Wine Fever - enjoying wine is a way of life

Happy New Year!

trgmail@snet.net (Thames River Wine & Spirits) — Wed, 31 Dec 2014 09:11:00 -0500

Special Holiday Hours - Let's Have Some Fun!

trgmail@snet.net (Thames River Wine & Spirits) — Mon, 15 Dec 2014 10:33:00 -0500

This Friday Night

A Holiday SpectacularPresented by Eric Belnier

We have selected our favorites for the season.

We hope you can join us this Friday from 5-8 PM
Let's Have Some Holiday Fun!

Thank you one and all for taking the time to shop locally with us. It makes a difference to all of the downtown merchants. Sure, it is easier to shop online - but you can't sample a new gourmet item, try a wine from a tiny town in France or actually laugh out loud reading a new card that is just right for someone special on your list.

This is the local connection - and we thank you.

Special Items
Have Arrived For The Holidays.

On Our Shelves Now

We have too many things to list here. But those of you that know us have seen the variety of unique items that we have. Stocking Stuffers in every category. One of a kind things that will make your family and friends smile. Please join us this Friday and take a good look around.

Only 600 Cases Produced

Only 5 Six-Packs in Connecticut.

We have one of them.

The pinnacle wine for Terlato Vineyards, EPISODE stands shoulder to shoulder with
the very best Bordeaux Blends in the world.

The Terlato family makes this Bordeaux blend of classic varietals from the best Napa Valley fruit. Made with a focus on quality from select fruit that meets the highest standards, EPISODE stands out as truly elegant wine-a classic.

EPISODE is crafted in very limited quantities.

For the wine appreciator in your life - a very special gift. At a special holiday price.

Normal Price $199

Email Price $169

ORDER YOUR HOLIDAY CHEESE NOW

This is the time to order your cheese platters and gourmet specialties. Make your entertaining easy.

We will have several to sample this Friday night.

We Have What It takes

We love trying to get hard to find items.

And we have a pretty good success rate.

Don't be afraid to ask if you don't see it.
We will put our top people on it.

CALENDAR

RSVP Line: 860-443-6817
No Charge - All rsvp events start at 6:00pm

Wednesday December 17 - RSVP Required

Italy - The Wines Of Conte Vistarino

6:00 PM presented by Ted Brown Vinifera Wines

FINAL TASTING BEFORE THE NEW YEAR

Friday December 19th

Eric Belnier - Monsieur Touton Selections

BUZZ

HOLIDAY HOURS:
Closed Christmas Day

Friday 26th -
Wine store open
Flower Shop Closed

Saturday 27th -
Wine Store Open
Flower Store Open

New Years Day
Both Stores Closed

Friday January 2nd
Regular Hours Resume

Very Coole Night - Go Big!

trgmail@snet.net (Thames River Wine & Spirits) — Tue, 9 Dec 2014 11:03:00 -0500

This Friday Night

A Visit From The Coole Swan Team

We will be tasting several items on Friday Night.
But a featured slot goes to Coole Swan.

Coole Swan is an all natural cream liqueur made with Irish Whiskey, Belgian White Chocolate, Madagascar Vanilla and Double Cream - what's not to like?

The Coole Swan Team will be presenting this addictive potion and making for a generally upbeat and festive night in the store.

In addition - we will be pouring wine from the Allen S. Goodman portfolio.

6 Liter Bottle - $235
3 Liter Bottle - $135

Chateau Larose Trintaudon

A real "WOW" gift for
clients, new home, new baby...

These are large format bottles that are packed in wooden cases. 6 liters equals about 8 bottles.

RATED 91 points, Wine Journal:

The Larose-Trintaudon 2009 has a very refined, "classic" bouquet with sous-bois (a French term that refers to a forest-floor or undergrowth note), tobacco and broody dark fruits. The delineation is terrific. The palate is medium-bodied with very fine tannins, great tension with crisp black, mineral-laden fruits on the finish. Bon vin!"

ROBERT PARKER

"Larose Trintaudon is a blend of 60% Cabernet Sauvignon and 40% Merlot. A particularly attractive and charming wine, with fragrant strawberry and black cherry fruit as well as hints of wood smoke and spice box. It is medium-bodied, soft, silky and ideal for drinking over the next 5-6 years.

What is so striking about 2009 - and I haven't really seen this kind of excitement since 1982 - is the quality of the cru bourgeois and the petits vins and generic Bordeaux that are available." - Robert Parker

Highly Allocated
Just Three Bottles Left

Our yearly shipment of CLIO has arrived.
First come, first served.

Looking for a consistently over-achieving, full-bodied red?
How about this for a track record (all scores from Robert Parker's Wine Advocate): 2003 - 96 points; 2004 - 97 points; 2005 - 95 points; 2006 - 95 points; 2007 - 94 points, 2008 - 94 points, 2009 - 90 points. The wine is comprised of 70% Old Vine Monastrell and 30% Cabernet Sauvignon that was barrel-aged for 22-26 months in French and American oak.

It bears Clio's hallmark opulence, with bold aromas and flavors, a thick, dense palate, and long finish. The wine is rich with roasted berry and cassis aromas and flavors, with accents of anise and espresso. A powerful, decadent wine.

The Bruichladdich Tasting

Last Wednesday was a treat - thanks to everyone that made it a success.

We represent the full Bruichladdich ( Brook-Laddie) line.
On our shelves now - even the rare "Black Art."
A perfect gift.

THE BOSS HOG

2014
The Spirit of Mortimer

"This year's Boss Hog has been selected from among our oldest and most unique barrels - Bond 77. Bond 77 entered wood on April 5, 2001. As part of a quadruple barrel aging process, the Spirit of Mortimer spent nearly 14 years in a combination of new American oak, and early use bourbon barrels.

Bottled at cask-strength, the Spirit of Mortimer represents our purest, most powerful, and most primordial expression of the world's finest rye."

The Boss Hog claimed a coveted Double Gold at the 2014
San Francisco Spirits Competition.

On The Shelf Now - very limited.

ORDER YOUR HOLIDAY CHEESE NOW

This is the time to order your cheese platters and gourmet specialties. Make your entertaining easy.

We will have several to sample this Friday night.

CALENDAR

RSVP Line: 860-443-6817
No Charge - All rsvp events start at 6:00pm

Wednesday December 10th - RSVP Required
Anthony Terlato via Skype

6:00 PM - Terlato Wines

The exceptional quality of the Terlato portfolio is underscored by more than 900 90+ reviews form leading wine publications since 2010 -

More 90+ ratings than any wine company in the world.

Friday December 12

John Orfice - Allan S. Goodman Selections

Coole Swan

Wednesday December 17 - RSVP Required

Italy - The Wines Of Conte Vistarino

6:00 PM presented by Ted Brown Vinifera Wines

FINAL TASTING BEFORE THE NEW YEAR

Friday December 19th

Eric Belnier - Monsieur Touton Selections

Pre Thanksgiving Specials

trgmail@snet.net (Thames River Wine & Spirits) — Wed, 5 Nov 2014 12:55:00 -0500

The Pre-Thanksgiving Tasting
Friday 5-8 PM - No Charge

Please Join Us

Drink Different. We say it all of the time. And this Friday night we have a very interesting selection for you to sample. A particular favorite is the story of Monsieur Marcel Deiss. A true character - that makes exceptional wine.

Domaine Marcel Deiss is a mid-size estate (27 hectares) located in Bergheim near Ribeauvillé in Alsace. It is a deeply-rooted family estate as the Deiss ancestors can be traced in the village back in 1744.

Under the guidance of Jean-Michel Deiss, the vineyards have been gradually turned organic, then farmed along the biodynamic method since 2003. The wines of Marcel Deiss are acclaimed for their terroir differentiation more than their variety characteristics, and Jean-Michel Deiss' passion for this terroir expression led him to reconsider the single variety system which is considered as the rule in Alsace.

All of the wines featured this Friday night have genuinely fascinating stories behind them. We hope you can start your weekend with us here in New London. Meet your friends here, try a little wine and cheese, and then head off to dinner at one of the new restaurants that have opened downtown. New London is buzzing.

Please Join Us This Friday
Presented By Tom Belcher
Martin Scott Wines

Marcel Deiss

Alsace is a unique landscape sculpted by both rivers and volcanic events, but bearing the unmistakable and essential traces of a more ancient geological past as the bottom of a wide ocean. It is no wonder that the wines of this region are like nowhere else on earth, and it is no wonder that the winemakers of this region are some of the most unique characters in the world of wine.

Jean-Michel Deiss is one of those characters. Deiss, along with his partner Marie-Hélène Cristofaro, run Domaine Marcel Deiss, started by Jean-Michel's father in 1947. The domaine's namesake, Marcel Deiss, was the direct descendant of a family of winegrowers who settled in the Alsace town of Bergheim in 1744 when it was part of France (arriving before it was part of Germany, and then part of France, and then part of Germany, and then part of France again -- over the next 300 years).

Deiss is quite possibly at once both the "essential" Alsatian winemaker -- for his tireless advocacy of the region's potential and the incredible quality of his wines -- and yet also the black sheep of the region who never quite does things the way anyone else does or thinks they should be done. He's just sort of troublemaker I enjoy and is a magnet for criticism over any number of different things.

Deiss' wines defy description in many ways. Their flavors transcend categories and grape varieties, and end up being astonishingly unique expressions of a place and vintage. They are as idiosyncratic as they are delicious, and remain some of my favorite wines in the world. I cannot recommend them highly enough.

Please try them this Friday.

Le Bec Fin

Domaine Tardieu-Laurent was established in 1994.
It is a partnership between Dominique Laurent, a former pattisier (and with the girth to go with it) and one of the hottest names in Burgundy, and Michel Tardieu, a dynamic young winemaker.

Tardieu-Laurent is an extremely unusual operation in that they are a négociant only, buying young wines from growers all over the Rhône, which they mature and blend before bottling.
They own no vineyards and don't buy grapes, only wine.

Tardieu-Laurent is very much an "artisan" producer, making between half a dozen and 20 or so barrels of each wine. The majority of the wines are from the southern Rhône although superb cuvees of Cote Rôtie and Hermitage are also produced. The wines are all aged in small oak casks (often 100% new) and bottled with no fining nor filtration. Michel Tardieu proclaims himself as a confirmed terroirist, insisting that his aim with each appellation is to express powerfully the fruit and sense of place, never masking these factors with wood.

"An outstanding Côtes du Rhône, the 2009 Les Becs Fins is a tank aged blend of mainly Grenache, yet with smaller components of Syrah, Mourvèdre, and Cinsault. Very fresh and pure, with excellent aromas of raspberry, candied violets, licorice, and mineral, the wine hits the palate with a medium-bodied, silky texture, great acidity, and plenty of length and polish on the finish.

Barco Reale di Carmignano

Barco Reale di Carmignano is a red-wine DOC of Tuscany, Italy's most famous wine region. The title was granted in 1994. Barco Reale means 'the Royal Park' and is a reference to the Barco Reale Mediceo, a 4000-acre game reserve established by the de' Medici family in the 17th century.

The park was surrounded by a high wall which stretched for almost 31 miles around its periphery. The relationship between the wine and the park is not entirely clear, however.

The wine's origins can be traced back as far as the 14th Century, when, in 1369, a document was drawn up demonstrating that Carmignano was four times as expensive as any other wine of the time. In the early 1700s the Grand Duke Cosimo III de' Medici established the area of Carmignano as a nursery for grape varieties, which included the planting of internationally renowned Cabernet Sauvignon imported from France. He also issued a decree controlling the wine's production standards and sales, enforced by the Congregazione di Vigilanza.

Take a sip of Italian history this Friday night.

Stuff We Love:

Costiolo - A Quintessential Quaffer

This is one of those wines that make you forget about the concept of the 100 point wine. for those of us wine lovers that are serious about wine it is nice to find a wine that brings us back to what we first enjoyed about this magical elixir, wine aka- fermented grape juice.

A very light and refreshing wine that is slightly sweet and slightly frizzante, aromas of cherry and raspberry fruit with highlights of fresh rose petal, floral aromas. This wine has a nice freshness on the tongue with an abundance of sweet berry fruit and a nice touch of spritz to leave the tongue refreshed and ready for the next sip. Serve this wine slightly chilled and watch the bottle disappear.

Roundhouse Spirits - Pumpkin King Cordial

Pumpkin King Cordial is an all-natural artisan liqueur made with fresh roasted Munson Farms pie pumpkins, award-winning Roundhouse Gin, and traditional spices. Only 5 miles from the fields to the distillery ... that's as local as it gets!

The balance between pumpkin flavor, sweetness, and spices is a delicate dance that distiller Ted Palmer successfully achieves with his twenty years of experience. Ted experimented for three years before perfecting this recipe. Pumpkin King Cordial is made at 60 proof with enough explosive pumpkin flavor to accommodate non-alcoholic mixers in beautiful cocktails.

SILVER MEDAL, 2014 Denver International Spirits Festival

Rain City Spirits - DRIP

"Drip" Coffee Liqueur

Seattle Coffee + Rain City Spirits = Drip.

This unique coffee liqueur redefines what you know as coffee liqueur.

"Drip begins with a unique blend of coffee roasted by Seattle's top artisan roasters. We then use a proprietary brew method to extract as much flavor as possible from the coffee while leaving behind the bitterness and acidity.

The coffee is then finished with our Rain City Spirits and just a touch of pure cane sugar...that's it. Think of an iced Americano with a kick. At Rain City Spirits we believe in challenging the status quo, we believe it is time for spirits to get back to their roots. We do this by throwing out the traditional "rules" of Liqueur production, and focusing strictly on quality and keeping to a sense of place."

Each step in the creation of Rain City Spirits is carefully thought out with the end goal of simply producing the best products possible.

This philosophy combined with the amazing natural resources Washington provides allows them to create the most unique and amazing Coffee Liqueur you will ever taste."

Gluhwein - Drink this all season long

Glühwein is the German version of what the English call "mulled wine." It's basically a spiced red wine served warm (usually spiced with ingredients such as cinnamon, sugar, cloves, vanilla, and lemon peel). This type of wine seems to be popular throughout Europe and is known by a different name in every country!

This is really just the perfect drink for this season as it helps to keep you nice and toasty on the inside and rosy on the outside. Imagine yourself in southern Germany walking through a beautiful Christmas market (Weihnachtsmarkts), holding a steaming cup of this wine in your hands as you peruse the market's wares.

It comes in a large, 1-liter bottle, and it's best served warm. Honestly, a warm glass of this on a blustery winter day will melt all your troubles away!

What does it taste like? You can definitely taste the citrus in this as well as that generous splash of cinnamon. It's also nice and sweet, it is definitely a drink to sip slowly and enjoy. Enjoy with friends after a night out in the cold or just save it for yourself to drink over several days.

Flowers Perennial - In Stock For The Holidays

"For over 20 years, Flowers has been devoted to and inspired by Pinot Noir, and Chardonnay from the Sonoma Coast with a strong commitment to purity and terroir. Since all of our Pinot Noirs and Chardonnays are 100% varietal wines we do not normally have the opportunity to blend varieties. However, Perennial is a unique and captivating blend that was first introduced with the 1997 vintage and has been consistently crafted with the same dedication as our varietal wines. It is intended to challenge style and intrigue the mind. As with our inaugural vintage, in 2010 we have searched out eclectic vineyard sites closest to the California coastline to find the varieties that contribute to our targeted blend style.

Perennial is a red blend that is intended to drink a lot like a Pinot Noir with a broader fruit profile but the same balanced acidity, fresh flavors, and soft round tannins. With Pinot Noir and Syrah at its core, Perennial combines elegance and finesse with spicy depth and complexity.

Pinot Meunier and Dolcetto, can contribute to the blend as well as Chardonnay which marries flavors, provides a lift to the fruit and extends the finish. Each plays a supporting role bringing the blend together representing a "Flowers style" for the given vintage - every year unique.

We hope you enjoy and experience the subtle differences from vintage to vintage as the blend will always be a discovery and exploration of flavor."

This is a wine that is perfect for a gift or on the holiday table. You can present this to your guest's or host with complete confidence.

The Ultimate Whiskey Cocktails in a Bottle

We all love a good cocktail, but sometimes you just aren't in the position to make a cocktail at the drop of a hat. Sure, cocktails have been bottled before, but they haven't ever really been comparable to what your favorite bartender whips up for you. Until now.

Fluid Dynamics has released cocktails aged in barrels, and they are pretty spectacular, maybe even more spectacular than the drinks that your favorite bartender makes for you (ingredients have a chance to merge and become a richer whole because of the aging process).

With options including The Saratoga, The St. Nick, the Brandy Manhattan, and the 1850 Cocktail there are plenty of options to
keep even the biggest cocktail aficionado satisfied too.

They come in "cocktail sized" bottles too - super convenient.
Ask for a sample this Friday.

Lavender Fromage Blank
We just got in a limited run of Nettle Meadow's Honey-Lavender Fromage Blank unsalted goat cheese from Warrensburg, NY. It's a delicious and perfect blend of honey and just a touch of lavender that absolutely melts on your tongue. You have got to try this on Friday night.

Epoisses cheese needs five to eight weeks to mature and during this period requires attentive and regular manual attention. It is as Spring finishes that it is especially tasty as it has been made with milk produced when the cows were first turned out to grass, or at the beginning of Winter because it has been made with rich and aromatic milk, produced by cows pasturing on the new growth of autumn...

The nose is strong, with a good bouquet and aromas of the undergrowth. In the mouth, its body is supple, creamy, and never too strong. Its taste is straightforward, subtle and balanced, with light notes of dry fruits. When the Epoisses is properly matured and slightly runny, you will really enjoy this inimitable cheese, in the full bloom of maturity.

Traditional Chevrot
Aperfectly ripe Chevrot could make a convert out of the most reluctant goat cheese eater. Creamy, even molten under the rind, yet firm and velvety smooth at the heart, a Chevrot in its prime is a peak experience. Many people find goat cheese too tart, too chalky or too downright goaty, but Chevrot is none of the above. Made by a century-old cooperative in the Poitou region of western France, just south of Brittany, Chevrot reflects expert cheesemaking.

BUZzzz

CALENDAR

Friday November 7th
Tom Belcher - Martin Scott Wines

Friday November 21st
Eric Bellnier - M. Touton Selections

Wednesday November 26 - mid day tasting before Thanksgiving

Ryan Connolly - Michael Skurnik Wines

Friday December 12
John Orfice - Allan S. Goodman Selections

Halloween Tasting Please Join Us

trgmail@snet.net (Thames River Wine & Spirits) — Wed, 29 Oct 2014 08:56:00 -0400

The Halloween Tasting
Friday 5-8 PM - No Charge

Please Join Us

Located in Sant' Angelo in Colle in the commune of Montalcino, Tenuta Il Poggione was established at the end of the 19th century by Lavinio Franceschi and is still owned today by the 5th generation of its founder, siblings Leopoldo and Livia Franceschi.

Tenuta Il Poggione is one of the original three producers of Brunello di Montalcino. The estate covers a surface area of 1,482 acres, of which 309 acres are planted to vine, 173 acres with olive groves and the rest are arable and woodland used for grazing and raising cattle and pigs to promote biodiversity and a natural approach to farming. Many of the vines are grown at more than 1,315 feet above sea level and are among the oldest in the appellation. The estate is also blessed by its proximity to the Tyrrhenian Sea (about 30 minutes distance by car) to the west and the Orcia River Valley and Mt. Amiata in the south.

Led by father-son winemaking team, Fabrizio and Alessandro Bindocci, Il Poggione's guiding principle is to pay meticulous attention to the vineyards with regular monitoring of vineyard conditions along with constant efforts to preserve the typical characteristics yet improve grape quality through research and selection. Harvest is conducted entirely by hand and the wine is made in the traditional method, though modern, state-of-the-art equipment is used. Total control of the vinification process is guaranteed, thanks to the new cellar built in 2004 and the introduction of extremely advanced technology, but as tradition is important, the company keeps the large Allier French oak barrels used for aging its wines five meters below ground.

Please Join Us This Friday For Halloween
Presented By Bob Neville
World Wide Wines

Mazzoni Pinot Grigio

A Tuscan Pinot Grigio created by two distinguished winemaking families; Franceschi from Italy and Terlato from the United States. The partnership between Italy's Franceschi family and the Terlato family has flourished for more than 35 years when the Terlato's began importing their world-class Brunellos to the United States.

MAZZONI is made from hand-harvested 100% Pinot Grigio and each family brings its expertise to the making of this wine. It is crafted at a state-of-the-art winery in the prestigious Montalcino zone, and is the perfect confluence of old and new world techniques guided by the desire to create world class wine today, and for future generations.

Flavors of citrus fruit and tropical fruit. On the palate it is fresh, with a mineral note which underlines its savory tones.

Il Poggione Rosso di Montalcino

Il Poggione is one of the most highly regarded Brunello di Montalcino producers with a rich history and reputation for stylistic consistency. This is a younger, more accessible version of Brunello, but already very well-developed with a strong character, Rosso di Montalcino is a very important wine for Tenuta Il Poggione.

Produced entirely from Sangiovese grapes from the youngest of the estate's vineyards, Rosso di Montalcino is matured for 12 months in large barrels before undergoing a period of bottle aging. Some have called this a "Baby Brunello."

Very well structured, mellow, long lasting flavor with smooth, velvety tannins.

Nipozzano Riserva

Nipozzano Riserva Chianti Rufina DOCG is on of the historic wines produced at the Castello di Nipozzano.

Nipozzano Riserva is a lovely ruby-red. The nose opens with dark wild berries and cherry, hints of candy floss and pleasant floral notes of lilac and chocolate. The spicy component emerges with nuances of clove and green peppercorn. The palate is characterized by a distinct tactile approach in which the stamp of the terroir is underlined by a lively minerality. The tannin texture is tight but not sharp which is also an expression of the uniqueness of the soils of Nipozzano. The finish returns to the intense fruity notes already identified on the nose.

This wine has a silky richness that is hard to describe. Please try it on Friday night.

Stuff We Love:
The Ultimate Whiskey Cocktails in a Bottle

MONKEY 47

Just Another Gin?
"Certainly Not! Admittedly, it appears somewhat eccentric to claim that a recipe for gin has the power to unite great British traditions, the exoticness of India, and the purity and nativeness of the Black Forest. And yet it is precisely this eccentricity that defines the enigmatic character of Montgomery Collins, from whom our Schwarzwald Dry Gin originates. MONKEY 47 - Distilled from 47 predominantly unusual but regional botanicals such as lingonberries and blended with natural spring water. Cheers!"

Ask for a sample this Friday night -
Forget What You Thought You Knew About Gin.

Low Gap Whiskey

Low Gap California Whiskey is made exclusively from malted Bavarian winter wheat, which has a high protein content and is ideal for fermentation. Once the wheat has been malted and mashed, it is fermented into a craft beer with an 8.8% ABV. Following fermentation, the wash is twice distilled in an antique 15-hectoliter cognac still. After distillation, the whiskey is aged in three different types of barrels: new American oak casks, 350-liter French Limousin oak barrels that were previously used to age brandy, and used American oak barrels that were previously used to mature Pappy Van Winkle Bourbon.

After the whiskey has aged for a minimum of two years, it is brought to proof using rainwater and bottled by hand. The whisky has an oaky aroma, with touches of grain, vanilla and apples. The aroma fades into notes of sweet caramel, red fruits and berries on the palate, and ultimately leads to a finish accented by raisins, prunes and plums. The whiskey earned the Gold Medal at the San Francisco World Spirits Competition in 2013.

Jasper Hill Moses Sleeper
Jasper Hill Farm, the expansive dairy project hatched by brothers Mateo and Andy Kehler, was first established in Greensboro, Vermont, during the summer of 2002. With their small herd of Ayrshire cows, the Kehlers began to make an array of cheeses that would soon bring them renown, including a soft, bloomy-rinded barrel called Constant Bliss and the savory, Stilton-esque Bayley Hazen Blue.

Inspired by French Brie, Moses Sleeper is named for a Revolutionary War scout who was killed while helping to defend Vermont's Northeast Kingdom.

The cheese has a thin bloomy-rind and a soft, milky core that offers an array of flavors at peak ripeness: cauliflower, crème fraîche and toasted nuts.

Swiss Nufenen

The milk for the Nufenen comes from alpage herds, which is to say that the Braunvieh cows are brought up into the mountains in the summer, to graze on the unique blend of grasses, herbs and other flora found in the rolling alpine pastures, during which time these seasonal cheeses are fabricated.

The flavor is buttery, nutty and fruity, a little bit of a "spicy" personality as the name implies - although it's not spicy in the sense of hot but more of an herbal, complex quality - with meaty, hazelnut and caramelized onion notes and a subtle barnyard pungency on the finish.

BUZzzz

CALENDAR

Friday October 31st - Halloween
Bob Neville - World Wide Wines

Friday November 7th
Tom Belcher - Martin Scott Wines

Wednesday November 12
Edward Brown - Vinifera

Friday November 21st
Eric Bellnier - M. Touton Selections

Wednesday November 26

Ryan Connolly - Michael Skurnik Wines

Foodstroll Edition

trgmail@snet.net (Thames River Wine & Spirits) — Wed, 15 Oct 2014 11:55:00 -0400

Wine And Cheese Tasting

Every Friday 5-8 PM No Charge

A short week makes for a short email.

We hope that you will stop in to say hello during New London's Fall Food Stroll

tonight - Wednesday October 15th. We will be sampling beer, wine, and cheese.

And at the same time we will be hosting our RSVP only tasting of the Shannon Ridge vineyards portfolio. Presented by Angelini Wines - It starts at 6:00 PM for everyone that signed up - we will see you then.

This Friday Night we welcome Eric Bellnier from
Monsuier Touton Selections.

5-8 PM - No Charge

Villa Jolanda Prosecco

With the holidays just around the corner you need to think about the perfect way to greet your guests. We think that the moment they step over the threshold of your house you put a glass of prosecco in their hand. It takes the edge off right away and defines you as a perfect host.

Villa Jolanda is just the thing. Try it this Friday night. It is very affordable, it is crisp, light, and made by one of the best known producers in all of Italy.

It can be served with with a main course - light sparkling wine goes with everything. But it is a delight on its own. AND it comes in beautiful glass bottles that are worthy of display - consider a magnum sized bottle for only $26.

Seguret Cotes du Rhone

Rated 93 points by Wine Spectator:
"This mouthfilling red displays unctuous plum and boysenberry fruit flavors that course along nicely, thanks to lively spice and toasted anise notes, with a strong graphite streak. Fleshy, but excellent acidity is well-embedded on the finish."

Seguret Terrasse Pavee Cotes du Rhone Villages is a dark, solid rain. It's ready to drink now, and great with hearty fare, be it finger food or a lavish sit-down gathering. The perky spice, toasted anise and graphite notes pair beautifully with meats, roasts, tomato sauces and rich stews alike, or even roast chicken.

We're imagining the lovely caramelized edge on grilled or browned racks of lamb, standing rib roasts, or a full beef tenderloin with a red wine reduction simmered with star anise, cloves and bay leaves on the table, and how well any of these choices would pair with this sturdy Cotes-du-Rhone Villages. Grilled sharp cheddar and Virginia ham sandwich bites are a great starter with your first glasses. Or, you could offer a buffet of sliders three ways: beef, lamb and pork with a tangy barbecue sauce. What are you in the mood for? You could consider your options while enjoying a French Reblochon cheese. Or, just have a delicious glass of this Seguret all by itself. It wouldn't be so bad to get lost in a deep, delicious glass of this Wine Spectator's Top 100 Outstanding Values.

Please try it on Friday night.

Chateau d'Aiguilhe

89-92 points
Robert Parker's Wine Advocate

"One of the best-run estates in the underrated and undervalued appellation of Cotes de Castillon is Chateau d'Aiguilhe. The blend is usually 80% Merlot and 20% Cabernet Franc. It exhibits a deep ruby/purple hue, lots of cassis, crushed rock and floral characteristics, a round, generous, savory, broadly textured style and sweet tannins. Drink it over the next decade."

92 points Wine Spectator

"Very lush and expressive, with caressing plum sauce, mulled blueberry and blackberry fruit and melted licorice and warm fruitcake flavors, all gliding together through the finish. Offers lovely range and a seductive mouthfeel."

All of the critics agree that this is something special - but you are the ultimate judge. This is a killer bottle for a very affordable price.

Please try it on Friday night and rate it yourself.

Fromage de Brebis
With a handsomely sweet taste and delicate silky texture, Fromage d'Affinois de Brebis is a decidedly sophisticated sheep's milk brie. Produced in the Rhone-Alps region of France, this fromage has a bloomy, edible white rind that encompasses a creamy, rich paste on the inside. Contrary to the more commonly known cow's milk brie, the use of sheep's milk in this cheese often hailing the name Le Berger de Rocastin, offers a savory taste and texture that builds in complexity as it ages.

Saint-Nectaire

St. Nectaire is a French semisoft, washed rind cheese from the Auvergne region of France. Made from the milk of Salers cows that feed on rich, volcanic pastures, St. Nectaire is both a fermier (farmhouse) and industrial cheese. Depending whether the processes are artisanal (raw milk) or industrial (pasteurized milk), the texture attributes in St. Nectaire are vastly different.

AOC awarded, St. Nectaire takes six to eight weeks to mature on rye straw mats, imparting a peculiar pungent smell to the cheese. When properly aged, it has a grayish-purple washed rind, dotted with white, yellow and red molds. The creamy, supple, silky textured paste melts in the mouth to reveal flavors of nuts, hay, cellars and mushroom.

Do not miss them on Friday night. Try them with a sip of prosecco.

All Wednesday night events begin at 6:00 pm.
No Charge - 860-443-6817All events are an opportunity to purchase at special prices

SOLD OUT- Thank You
Wait List Only

BUZzzz

CALENDAR

Friday October 17
Eric Bellnier - M. Touton Selections
NLCPS - in the lounge.

Friday October 24
Damian Chombard - Owner of Chateau Lamothe

A return appearance - at his request because he loved our customers.
Damian will be in the USA for just 1 week and will make only one stop at a local store. His choice: right here in New London. Please mark your calendar.

Friday October 31st - Halloween
Bob Neville - World Wide Wines

Friday November 7th
Tom Belcher - Martin Scott Wines

Wednesday November 12
Edward Brown - Vinifera

Friday November 21st
Eric Bellnier - M. Touton Selections

Wednesday November 26

Ryan Connolly - Michael Skurnik Wines

Drink Like A Top Chef

trgmail@snet.net (Thames River Wine & Spirits) — Wed, 8 Oct 2014 15:47:00 -0400

This Friday

Bastianich Adriatico Pinot Grigio

Lydia and Joe Bastianich would not put their name on something that was not top quality.

"Perfectly exposed hillside vineyards and rocky soil, located at the crossroads of the Alps and the Adriatic Sea, make all the difference in creating the first Pinot Grigio we are proud to call Bastianich."

Round and full-bodied with good mineral and acidic structure. Hints of ripe apple and pear.

"Pinot Grigio should be refreshing and delicious,

not thin and acidic! Ripe apple and great minerality on the broad, satisfying palate."
A perfect food wine.

CHRISTO - Marietta Cellars

Full-bodied yet surprisingly soft, this mouth filling wine offers plenty of thick, juicy black fruits and pepper with intense notes of blueberries, lavender, and dried flowers. There's not a hard edge, but the wine is intense and richly textured. There's an earthy, volcanic aroma of tar, smoke, and juicy, ripe blueberry notes.

This is a

killer red blend - This blend is full of Rhone varietals such as syrah, grenache, petite sirah and even a touch of viognier. The nose is beautiful and unmistakable with dark, juicy fruit notes, particularly blueberry and hints of lavender. This is a big wine on the palate with its blueberry and black cherry fruit notes and soft, tantalizing tannins.

Chateau Ducasse - White Bordeaux

Hervé Dubourdieu's easy charm and modest disposition are complemented by his focus and ferocious perfectionism.

Americans don't drink much white Bordeaux - we favor the reds - but we do like Sémillion-Sauvignon Blanc blends. One thing is for sure: You're not going to confuse this wine with a big, juicy Chardonnay. It doesn't overpower, but for drinking with food, it's hard to beat.

Hervé blends a high proportion of Sémillon (60%) and a splash of Muscadelle (5%) with Sauvignon Blanc (35%), creating a rich, full, aromatic mid-palate to complement the clean finish. These are the perfect go-to whites that pair well with anything from fish to poultry, picnic fare to Indian curries.

This may be your new favorite weekend white - please try it on Friday night.

NEW ARRIVALS

Corsair Triple Smoke

Artisan Whiskey of the Year - Whisky Advocate 2013

Gold Medal San Francisco World Spirits Competition 2010

Owned and operated by Andrew Webber and Darek Bell, Corsair Artisan Distillery is located in Bowling Green, Kentucky as well as Nashville, Tennessee.

Corsair "Triple Smoke" is created by smoking malted barley in three different ways - one smoked with cherry wood, the other smoked with peat, and the third smoked with beechwood. Pot distilled and then barreled in new charred oak, "Triple Smoke" has the sweetness and barrel notes of an American whiskey and the rich smoke of a single malt.

Aromas of toasted date bread, smoked jerky, roasted nuts and chocolate lead to nuanced flavors of fruit, toffee and peat. The finish is long and persistent with notes of almond brittle, smoke and peppery spices.

Drink Different - if you enjoy a nice cocktail you need this on your bar.

PennyPacker Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey

PennyPacker was developed in the 70s as an export brand to embody everything American; The Penny, Abraham Lincoln and The American Flag. It was the number one selling Bourbon in the European market in the 70s. PennyPacker was introduced to the US market in May of 2013. With 70% corn it has a certain amount of sweetness with a light finish, which makes it ideal for sipping or mixing in cocktails.

Schonauer Apple Liqueur

This product is typical German specialty and ranks among the best selling brands of its kind in Germany. It can be consumed straight, as well as on the rocks or mixed with soda, tonic or in a variety of cocktails.

Schönauer Apple Liqueur was popularized by German university students in the 1970s as the only way to start a party. This is a delicious mix of Germany's best apples and grain spirits. In 2003, Schönauer received a Gold Medal and 95 point rating from the Beverage Testing Institute. 2nd place got an 83. You can compare apples to apples but Schönauer is in a class by itself. They stated that Schönauer was sweetly tart, with baked apple flavors, and almost no discernable alcohol taste. For those who claim to love Green Appletinis, think about when you bite into an apple. What color is it? Shouldn't your appletini be the same color? If it's made with Schönauer, it will be the color of real apples. Schönauer contains no artificial colors or flavorings.

Put this into the mix this holiday season.

Seal Cove Farm Olga (Cow's Milk)

Olga is the product of an experiment pioneered by Seal Cove Farm Cheesemaker Barbara Brooks and her Ukrainian intern, Olga. Made from a mix of goats' milk from her own herd and organic cows' milk from a neighboring farm, this cheese has a bright and buttery zing from the cows' milk and followed by the mellow musky flavor of late fall goats' milk. The aging of the cheese gives it a firm and dignified paste, with a lingering caramel-toned sweet finish.

Champlain Valley Triple Cream
Famous for his all-natural, award-winning cream cheese, Carleton Yoder is at it again up in Vergennes, VT. This time he's crafted a lightly aged triple creme from his neighbor's pastured organic cow milk. We get them fresh - ensuring that every downy rind is thin and perfectly edible. Enjoy the fluffy, buttery, undeniably creamy treat with a sparkling beverage of choice.

Sample them this Friday night - they are glorious.

CALENDAR

Friday October 17
Eric Bellnier - M. Touton Selections
NLCPS - in the lounge.

Friday October 24
Damian Chombard - Owner of Chateau Lamothe

Wednesday November 26

Ryan Connolly - Michael Skurnik Wines

Doctors Orders - Take Your Medicine

trgmail@snet.net (Thames River Wine & Spirits) — Sun, 5 Oct 2014 10:24:00 -0400

Wine And Cheese Tasting

Every Friday 5-8 PM No Charge

If you need an excuse to get out of the house and come downtown for the weekly tasting - how about "Doctors Orders."

A weekly dose of something to clear your head and get you in the right frame of mind for the weekend.

This Friday - 5-8 PM

Chateau La Reyne - "Le Prestige"

South America is where most people associate great Malbec - but did you know it was originally a grape made famous in France?

Located in the town of Puy L'Eveque, the vineyards of Chateau La Reyne are comprised of carefully tended 35 year old vines. Owned and operated by the Vidal family, the winery is currently run by the family's fifth generation, Johan. He combines their traditional production methods with today's modern technology in order to produce quality wines that still reflect the terrior of his family's land.

This rich, concentrated Malbec displays intense notes of blackberry, cherry and red currants on the nose and palate. Light floral notes merge with dense tannins and balanced acidity on the long, spicy finish. Enjoy with beef, lamb or duck.

Torrebruna - Sangiovese

Virtually synonymous with the red wines of Tuscany, and all the romanticism that goes with the territory, Sangiovese is the core constituent in some of the great names in Italian wine. Italy's love affair with Sangiovese - and indeed the world's - is generations old.

At the dawn of the 21st Century, Sangiovese equated to roughly one in every 10 vines on the Italian peninsula.

"For our Torrebruna we attentively select the best Sangiovese grapes with the aim of producing and authentic Tuscan red dominated by fruity and spicy notes that only this vine can express thanks to the Tuscan soil and climate." -winemaker

Bogle Phantom

The wait is over...Phantom has reappeared for the season! Bogle's tantalizing apparition of rich berry and relentless spice returns to tease wine lovers. Full of flavor, concentration and intensity, this mysterious wine will haunt you well after the last sip is gone.

Bright red cherry fruit and black pepper tempt you to take that sip, with hints of brawny juniper, rich blackberry and briary boysenberry in the background. Succulent in mouthfeel, the wine showcases its versatile grape varietals: Petite Sirah, Zinfandel, Cabernet Sauvignon and Mourvedre.

Aged for over 24 months in 1 and 2 year old American oak, tones of spicy vanilla and toasted coconut moderate the firm tannins and create a focused and intense finish.

Enjoy this passionate and commanding red wine, yet another vintage impossible to ignore. Please try it this Friday night.

Back In Stock

Very Hard To Find

Michel Couvreur Whiskey

Michel Couvreur is a Belgian and an independent bottler of single malt scotch. His cellars are located in Bouze-les-Beaune in the heart of Burgundy. Michel ages his single malts for years in sherry butts and then in demijohns or giant bottles kept in total darkness in the exceptional well-protected underground galleries of Bouze-les-Beaune.

Vatted from 54 whiskies aged more than 12 years (12 to 27 years) in oak casks, this malt has a rich amber color, a nose full of dried flowers, tobacco leaf, Jerez wine and fat almond, and a powerful, fruity, long finish. What a fantastic accompaniment to smoked salmon when served over ice. It is also perfect as a dinner digestive served at room temperature.

If you have a whiskey lover in your life, take a good look at these.
A great gift.

Nancy's Hudson Valley Camembert, Quickes Glouchester Cheddar

& Capri Goat & Honey. Try them all this Friday night.

All Wednesday night events begin at 6:00 pm.
No Charge - 860-443-6817All events are an opportunity to purchase at special prices

Wednesday October 15 - Sold Out Thank You

The Wines Of Shannon Ridge

In the late 1980's they began working with wine grapes from Lake County and recognized the area's potential to grow great mountain fruit. At altitudes of 2,100 to 2,400 feet above sea level these steep mountain ridges are cooled by steady winds off Clear Lake and from the higher peaks just north. The vines produce small berries with concentrated flavors. Lake County California and the folks at Shannon Ridge make award winning wines.

Wednesday October 29th

Burgundy Tasting

rsvp required

* Marie Pierre Manciat Pouilly Fuisse

"Les Petites Bruyeres"

* Billaud Simon Chablis per Cru Vaillons

* Janotsbos Pernand Vergelesses Blanc

* Franck Givaudin Irancy 2012

* Lou Dumont Morey St. Denis 2010

Diedre Magnello is one of the most knowledgeable people in the wine business. A sought after presenter we are proud to share our stage with her for the special tasting of wine from Burgundy. Deidre's frequent trips to the Burgundy region allow her a personal connection and access to some of the best producers and their wine in Burgundy.

This will be an opportunity to purchase wine from her amazing portfolio at a special price. Please join us and discover why Burgundy is the most sought after wine on the world.

Wednesday November 12

Vinifera - Italian Wines

Wednesday November 26 - The day before Thanksgiving.

Ryan Connolly will present the Michael Skurnik Holiday Portfolio.

An opportunity to discover wine that you need for the holiday season.

Coming In November

Amarone Tasting

Crazy Beautiful

trgmail@snet.net (Thames River Wine & Spirits) — Wed, 16 Jul 2014 10:34:00 -0400

CRAZY BEAUTIFUL.

Loosely translated, Jolie Folle means "crazy beautiful."
The same could be said for the winemaking philosophy of owner Brian Smith and his wife Gina - despite the naysayers, they've found a way to produce a highquality, expressive, hand-crafted wine at an approachable price point. Brian creates terroir driven wines of character. As part of their sustainable winemaking philosophy, Brian and Gina use lightweight, eco-friendly one liter bottles which contain more wine, but involve less waste..

"Aromas of wild strawberry and white peach mingle with notes of white pepper and stone dust. The round, fresh finish is balanced and juicy."

The wine is one of our most exciting rosés of the season.
The grapes were sourced from vineyards located in Sainte Victoire, in the heart of Provence. Planted on clay and limestone soils. The hand-picked fruit was gently pressed and cold fermented in stainless steel.
Great Value - and one of the wines we will pour this Friday.

This Friday Night

We have had the last couple of Friday nights off!
An unusual occurrence - like a Super Moon.
We hope you will join us this week as we indulge in wines presented by Mr. Tom Belchor of Martin Scott Selections.

A native of New Zealand, and trained as a winemaker, Tom brings an entertaining, and very knowledgeable perspective to his tastings.

Please join us.

BELTANE FARMS
Do any of you remember the first time we invited the folks at Beltane Farms to Join us?

We had them bring along a few of their goats, and we set up a petting zoo for the kids to enjoy.

No goats this time - but their cheese is sublime.

Cheese Maker:

Danse de la Lune
We make about 50 to 80 of these wheels every week and each one is given special care and attention every day. This bloomy-rind cheese is usually around 4oz and makes a perfect addition to any cheese plate.

Ricotta
We believe fresh whole milk ricotta is the best. Our goat milk ricotta thick and creamy and adds a spectacular flavor to pizzas or pasta dishes.

Vespers
Our Vespers are truly a unique cheese. Only 30 to 60 wheels are made every week, as this cheese requires the most care and attention. Inside each wheel a layer of natural vegetable runs through the middle, while the outside is covered in a sweet bloomy rind. A beautiful addition to an afternoon bottle of white, or and evening bottle of red.

Try them this Friday Night.

CALENDAR:

Friday July 18th
Tom Belchor - Martin Scott Wines

Friday July 25th
Alan Godycki - Fine Terrior Wines

Friday August 1st
Roger Hoadley - Slocum & Sons

Friday August 15th
Ryan Connolly - Michael Skurnic

Friday August 22nd
Angellini Wines

Something Special For The New Year

trgmail@snet.net (Thames River Wine & Spirits) — Wed, 8 Jan 2014 11:37:00 -0500

We thought we would start the New Year off

with something special.

Joseph Drouhin
2005 Clos de Vougeot Grand Cru - $210

Clos Vougeot is a large vineyard (125 acres) located bewteen Vosne-Romanée and Chambolle-Musigny. Joseph Drouhin owns two parcels in this mythical vineyard, both on a mild incline with a due east exposure.

The most glorious and famous of all Burgundy vineyards. The Clos (French for "enclosure") was first planted and surrounded by a wall at the end of the 12th Century by the monks of Citeaux.
They built a castle which is now the seat of the Confrérie des Chevaliers du Tastevin.

Tasting notes by Véronique Boss-Drouhin:

"A revelation and a true wonder! The ruby red colour is magnificent and takes on a deeper hue with age. The aromas are intense and evoke raspberry and wild cherry, becoming more complex with age: undergrowth, truffle, candied fruit.
A sublime structure, with refined tannins. It is a perfect example of this ideal of elegance according to Drouhin. A remarkable balance and a lingering persistence of flavors on the palate. It is a wine that always leaves the greatest impression".

2005 Vintage
A pure delight in all the appellations. Both Côte de Beaune and Côte de Nuits have a consistent structure, based on good balance between acidity, alcohol and tannin. It is this balance that gives the wines such elegance. The tannins are ripe and refined. They harmonize nicely with a refreshing acidity devoid of astringency and a normal level of alcohol.

In summary, 2005 has a lot in common with some great vintages of the past: the beautiful richness of 1990, the harmonious character of 1989 and the haunting bouquet of 1961.

If you need a reason to get out of the house on Friday night - this is a good one. One of the best examples of its type - a benchmark by which others are judged. We believe strongly, as many of you know, that everyone should have the opportunity to try these wines that for the most part are reserved for special occasions and the "Wolves of Wall Street."

We will decant this beauty early and start pouring at 5:00pm.
First come, first served.

There will of course be others to try, delicious, warming, and perfect for the weekend. So, grab your friends and meet us here on Friday night.

Happy New Year!

Have They Gone Nuts?

trgmail@snet.net (Thames River Wine & Spirits) — Wed, 20 Nov 2013 10:26:00 -0500

This Friday - The Italians Are Coming

Mr. Eric Bellnier from Vinifera Wines joins us again for his annual presentation of Italy's favorites. But this year he is wearing a cast on his leg - The result of an escapade in the Italian Alps? Perhaps - but his enthusiasm for wine is greater than ever. Please Join us.

He will be pouring:

Soligo Col de mez Prosecco

Medoro Chimera

Brigaldara Valpolicella

Cascina Chicco Barbera,

Dante Rivetti Barbera

Icardi Moscato

One of our favorite whites for this time of the year.

A must have for the Thanksgiving Table.

Made from a Trebbiano & Falanghina blend.
"A very floral almost Pinot Gris like wine. Showing fine notes of fresh cut grass and Pear Drops. A hint of lemony acidity to balance and touch of pepper to the finish but still very mineral throughout."

Lots of finesse in this bottle. Great body and a silky finish make this a perfect choice for a holiday meal.

Cascina Chicco Barbera

Rated 89 Points Wine Spectator:

"Full bodied yet soft with layers of mature red fruit and a finish of sweet dark cherries.

Best served with rich foods, soups and meat dishes.
Great with soft fatty cheeses."

Dante Rivetti Barbera

"Classic Barbera with medium weight red fruit, crackling acidity, soft tobacco notes, and a long minerally finish. This is a food wine! The acidity in this wine begs for tomato sauce, grilled chicken, or braised red meat. Pair it with some sopressata and provolone cheese for anti pasti. It is old world style at it's best."

Barbera is grown all over Italy, but the best examples of this red grape come from Piedmont, where it is made into all manner of wines - from easy-drinking quaffers to serious, cellar-worthy bottlings

Icardi Moscato d'Asti

The ICardi style style is renowned worldwide - highly fruity wines, whose style is characterized by extreme refinement, cleanliness and elegance, and whose flavor is balanced from the very beginning.

One of the most classic traits of this excellent Moscato is the rampant flavor of white flowers on the nose and on the palate. Clean and fresh, with a slight frizzante, this is perfect with cheese, fruit, or light desserts.

Established in 1914 and headquartered in Castiglione Tinella, ICardi is located at the boundary between two renowned vineyard terroirs - Langa and Monferrato. In the early 1960s, the Icadri's decided to vinify the vines they owned, instead of selling of their fruit. They are an innovative producer that has a through understanding of the agricultural element in wine production.

Back In Stock & NEW ARRIVALS:

BEER:Berkshire Brewing 22's & GROWLERS
Wolavers Coffee Porter
Hennepin Belgian Style

WINE:"The Dragonfly" - French Pinot Gris
Lumasina - The crisp Italian white from Liguria
Milou Chardonnay - French
Chateau Lamonthe - NYTIMES: "Cult White Wine"
(French Sauvignon Blanc blended with semillion.)
Hess Select

Specialties:Calvados - Amazing Apple Brandies for the holidays
St. George Absinth
Lidestri Pink Lemoncello
Vermont Maple Cream

SCOTCH:
Springbank 10 Year Old 100 Proof
The Balvenie DoubleWood 12 Year Old
Bunnahabhain 18 Year Old
Highland Park 18 Year Old
The Macallan Cask Strength
Scapa 16 Year Old the Orcadian
Glenkinchie 1991 Distillers Edition
Lagavulin 12 Year Old Cask Strength
Glenmorangie 18 Years Old

Bourbon:
Buffalo Trace
Henry Du Yore
Balcones
Tatoosh
Vorner Creek
High West American Prairie Reserve
Old Forester 2013 Birthday Bourbon
Woodford Reserve Seasoned Oak Finish
Maker's 46
Knob Creek Smoked Maple
Angel's Envy

No - We Do Not Have Pappy Van Winkle.
BUT we do have some of the hardest to locate fine spirits in the book. And Special Orders are welcome.

STAFF FAVORITE - NEW TO THE STORE

These brightly colored packages contain some of the finest nuts we have ever encountered. We discovered them looking for products for our holiday baskets. You need to try them. They are a perfect addition to every holiday table - or gift. Try them on Friday night.

Here is their story in brief:

"In 1929, on the brink of the Depression, our father and grandfather "Poppy" Sol took a bold step. 22 years old, he had already worked fulltime for 10 years to support his family. Yet he was ambitious, and wanted to live the American Dream and make the lives of everyone around him better. So, donning his best of suits and an assured smile on his face, Sol walked away from the bank with a loan to start his own business, the Newark Nut Company. The rest is history."

ORDER YOUR HOLIDAY CHEESE NOW

This is the time to order your cheese platters and gourmet specialties. Make your entertaining easy.

And remember,

We Deliver.

BUZZ

Small Business Saturday is November 30th. All of the local merchants are working hard to make this the best holiday season ever. Whenever possible - Shop Local, Shop New London.

Thanks for including a six pack of Safe Harbor beer along with your holiday choices this year. It goes a long way in supporting the brand.

Treat your friends and family to New London's beer.

Tastings:

* Friday December 6 - Martin Scott

* Friday December 13 - Ryan Connolly

Special Champagne & Sparkling Wine Night.

* Friday December 20 - Vinifera

And as always - thank you for your amazing support - we have the best customers in the business. We receive compliments all the time on the attention and interest that you show to all of our guests.

We will be celebrating our 40th year very soon. And everyone at Thames River Greenery and our related businesses appreciate your support - it is not possible with out you.

ThamesRiver.com

Please Join Us On Friday Night.

It Is Fun Informal And A Great Way To Start Your Weekend.

Wine & Cheese Tasting Every Friday 5-8 PM - No Charge

Drink Different This Friday Night

trgmail@snet.net (Thames River Wine & Spirits) — Thu, 17 Oct 2013 10:19:00 -0400

It is cooling off - the nighttime air is inviting an extra layer or two. And the best wines for the season have started to arrive.

THIS FRIDAY NIGHT

We are running so very late this week that there is almost no time at all to list the goodies we have for this week's tasting.

Let me just say that in addition to some very tasty fall selections - This Friday is a good night to sample something different. When is the last time that you tried White Port? This is a very traditional European thing - chilled white port is just right before dinner and just after that drive home from work.

White Port is made the same way as other Port wine but is made from white--rather than red--grapes, and little juice-to-skin contact is allowed. This produces a bright, clear wine.

White Port is a polarizing style of port produced by every major house on the Douro river. The style, often derided by traditionalists, has become increasingly popular as a chilled aperitif and mixing agent in cocktails. Typically inexpensive, white port is almost universally produced to a medium (or higher) sweetness level.

Wine Club members may add a bottle of Santa Eufémia White Port to their next delivery for just $10.

Cellar Club Members may choose one bottle of Santa Eufémia red or white port at no additional charge.

Please join us every Friday

5:00-8:00 PM - No Charge

BUZZ

We are booking the coming months with many special events and guests - some informal, some a little more formal. But all of them entertaining.

Thank you all for the continued support - it has made a lot of things possible for us. We sincerely appreciate all of the interest and comments.

Tastings:

* Friday October 25 - Bob Neville

* Friday November 1 - John Orfice

* Friday November 8 - Roger Hoadley

* Friday November 22 - Eric Bellnier

* Friday December 6 - Martin Scott

In the coming weeks we plan on reintroducing you to "Grower Producer" Champagnes. There will be special tastings, pricing, and displays in the store. You need to know the truth about Champagne.

The Royal Mistress

trgmail@snet.net (Thames River Wine & Spirits) — Tue, 30 Jul 2013 12:34:00 -0400

Lilly Langtry - The Royal Mistress

The Prince of Wales, Albert Edward ("Bertie", later Edward VII), arranged to sit next to Langtry at a dinner party given by Sir Allen Young on May 24, 1877.

Although the Prince was married to Princess Alexandra and had six children, he was a well-known philanderer. He became infatuated with Langtry, and she soon became his semiofficial mistress. She was even presented to the Prince's mother, Queen Victoria.

The Prince of Wales had the Red House (now Langtry Manor Hotel) constructed in Bournemouth, then in Hampshire, in 1877 as a private retreat for the couple and allowed Langtry to design it. The folklore is that their relationship finally cooled when she misbehaved at a dinner party, but she had been eclipsed when Sarah Bernhardt came to London in June 1879.

In July 1879, Langtry began an affair with the Earl of Shrewsbury. For some time, the Prince saw little of her.
He remained fond of her and spoke well of her in her later career as a theater actress.

Langtry Estate

The 2010 Guenoc North Coast Victorian Claret is a complex blend of award winning wines.
Featuring Lilly Langtree on the label.

Dark ruby in color, the wine has a wonderful fruity nose bringing on black cherry, plum, and blueberry aromas.

Rich and soft on the palate, the hints of vanilla and nutmeg, from aging in 50% American and French Oak, add to the complexity and the long smooth finish.

The wine pairs well with any meat dish or just on its own.

Blend: 59% Merlot, 18% Syrah, 11% Cabernet Sauvignon, 10% Petite Sirah, 2% Cabernet Franc.

2011 Guenoc Lake County Sauvignon Blanc

The 2011 Guenoc Lake County Sauvignon Blanc is made from Estate Grown grapes. Cool fermented in stainless steel tanks to retain its aroma the wine has a complex mix of tropical fruit including pineapple, quince, and guava. The lively acidity enhances juicy flavors of grapefruit and white peaches on the long finish.

A perfect quaffing wine on a summer day or anytime you need a little sunshine.

2011 Guenoc California Petite Sirah

The 2011 California Petite Sirah jumps out of the glass with aromas of

blueberry, blackberry and red cherry.

In the mouth, the wine is bright and fruity, with a touch of earthiness and oak revealing a long smooth

finish.

Pair this wine with burgers , barbeque and meaty tomato

sauce-based pasta dishes.

BUZZ

Gentleman Jack whiskey tasting.
Cigar Lounge - Tuesday 30th - 6-8PM.
No Charge - but Reservations required.
860-443-6817

CAN YOU SAY EMPANADA?

trgmail@snet.net (Thames River Wine & Spirits) — Wed, 5 Jun 2013 09:42:00 -0400

BACK IN STOCK & New Arrivals

We do our best to keep your favorites on the shelf - but it is not a perfect system.
Several favorites are back on the shelf. The "DragonFly" wine, "Picassos Verdejo", Don Tomassi wines, The $12 white Burgundy - to name just a few. So have a look around, you might see an old favorite.

Beaune Clos Saint-Landry
White Burgundy - $45
Rated 93 Points

In 1731, Michel Bouchard (1691-1755), a cloth merchant from the Dauphiné (a region in the French Alps), set up business in Volnay with proceeds of the sale of his possessions in the Dauphiné. He started in the wine business with his son Joseph (1720-1804) buying and reselling barrels of wine.

In 1775, Joseph Bouchard acquired the first parcel of Bouchard Père & Fils vineyard on buying an estate in Volnay and a house in Beaune.
Unlike many winemaking regions, one of the peculiarities of Burgundy is the almost total absence of blends of several grape varieties. Two main grape varieties are found in Burgundy: Pinot Noir (red wine) and Chardonnay (white wine).

This is 100% chardonnay. But not the California style that most are familiar with.
If I had to choose one word to describe this wine it would be very difficult.
Elegance. That would be a good one. But the lush, supple, and silky characteristics of this wine are more than elegant. They are at times magical.
We have just one case. First come, first served.
10% off case purchase.

Don Tomassi Grillo Chardonnay - $12
We featured this wine a few weeks ago.
It was a huge favorite and we sold out quickly. It is back in stock and this is the time to grab a few bottles for your summer needs.

Tommasi Viticoltori (Tommasi Vintners) is a family viticultural company founded in 1902. Tommasi is located in Pedemonte village in the heart of Valpolicella Classico region, on a small piece of land in the northwest part of Verona, between the Lessini mountains and their plains near Lake Garda.

From grandfather Giacomo's tiny vineyard, the Tommasi estate has grown steadily over the course of years and today extends over 135 hectares of vineyards blessed by mother nature not only by a magnificent landscape, but more importantly, by its perfect suitability for grapes. The estate is run by the 4th generation of the Tommasi family, 6 members working together in complete harmony

TULLAMORE DEW

GLASSES UP!
Tullamore Dew

The original blended Irish whiskey, known the world over for its smooth and gentle complexity. For one, it is triple distilled and patiently aged in a combination of ex-bourbon and sherry casks, developing its distinctive smoothness. Secondly, being a blend of all three types of Irish whiskey, it has a gentle complexity. The malt and the pot still whiskey we use give it citrus and spicy notes.

Three natural ingredients, three varieties of grain, three distillations and a blend of all three types of Irish whiskey - pot still, malt and grain.

This is an especially fine whiskey and a great gift.

On the cover of The current issue of Whiskey Advocate Magazine. Tullamore Dew is very affordable too.

A few months ago - our Mexican Chef de Cuisine had to take a maternity leave.

Everything went very well. Jessica now has a beautiful bouncing baby boy.

For the scores of people that miss her specialties - Jessica lived and cooked in Mexico City for 10 years - They will be back on our menu starting this Thursday and Friday.
And every Thursday & Friday throughout the summer.

People drove all the way from Bridgeport to sample her fresh tacos, empanadas, and burritos. This girl has a real following. This is not "Tex-Mex". She cooks from the heart and it is authentic. BYOB from our wine store and have yourself a treat.

This Friday Night - 5-8 PM
We continue our salute to summer wine this Friday with
Mr. Allan Goedecki from Grand Vintage Selections.

So your saying - wait - where is the list for Friday?
Where are all of the fancy pictures?

This week, as we go to press on Tuesday night, we have not finalized The List.
And because of special projects for tomorrow and Thursday there will not be enough time to get them into the email and out to you.

What I can tell you is this: The gentleman pouring for us on Friday has been responsible for some of the most interesting wines and spirits that we have offered. Things from Russia, things from Italy, even things from California.

So I will just remind you that the weekly tasting is a great way to start your weekend. Meet your friends here, have a little wine, and then maybe visit one of the local restaurants for dinner. Or take a short ride over to Captain Scott's with a bottle of wine or a six-pack of Safe Harbor - all Icy Cold & Delicious.

Join us on Friday night and help us salute the great wines of Summer.

Tasting Schedule

* Friday June 7th - Allan Goedecki - Grand Vintage
* Friday June 14th - "The Flag Day Tasting" with Stephan Wich
* Friday June 21st - Bob Neville - Sparkling Summer Treats - World Wide Wines

BUZZ
Father's Day is just around the corner - Sunday June 16th.
We have very thoughtful options to brighten his day.

Sexy And More Experienced

trgmail@snet.net (Thames River Wine & Spirits) — Wed, 10 Apr 2013 09:16:00 -0400

Meet Chardonnay's Sexy

More Experienced Older Sister.
Viognier.

The best Viognier has this heady characteristic scent that one feels envelopes the glass and the drinker in a hedonistic cloud, together with real density and extract and, ideally, a dry finish.

Yves Cuilleron Viognier - $28
The aromas of apricots, flower blossoms, honeysuckle, ripe peaches, & a touch of musk all come to mind.
It is certainly distinctive. Brisk, full bodied and invigorating, with or without food.

91 Points | International Wine Cellar - "Light gold. Intensely perfumed bouquet of ripe peach, poached pear, violet and anise. More exotic on the palate, offering suave passion fruit and floral honey flavors, and finishing with impressive length and lingering sweetness.
This is awfully sexy right now."

We have a single case of this wine.
First come, first served. Drink Different.

Cave de Lugny Mâcon-Villages - $12

Drinkers who have sworn off Chardonnay because of the heavy, over-oaked style of many Californian and Australian wines ought to take another look at white Burgundy.

These wines are what first made Chardonnay's reputation, and they can reach stunning heights of quality-and, unfortunately, of price, too. Happily, the local village wines in Burgundy can be great values for those looking for a break from the California style: instead of rich, buttery textures and huge body, the wines produced by Cave de Lugny and its peers are clean, crisp, packed with minerality, and tingling with acidity.

Mâcon-Lugny Les Charmes - $15

The pride of La Cave de Lugny. Clean and fresh on the palate, it has floral and fruity aromas and a hint of lemon. Golden green in color when young, this wine is dry and rich, almost creamy. Its slightly spicy flavor and its structure put it on equal footing with the best Mâconnais wines.

Try this Unoaked, creamy Chardonnay from the Maçon region. Delicious and packed with flavor and superb value.

"Mid-gold in color, the nose is attractive, ripe yet subtle showing ripe orchard fruit, melon, grapefruit, an earthy mineral note, hints of apricot and a tinge of honey and creamy spice." WS

"Bright and fairly crisp with a refreshing, lively mouthfeel, but also sufficiently round and creamy. Nice palate weight, with ample broad, well defined flavors that mirror the nose. Moderately long finish." WE

We also have a number of other special wines that were uncovered by our Wine Detectives on their recent trip to France. Take a look around the store the next time you visit. If you see the Wine Detective symbol - you know it is something special.

trgmail@snet.net (Thames River Wine & Spirits) — Mon, 8 Apr 2013 14:58:00 -0400

If you missed the tasting last Friday night - it was a good one.

Drinking Grand Cru White Burgundy was a real treat.

The French have decided to take a very serious run at reintroducing us to their remarkable wines. And they want to make a big impact in the 10-15 dollar range.
They want to show us that it is not neccessary to spend $40 and up to get a great bottle of French wine.

What that means here in New London is that we will have the opportunity to enjoy superior French wines for a fraction of the old price. Wines that will drink like they cost much, much, more.

For example:

La Grand Ribe 'Centenaire' Cotes du Rhone Red
RATED 93 Points - Robert Parker.

Robert Parker - Wine Advocate Says:
" The blockbuster 2009 Cotes du Rhone-Villages Centenaire tastes more like a Chateauneuf du Pape than a Cotes du Rhone. Dominated by Grenache with a small amount of Syrah included in the blend, the wine possesses great intensity, a terrific texture, full-bodied power, and wonderful purity and Provencal typicity.

This sensational effort is filled with red and black fruit, roasted herb, barbecue smoke, meat juice and bouquet garni characteristics. Enjoy it over the next 7-8 years or longer. Sleeper of the vintage. "

AND - it is only $12.

TAVEL - Les Lauzeraies

Only one wine is made in Tavel in the southern Rhone region of France: Rosé. Louis XIV and Balzac are reported to have savored this succulent beverage, which is made chiefly from grenache and cinsault grapes whose skins are fermented briefly to extract color. Only red grapes can be legally used for rose in France.

Les Lauzeraies is part of Les Vignerons de Tavel, a cooperative founded in 1937. The organization today has 85 members that grow the grapes for the region's heralded roses.

The 2010 Les Lauzeraies Tavel is coppery in color, with strawberry notes on the nose. The lean, simple flavors are nicely piquant and refreshing. It's a classic summer sipper, nice change from innocuous whites and hip varietals.

The Rosé of Kings & The King Of Rosé

Drink like Louis XIV for just $12.

Domaine Poiron Dabin

This is a wine that generally please everyone. That's why it is a perfect choice to serve at a casual dinner or to present as an Aperitif.

Matches well with fish in sauce, foie gras, sauerkraut, 'tartiflette', 'fondue savoyarde', melon with Parma ham or fruit desserts.

A deep golden yellow with straw-colored tints. Suave and heady, with rose and pepper aromas. Full-bodied and bewitching with a persistent intensity accompanied for a long time with a hint of residual sugar.

This Pinot Gris is an original wine for the Nantes region. Its limited production has put an end to an absence of three centuries.
Please try it this Friday.

Just $15

We also have a number of other special wines that were uncovered by our Wine Detectives on their recent trip to France. They are seriously worth considering for your enjoyment. Take a look around the store the next time you visit.

We hope to see you this Friday Night.

Tasting Schedule

* Friday April 5th - Monsieur Touton
* Friday April 9th - World Wide Wines
* Friday April 26th - Stefan Wich

BUZZ

Coming soon:
Beer Dinners.
Wine & Food Events.
Scotch Tastings.
More Skype visits from industry luminaries.
New Episodes of The Wine Detectives

Drink Different.

Reinvention

trgmail@snet.net (Thames River Wine & Spirits) — Wed, 27 Feb 2013 11:42:00 -0500

Ernesto Catena, the owner of Ernesto Catena Vineyards in Argentina, is the eldest son of Nicolás Catena of Catena Zapata. A 4th generation winemaker, Ernesto has traveled and lived around the world, and along the way has earned a Bachelors degree in Computer Science and Economy, a Master's in Design in Milan and a degree in history in London. Defined by many as the "bohemian" side of the Catena family, Ernesto is a tireless and avid reader, painter, art collector, horseman, polo player and archer.

While president of Bodegas Escorihuela, Ernesto felt the need to produce wines that would reflect his basic beliefs: high quality, a different style from the majority of wines being made at the time, smaller volumes and a strong brand concept. In 2002, Ernesto Catena Vineyards was created to express those beliefs.

This Friday night we will taste through his great wines.
Presented by Mr. Bob Neville from World Wide Wines (seen here on the right?)

Certified Organic / Biodynamic

Robert Parker: The 2011 Padrillos Malbec is from the Uco Valley and is raised in French and American oak for eight months. It has a clean, generous bouquet of dark cherry, Dorset plum and blueberry that is generous and rounded. The palate is sweet and rounded with soft tannins. It is silky smooth and slips down the throat with ease. This is a consummate easy-drinking Malbec that you will finish sooner than you think - so pleasurable it is."

Wine Spectator: A dark, jammy red that weaves baking spice, toasty oak and dark licorice with dense blackberry, cassis and kirsch notes. Coarse tannins close in on the smoky finish. Drink now."

Superior wine making at very affordable prices. Please try them on Friday night.

The fascination with whiskey continues to grow. And we are pleased to announce the arrival of The Bruichladdich - (Brook-Laddy).

The subject of a feature story in the current issue of The New Yorker magazine -
READ IT HERE

This is something that you need to try.

PERDOMO CIGAR EVENT
Limited Seating You Must RSVP To Attend.
Tuesday March 19th - 6:00 8:00 PM.

Events Calendar

* Friday March 1st - World Wide Wines
* Friday March 15th - Grand Vintage - Vodkas From Italy!
* Tuesday March 19th - Nick Perdomo Cigar Event in the lounge
* Friday April 5th - Monsieur Touton

BUZZ

We are sending a team to Domaine Paul Mas
next week to look things over.

Special offers and a full report upon their return. Stay tuned.

Drink Different.

It's Official

trgmail@snet.net (Thames River Wine & Spirits) — Mon, 10 Dec 2012 13:23:00 -0500

It's Official - The Countdown Begins.

Top 100 Wines Make A Great Gift

Shafer Relentless - Wine Of The Year - 96 points WS.

Fontodi Flaccianello - Rated 96 Points

Calera Central Coast Pinot Noir - Rated 93 Points

Can Blau Monsant - Rated 91 Points - SOLD OUT

Nyers Caneros Chardonnay - Rated 93 Points - SOLD OUT

Mollydooker Shiraz - Rated 94 Point
We even have a couple of 100 point wines on the shelf.
Valdicava Brunello di Montalcino D.O.C.G. Madonna del Piano Riserva 2006 - Wine Spectator practically weeps over this when they describe it - and a 2009 Jean Louis Chave Hermitage.

This Friday Night

Maria Garcia-Izquierdo - 3 Castillos Importing
& Charles Lebel - Monsouier Touton Selections
present

PradoRey Crianza - Rated 90 Points Robert Parker

PradoRey's history dates back to 1503 when the Earl of Ribadeo sold the Real Sitio de Ventosilla estate to Queen Isabella I of Castile, belonging to the Crown of Castile until 1521 when King Charles I bestowed the estate to the 2nd Marquis of Denia.

The Crianza shows a cherry red color with strong bluish shades, brilliant and intense color. Intense nose with dominance of ripe red fruit, and a touch of sweetness derived from its time in oak barrels. Rich in the mouth with round tannins and pleasant freshness on the palate. Velvety rich finish with strong fruitiness.

One of the great Crianza's of all time. This wine is a must try on Friday. Remarkable on its own or with your holiday menu.

LAN - Rioja - Rated 90 Points Wine Spectator

#44 On the Top 100 list in 2010 Lan Reserva is brilliant ripe black cherry red color with good depth. Fruity aromas with elegant nuances of fine wood.

"Fresh and balanced, this red brims with cherry, spice and licorice, with light, firm tannins and vibrant acidity. The texture is generous yet delicate. Not heavy, but vivacious. It shows good balance on the palate coming from the sweet and elegant tannins. The wine is delicious paired with cold starters, pasta, cheeses. Also perfect as a wine by the glass." WS.

Roureda Llicorella Seleccio - Rated 93 Points - RP

Robert Parker:
"Llicorella Seleccio raises the bar significantly. It is a blend of Garnacha Negra, Carinena, Cabernet Sauvignon and Syrah aged for 12-14 months in French and American oak.

Dark ruby in color, it has a fragrant bouquet of pain grille, leather, mineral, meat, blue and black fruits which jumps from the glass. The wine has terrific grip, a racy style, and intense, sweet fruit.

The finish is long and pure. Drink this beauty over the next 10 years."
Robert Parker.

Deluxe - it is full, deeply layered, and a standout for serving with big holiday meals. We will pair it up with a full bodied cave aged cheese for you to try ion Friday night. Please join us.

Also Available

Moonstruck Holiday Truffles Have Arrived.
Perfect For The Chocolate Lover On Your List.

Events Calendar

There Is No Charge For Any Of The Following Events

This Wednesday 12.12.12 - Doug Rankin / Brooks Wines

FULL - WAIT LIST ONLY
RSVP - 6PM - 12.12.12. - 860-443-6817

Oregon Super Wines - Doug Rankin of Fountainhead Selections & Janie Brooks of Brooks Wines. Doug Rankin will be here in the studio, and we will be joined via Skype by the owner of Brooks wines.

FOUNDED in 1998, Brooks is a reflection of the visionary Portland native, Jimi Brooks. His reverence for the land and vines made him a practitioner of organic and biodynamic farming. "One of the best wine stories in the Northwest is how excellent wines continue to be made under the Brooks name..."

- Cole Danehower,
Northwest Palate Magazine

It doesn't get any better than this if your looking to discover the wine of the Great Northwest and to meet with one of the most knowledgeable people in the wine business - Doug Rankin.

We will be pairing these remarkable wines with a selection of cave Aged Cheese from Artisinal in New York and we are looking forward to a great night. Please Join Us.

FRIDAY 12.21.12 - No Reservation required.

Eric Bellnier will be pouring from one of the best Italian portfolios in the business. This pre-Christmas bash will include some very cool wines. And if we know Mr. Bellnier there will be a taste of something special. The last time he was here the 1979 Barberesco was generously sampled with you. Who knows what he has planned this time.

BUZZ - News & Events

We have to thank everyone for the comments and kind words about the holiday atmosphere here in the stores.
The lights, the trees, the Good Will Toward Men...

We appreciate the support you have been showing to us and to all of the small businesses here in New London. It really does make a difference.

We hope to see you this week.

Drink Different.

ThamesRiver.com

Please Join Us On Friday Night.

It Is Fun Informal And A Great Way To Start Your Weekend.

Wine & Cheese Tasting Every Friday 5-8 PM - No Charge

The Atmosphere Will Be Lively

trgmail@snet.net (Thames River Wine & Spirits) — Tue, 27 Nov 2012 09:30:00 -0500

The Thanksgiving party may be over - and the leftovers are just about gone, but now it is time to get down to business.

Special items have started to arrive for the holidays.
The big names from California, the iconic names from Europe and South America. They are all on our shelves now. There is very limited availability on some of these items - Here are just a few.

El Nido - Rated 96 Points - Robert Parker:"Deep, bright ruby. Powerful aromas of blackberry, blueberry, smoky herbs, potpourri and Asians spices. Weighty dark berry flavors display a liqueur-like depth, with zesty minerality providing lift and velvety tannins adding support. Manages to be large-scaled and lithe at once, finishing with real cut and clarity. This seamless wine is delicious now, and I'd be inclined to drink it young for its alluring, vivacious fruit."

One of the most sought after and famous wines from Spain. It is seriously hard to find. In a beautiful gift box this is a true collectors item - ready to enjoy young, but if you have the patience it will reward you and your friends in 10-15 years. First Come First Served.

33 Years In The making

Flora Springs TRILOGY

Rated 94 Points The Wine Enthusiast:

"The 2009 Trilogy possesses all the attributes that make Trilogy so great - Ripe berries, allspice, white chocolate, espresso and black currant.

Three varietals merge together to form a beautiful balanced lush wine that makes you just want to have one more sip. The Merlot brings out the red fruits, while the Cabernet and Malbec are responsible for the black fruits.

We are proud to say that after 33 years of winemaking and 25 years of crafting Trilogy, Flora Springs is still breaking new ground. We credit the consistent organic and sustainable farming practices of our vineyard team as well as the focus and direction of our winemaker, Paul Steinauer."

Critical Acclaim:

"A lovely wine, soft and charming, but far from simple. Although it has complex layers of cherries, blackberries, cassis and cedar, it also shows a fine structure of ripe, smooth tannins and supporting acidity."

We had a full case on Wednesday we are down to 4-5 bottles. The suggested price is $75 - it is on our shelf for 60. A great gift for the holidays.

Also Available

Make The Holiday Memorable

Gift baskets in every combination.
Great corporate gift ideas in all price categories.
And remember - we deliver.

Gourmet & Cave Aged cheese from NY's Artisinal.
Taste the difference - it really is a world a part.

Include Safe Harbor beer along with your favorite beverages this season. Widely available this is a medium bodied beer that is lightly hoppy. Brewed to especially delicious with food without being heavy. New London's beer makes a great gift and is a perfect conversation starter this holiday season. We include free SH coasters when you buy it here, but asking for it at your favorite restaurant, bar, or retail outlet helps to support this local effort. Icy Cold & Delicious - ask for Safe Harbor Today.

Events Calendar

There Is No Charge For Any Of The Following Events

This Friday night meet local author Marci Alborgheti.
Wine & Cheese tasting and reception starts at 6:00 PM.

6 PM - Friday 11.30.12 - Meet Local Author Marci Alborghetti - and have copies of her latest books signed just in time for your holiday giving.

DECEMBER

RSVP - 6PM - 12.12.12. - 860-443-6817
Oregon Super Wines Doug Rankin of Fountainhead Selections & Janie Brooks of Brooks Wines
Doug Rankin will be here in the studio, and we will be joined via Skype by the owner of Brooks wines. It doesn't get any better than this if your looking to discover the wine of the Great Northwest. Please reserve your seats early - space is limited.

FRIDAY 12.21.12

Eric Bellnier will be pouring from one of the best Italian portfolios in the business. This pre-Christmas bash will include some very cool wines. And if we know Mr. Bellnier there will be a taste of something special. The last time he was here the 1979 Barberesco was generously sampled with you.

BUZZ - News & Events

There is a lot going on Friday night. First we have local author Marci Alborghetti. She will be meeting, greeting, and signing copies of her most recent books - she will be stationed at the City News desk in The Greenery.

Over in the wine store we will be pouring a variety of specials to get you thinking about the fast approaching holidays. And if you like cheese - there will be plenty to sample. The atmosphere will be lively. We hope you can join us.

Drink Different.

Be Gentle - Its His Very First Time

trgmail@snet.net (Thames River Wine & Spirits) — Tue, 6 Nov 2012 10:15:00 -0500

THIS FRIDAY NIGHT
The Black Sheep Of Chile

7th Annual Wines of Chile Awards - Oveja Negra Wines

Best Value Award for Oveja Negra Wines

For the past couple of months, one of our regular salespeople, Mr. Shawn Taylor, has been cajoling us to let him host a Friday night and present to you a selection of wine. We put him off as long as we possibly could - but we ran out of reasons to postpone. And so, for the very first time, on our big stage - please welcome Shawn Taylor and the wines of Oveja Negra. He sincerely looks forward to meeting you and sharing these award winning selections from Chile.

This emblematic San Rafael Estate is located in the geographical area of San Rafael in the Maule Valley, close to the Andes Mountains and the Descabezado Volcano.

Since 1994 550-hectares have been planted predominantly to red varieties. In 1998 this all organic project commenced totaling today 38 hectares planted to Cabernet Franc, Cabernet Sauvignon, Chardonnay, Sauvignon Blanc, Merlot, Malbec, Syrah and Pinot Noir. In search of better expression and identity of each variety, Oveja Wines has investigated the range that best match the characteristics of the soil in San Rafael.

The climate is Mediterranean throughout the valley, with variations from the coast to the Andes. Even temperatures and scant precipitation is the norm due to the proximity to the Pacific Ocean.

There is no doubt that these wines are a bargain for upcoming holidays and you may consider stocking up a bit. Please join us on Friday night.

1 - Sauvignon Blanc/Carmenere - 11 90 Points

2 - Cabernet Sauvignon / Syrah - 11 88 Points

3 - Cabfranc / Carmenere - 11 89 Points

4 - Lost Barrel - 14 90 Points

This is an opportunity to get a taste of the Maule Valley wine region in Chile's Central Valley. Although not as well-known as some of the country's other wine regions, Maule is the largest and one of the oldest in Chile.

Calendar Review

November & December are full of special visitors and events - please mark your calendars, AND
Please be sure to RSVP when indicated.
There Is No Charge For Any Of The Following Events

RSVP - 6 PM - Wednesday - 11.14.12 Wines of the Rhone

Presented by Roger Hoadley of Slocum & Sons.

RSVP - 6 PM - Thursday November 11.15.12

Michael Mondavi Joins us via Skype from his home in Napa Valley. Limited Seating for this event. We will be joined locally by Stefan Wich from Hartley & Parker distributors.

6PM Friday 11.16 .12 - A special night that unites the experts from Artisanal Cheese in New York and Jim Kowalyschyn from Esprit Du Vin Wines. Both will be here in the store pairing wine and cheese and answering questions that should all add up to a great night and a way to make your holiday shopping very easy indeed.

3 PM - Saturday

11.17.12 - 3pm - Italian Super Tasting - with Eric Bellnier.
LETS HAVE A LITTLE FUN - 8 different wines AND we will open and share a 1979 bottle of Barbaresco! - because we can.

Wednesday November 21st - Ryan Connolly Martin Scott Wines

6 PM - Friday Novenber 30 - Book Signing
Meet Local Author Marci Alborgheti - and have copies of her latest books signed just in time for your holiday giving.

DECEMBER -

RSVP - 6PM - 12.12.12. - Oregon Super Wines

Doug Rankin of Fountainhead Selections & Janie Brooks of

Brooks Wines

And more to come.

BUZZ - News & Events

Because of the storm last week, we know that many of you missed the email and are wondering about seating for some of the events.

If any of the upcoming events strikes your fancy - give us a call. We can review availability and accommodate as many people as possible. It is better to call now and make a reservation than to wait until the last minute - limited seating goes quickly - 8 6 0 - 4 4 3 - 6 8 1 7.

And if your plans change - please call to let us know - there are people on the waiting list that can be offered your seats.

First of their kind, ground breaking, one on one - that's what we are working on now. And it is only because of your remarkable support that we are able to make these types of events happen. Thank you for being part of the revolution. Drink Different.

ThamesRiver.com

Please Join Us On Friday Night.

It Is Fun Informal And A Great Way To Start Your Weekend.

Wine & Cheese Tasting Every Friday 5-8 PM - No Charge

Ground Breaking News

trgmail@snet.net (Thames River Wine & Spirits) — Tue, 23 Oct 2012 09:36:00 -0400

What A Beautiful Audience

How would you like to taste wine with Michael Mondavi himself? You will have your chance in November - and in the next few weeks we will publish a list of guests that will set a new benchmark for bringing our friends and customers directly to the makers of the greatest wines in the world.

First of their kind, ground breaking, one on one - that's what we are working on now. And it is only because of your remarkable support that we are able to make these types of events happen. Thank you for being part of the revolution. Drink Different.

This Friday - 10.16.12

1 - Cline 2011 Cashmere - $16

Let's face it: $16 wine values from the Côtes Du Rhône region of southeastern France are among the world's best red wine values. But that doesn't mean that California versions, using similar grape blends, shouldn't also share space on your wine rack. Cline Cellars has been doing Rhône for years, and one of their most recent incarnations, seductively named "Cashmere," is a treat.

Garnet/ruby color. High-toned, slightly grapey nose, with appealing brightness and notes of fresh herbs, raspberry, Kirsch, and coffee grounds. Turns more toward cherry flavors and hints of milk chocolate in its smooth, warm and balanced texture. Good acids on the finish to cut through burgers, lamb chops or a mushroom/onion tart. (A blend of Mourvèdre, Grenache and Syrah)

Cline Cellars proudly supports Living Beyond Breast Cancer and over the years has contributed more than $200,000 to breast cancer foundations.

We are proud to support their efforts this Friday night - please join us.

2 - Paso a Paso Verdejo - $12

This winery is located in the best terroir of La Mancha found in the eastern region of the ¨Denomination of Origin. Sandy soils with lots of chalk. Winters are very cold; summers are hot with cool nights and it is a very arid climate. The grapes for this wine come from 14 hectares ( 34 acres) of Verdejo vines planted in 1998. The yield is 4T/ha (1.60 T/acre). After very careful vineyard selections, only the best vines of Verdejo grapes are hand harvested.

Tanzer's Internation Wine Cellars::
"Green-tinged gold. Very fresh scents of quince, melon and agave. Juicy and broad in the mouth, with good depth to its pit and orchard fruit flavours. Becomes spicier with air and finishes with strong cut and a lingering citrus pith note. This offers excellent value. "

This has got to be one of the best values we have offered in a long time - this is a wine that you will want to have around for the rest of the year. Perfect for dinners, hosting a holiday get together, or just sipping with friends. It is as they say - a crowd pleaser. Please try it on Friday night.

The Fall Season - Events

trgmail@snet.net (Thames River Wine & Spirits) — Tue, 9 Oct 2012 11:09:00 -0400

WINE WORKS LIKE MAGIC

Please Mark Your Calendars

Wednesday - 10.24.12 - The Wines Of South Africa
No Charge - Please RSVP - Limited SeatingPresented by Knauth & Visser. Paired with small plates.
Learn about the great South African Winelands and try wine that is available here for the first time.

SPECIAL - Friday - 11.16.12 - No Charge - RSVP Required

Very Limited Seating
Jim Kowalyschyn Espris Du Vin Wine &
Samantha Brennen Artisinal Cheese of
New York.
Wine and cheese pairings presented by two of the leaders in the field.

SATURDAY - 11.17.12 - 3PM
Eric Bellnier presents Essential Italian Wines for the holidays.
Special pricing on Award Winning Fontodi Wines.

ALSO -

Friday October 19
Mangetout Restaurant
We have a collaboration dinner event with Mangetout the
Organic Cafe just up the block.

An Organic Oktoberfest Dinner and wine pairing
Friday, October 19
Just Two Seatings
6pm & 8pm.

We will be pairing wine with each course. You must contact Mangetout directly to make reservations. Seating Is Very Limited. 8 6 0 - 4 4 4 - 2 0 6 6. Do Not Wait To Call if you are interested.

THIS FRIDAY NIGHT

Will will be joined by a special guest - Please Join Us.

1 - Clos des Mures a Single Vineyard Syrah - $16

Jean-Claude Mas has blazed the trail for premium winemaking in the Languedoc region of the South of France. Since taking the helm of the centuries-old Domaines in 2000, his driving mission has been to use only premium quality grapes to craft superior wines with a modern, New World flair.

Intense purple violet with garnet tints. Complex nose with blackcurrants, violet, blackberries, turning to cacao and spices. Well balanced and smooth tannins, full bodied.

WINEMAKER: "Grapes, some of which are cultivated on 40-year old vines, benefit from hot summer days and a cooling sea breeze. A deep garnet red wine.Complex on the nose with aromas of blackcurrants, violets and blackberries that evolve into hints of cocoa and spice.

Elegant and fruit-filled on the palate, liquorice and toasted notes lead

to a long-lasting and well-balanced finish over smooth tannins.

The Syrah vines are between 26 and 46 years old, the Grenache 47 years old. The wine is aged for 10 months in French and American Seguin Moreau and François Frére oak barrels 30% new oak barrels, 35% 1 year old oak barrels, 35% 2 year old oak barrel.

Intense purple violet with garnet tints. Complex nose with blackcurrants, violet, blackberries, turning to cacao and spices. Well balanced and smooth tannins, full bodied. Strong fruity characters with a long finish evolving towards liquorice and toasted notes. Elegant and refined.

Food pairing: Preferably pasta dishes, beef stews, red meat, game, pate and soft full flavor cheeses."

2 - La Forge Estate, Languedoc France - $14

Deep Bright and lovely light garnet-red colour. Nose: Very elegant with a quintessence of red berries, strawberry, cherry, and soft spices aromas with a hint of vanilla. Palate: It's a medium bodied wine, with ripe tannins and acidity which testify his capability to age. It develops very delicate aromas and a long lasting finish.

Pinot Noir causes more discussion and dispute in the wine world than any other grape variety, most of which centers around the wine style which best represents the 'true' Pinot Noir. Examples from Central Otago are so different from those grown in Santenay that even an untrained palate can tell them apart. Yet both are unmistakably, unquestionably Pinot Noir. It is this strength of character which has made Pinot Noir such an internationally successful and desirable grape variety.

Pairs well with grilled red meats such as lamb, veal, pork and game. Also goes well with soft cheeses such as brie or goat's cheese.

3 - Domaine Paul Mas Carignan 2010 - $14

Never heard of Carignan? Until around 1990, it was the most widely grown grape in France. The workhorse grape of France and Spain, its ancestral home (where it is called Cariñena), Carignan is traditionally used in blends and is the primary, unsung ingredient in French wines that are labeled simply "Red table wine" or "Vin de Table." That is why most people have heard of Carignan only in passing, or not at all.

Located on the hillsides of the Hérault overlooking the Mediterranean Sea, the Savignac vineyard is the ideal growing location for Carignan grapes. These mature vines, some over 50-years old, have reached a perfect natural balance. Even though produced in the Côteaux du Languedoc, Cru Grés de Montpellier appellation, this single varietal wine can only be designated IGP Pays de L'Hérault.

100% Carignan

On the nose, spices and blackberry give way to aromas of cherry jam and cocoa over toasted oak notes. A full-bodied, rich and mellow wine, with delicious velvety tannins and complex flavors.

BUZZ - News & Events

As promised our dance card is filling up for the coming season. Please take a moment to check your calendar with our posted dates. If you see something that you like, don't wait to call because things fill up quickly.

We will be adding more attractions and finalizing more special guests in the next couple of weeks

Thanks for all of the comments and suggestions that we receive every week. We try to incorporate as many of your ideas as possible.

AND Thank you for the support, we know there are a lot of choices you can make for shopping - but keeping your business local and supporting small business in New London is greatly appreciated. We hope to see you soon.

ThamesRiver.com

Please Join Us On Friday Night.

It Is Fun Informal And A Great Way To Start Your Weekend.

Wine & Cheese Tasting Every Friday 5-8 PM - No Charge

WINE - The New Energy Drink.

trgmail@snet.net (Thames River Wine & Spirits) — Tue, 2 Oct 2012 11:09:00 -0400

Christophe Reboul Salze bought his Bordeaux wine vineyard Chateau Les Grands Marechaux located in the Cotes de Blaye appellation in 1997.

Les Grands Marechaux is a contender for the best value Bordeaux wine produced today.

This estate-bottled, hand-harvested Bordeaux has also been a favorite of Robert Parker who has featured it in
"The World's Best Wine
Values Under $25"
calling it "sensational" and writing that the wine is "velvety textured, sumptuous, and long...". He's called Stephane Derenoncourt (who consults at the estate) "brilliant" and the estate was classified as "excellent".

Wow - I can hardly wait for Friday night - how about you?

Chateau les Grands Marechaux - $22
Rated 92 points in the Wine Spectator

So, just how great is the 2009 vintage?

"The finest vintage I have tasted in 32 years of covering Bordeaux!!!" - Robert M. Parker Jr.

"In France's most famous wine region, Bordeaux, some people are touting the 2009 vintage as the mother of great modern vintages. Licorice and tar on the nose. Full-bodied, with a lovely core of fruit and silky tannins. Focused and clear. Could be best ever from here." - James Suckling, Wine Spectator

Wine Advocate: Consultant Stephane Darenoncourt has fashioned a medium dark ruby-hued 2009 with seductive fruit, earth, spice, and dark berry characteristics as well as a medium to full-bodied finish.

Llicorella Priorat 2005 - $22
Louis Latour Pouilly Vinzelles - 18

Already known to the Romans, Vinzelles takes its name from the latin vincella which means small vine. The distinctive feature of the village of Vinzelles is the presence of two "chateaux" separated by just a few metres: a fortified castle from the 11th century and the other from the 13th and 17th centuries.

The appellation of Pouilly-Vinzelles encompasses the villages of Vinzelles and Loche. Continuing from the predominantly limestone slopes of Chaintre and Fuisse, the vineyards of Pouilly-Vinzelles are exclusively planted with Chardonnay and closely resemble those wines from its neighbor Pouilly-Fuisse.

Golden yellow in color, this Pouilly-Vinzelles is characterized by its heady aromas of Williams pear and peppered mango. Round, fat and very full in the mouth with liquorice notes. Finishes with an attractive balance.

Rated 91 Points - The Wine Spectator

Wine Spectator: Rated as Outstanding: a wine of superior character and style. "This red is light and crisp, yet has plenty of structure to power its raspberry, licorice and mountain herb flavors. Focused and lively, with a floral, spicy finish.

Wine Maker:

"A cherry red wine, with purple reflections and an aroma of black fruits with roasted notes. Concentrated and with sweet notes that are reminiscent of cacao. Has a long, well-balanced after-taste. From a rugged region with sharp relief, in which the grapes are grown on terraces and on the mountain sides or “costers”. The earth is the distinctive element of this region, and is stony and poor with a volcanic constitution, formed by thin layers of slate or “llicorella”, that retain little water, giving the wines produced in this region a marked mineral character. "

Named for the priory of a 12th century order of Carthasian monks, Priorat's vineyards are necessarily on terraces due to the tightly-folded mountainous terrain of the region. Mechanism is virtually impossible because of the lay of the land, so the wines are hand-crafted. The solid structure and lively personality of the Llicorella Priorat allow it to pair with a great variety of foods. Lamb and meat as well as duck, game and robust fish will all do well. Sample your first glass with a nutty Manchego cheese from Spain; it will really bring out the mountain herbs of this Priorat. The hint of fruit in this focused red will be delicious with crisp-skinned rotisserie duck served with a sweet-tart cherry chutney. A pan of paella made with fideo noodles instead of rice will bring out the more earthy, spicy side of this Llicorella.
We like ours with sausage, chicken and/or duck. If you want something simple, grill up some lamb sausages and serve them with oven-roasted garlic potatoes. Pour another generous glass and savor it with a rich, full-flavored Spanish Zamorano cheese. Its texture melts in your mouth and is the perfect ending to what will no doubt be a great meal. Disfrutar!

Mon Dieu! Cheap Bordeaux!

trgmail@snet.net (Thames River Wine & Spirits) — Tue, 25 Sep 2012 15:38:00 -0400

When you think about Bordeaux, what comes to mind? The British fop sipping "claret" in his drawing room? The Wall Streeter buying futures for his insta-cellar? We've been conditioned to believe that Bordeaux must be expensive to be good, which isn't surprising given how much power is concentrated in the hands of a few in the fabled region. All anyone talks about are the "classed growths"--that is, the top-ranked (and priciest) wines, which were set by brokers back in the 19th century.

Today we favor the weathered paysan who plows his vineyard with a draft horse, not the chateau owned by an insurance company.

The region of Bordeaux is huge, producing more high-quality wine than any other in France, and that kind of scale should work to our advantage. We started exploring the fringes (Bordeaux has 57 appellations) and kept finding world-class reds at numbers that we all can handle.

Been-there, done-that grapes like Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot--yes Merlot, are new again. The Cabernets have sharp angles and smoky notes, the Merlots are silken and aromatic, and both are often pointed up with a dash of peppery Cabernet Franc. By seeking out the "lesser" appellations, We findin wines that, unlike many classed growths, aren't as tailored for the critics. Less oaky, less alcoholic Cabernet can be a revelation, and these days you're more likely to find it in outer-borough appellations than in blue-chip areas.

Chateau Bellvue Bordeaux Superieur

The appellation Bordeaux Superieur applies to wines from the Bordeaux district containing 1% more alcohol than the requirement for the appellation of Bordeaux. What this means is the wine will be slightly more full-bodied as a result of the increased alcohol level.

The blend is 40% Cabernet Sauvignon, 40% Merlot and 20% Cabernet Franc.

The 18 months of oak aging softens this wine and makes it a candidate for immediate consumption. The wine is soft and round with pleasant notes of cassis and red fruits on the nose and palate.

This is an easy drinking Bordeaux.This wine will pair well with stews and most red meat dishes, particularly a nice grilled ribeye steak.

On the nose, the wine is rich with buttered cherries, red flowers, and a hint of something fresh and earthy in the background - like tomato leaves in a summer garden. It's a very appealing combination. Surprisingly, the wine is not a fruit blockbuster on the palate. It's actually quite elegant, with tart cherry and savory herb playing with already-smooth tannin. Not a Bordeaux you need to age for 25 years, this one's ready now.

On a side note, the term Bordeaux Supérieur does not necessarily mean the wine is better than a plain old Bordeaux. It actually just means it has higher alcohol content. Just a little party fact for you.

MARGAUX - Chateau De La Coste

Producing 2,500 cases a year, the Château de la Coste vineyard spreads in the northern part of the Margaux appellation.

Margaux boasts 21 château with classified growth status and is known to produce elegant, delicate, and fragrant wines.

This excellence is a result of the soil quality, the unique weather conditions, and natural drainage which exists in the vineyards. Many say Margaux is the most feminine appellation in all of Bordeaux.

This wine is a harmonious blend of flavors and is best matched with roasted red meats such as duck, peppered beef, and lamb shank. The velvety flavors of the wine shine through when served with asparagus wrapped in prosciutto and mushroom risotto dishes. Enjoy the wine with variety of cheeses such as Montrachet and aged Monterey Jack.

Chateau Bellevue, Entre-Deux-Mers

Château Bellevue is located on 84 hectares of vineyard and produces a range of Bordeaux whites and reds. The château is located on a large hill, overlooking the vineyards, and is locally nicknamed the "Tuscany of Bordeaux". Winemaker, Daniel Sore, utilizes the art of modern wine-making to produce Bordeaux wines that are characteristic of the local terroir.

The name Entre-Deux-Mers translates as 'Between Two Seas'. The seas in question are the Garonne and Dordogne rivers, which form the area's southern and northern boundaries respectively.

Entre-Deux-Mers occupies a substantial slice of the Bordeaux region, stretching from the edge of Bordeaux city in the west, to the farmland outside Bergerac in the east. The landscape is mostly fertile and green, rolling gently between 33 and 330ft (10-100m) above sea level.

However, vineyards have replaced some of the green landscape, with large patches of land being rapidly devoted to viticulture. The soils of Entre-Deux-Mers are predominantly of alluvial type (sand and clay in varying proportions) - which is to be expected, given its name and location.

Please join us and try these wines on for size.

Wine & cheese tasting every Friday from 5-8 PM No Charge.

Things That Are New

trgmail@snet.net (Thames River Wine & Spirits) — Wed, 19 Sep 2012 10:37:00 -0400

The band featured in the video is:

Clairy Browne and the Bangin' Rackettes' from South Australia
The Song: 'Love Letter' is available on iTunes.

Back In Stock

Poiron-Dabin "The Dragonfly Wine"

Val de Loire, France, $15

Robert Parker - Rated 90 Points

"This is an unusual wine. Pinot gris is rarely grown in the Loire Valley. It is also the reddest of the white grapes, and this wine evidently was left on its skins longer than usual, giving it a deep amber color. It resembles pinot gris from Alsace, at a fraction of the price. I recommend decanting

the well-chilled wine 30 minutes before your Thanksgiving dinner to give the flavors a

chance to develop."

When we first introduced this wine last season it was an immediate crowd pleaser. It is not often that we find a wine that everyone enjoys. That is what makes this wine a perfect choice for dinners, parties, and the upcoming holidays. I'm not sure that it needs decanting like Mr. Parker suggests, but it won't hurt either.

This is the wine that a lot of customers used our case-lay-away program for. You will want this for Thanksgiving, and just about any occasion that brings family and friends to your home. We have very good availability right now - but it goes quickly. Please try it with a little cheese this Friday.

Domaine La Grand Ribe $17
La Grande Ribe 2009 Cotes-du-Rhone Villages "Centenaire"

Robert Parker - Rated 93 Points

"This small Domaine in the Southern Rhone grows all of its grapes organically. This wine is a blend of Grenache and Syrah from their oldest vines averaging 75 years of age. Fermented slowly in large oak vats to bring out the dense, full flavors this wine shows character beyond its modest appellation. The blockbuster 2009 Côtes-du-Rhône-Villages Centenaire tastes more like a Chateauneuf du Pape than a Côtes-du-Rhône.

Dominated by Grenache with a small amount of Syrah included in the blend, the wine possesses great intensity, a terrific texture, full-bodied power, and wonderful purity and Provencal typicity. This sensational effort is filled with red and black fruit, roasted herb, barbecue smoke, meat juice and bouquet garni characteristics. Don't miss it!"

We like to pair this wine with some of the medium bodied cheeses that we have from Artisinal - we will show you what we mean on Friday night. And consider this as another candidate for case lay-away-program.

BUZZ - News & Events

No Charge, But -

You Must Call To Reserve A Place.

Have You Saved The Date?

WEDNESDAY September 26th - 6pm - No Charge

We are pleased to welcome once again to the main stage - Mr. Jim Kowalyschyn.

Mr. "K" will be pouring a few of his favorite Bordeaux's.

10 Chateau Bellevue Blanc (Entre Deux Mers)
10 Chateau Chantegrive Blanc (Graves)
09 Chateau Bellevue (Bordeaux Superieur)
09 Chateau Malleret (Haut Medoc)
09 Chateau La Coste (Margaux)

And we will be serving caved aged cheese with each wine.

A great opportunity to try the wines of Bordeaux - BUT- Mr. Kowalyschyn is an encyclopedia of information and his informal and engaging way of sharing his experiences and knowledge make him a one of the best presenters in the business.

We hope to see you on Wednesday the 26th at 6:00PM.

Please reserve your place today - 860-443-6817.

ThamesRiver.com

Please Join Us On Friday Night.

It Is Fun Informal And A Great Way To Start Your Weekend.

Wine & Cheese Tasting Every Friday 5-8 PM - No Charge