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Notes from the Cellar
The wine industry takes a little break in the summer, making it the ideal time for us to get the new store up and running smoothly. Now we are entering a much more exciting season; call it autumn, fall or the harvest, it's a great time for both wine and beer. I enjoy the chance to sample hundreds of wines at the industry tastings, with an eye towards discovering some interesting and delicious selections for everyday enjoyment and holiday entertaining, as well as uncovering those special bottles for your cellar. Already this week we have twelve new wine arrivals and three seasonal beers! In addition, fall is the time for lots of tasting events here at the store, with food pairings to inspire some great entertaining.
Facebook update: 168 fans and counting.
~ Kurt
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Tasting this Week
THURSDAY, AUGUST 27th from 4 PM to 7 PM
2008 Cave des Vignerons de Saumur "Les Pouches"; Loire Valley, France ($14.99)
This Chenin Blanc is
made from a favored vineyard of old vines giving low yields. The result is
stunning - racy and dry with refreshing apple and lemonflower fruit. www.idealwine.us
2008 Summer House Chardonnay; Sonoma, California ($17.99)See below under "New Arrivals"
2007 Summer House Cabernet Sauvignon; Sonoma, California ($17.99)
See below under "New Arrivals"
2007 Bodegas Atalaya "Atalaya"; Almansa, Spain ($17.99)
Robert Parker's The Wine Advocate 91
points: "The 2007 Atalaya is a blend of Monastrell,
Garnacha Tintorera, and other red grapes. The wine was aged for eight months in
French and American oak. This purple-colored wine has an expressive bouquet of
violets, spice box, leather, game, blueberry, and black cherry. On the palate
it comes off as borderline kinky and definitely sexy with lots of easy-going
flavor, superb depth, complexity, and a 45-second finish. Although it can be
enjoyed now, it will evolve for another 2-3 years." Wine Advocate
#178, August 2008
SATURDAY, AUGUST 29th from 2 PM to 5 PM
2008 Kilda Chardonnay; Australia ($10.99)
See below under "New Arrivals".
2008 Domaine de Saint Peyre Picpoul de Pinet; Languedoc, France ($10.99) See below under "New Arrivals".
2006 Dominio de Heredia Rioja Altanza; Rioja, Spain ($14.99) See below under "New Arrivals".
2007 Guidobono Nebbiolo; Piedmont, Italy ($12.99)
Violets and roses on the
nose, rich fruit on the palate, and a long, fine finish. Guidobono's Nebbiolo
is a lovely example, showing just why it
is the most noble Italian grape. It comes from the Langhe, the area surrounding
the famous communes of Barolo and Barbaresco. Much like Pinot Noir, Nebbiolo is
sensitive to micro-climate and expresses its terroir faithfully. As it requires
just the right site it represents only 3% of Piedmont's total production. All
the more surprising, then, that Guidobono's wines remain great value. www.idealwine.us
Wines offered during the tastings will be discounted 10%.
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Featured Wine ValuesWEEKLY SPECIALSInvite your friends for a "last days of summer" barbeque, but keep it simple: Henry's already-marinated meats and one of these value priced, food-friendly reds.
2007 Firesteed Pinot
Noir; Oregon ( reg.
$17.99, weekly special $14.99)Vibrant cherry and sweet spice aromas
jump out of the glass and the taste of the first round of summer raspberries
and strawberries push the burst of fruit straight through to the surprisingly
long finish. Grapes for this wine, as in previous years, were sourced from
throughout the Willamette, Umpqua, Rogue and Walla Walla Valleys, creating a
truly Oregon blend. www.firesteed.com
2007 Jean Luc Colombo Cotes du Rhone Les Abeilles; Southern Rhone, France (reg. $14.99, weekly
special $12.99)
Aromas of red fruit, leather and spice
compliment the complex profile on the palate, with flavors of licorice and
spice, finishing with silky tannins. 50% Grenache, 30% Syrah, 20%
Mourvèdre from 25-year-old vines.
2007 Toasted Head Untamed Red; California (reg. $14.99, weekly special $11.99)
Rich and mouth-filling with prominent
flavors of wild blackberry and red raspberry. Intriguing lavender accents are
on the nose and the barrel aging had added nuances of vanilla and cedar to the
aromatic mix. Round and ripe on the palate, this delightful blend of Syrah,
Zinfandel and Petite Sirah - sourced from our estate vineyards and
California's North Coast - has medium tannins that carry into a long, spicy
finish. It is well balanced and will pair wonderfully with lamb, pork,
beef or pasta dishes made with hearty red sauces. www.toastedhead.com
HENRY'S VALUE PICKS, all under $15 2006 Big House Red; California ($10.99) Each variety selected for this blend brings its
individual characters and distinct personality: spiciness from the Syrah,
cherry and raspberries from the Sangiovese and Barbera, blueberries from the
Tannat, cassis from the Grenache and chocolate from Mourvèdre. A wonderful mix
of the best each variety has to offer. www.bighousewine.com; California ($10.99)
A crisp yet round wine with a floral nose,
accentuated by honeysuckle, litchi, and a bit of a tropical fruit
cocktail. A virtual potpourri of fruits including cantaloupe, peach,
apricot, and litchi. The finish is fairly long with a nice apricot
character. A blend of Chenin Blanc, Sauvignon Blanc, Viognier, Marsanne, Malvasia Bianca, Orange Muscat and Muscat Canelli. www.bighousewine.com
2007 Bonterra Chardonnay; Mendocino, California ($14.99)
Organically grown grapes. A hint of oak complements the freshness of fruit and the evident notes
of green apple, pear and citrus. Our wine is aged for several months to
develop a rich, creamy texture that gracefully balances its
fruit-forward character. www.bonterra.com
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New Arrivals: Wine
DOMESTIC
2006 Simi Chardonnay Russian River; Sonoma, California ($29.99)Wine Spectator 89 points: " Rich, creamy and full-bodied, showing fig, melon, spice and green apple
flavors that have lively acidity, with a long, clean finish. Drink now
through 2012." Winemaker Notes: "The Russian River Valley's cool climate plays a
key role in Simi's Burgundian-style Chardonnay. The influence of the
Pacific Ocean gives the Russian River Valley an extended, moderate
growing season. Perfectly situated within the heart of the Russian
River Valley, Simi's Goldfields vineyard is close enough to the coast
to receive the benefits of the cool fog and inland enough to ensure the
vineyard will get the degree days that Chardonnay grapes require to
ripen to perfection." www.simiwinery.com 2007 Summer House Cabernet Sauvignon; Sonoma County, California ($17.99) Private label from River Road Vineyards made exclusively for the Summer House in Siasconset on Nantucket. Saturated
purple-red color with aromas of black cherry, plum and mocha. Full
mouthfeel with ample fruit, complex spice and enduring finish. www.riverroadvineyards.com; Sonoma County, California ($17.99) Private label from River Road Vineyards made exclusively for the Summer House in Siasconset on Nantucket. Fermented in stainless steel tanks and exposed to
minimal oak contact after fermentation. This approach retains the
bright, clean citrus and apple flavors. www.riverroadvineyards.com
IMPORTED2008 Pierre Chermette Beaujolais; Beaujolais, Burgundy, France ($17.99)
Robert Parker's The Wine Advocate 89 points in 2007: "Chermette's basic bottling is a joy to drink, allying concentration
and lightness. Vividly fresh red raspberry and red currant mingled with
scents of violets lead to a ripe yet tart and ultra-refreshing palate
and a lip-smacking, salt- and berry skin-tinged finish. Enjoy this at
cellar temperature over the coming year."
2007 Chateau de la Bonneliere Chinon "Rive Gauche"; Chinon, Loire Valley, France ($17.99)
Robert Parker's The Wine Advocate 88 points: "The 2007 Chinon Rive Gauche (labeled without the name "Bonneliere"
prominent) hardly betrays the difficulties of its vintage, brimming as
it is with tart but ripe cherry and blackberry tinged with baking
spices and toasted nuts. Succulent and sappy on the palate, it finishes
with bright black fruits and pungent spice and pepper. This would make
an excellent, highly affordable introduction to Loire Cabernet Franc as
well as a versatile tablemate over the next 12-18 months." Certified Organic.
2007 Domaine Grand Nicolet Cotes du
Rhone; Southern Rhone, France ($17.99)
Robert Parker's The Wine Advocate 90-93 points: "A tank-aged blend of 80% Grenache and the rest Syrah and Carignan, the
2007 Cotes du Rhone exhibits a dense purple hue as well as a sweet,
creamy, raspberry, and cherry nose with hints of licorice, roasted
herbs, and peppery spice. It is an opulent, fleshy 2007 revealing
succulent fruit in addition to superb purity, texture, and length. This
outrageously delicious, complex Cotes du Rhone should evolve nicely for
5-6 years."
2006 Dominio de Heredia Rioja Altanza; Rioja, Spain ($14.99)
Handpicked Selection: Oscar Martinez is a third generation winemaker in a well-respected family in Rioja. Here he produces a wine from 100% Tempranillo, aged 5 months in oak (French, American and Hungarian). The resulting wine is a medium-bodied red offering notes of fresh berry and cherry fruit and spicy oak accents. Smooth and balanced, like most Spanish reds it pairs well with a wide range of foods, including most tapas, paellas and meats. www.qualitywinesofspain.com
2007 Dona
Paula Malbec; Mendoza, Argentina ($17.99)
Wine Spectator 90 points "Smart Buy": "Dark and winey, with warm currant paste, cocoa powder and Turkish
coffee notes backed by solid grip on the fleshy finish. Nice hint of
grilled sage adds dimension too." 100% Malbec.
2008 Domaine de Saint Peyre Picpoul de Pinet; Languedoc, France ($10.99)
Handpicked Selection: Offers big but focused and refreshing
flavor elements of melon, lemon and grapefruit. It's a terrific
aperitif, but is truly celebrated with all
shellfish and seafood. It offers enticing
aromas of lime, smoke, honeysuckle and white flowers, bright and
smooth, medium-bodied, with a grapey, rather dense mouth feel, a nicely
integrated acidity and a very clean, lengthy finish. Comparison can be
drawn to Sancerre-style Sauvignon Blanc, but there are exotic nuances
all Picpoul's own. This zingy, delicious, but virtually unknown wine
deserves a look-see from all intrepid wine afficionados. 100% Piccoul Blanc. www.idealwine.us
2007 Bodegas Catena Zapata Alamos Chardonnay; Mendoza, Argentina ($11.99)
Robert Parker's The Wine Advocate 87 points: "The medium straw-colored 2007 Chardonnay was aged for 9 months in
French oak, 10% new. It exhibits a bouquet of spiced apple, pear, and
tropical aromas leading to a smooth-textured, tasty wine meant for
near-term drinking. These are both excellent values."
2008
Kilda Chardonnay; Australia ($10.99)
Steven Tanzer 87 points: Light yellow-gold. Fresh melon and green
apple aromas are deepened by a gentle brown spice note. Light-bodied
orchard fruit flavors pick up a tangy lemony quality with air, which
adds verve and backend cut. Easygoing and straightforward chardonnay
with good energy for the money."
2008 Chateau de la Greffiere Macon La
Roche Vineuse "Sous le Bois"; Burgundy, France ($17.99)
Robert Parker's The Wine Advocate 88 points in 2007: "Vincent Greuzard's 2007 Macon-La Roche-Vineuse Sous le Bois offers a
delightful nose of honeysuckle, fresh apple, and chalk dust.
Refreshing, silken-textured, and (for its 13.5% alcohol) surprisingly
delicate on the palate, its understated but persistent finish delivers
subtle notes of lees, chalk, and toasted nuts and grain." |
New in Stock: Beer
Each year we scratch our heads as the full-bodied, spicy fall beers are released while the weather is still blazing hot -- then disappear from stock by the time we would really want to enjoy them. Ever try finding a pumpkin beer at Halloween, no less Thanksgiving?? At any rate, those of you eager for fall can savor these seasonal releases now, or save them for a few weeks, just in case.
Dogfish Head Punkin Ale; Delaware A full-bodied brown ale with smooth hints of pumpkin and brown sugar. Perfect to warm up with as the season cools. 7.0% abv. www.dogfish.com
Cape Ann Brewing Fisherman's Pumpkin Stout; Massachusetts
2007 New England Microbrew Champ and Sil  ver Medal winner at the 2007
Great International Beer Festival. This very unique style is more stout
than the usual "pumpkin pie" ales that are out there, with hints of real
pumpkin & spice and a dark, coffee, stout flavor. www.capeannbrewing.com; Massachusetts
Octoberfest beers are brewed with festivals in mind, and Harpoon Octoberfest is no exception. A complex blend of malt and hops creates a beer whose rich, full-bodied, sweet maltiness is balanced by generous use of hops. 5.5% abv. www.harpoon.com |
Henry's Humidor: Cigar of the Week
Ashton Cabinet #3 ($16)
The Ashton Cabinet is the "White Burgundy" of cigars. "White
Burgundy" gets its rich complex taste from the soil and aging of the grape in
French oak barrels. The Cabinet's 4 to 5 year old Dominican filler blend has a
rich, complex and well rounded taste. The extraordinary Connecticut shade
wrapper is aged for an extra year and has an elegant palamino color resulting in
a smooth and creamy flavor. The Ashton Cabinet includes no less than six
different tobaccos and ends with a "big finish." Seven years pass from seedling
to finished cigar before Ashton Cabinet is brought to fruition and presented for
your smoking pleasure.
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Perfect Pairing Recipe featuring Sullivan Harbor Farm Smoked Salmon
Last week we sampled Sullivan Harbor Farm smoked salmon at our Thursday wine tasting, and were amazed by the wonderful texture and subtle taste of this locally produced delicacy. Think of this as the food equivalent of an organic, boutique wine selection. People who already like smoked salmon were impressed, while others who generally don't enjoy the mass-produced grocery store version became converts. We contacted the company for a recipe, and thought this grown-up take on a classic grilled cheese sandwich would be outstanding with our fabulous new Chardonnay from Australia.
For more information on the company and their commitment to beautifully smoked seafood, visit their website at www.sullivanharborfarm.com
Perfect Pairing Recipe: Smoked Salmon Quesadillas
Wine: 2008 Kilda Chardonnay; Australia
Ingredients:
1 can black beans, drained
1 tbsp. vegetable oil
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 tsp. cumin
1 tsp. ancho chile powder
1 tsp. fresh thyme
1/2 cup chicken broth or stock
Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
6 tbsp. butter
1 large sweet onion, diced
6-8" flour tortillas
1/2 cup shredded cheese - jalapeno jack, monterey jack or cheddar
1/2 pound smoked salmon, cut into 1/4" dice
6 tbsp. sour cream
Leaves from one bunch fresh cilantro
Directions:
1. Make the black bean puree. Add oil to pan and saute garlic until tender, but not brown. Add beans, cumin, chile and thyme, and simmer for 15 minutes.
2. Place beans in a food processor and pulse until smooth, adding chicken stock to make a ketchup-like consistency. Adjust seasoning with salt and pepper.
3. In a saute pan melt butter over very low heat. Add onions and cook until they are tender and wilted, about 10-15 minutes. Drain onions, place in a bowl, and reserve butter.
4. In a 10" saute pan heat 1 tbsp. of the reserved butter. Add tortillas one at a time and brown lightly on both sides, adding butter as necessary. As tortillas are browned remove them to a paper towel and set aside.
5. To assemble quesadillas: Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F. Spread the tortillas in a single layer on 2 baking sheets. Sprinkle each evenly with black bean puree and cheese. Place in the oven until the cheese begins to melt, about 5 minutes.
6. Remove the quesadillas from the oven and place each on a dinner plate. Divide the smoked salmon evenly among the quesadillas. Garnish with caramelized onions, sour cream and cilantro leaves. Serves 6. | |
At Henry's Wine Cellar we hope to provide you with outstanding service and selection, competitive pricing, and exciting special events. Let our beautiful new store be your neighborhood wine shop.
Best wishes,
John Keohane, Owner
Kurt Reming, Manager |
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