Wines for Dad!

Notes From the Cellar….. Happy Father’s Day! While dad generally is happy with getting the big piece of chicken at the dinner table why not go the extra mile and get him something to wash it down with? :) This weekend we will be pouring a lovely rosé from Provence vineyards off the Mediterranean Sea (because yes, real men drink pink!), a rich, textured Chardonnay from southern Burgundy and a full bodied, concentrated Napa Cabernet Sauvignon! As always we have a great selection of craft spirits that are a great treat for dad as well as the best selection of beers around along with charcuterie and cheeses to keep him fed and happy! Also just in are Cellar d’Or beer and wine coolers perfect for an afternoon on the golf course or boat! This weekend’s wines (10% off all tasting wines) Mas de Pampelonne Rosé, Côtes de Provence, FR- From vineyards just outside the famous Pampelonne Beach near the idyllic Saint Tropez, a delicate blend of Grenache, Cinsault & Tibouren, a classically pale colored rosé showing berry and melon fruits and floral notes on the nose. $19.99 Verget “Grand Elevage” Mâcon-Villages Chardonnay, Burgundy, FR- The 2015 vintage for Burgundy is one of the best in recent years. While the reds benefited most from the hot growing season, the whites fared very well as well offering a more full bodied and textured Chardonnay. While unoaked, as is the custom for the Mâcon, this year’s Chardonnay drinks very rich and round while still maintaining fresh acidity. $21.99 Cultivar Cabernet Sauvignon, Napa Valley, CA- A second label to Casper Winery this latest vintage of their Cabernet is exceptional. A much more full-bodied release with concentrated, dark fruit, balanced acidity and well integrated tannins on a long finish; it is a classic example of what Napa is renowned for producing without the price tag that often accompany ones of lesser quality. $32.99 New Hours: Tues-Sat. 10:30- 8:00 Sunday 12:00-5:00

April Showers Bring May Flowers??

Notes From the Cellar….. This weekend’s featured wines both hail from Italy, where rolling hills and sunny Mediterranean climate are all you need to picture while sipping them to take you far from these gloomy spring days. Join us Friday from 3-6 and Saturday to sample a Tuscan rosé from a fantastic Chianti producer as well as a dark fruited, juicy Nero d’Avola from the hot climate of Sicily. On the beer front we have lots of new additions from the latest Night Shift releases to The Tap Brewing, Finback, Banded Horn, Aeronaut, Bunker, Relic & Down the Road. We have lots of new cheeses in stock as well as some great charcuterie and plenty of great crackers and fixings to make a great cheese board! Poggio al Sole Primavera IGT Rosato Toscana, Italy- Located in the heart of the rolling hills of Tuscany, Chianti covers a large area full of many producers, with the best vineyards located in the Classico sub-region. Giovanni and Kathrin Davaz are the proprietors of Poggio al Sole, a small, quality conscious producer with about 18 hectares of vines. 100% Sangiovese, this “Super Tuscan” rosé is a flat-out delicious bottle of wine. Aromatic, with notes of wild strawberry and tangerines it is fresh on the palate with a lingering elegance on the long finish. A perfect aperitif, it pairs well with salads, salmon and grilled chicken. $15.99 Bacaro Nero d'Avola "Terre Siciliane", Sicily, Italy- After a long period of stagnation & over-production, Sicily is becoming a much more vital and serious wine region as they have become 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. These vineyards are located in a slightly cooler microclimate that helps building acidity in the wine. With ripe blackberry fruits, prunes and a little note of liquorice and pepper, this wine has a juicy character while retaining richness. With firm tannins and medium acidity, this wine can be enjoyed on its own or with food. Pairs with grilled meats & vegetables or roasted game birds. $10.99 Winter Hours: Tues-Sat. 10:30- 7:00 Sunday 12:00-5:00

Wines for the Patio!

Notes From the Cellar….. With another beautiful weekend on hand we've decided to open a few bottles perfect for sipping on these sunny days outside- whether grilling meat or maybe steaming up some lobsters! This weekend a soft rosé made from 100% Pinot Noir, a vibrant unoaked Chardonnay from Southern Burgundy and a rich, ripe Spanish red. We'll be pouring Fri. from 3-6 and Sat. from... well anytime you want! '14 Henri Bourgeois Petit Bourgeois Rosé, Loire, FR- Domaine Bourgeois covers 72 hectares of the esteemed Sancerre and Pouilly-Fumé appellations on some of the most rugged hillside terrains in the Loire Valley. The family maintains extremely strict methods to ensure wines of the utmost quality- using only organic fertilizers, maintaining meticulous control of the vines & hand harvesting the grapes. Delightfully fresh & food-friendly, this "baby Sancerre" rosé shows mouth-watering strawberry and cherry fruit, refreshingly acidity and a dry finish. A simple, easy drinking rosé that pairs nicely salads, Asian food, pizza/pasta & shellfish. $14.99 '13 Verget Mâcon-Villages, Burgundy, FR- 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. $18.99 ’11 Borsao Berola, Campo de Borja, ESP- Located just southeast of Rioja along Ebro River, the vineyards of Bodegas Borsao are located at high elevations of over 1300ft. The climate is continental, with hot, dry summers and very cold winters that promote the ripening of grapes while preserving acid levels. A blend of 70% old vine Garnacha, 20% Syrah & 10% Cabernet Sauvignon aged for 10 months in French & American oak, plus another 14 months in bottle before release, it shows lots of ripe black fruits, with hints cassis & black pepper, along with barrel-derived vanilla and spices. A well structured wine with a medium-full body, it has lingering, chalky tannins and well balanced acidity to match. $17.99 And as always take 10% off any 3 wines we are tasting. On the beer front we have recent additions from Founders, Ommegang, Brewmaster Jack, Stone, & Anderson Valley. Also a limited Gin release from Privateer Distillers of Ipswich, MA!

Cheers!

Wines of the Week!

Notes From the Cellar….. We've got another beautiful weekend on tap, and some great new wines to taste out! Join us Fri & Sat from 3-6 as we sample a couple fun wines from the Languedoc in the south of France and a delicious side project red blend from one of Châteauneuf-du-Pape's top producers! ’14 Château Viranel Cuvée Tradition, Languedoc, FR- Château Viranel has been in the Bergasse family since the 16th century and are now in the hands of two brothers- Nicholas & Arnaud. This vibrant rosé is a blend of Syrah, Grenache & direct press Cinsault from older vines (30-60yr) planted in limestone soils that pass on wonderful mineral qualities and fresh acidity. A more deeply colored pink, this rosé boasts vivid red berry fruits, blood orange and fresh flowers. Richly fruited and with refreshing acidity, it leaves a full bodied & lingering finish on the palate. It great enjoyed on its own, but is also able to stand up to many dishes including Asian foods, BBQ & fish dishes. $16.99 ’12 Sieur D’Arques Toques & Clochers Haute Vallée Limoux, Langeudoc, FR- Limoux is located in the southern part of France in the Languedoc at the eastern foothills of the Pyrénées Mountains and is broken into 4 subregions that display distinct terroirs due to Mediterranean & Atlantic influences that moderate temperature. This 100% Chardonnay comes from Haut Vallée- the highest, coolest limestone vineyards in Limoux, and are very floral and mineral, with a beautiful harmony between roundness and acidity. Aged for 9 months in a mixture of new and used oak barrels, it maintains an open bouquet of white flowers, orchard fruits and a hint of almond. Rich on the palate and balanced by quenching acidity, this is a wonderful example of Chardonnay from outside of Burgundy. $16.99 ’12 Pierre Usseglio & Fils Panorama Vin de France- Highly regarded as superstar producers of Châteauneuf-du-Pape, producing some of the most consistently sought after wines from the region, brothers Jean-Pierre & Thierry are fanatics for the quality of their vines, including those outside of the appellation. The Panorama is more of a bistro style wine made of a blend of organically farmed Grenache, Syrah, Cabernet Sauvignon & Merlot fermented in concrete tanks. Fantastically rich and lively red fruits of raspberry and red cherry are accented by garrigue; with supple tannins and fresh acidity to make this a wonderfully enjoyable wine with or without food. $20.99 And as always take 10% off any 3 wines we are tasting. On the beer front we have recent additions from Stone, Firestone Walker, Shipyard, Cambridge Brewing, Rogue & Avery. Also a limited Gin release from Privateer Distillers of Ipswich, MA!

Cheers!

Happy 4th of July!!!

Notes From the Cellar….. Happy July 4th weekend! The weather looks great for our celebrations and the parade! We are stocked with the best in wine, beer & spirits for the weekends festivities as well as ice and mixers for great summer cocktails! Special note- we will be opening bright and early on Saturday the 4th at 8:00am for your convenience. For this weekends' wine tasting we thought we'd be a little more casual and open a handful of great summer selections that will pair nicely with warm afternoons & evenings in the backyard with the barbecues going. We'll have some tasty reds, whites & rosés to keep everyone covered. Special cocktail cocktail tasting- Triple 8 Blueberry Vodka and Lemonade! Delicious and refreshing!

Cheers!

Let Summer Begin!

Notes From the Cellar….. The kids are finally done paying for all this winter's snow, so summer can really being for families! Join us Fri & Sat from 3-6 to sample some great new wines that are perfect for the summer months! Special Event- Saturday 4:30-6:00- Sweet Sound Oysters will be here sucking some delicious, fresh Duxbury Oysters to go with some extra wines we will crack for the evening! ’14 Domaine de la Fouquette Cuvée Rosée d’Aurore, Côtes de Provence, FR- (Grenche, Cinsault, Rolle) Provence has become synonymous with great rosé and does indeed produce consistently outstanding rosé. This pale colored organically farmed wine has a vibrant, fruity and intense nose with luscious flavors of mandarin orange, red and black berries, followed by a vibrant grapefruit finish. $19.99 '12 Vavasour Sauvignon Blanc, Awatere Valley, Marlborough, NZ- The Awatere Valley is a sub-appellation of Marlborough with low fertile soils of stones & pebbles created by ancient glaciers compacting in the valley. The Vavasour family traces it heritage back to the Norman invasion of England, settling in New Zealand in 1890 and pioneering vineyards in Awatere a century later. Winemaking follows sustainable practices and grapes are harvested at night to preserve flavor and freshness of the wine. Fragrant and aromatic, it shows layered expressions of the tropical fruits- grapefruit, melon & citrus, backed up with the mouthwatering acidity one expects from a quality New Zealand Sauvignon Blanc. $15.99 ’12 Bodegas Volver Single Vineyard Tempranillo, La Mancha, ESP- From the wide open expanses of La Mancha, south of Madrid comes this 100% old vine Tempranillo grown at high elevations in soils primarily of limestone. With 18 months in new French oak, this is an intense wine with dark fruit, cigar tobacco & licorice notes. Medium bodied with ripe tannins and fresh acidity this is a big drinking wine that delivers with a long, dry finish. Another one of Jorge Ordoñez's collaborations in Spain that offers great quality! $19.99 Andegavia Boxed Wines- Russian River Pinot Noir and Napa Valley Merlot! Boxed wines are continuing to increase in quality and here is another great example with well made wines that will last up to a month in the high quality & fully recyclable packaging. $54 (equivalent of 4 bottles) And as always take 10% off any 3 wines we are tasting. On the beer front we have recent additions from Stone, Firestone Walker, Dark Horse,Cambridge Brewing, Rogue & Avery. Also new in are Fishers Island Spiked Lemonade and a limited Gin release from Privateer Distillers of Ipswich, MA!

Cheers!

Wines for the Weekend!

Notes From the Cellar…..

Join us Fri & Sat from 3-6 to sample some great new wines that may surprise!

Picture yourself on a beautiful summer afternoon on the Mediterranean in the south of France, sitting at a sidewalk café in St. Tropez relaxing after a day on Pampelonne Beach. The beautiful blue waters frame the small sailboats; you people watch as you wait for your meals and sip delicious rosé... this is what you were drinking! '14 Mas de Pampelonne, Côtes de Provence, France $21.99

Pinot Grigio! No, not that fruity, watery stuff- this is wine with character grown in the far northeast region of Italy by the Slovenian border in Fruili, specifically Collio which has a long standing tradition of producing excellent whites. With a small amount of this Pinot Grigio seeing some oak, it exudes texture & nuance- orchard fruits, citrus, walnuts & hay. '13 Branko Pinot Grigio, Collio, Italy $23.99

Like a dense Spanish red full of rich, intense fruit? Of course you do- who doesn't have a soft spot for lavishly rich wines? :) This Garnacha is from just south of Rioja in Calatayud, grown in high elevations vineyards of 60+ year old gnarled vine and spends close to 2 years in old French oak casks. It's got it all- rich, concentrated dark fruit, inky licorice and peppery spice; with the acidity and chalky tannins to balance it all out. See you at the table! '11 Bodegas Breca Old Vine Garnacha $19.99

Cheers!

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!

Memorial Day Wine Tasting!

Notes From the Cellar….. Happy Memorial Day weekend and the official kick-off to summer! Hopefully everyone has dusted those grills off and given them a few practice runs to get the rust off those grilling skills because this is the weekend to bring your A-game!! Perfect for this weekend and the warmer days ahead we are tasting more new wines- a refreshing rosé and a couple delicious Italian wines from Piedmont! We'll be pouring Fri & Sat from 3-6- we look forward to seeing you. On the beer front we have recent additions from Ballast Point, Weihenstephaner, Two Roads, Cisco, Founders & Anderson Valley! Our ‘bar’ is always open with a great selection of craft spirits and cocktail ideas. We are fully stocked with Ripe Bar Juice Mixers and new in we have Fishers Island Lemonade (the adult kind)! And as always take 10% off any 3 wines we are tasting. '14 Chateau St. Eulalie Minervois "Printemps d'Eulalie, Languedoc, France- Located in western appellation of Minervois in the west of Languedoc-Roussillion, the estate’s vineyards are located on the terraced hills above the town of La Liviniere; the official Gran Cru of the Minervois. Since its purchase in 1996 the vineyards have been farmed organically and are 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 '14 Guidobono Roero Arneis, Piedmont, Italy- Though known for its reds, Piedmont also produces some interesting white wine, notably those made from the Arneis grape. The vineyards lie just outside of Monforte in Roero with soils of predominately limestone & 30-40 years old vines. Aromas of peach & apricot give way to melon fruit, lemon and a luscious mouthfeel with a mouthwatering finish. A great summer wine, Arneis pairs well with a variety of seafood, poultry and pasta dishes. $15.99 '13 Casino Ballerina 'Cino' Langhe Rosso, Piedmont, Italy- In Northwest Italy, Piedmont is well known for producing a range of excellent red wines, most notably the long-lived & complex Nebbiolo grapes as well as the dynamic & easy drinking Barbera and Dolcetto. These grapes typically display lively bouquets of fruit & flowers, and the all-important higher acid levels that make them consistently great matches for food. The “Cino” is a blend of these 3 grapes, handpicked from 40+ year old vines. It is aged in stainless steel to further preserve its lively fruit character. The Cino is bright ruby red colored with an intense nose red berries and cherry fruit and floral notes. Medium bodied and smooth on the palate, its lush fruity character is complemented by savory spice, vibrant acidity and medium tannins. This is a great everyday wine that pairs well with a variety of meats, pasta dishes, antipasto and cheese, particularly ones with a saltier finish. $14.99

Cheers!

Italian Wines- You Know You Want Them!

Notes From the Cellar….. With nothing but sunshine ahead and Memorial Day coming there’s nothing that can deflate anyone’s spirits anymore! Our rosé shelf is in full bloom and all the fixings for great summertime entertaining is flowing in. Join us Fri & Sat from 3-6 as we sample a couple Italian wines new to the collection that are sure to be great additions as summertime go-to wines! We’ve got a full bodied, aromatic white- Falanghina from Southern Italy and from the North a delicious, layered blend that will keep you going back for another sip! On the beer front we have new additions from SixPoint, Dark Horse, Ballast Point, Cisco, Anderson Valley, Coronado Brewing & Jack’s Abby. And as always take 10% off any 3 wines we are tasting. '13 Aia dei Colombi Falanghina del Sannio, Campania, Italy- From the hills of Sannio, just east of Naples in Southern Italy comes this Falanghina- a local grape that can trace its history back to the Roman times (known as Falernian) when it was held in great renown for its higher alcohol and ability to age; although the style then would have been a more oxidized one that undergoes heat ‘maderisation’. More recently the wines are seeing a revival as more small wineries are drawing on traditional practices while striving for quality. The Colombi winery was founded by 2 brothers, Marcello & Gaetano Pascale, who follow the traditions of their father who was a founding member of the local cooperative. The 8 hectares are located on hilly slopes above the humid valley floor, which is important for allowing the grapes to build acidity. This Falanghina is delicately pressed to release the grape’s juices for fermentation and then aged in stainless steel tanks for 5 months before bottling. It is medium-full bodied while maintaining wonderful freshness and minerality. With charming aromas of white flowers, peaches and golden apple, it adds flavors of lime and peach, fresh acidity and a lingering, dry finish. A fantastic wine for hot days and warm nights, it pairs with seafood, cheeses and vegetable courses. $15.99 Ottella Gemei Rosso Alto Mincio, Veneto, Italy- This exciting new wine from the Verona region of Veneto in Italy’s Northeast has a deep crimson red color and luscious fruit character reminiscent of one of Verona’s star red wines- Valpolicella but with a little added structure. This is a blend of 40% Merlot, 20% Cabernet Sauvignon & 40% Corvina, Molinara & Rondinella. Located at the southern end of Lake Garda, the vineyard is owned and run by the Montresor family, winegrowers for many generations. The grapes are all hand harvested and come from their estate- with vineyard soils composed of cancerous sediment and red clay. The wine aged for 5 months in large oak barrels with a portion spending time in used barriques, allowing the fruit character to shine through. Deeply colored, it is remarkably soft in the mouth with aromas of dark cherry and black fruits that jump out of the glass. The rich, bright cherry fruit and dark berries are framed by above average acidity and medium tannins and a touch of brambly spice. The Gemei is a wonderfully layered wine that is versatile with food or immensely enjoyable alone! Pair with antipasti, roasted vegetables, pasta dishes with meat and a variety of meats. $16.99

Cheers!

Give Mom What She Really Wants- Wine!

Notes From the Cellar….. Happy Mother's Day and congratulations to all the graduates out there! As a reward we have a beautiful weekend of weather and delicious wines to take home! Join us Fri & Sat from 3-6 as we sample some great selections that are sure to make mom happy (and keep us around a little longer). This week we have a great dry Prosecco perfect for celebrating or for Sunday mimosas, as well as 3 wines from California perfect for sunny days and any meal- Chardonnay, Cabernet and Rosé! On the beer front, we have newly added brews from Great Divide, Anderson Valley, Ballast Point, Crooked Tree & Jack's Abby. Special Sale- take 20% off this weekend's Valdo Prosecco! And as always take 10% off any 3 wines from our tasting table. 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 to the north and benefit from the cooling effects of the Adriatic Sea to the south. Using a selection of natural yeast, this Prosecco spends 3 months aging in tank before being bottled under pressure to achieve the fine bubbles (perlage). It is straw yellow color, with a fine perlage and a fruity taste highlighted by golden delicious apples and white fruits. With well-balanced structure, and an aromatic fruity fragrance, the Valdo Prosecco has the fresh acidity and crisp perlage to be a perfect aperitif or to be paired with appetizers & seafood. Also makes a great mimosa for Mother’s Day brunch! $13.99 Special 20% off through 5/9! ’14 Fleur Pinot Noir Rosé, North Coast, CA– (100% Pinot Noir) California’s North Coast is ideally suited for cultivating Pinot, with the ocean moderating the temperature and providing mist that lingers late into the morning. These cooling effects, noticeably around the Carneros AVA, help to contribute a climate well suited to growing Pinot Noir grapes. This perfectly balanced offering displays aromas of fresh strawberry and honeysuckle with a light, crisp mouthfeel, a mouthwatering finish and refreshing acidity. Pairs well with warm, sunny days, salads, shellfish and lighter seafood dishes. $17.99 ’12 County Line Chardonnay, Anderson Valley, CA- After establishing Radio-Coteau in 2002, Eric Susan created County Line as a side project, initially dedicated to producing dry rosés from Champagne clones of Pinot Noir. Anderson Valley benefits from a generally cooler season- which benefits Pinot Noir & Chardonnay growing particularly, and 2012 was a particularly good year with great day/night temperature variation, a mellow summer and a relatively dry fall that allowed the fruit to ripen well- developing richness, intensity & a strong acid backbone. The County Line Chardonnay is fantastic drinking; features hand-picked organic grapes, whole cluster pressed and fermented in neutral French Oak and stainless steel. With aromas of white peach, lemon and pineapple, these flavors are balanced by toasted nuts and crisp acidity that allow for a rich texture while still remaining lively and mineral driven. Great drinking, this pairs well with nuts, chicken dishes and shellfish- particularly lobster! $29.99 ’13 Broadside Cabernet Sauvignon, Paso Robles, CA- From winemakers Chris Brockway of Broc Cellars and Brian Terrizzi of Giornata, Broadside wines set out to make wines using a natural approach that are minimally handled. 2013 was another good growing season for vineyards, and due to general drought conditions yields were lower, resulting in smaller berries with more concentrated fruit with greater intensity and more mature tannins. Sourced from a couple vineyard sites in the Paso Robles AVA of California’s Central Coast, and aged for 14 months in neutral French & American oak, this Cabernet shows ripe cherry and cassis fruit as well as vanilla aromas- the flavors being accented by savory spice and cocoa notes. Balanced by bright acidity, it maintains good structure and well integrated tannins on the finish. Pairs well with aged cheddar and a variety of meat dishes. $17.99

Cheers!

May Days Are Here!

Notes From the Cellar….. May is here, the weather is warming up and plants are starting to bud and even flower! With the spring rolling, we have been busy digging up great new wines for the warmer months (and besides its more fun to find new wines to try)! Come by and and see what’s new as we bring in these finds each week; particularly our rosé collection that has really filled out! Keeping the warmer days in mind we’re dusting off one of our favorite Italian summer sippers as well as a couple new selections- an all Pinot Noir Rosé and a Cabernet Sauvignon from the winemakers of Banshee. Join us Fri & Sat from 3-6 as we sample these wines perfect for an evening on the porch or by the grill! As it's a big weekend of sporting events, particularly the Kentucky Derby, we have whipped up a classic Mint Julep to sample as well- recipe below! As always take 10% the purchase of any 3 bottles from our tasting. '14 Henri Bourgeois Petit Bourgeois Rosé de Pinot Noir, Loire, France- Domaine Henri Bourgeois covers 72 hectares of the esteemed Sancerre and Pouilly-Fumé appellations on some of the most rugged hillside terrains in the Loire Valley. The family maintains extremely strict methods, both in the field and in the cellar, to ensure wines of the utmost quality- using only organic fertilizers, maintaining meticulous control of the vines & hand harvesting the grapes. Delightfully fresh & food-friendly, this "baby Sancerre" Petit Bourgeois rosé shows mouth-watering strawberry and cherry fruit, refreshingly acidity and a dry finish. A simple, easy drinking rosé that pairs nicely salads, Asian food, pizza/pasta & shellfish. $14.99 ’13 Gavi di Gavi, La Caplana, Piedmont, Italy – Gavi is a light, crisp white made from the Cortese grape, known for retaining freshness, even when grown in hotter climates. The 2013 La Caplana has a nose of green apple and honeydew, adding some mineral and lime zest tones on the palate, and finishing crisp and clean. Try this wine with raw oysters or littlenecks. $13.99 2012 Rickshaw Cabernet Sauvignon, CA- From the winemakers of Banshee Wines comes this rich and balanced Cabernet Sauvignon featuring sustainably farmed grapes sourced from Napa Valley, Paso Robles & Sonoma County. The wine is made of 91% Cabernet Sauvignon, with 5% Malbec & 4% Cab Franc blended in for a little added structure; oak aging occurs in new & used French oak barrels. The resulting wine is wonderfully fruit driven, having benefited from great growing conditions that year. Big fruit flavors of black currant, blueberry & espresso are accented with the oak notes of vanilla and cedar wood. The wine is well balanced with good acidity and gritty tannins. As part of the winemakers' commitment to charity, 5% of wine sales have been pledged to state based food charities. Pair this wine with grilled or roasted meats and hard cheese. $17.99

Classic Mint Julep 2oz Bourbon 1 Tablespoon Demerara Sugar Mint Crushed Ice Pewter Cup (if you have one) Otherwise double old fahshioned glass Mix bourbon, sugar and 4 mint leaves in glass and muddle to bruise mint. Stir to melt sugar. Fill halfway with crushed ice, stir to frost glass, add more ice and continuing to stir until glass is fully frosted. Top off with crushed ice and garnish with full sprig of mint.

Cheers!

Wines for the Barbecue!

Notes From the Cellar….. This wonderful spring weather keeps getting better and really puts this tough winter out of memory. It's perfect condition for getting the gardens ready and most importantly- getting the grills tuned up for the summer! We have a couple great new wines on the table this weekend that we think will be great additions to your 'go-to' list for BBQ night! Join us Fri. & Sat. From 3-6 as we sample a wonderfully fresh and aromatic Verdejo from Spain and a deep, dark Negroamaro from southern Italy. Both are wonderfully expressive local grapes that won't put a strain budgets already dented by the snowplow bills! '13 Hijos de Alberto Gutierrez Perla Maris Verdejo, Rueda, Spain- Located just west of Ribera del Duero along the Duero River that runs into Portugal, Rueda makes some of Castilla y Leon's most famous whites- notably Verdejo. The proximity to the Duero River gives vineyards fertile alluvial soils high in lime content. Although the Rueda DO requires that only 50% Verdejo is used, the Perla Maris (pearl of the sea) is made of 100% organically farmed Verdejo. Grapes are harvested at night to preserve freshness & acidity while preventing oxidation. The winery is gravity fed and the wine spends 10 months in stainless steel before bottling. The resulting wine is wonderfully fresh and lively with good weight in the mouth. A very aromatic nose of white fruits and flowers gives way to a nicely textured wine that adds citrus notes of lemon and lime to the fruit flavors and lively acidity. Clean and crisp, this medium bodied wine pairs nicely with seafood, shellfish and chicken dishes. $11.99 '12 Luccarelli Negroamaro, Puglia, Italy- From the Salento Peninsula of Puglia- or the "heel" of Italy's boot comes this deep and darkly colored wine from the Negroamaro grape. In the hot, dry summer conditions and planted in iron-rich red clay soils, Negroamaro has thrived for centuries. The old vines averaging 80 years old have the incredibly extensive root structures necessary to finding water and contribute to producing grapes of great concentration of fruit. The naturally low yielding vines are farmed sustainably and are harvested by hand. This wine is extremely dark colored and shows of its ripe, dark fruits of black currant, dark cherry and black pepper spice. With added richness of bittersweet chocolate and a little savory herbs, it maintains fresh acidity, gritty tannins and a medium-full body. Go get the grill fired up- it's clear what this wine begs for once it's been opened! $11.99

Cheers!

April Showers Bring May Flowers!

Notes From the Cellar….. It looks like Spring has sprung and we are looking at a textbook season like we all remember- and most importantly need! The weather looks like it has turned so its time to get outside, get some yard work done, plant some flowers and dust off those backyard grilles! With that in mind we have a couple wines to help take you away to your special place, sipping on refreshing wines outside with family and friends. Join us this Fri & Sat from 3-6 as we sample a couple great new wines- a light, fresh white wine from Spain & a smooth, textured Pinot Noir from Willamette Valley! On the beer front, we have a great new Gluten-free beer from Brunehaut of Belgium as well as recently added brews from Maine Beer Co., 21st Amendment, Laugunitas, Mayflower and Founders. Also our 'bar' is always open to sample many of our craft spirits that might be new to you. As always take 10% off any 3 wines from our tasting table. '13 Bohigas Xarel-lo, Catalunya, Spain- Fermí Bohigas is a family-owned winery that has roots dating back to the 13th century. The estate is located in the town of Òdena in the River Anoia valley, about 45 minutes west of Barcelona and encompasses 300 hectares which are split between two vineyard properties that they farm organically. Most famous for their Xarel-lo vines, a principal grape in Cava wines, Bohigas also focuses on the other historical and indigenous varieties of Macabeo and Parellada for whites and Trepat for red. The vineyards of clay & limestone are southeast facing and are very well situated to grow white varieties as they get lots of sunshine, but the evenings are very cool- retaining the freshness in the wines. Fermented in stainless steel and bottled immediately afterwards, this is a very fresh and vibrantly styled wine. This light to medium bodied dry wine is wonderfully refreshing; it displays citrus and orchard fruit aromas with fresh acidity, green apple and lemon flavors and a crisp, elegant finish. Pair this wine with seafood and lightly spicy dishes. $12.99 '11 Cherry Hill Winery Dijon Cuvée Estate Pinot Noir, Willamette Valley, Oregon- Cherry Hill is located in one of Willamette Valley's most exciting sub-appellations of Eola-Amity Hills. At the same latitude as Burgundy, and with similarly difficult climates of cooler and cloudier summers, Willamette Valley has demonstrated itself able to produce outstanding Pinot Noirs with body and finesse. The Cherry Hill Winery is planted on 90 acres of south and southwest slopes- allowing it to soak up as much of the day's sun as possible. A small family run winery, they follow sustainable farming practices and produce about 7,000 cases of their estate grown Pinot Noir a year. The cool climate and rich soils of primarily well-drained clay combine to create Pinot Noir fruit of deep color and concentrated flavors. With rich raspberry and cherry aromas complemented by chocolate and a little spice, it is nicely textured with fine, lingering tannins on the finish and balancing acidity. Pairs great with roasted salmon, tuna and a variety of meats. $21.99

Cheers!

Spring Wines for Sunny Days!

Notes From the Cellar….. Warmer days are at hand as it looks like we will actually get spring this year! With an eye towards the warmer weather- barbecues and sitting outside, we are excited to introduce a new Tempranillo from Ribera del Duero to the lineup as well welcome back at long last our favorite Viognier from the Rhone! Join us Fri & Sat from 3-6 as we sample these tasty wines! On the beer front, we have newly added brews from Maine Beer Co., 21st Amendment, Laugunitas, Mayflower and Founders. Also our 'bar' is always open to sample many of our craft spirits that might be new to you. Event Reminder- Tonight we will be taking part in the "Escape to the Tropics" event being held at the DBMS. Featuring a great summer cocktail, wine & beer tasting! Tickets available at the DBMS to support the Duxbury Sailing Team. As always take 10% off any 3 wines from our tasting table. '14 Château du Trignon Viognier, Côtes du Rhône, France- The Quiot family has been making wine all over the Rhône since the 1700's, notably in Châteauneuf-du-Pape, Gigondas & Vacqueyras among other appellations. In 2006 they bought the Château du Trignon where they focus on single varietal whites which are wonderfully expressive examples of the chosen grape. This 100% Viognier comes from 50 year-old vines planted in soils of gravel and limestone. Displaying complex aromas of flowers, peach and apricot/mango, it gives way to a fleshy medium to full bodied mouthfeel, framed by balanced acidity on the finish. Viognier is best paired with a variety of fish preparations, mushroom risotto or duck à l'orange. $16.50 '12 Creta Roble, Ribera del Duero- Just in, this partnership of Eric Solomon & winemaker Rafael de Hann features pure Tempranillo from 70 year-old vines sustainably grown at high elevations (850 meters) on chalky soils (Creta). The wine is aged in neutral French & American oak- allowing its rich fruit character to shine while still providing some toasty notes and tannic structure. Full of ripe, dark berries, it shows violet notes and cocoa. Medium bodied and cut by juicy acidity and minerality from its chalky soils, it is smoothly textured with a lingering finish. This will pair nicely with pork, sausages & grilled meats and pasta dishes. $16.99

Cheers!

Easter Weekend Wine Tasting!

Notes From the Cellar….. We have a beautiful weekend ahead of us- perfect for airing out the house, getting outside and celebrating with family & friends! This weekend we will be tasting some wines new to the lineup and perfect for Easter dinner: a Riesling from the Rheingau, Pinot Noir from Burgundy, Syrah from Northern Rhone and a Bordeaux! Join us Fri. & Sat. from 3-6 as we sample out these great selections. Oh, and rosés are starting to trickle in! Currently we have one of last year's great finds- Le Poussin by Sasha Lichine as well as the Underwood from Willamette Valley! On the beer front, we have newly added brews from Maine Beer Co., 21st Amendment, Laugunitas, Mayflower and Founders. Also our 'bar' is always open to sample many of our craft spirits that might be new to you. Event Reminder- We will be taking part in the "Escape to the Tropics" event being held at the DBMS April 10th. Featuring a great summer cocktail, wine & beer tasting! Tickets available at the DBMS to support the Duxbury Sailing Team. As always take 10% off any 3 wines from our tasting table. '13 Leitz Dragonstone Riesling, Rheingau, Germany- The Leitz family can trace it winemaking roots back to the 1700's, with Johannes Leitz's grandfather rebuilding the winery after WWII bombing raids. His are vineyards located in the westernmost part of the Rheingau along the Rhein River, and with mostly grand cry vineyards and a fanatic attention to specific parcels for their distinct terrors, he has dramatically elevated the estate's standing and been recognized as winemaker of the year in 2011. The Dragonstone Vineyard- so named for the fossil impressions of dinosaur tracks found in the quartz & slate soils that make up this vineyard is an example of his attention to terroir. With a lovely perfumed nose & aromas of peaches and lemon with a touch of salinity, it possesses amazing minerality and acidity that balance out this medium sweet wine; allowing it to come off as barely off-dry! This will pair excellently with a baked ham, blue cheese or as a starter for a lamb dinner. $22.99 '11 Maison Ambroise Bourgogne Rouge, Burgundy, France- The Domaine Ambroise origins go back to the 18th century in Nuits-St. Georges in the northern part of Burgundy. Bertrand & his wife (and now children) have been farming the land since 1987; organically growing both Pinot Noir & Chardonnay. With old vine vineyards that border the prestigious village of Vosne-Romanée, his Pinot Noir exhibits the richer color & earthiness typical of Nuits- St. Georges. In addition to the ripe cherry and dark raspberry fruits, it exhibits earthy notes of mushroom & violet perfumes. A richer styled pinot, it is balanced by good acidity and soft, firm tannins. Very food friendly, this can be paired both with ham as well as red meat. $24.99 '13 Vincent Paris Sélection Crozes Hermitage, France- The Northern Rhone is known for its steep, unforgiving hills of stoney granite that rise quickly from the Rhone River. Compounding this rugged terrain are the frequent strong, cold winds that help keep alcohol levels in check while preserving fresh acidity. These tough conditions impart a true sense of place into the 100% Syrah wines of Cornas, St. Joseph and Hermitage, among others, that produce these intense, often rustic, wines of power, finesse and longevity. Vincent Paris comes from a long line of winemakers and has quickly risen to stardom within the appellation. He farms his vineyards organically/biodynamically & keeps yields low to concentrate fruit. This Syrah has a very clean style with aromas of blackcurrant, dark berries & violets. Medium to full bodied, it has firm tannins balanced by fresh acidity and that tell-tale black pepper spice. This is a great pairing for roasted lamb, any grilled meat or farmhouse chedder cheese. $20.99 '09 Château la Cardonne, Médoc, France- Wine has been produced at the Château Cardonne dating back to the 17th Century, with ownership by the Lafite-Rothchilds in the 1980's before being sold to the Charloux family in the 1990's- who completely modernized the facilities. With vineyards at high elevations in the Médoc, they follow sustainable farming practices and grow almost equal parts Merlot and Cabernet Sauvignon, with about 5% Cabernet Franc as well. Wines spend over a year in French oak before bottling. A wonderful growing season, this vintage is deeply colored and in a very fruit forward style with ripe blackcurrant, plum and tobacco leaf notes. Full bodied with chewy tannins, it is a big wine with a long finish that will definitely benefit from time to breathe. A traditional pairing of lamb as well as hard cheeses. $21.99

Cheers!

Champagne & Oysters for Valentine's Day!

Notes From the Cellar….. Champagne & Oysters... just one of those matches made in heaven. Swing by Valentine's Day (Saturday) from 3-6 to sample some delicious local oysters provided by Sweet Sound Oysters, wash them down with some with some wonderful grower champagnes & bring a bottle home to enjoy with that special someone! Valentine's Days Special- take 10% off any sparkling wine! Come on in and stock up for a few days off as we kick off the President's Week and (I hate to say it) prepare for what looks like another possible Nor'easter coming in Saturday night into Sunday. The tasting plan for Friday and Saturday: Friday 3-6: Wines of Willamette Valley '13 Kings Ridge Pinot Gris, Willamette Valley– 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. $15.99 '13 Sass Pinot Noir, Willamette Valley- This Pinot Noir comes from a small family operation that makes 1500 cases of Pinot Noir from vineyards and practices organic farming. The Pinot vines are all French clones planted in volcanic and sedimentary soils. This Pinot shows aromas of blackberry and dark raspberry typical of the region with some earthy tones and balanced with fresh acidity. Tannins are smooth and accented by a peppery bite. This is a versatile wine that can pair with chicken, pork and meaty fish like salmon or tuna. $24.99 Saturday- Valentine's Day 3-6 Oysters from Sweet Sound Oysters & Champagne! NV Moutard Père et Fils Champagne Blanc de Noirs Grand Cuvée, Côte des Bar, Champagne, France- The Moutard Diligent Family has been growing grapes in the clay and Kimmeridgian limestone soil of Buxeuil since 1642. In 1927, Francois Diligent began producing Champagne and that production has continued to this day with grandchildren Agnes, Veronique, and Francois Moutard. The 100% Pinot Noir grapes are hand harvested, sorted, and cool fermented in steel. Aged 3 years on its lees. A fine, rich, fresh nose shows aromas of berries, butter, almond and brioche with an elegant, balanced and generous palate. $36.99 NV Godmé Père et Fils Premier Cru Brut-Réserve, Reims, Champagne, France- 5th generation winemakers & growers. Vineyards are farmed organically/biodynamically & display great expressions of terroir and complexity. A blend of Chardonnay, Pinot Noir & Pinot Meaner, this is a refined wine full of rich aromas of fruitcake, lemon & smokey mineral with bright citrus acidity framed by a lithe & bright finish with a hint of spice. $52-full/$29.99-half (Discounts do not combine with any other promotion)

Cheers!

Cellar D'or Grand Opening

Hey everyone,
Renovations are finally complete; the place looks amazing and we are open for business! We have a lot a great offerings already stocked with more to come. I hope everyone has a great Thanksgiving weekend and if you have a chance please come by and check us out. We will always have something available to taste on a daily basis and will begin regular themed tastings shortly.
We are offering an opening promotion of 10% off any wine purchase through Dec. 8. Also we normally have selected wines that get a mix and match of 3 bottles that get 10% off, and we always discount purchases of 6 and 12 bottles. We are still getting our website (www.cellardorwine.com) and Facebook pages working and I appreciate all patience as we get started.
Many thanks again to all the support we have received and I am really excited to start meeting everyone. Happy holidays to everyone and I expect a lot of fun events to come.
Thanks again, Sverge