6 to sample a few new wines great for warm fall nights by the grill and even better gathered around the TV for the long awaited return of football! We also have plenty of great beer options for enjoying these last days of hot weather. September is National Bourbon month and we have a great new Bourbon from Wyoming Distillers to sample (and help keep warm as the nights get cooler) ’15 Domaine Labbé Rosé, Savoie, France Savoie is the alpine region of France by Lake Geneva that can barely produce enough to meet the demands of winter sports enthusiasts and summer hikers. Typically producers light, aromatic, exquisitely balanced wines from the Jacquère grape, they produce very small amounts of rosé from 50% each Pinot Noir and Mondeuse. One of our happier surprises of the season it is likewise aromatic and light while maintaining crisp acidity on the palate. $13.99 ’16 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 ’14 Valdibella, Acamante Rosso Perricone, Sicily, Italy- Once the most widely planted grape in Sicily, Perricone is now grown only on 816 acres. It was in serious danger of going extinct, but fortunately some growers preserved this grape on small parcels around the island. Valdibella's Acamante is 100% certified organic Perricone grown on 12 acres of hillside vineyards in northwest Sicily. Unlike heavier, rustic, or mass produced Sicilian wines of the past, Acamante is an elegant, hand-made wine. Medium-bodied & dry with a perfumed, floral nose and vibrant fruit, followed by a palate of earthy spice and dark berries and smooth tannins on the finish. Pair with salumi, grilled meats with herbs and baked pasta dishes. $16.99 As always take 10% off any 3 wines we are tasting. On the beer front we have newer arrivals from Singlecut, Aeronaut, Mayflower, Kona, Dogfish 120min, Citizen Cider, Cambridge Brewing & Oskar Blues! ...(and yes we have some fall beer too)

Cheers!

Happy Labor Day!

Notes From the Cellar….. Labor day brings mixed emotions around here with the official end of summer's warm weather and the school routine starting back up, but September is always full of beautiful days and comfortable nights. Soon we can start to think of cooler weather with leaves turning, but not this weekend! Join us in celebrating the last days of summer as we pour a handful of lighter wines perfect to enjoy on a beautiful weekend with these wonderful, milder temperatures. Come visit Friday from 3-6 as we sample a few rosés from around the Mediterranean, a refreshing white blend and a smooth, dry Malbec from its homeland. Don’t forget about our great selection of artisan cheeses, charcuterie (we picked up some new, locally sourced salami) and other great snacks to munch on! We also scored some more limited release and freshly brewed beers from Aeronaut in Somerville and Singlecut from Queens, NY! This weekend's wines: '15 Domaine Vaccelli Rosé, Corsica, FR $17.99 '15 Ottella Roses Roses, Rosato Alto Mincio, IT $14.99 '14 Maison Aix Rosé, Coteau d'Aix-en-Provence, FR $18.99 '13 Moulin de Gassac Vin Pays de l'Hérault Guilhem Blanc, Languedoc, FR $13.99 '12 Cosse et Maisonneuve Solis, Cahors, FR $16.99 As always take 10% off any 3 wines we are tasting. On the beer front we have newer arrivals from Singlecut, Aeronaut, Mayflower, Kona, Dogfish 120min, Citizen Cider, Cambridge Brewing & Oskar Blues! ...(and yes we have some fall beer too)

Cheers!

Wines to End August!

Notes From the Cellar….. Unbelievable as it seems, the end of summer is here but we're optimistic of a gorgeous September ahead for beach and boating days! We have some tasty wines open this weekend that make excellent go-to selections for weeknight meals. Stop by Friday from 3-6 to sample these and see what's new! Weekend Rosé Sale!- All rosé is 15% off this weekend!! Stock up now for Labor Day and a beautiful September. Don't forget about our great selection of artisan and local cheeses and charcuterie as well as snack for the beach and backyard parties. '15 Mas de Gourgonnier, Les Baux de Provence Rosé, Provence, FR- Organically grown made with a minimal use of sulfites. Beautiful strawberry and blackberry notes with fresh acidity and a hint of peppery spice. $18.99 (Take 15% off this weekend!) '14 Suavia Soave Classico, Veneto, IT- Soave is located in northeast Italy with the Classico zone being located in the heart of the region at higher elevations and ancient soils primarily composed of volcanic sediment. Garganega is the traditional grape variety, 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. $16.99 '14 Cellers Unio, Señorio de Convey Priorat, ESP- Priorat is largely known for dense, barrel aged reds though there has been a recent explosion of young winemaking talent producing wines in an array of styles. A blend of Ganacha and Carignan and aged for 6 months in oak, this has dense red fruit aromas, with toasted notes, hints of raisins and a supple, medium bodied palate with a fine tannic finish. $16.99 As always take 10% off any 3 wines we are tasting. On the beer front we have newer arrivals from Singlecut, Aeronaut, Dogfish 120min, Citizen Cider, Cambridge Brewing & Oskar Blues!

Cheers!

Cold Wines for Hot Days!

Notes From the Cellar….. It is hot, hot, hot and there is no better way to beat the heat than cold wine and thirst quenching bubbles! Stop by Friday from 3-6 and Saturday as we sample some wines from Spain; this weekend we are featuring 2 rosés from 100% Garnacha- a still and an Organic sparkling Cava, both bursting with red berry fruits and refreshing acidity! Also sure to quench your thirst is another Organic Cava from one of our favorite bodegas; the Bohigas is a great value alternative to Champagne, displaying green apple, citrus & flowers with hints of brioche for added complexity- a crisp, elegant & refreshing, dry sparkler! Cheese! The Grey Barn, Prufrock, Martha's Vineyard- An Organic 1st place Winner for American Farmstead Cheese at the American Cheese Society 2016 awards. "The delicate yet pungent paste of this washed-rind cheese has a beautiful, thick, soft yielding texture. Toasty and nutty with hints of tropical fruit and sour cream: when ripe this cheese has a slightly salty and savory flavor. Its delectable texture melts on your tongue." This weekend's lineup: NV Dibona Cava Rosado, Catalonia, ESP $14.99 NV Bohigas Cava Brut Reserva, Catalonia, ESP $14.99 '15 Bodegas Borsao Rosado, Borja, ESP $11.99 As always take 10% off any 3 wines we are tasting. On the beer front we have newer arrivals from Singlecut, Aeronaut, Dogfish, Citizen Cider, Cambridge Brewing & Oskar Blues!

Cheers!

Wine for Your Weekend

Notes From the Cellar….. The beautiful summer weather continues to beckon us outdoors and only requires good company and something to quench the thirst. Stop by this Friday from 3-6 or Saturday to sample a summertime staple Provence rosé, a lean Chardonnay and a delicious Sicilian red! We will also be sampling an Organic rich and creamy Triple Creme from Champlain Valley Creamery! Don’t forget about our wide range of gourmet cheeses, charcuterie and other goodies for an afternoon on the beach or snacks for a gathering! We have plenty of ice, cold beer and cocktail fixings for whatever your taste. This weekend's lineup: '15 Mâitres Vignerons de la Vidaubanaise, Le Provençal Rosé, Côtes de Provence, FR- Established in 1922, the Mâitres Vignerons de la Vidaubanaise today controls 600 hectares of vines in the heart of the Côtes de Provence. Located on limestone foothills between the Mediterranean Sea and the Alps, the terroir benefits from the Mediterranean climate beneficial for Grenache, Syrah, Mourvedre, Cinsault, Carignan and Rolle. The various vineyard parcels are vinified separately, allowing for more character and complexity. In typical Provence style, it is pale in color with notes of rose petal, red berries, melon & a hint of herbs balanced by quenching acidity. Chill this and take it outside! $16.99 '14 Hervé Azo Bourgogne Blanc, Burgundy, FR- Produced by renowned Chablis winemaker, Jean-Marc Brocard, this Chardonnay is grown in vineyards situated just outside of the designated Chablis region, yet nevertheless Chablisian in in its intense stony/mineral scent and taste derived from its clayey, chalky soils. The nose offers intense notes of melon, green apple, citrus and a clean minerality. Crisp and refreshing with a decidedly steely aspect, it maintains a round texture on the palate without being weighty. Enjoy with shellfish, most seafood- especially lobster or chicken dishes that feature rich sauces. $17.99 '13 Poggio Graffetta Nero d'Avola, Sicily, IT- After a long period of stagnation & over-production, Sicily is becoming a much more vital and serious wine region more concerned with quality over quantity. Sicily's most popular grape, Nero d'Avola performs well in its hot, dry climate producing dark colored wines with dark fruit characteristics. With ripe blackberry fruits, prunes and a little note of black olive and pepper, this wine has a juicy, savory character while retaining richness. With firm tannins and plus acidity, this wine can be enjoyed on its own or with food. Pairs with grilled meats & vegetables or roasted game birds. $14.99 As always take 10% off any 3 wines we are tasting. On the beer front we have newer arrivals from Cambridge Brewing, Oskar Blues, Revolution, Victory, Castle Island. Also a limited quantity of a Trillium collaboration with De Proefbrouwerij Lochristi!!

Cheers!

Guest Wine Tasting Presenter!

Notes From the Cellar….. The summer is in full force with another hot weekend but we've got what you need to quench your thirst and sip outdoors (or let's face- with the air conditioner blasting!) This Friday evening we will have a special guest pouring some of his great wines; Amar from Charles River Wine Co. will be here starting at 4:00 with a great lineup of some of our favorite selections! This is a great chance to sample some delicious wines and learn about the producers and their wines! Don’t forget about our wide range of gourmet cheeses, charcuterie and other goodies for an afternoon on the beach or snacks for a gathering! We have plenty of ice, cold beer and cocktail fixings for whatever your taste. This weekend's lineup: '15 Domaine de la Fouquette Rosé, Côtes de Provence ,France- One of our consistent favorites in the store each year. Certified Organic vineyards in the hills above Provence. Blend of Grenache/Cinsault/Syrah/Rolle. $19.99 '15 Mas de Pampelonne Rosé, Côtes de Provence, France- The Mas de Pampelonne estate borders Saint Tropez’s most famous beach on the plain of Ramatuelle. Founded in the late 1880's it remains family operated under the great granddaughter's successful guidance since the early 1970s. A blend of 40% Grenache, 40% Cinsault, and 20% Tibouren. $21.99 '13 Evolúcío, Tokaj Furmint, Hungary- Although not a household name, this is a wonderfully seasonal wine. The Furmint grape is used to produce the famous sweet wines of Tokaji, but can also be perfectly dry. Aromas of green apple lead to a crisp, clean mineral characteristic, followed by rich acidity and vibrant fruitiness. $13.99 '14 Varner, El Camino Vineyard Chardonnay, Santa Barbara County, California- Twin brothers Bob & Jim Varner have made a name for themselves as quality focused grower/winemakers practicing organic farming and minimal intervention in their winemaking. With only a quarter being aged in French oak the El Camino shows off its bright tropical fruit flavors with citrus and apples and nervy acidity; standing in great contrast to big, overly oaked chardonnays. $29.99 '12 Bodegas y Viñedos Maurodos, Prima, Toro, Spain- Begun by Mariano Garcia, the former winemaker of the famous Vega Sicilia winery in Ribera del Duero, and his sons Eduardo and Alberto, Bodegas y Vinedos Maurodos is planted mainly with Tinta de Toro, which comes from the same family as Tempranillo, but adapted to Toro over centuries. Wild herb and floral aromas with red fruit and spice notes supported by light, firm tannins and fresh acidity. Medium bodied but showing great intensity & a distinct character. $22.99 As always take 10% off any 3 wines we are tasting. On the beer front we have newer arrivals from Castle Island, Jack's Abby, Dark Horse, Stone & Lord Hobo. Also a limited quantity of a Trillium collaboration with De Proefbrouwerij Lochristi!!

Cheers!