Tastes for the Weekend

Notes From the Cellar….. As we enjoy a little reprieve from the bitter temperatures, come enjoy the tastes of our wine selections for the week, great for any night or to take north for all the skiers and riders out there :). Join us this Friday from 3-6 and Saturday as we sample a mid-weight white blend that offers wonderful fruit and citrus flavors as well as a dark fruited, dry finishing Rioja! 2014 Mas d’Intras “Cuvée de la Montagnère” Blanc, 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. Certified Organic/Biodynamic, the small estate has been family owned for generations and everything is done by themselves - from the planting of the grapevines to the delivery of the wine. The field “La Montagnère” is their highest plot of vines and is planted with a small amount of Chardonnay and Sauvignon Blanc. The “Cuvée de la Montagnère” is a blend of 60% unoaked Chardonnay and 40% Sauvignon Blanc; showing the weight and fruit of the Chardonnay and the mineral finesse of the Sauvignon, resulting in a round, light wine complemented with the fruity aromas of grapefruit and lemon. Pairs with seafood dishes, Asian food and creamy pasta dishes. $14.99 Rioja, 2011 Sierra Cantabria Crianza, Spain- The Sierra Cantabria estate is located in the heart of Rioja Alta between the River Ebro and the Sierra Cantabria Mountain range, creating a special microclimate with Mediterranean and Continental characteristics- providing mild winters and gentle summers, unique for vine cultivation. In addition, the hot days with cool night temperatures help to develop tannins and fresh acidity. Made from 100% Tempranillo and aged 14 months in French & American oak, it offers abundant black cherry and blackcurrant fruit, cedar and notes of char. Medium bodied with a mouth-coating texture, it is balanced and leaves a lingering tannic finish. Excellent with roasted or grilled pork or beef. $18.99 On the Beer front we have new offerings from Shed, Newburyport, Wormtown, Long Trail, Shipyard, Two Roads, Jack's Abby, Baxter & Avery! As always take 10% of any 3 wines from our tasting table. Winter Hours: Now open Sundays 12:00- 5:00! Tuesday-Saturday 10:30-7:00

Cheers!

Wines for a Weekend Inside!

Notes From the Cellar….. There’s a blizzard coming!..Probably...Maybe… The good news is that whatever comes will be a bit later in the weekend, giving us enough time to sample some wines and stock up for a day indoors rooting for the Patriots again! This weekend we will be pouring a lively Loire Valley Chenin Blanc and a rich, dark-fruited Bobal from Spain. Join us Friday from 3-6 and Saturday as we sample these new selections! ’14 Anjou Blanc, Domaine Richou “Chauvigné", Loire, France- Traditionally a region known for its sweet white wines- a product of autumn sunshine and noble rot, a more ambitious focus on serious dry white wines has exploded over the last couple decades. Located in the center of Anjou in the small sub-region of Coteaux de l’Aubance, the Domaine Richou is in its 3rd generation of family winemaking. In this region known as “Anjou Noir” due to its dominant slate soils formed from old volcanic activity that impart wonderful minerality in the wine, the family farms organically also following biodynamic practices. This 100% Chenin Blanc is fermented slowly in stainless steel and displays flavors of green apple, honey and citrus. With crisp acidity and minerality that is balanced by a medium mouthfeel and a lingering finish, it pairs well with baked fish, shellfish, white meats and cheeses. $17.99 ’12 Bovale, Old Vine Bobal, Utiel-Requena, Spain- The Bobal grape is Spain’s second-most planted grape behind Tempranillo. Long used as the backbone in cheap table-wine blends, respected winemakers like Isaac Fernandez have focused their attention on getting the most out of these full-flavored grapes. Bobal makes some of the darkest wines in the world as they are naturally high in the color pigment anthocyanin. In the DO of Utiel-Requena in the province of Valencia, just inland of the Mediterranean, the climate is hot and dry in the summer, and soils are high in lime content that help to build acidity in the wines. Produced from 60 year old vines, the Bovale is an intensely dark wine showing aromas and flavors of blackberry, dark cherry and cracked pepper. With a hint of vanilla and smoke from the oak aging, it is well balanced by its fresh acidity and lingering, firm tannins. Pairs with paella, grilled steaks and braised pork dishes. $15.99 On the Beer front we have new offerings from Shed, Newburyport, Wormtown, Long Trail, Shipyard, Two Roads, Jack's Abby, Baxter & Avery! As always take 10% of any 3 wines from our tasting table. Winter Hours: Now open Sundays 12:00- 5:00! Tuesday-Saturday 10:30-7:00

Cheers!

Weekend Wines!

Notes From the Cellar….. With proper winter setting in and the long weekend coming up, its time to either hit the mountains or cozy up inside, start a fire and root for the Patriots! We have a couple of wines to taste that offer plenty of body and are easy drinking, perfect for a weekend indoors or after a day on the slopes. Join us Friday from 3-6 and Saturday as we sample a white blend from Southern France and a full-bodied Bordeaux. '13 Mouling de Gassac Guilhem Blanc, Pays d'Hérault, Languedoc, France- In France’s Southwestern reaches, the Eastern Languedoc is a huge wine-growing region that is producing excellent wines of character from both the classified and unclassified AOC regions. Drawn to the Hérault départment of the Gassac Valley in the 1970’s, the Guibert’s became pioneers of making outstanding wines in these cool, windy hills. Farmed for hundreds of years before them without the use of pesticides, they continued this tradition of organic farming and harvesting the vines by hand. A blend of Grenache Blanc, Sauvignon Blanc & Clairette, the Guilhem Blanc is medium bodied with bright, fresh acidity. Showing floral notes, pear, green apple & lemon fruits with a touch of green olive on the palate, this is a lively wine and delivers great value. Pairs with seafood, curry and pesto dishes. $13.99. '12 Château Andron, Médoc, France-The large expanse of the Médoc contains the most highly regarded appellations on the left bank– Pauillac, St. Estephe, St. Julien, Margaux, including four of the five First Growth Châteaux. The estate is located in the heart of the Médoc and planted with Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot and Cabernet Franc. Using traditional winemaking practices, Ch_ateau Andron is very much a classic Médoc wine: deep color, dark fruit aromas of plums and blackberries, cedar and violet, giving way to a firm texture with a good sense of grip on the palate. As with most red Bordeaux, the classic pairing is rack of lamb. $13.99 On the Beer front we have new offerings from Wormtown, Long Trail, Shipyard, Two Roads, Jack's Abby, Baxter, Avery, Otter Creek and Spencer! As always take 10% of any 3 wines from our tasting table. Winter Hours: Now open Sundays 12:00- 5:00! Tuesday-Saturday 10:30-7:00

Cheers!

It's Finally Winter!

Notes From the Cellar….. Welcome to 2016! The winter is (finally) upon us and the ski mountains are slowly creaking into gear! We’re excited for brisk days and cozy evenings with fires roaring. This weekend we have a couple wonderfully approachable wines perfect to enjoy any evening with a variety of meals. Join us Friday from 3-6 and Saturday as we sample a quenching Albariño and a soft, fruity Rhone styled wine. ’14 Bodegas Valtea Albariño, Rías Baixas, Spain- From Spain’s northwest region of Galacia, Rías Baixas is characterized by its many inlets and a foggy, rainy climate the play a major role in moderating temperatures. The particular sub-region of Condado is the furthest inland and therefore the warmest. Likewise, with vineyards at higher elevations the grapes are given ample opportunity to ripen and develop elegant fruit and balanced structure. This old vine Albariño shows wonderful floral and fruit character of apricot, green apple and citrus as well as a clean, mineral mouthfeel balanced by fresh acidity and a lingering finish. Pairs well with most seafood, especially shellfish and oysters. $15.99 ’13 Château de la Selve “Palissaire”, Coteaux de l’Ardèche, France- Ardèche is located in the area between and to the west of Northern and Southern Rhone. Originally a fortified house on France’s frontier, it slowly became transformed into a farm century by century. A region with wonderful potential given its hot days, cool nights and wild landscapes, it is currently being farmed using biodynamic methods in vineyards of clay and limestone producing naturally low yields. A blend of 40% Cinsault, 30% Grenache and 30% Merlot, the Palissaire displays the bright red fruits, the spice and garrigue typical of Rhone varietals as well as a hint of a rustic, earthy nose. The fruity palate is well framed with bright acidity and soft tannins. Pairs with grilled pork chops, meat sauces and roasted vegetables. $13.99 On the Beer front we have new offerings from Wormtown, Long Trail, Shipyard, Two Roads, Jack's Abby, Baxter, Avery, Otter Creek and Spencer! As always take 10% of any 3 wines from our tasting table. Winter Hours: Now open Sundays 12:00- 5:00! Tuesday-Saturday 10:30-7:00

Cheers!

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!