After an extended vacation, the Vinofiles hath returned! We bring news of fresh wines, and special deals on some items already in-house. The Wine & Beer department’s own Hugh Keelan will soon be adding a few words, having attended this latest tasting. I’m sure he’ll have a provocative slant on things, especially since I caught him red-handed scrawling some scurrilous grafitti, reading “ Death to Ri...” We can only imagine what he was thinking.
Since we don’t have any snow to speak of, we are throwing a little white sale, hoping to stimulate production. First up is the white companion to our old friend Cortijo Tempranillo. It’s a 100% Viura, nicely dry Sauvignon Blanc-styled offering. The Cortijo is similar to Ipsum, perhaps a bit less lemony, and sells for a paltry $5.99. That’s right, only six petrodollars, and you save $3.00 off the regular price. There’s a new vintage a’coming in May, so our distributor wants the last of it to go away, and pronto. We are only happy to oblige, so help them out, please. There is no “super special” case price, as the discounted price is already quite low. So, throw a party, and maybe it’ll snow.
Staying in the Sauvignon Blanc vein, we’re proud to offer up the ever-steady and reliable Ch. Ducasse White Bordeaux, for a solid $3.00 off, a mere $9.99. This price hasn’t been seen for at least two years, and we bought twenty cases, with more available, I am told. This is a classic dry Bordeaux, with a touch of Semillon thrown in for structure and a hint of sweetness on the finish. Down in Bordeaux, they’d be shucking oysters, spearing scallops, maybe even ropin’n ridin’ a passel of mussels, all to be washed down with this terriffic white. Or, it could accompany a nice, hot, steaming dish of maple syrup-on-snow. All right, I’ve worn out my welcome. A bientot to you too.
From Trentadue of Sonoma County we have a blend of Zinfandel, Petite Sirah, and Carignane. Called Old Patch Red, it’s definitely not your average fruit bomb, but a more measured response to the question, “Just why are we fighting in California?” Confused? Don’t be. For $13.99, just try this succulent red with a Portabella and smoked gruyere melt and you’ll see why a surge in your belly is worth two in the Bush.
If it’s more white you’re craving, we have a new, off-dry blend from Hedges, whom you may recall, make a hearty Cabernet based Washington State blend we picked up a month or so ago. Called CMS, just like the red, only the grapes are Chardonnay, Marsanne, and Sauvignon Blanc. The Marsanne, a Rhone grape often paired with Viognier and Rousanne, takes over the nose and the up-front flavor. In a minute or two it backs off, allowing the Chardonnay and Sauvignon Blanc to gently clamor for your attention. Nicely balanced, especially with a spicy tomato soup, or a platter of sushi, with a ton of spicy ginger and wasabi. Only $11.99.
Picture this: Trucked east, at great speed, comes several tons of Chardonnay grapes, to be made into wine at Halifax, Vt., (or perhaps in Wilmington, still not sure.) Honora is the name, and Peter Systo is the winemaster. The flavor reminds me of Monterey, or maybe the Sonoma Coast. It’s light, has some oak, and will grace any table you set, for only $14.99. We look forward to seeing more from these folks, and to tasting what Halifax has in store.
Those of you with long memories may recall a Sangiovese called Monastero. The 2003 is once again on our shelves, and tastes crisp and mellow. The perfect everyday red, at $9.99.
On the subject of beer, Ray McNeill garnered some very favorable write-ups in the latest issue of BeerDictator. Three fine beer critics allowed some extremely generous praise for his Ruby Amber Ale. We’ll print some quotes in the next blog, as well as some WOW (words of wisdom) from our own Hugh Keelan. Until then, drink responsibly, and say a prayer for the spirit of Barbaro.
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