11/11/11

            While Saturday will feature our usual wine tasting, all eyes are on Erick's this Friday. You see, the number 11 is an especially powerful number in the science of numerology, one that tends to play out quite negatively for some and very positively for others. Because the 11 is such a highly-charged number, number enthusiasts often perk up at the presence of it -- and this Friday, as you may have already noticed, the date 11/11/11 is coming.   Since you'll all have to wait another hundred years to write this number again (assuming you exercise and watch what you eat), we thought we should do something special to celebrate this date.

            Here's the gimmick, er, deal. Between now and close of business Saturday, buy at least 11 bottles of wine not already on discount and receive an 11% discount. Buy less, save more. We normally give a 10% discount on 12 bottle purchases, so this offer will play out quite positively for you.   Also, you can do this as many times as you wish - buy a second case of 11 and receive another 11% discount on that one as well. And on and on. Don't sit this one out, as this offer will not be repeated until November 11, 2111. Instead of waiting one hundred years,double your discount now to 22% on a second case on a limited few select wines. If you purchase the second select case you your overall discount is 16.5% on both cases.

 SATURDAY TASTE WINES 11.12.11

2009 La Pralurite, Pinot Grigio, Italy, $11.99

2008 Lamadrid, Malbec, Argentina, $13.99

2009 Stepping Stone Red by Cornerstone, Napa, $18.99

2009 Fall Line Winery, Alder Creek Vineyard, Horse Heaven Hills, Red Washington State, $24.99

PAID TASTE FOR AVERY COUNTY HUMANE SOCIETY $5.00 Donation

ORIN SWIFT, ABSTRACT, RED BLEND $39.99

2009 CHATEAUNEUF DU PAPE 

            It turns out that 2009 was another fantastic vintage in the southern Rhône Valley, and no appellation saw better wines than Châteauneuf du Pape. If you love these wines as much as we do, you'll want to pick up a few of these. Here's your opportunity to pick up 11 of these bad boys and reduce the price by 11%.   See the prices below, the second showing the price if bought in an 11-bottle case. These wines are a pre-order, not in stock.

            2009Clos Saint-Jean CNDP Vieilles Vignes ($59.99 / $53.39).If a prize were given to the Rhone Valley estate that had improved the most in the shortest period of time, it would undoubtedly go to that of Pascal and Vincent Maurel, who took over Clos Saint-Jean after their father passed away in 2002. Since then, they have made a succession of world-class wines that are out of this world. One of the largest estates in Chateauneuf du Pape, Clos Saint-Jean has an amazing number of old vine parcels in its 112+ acres (significant holdings in La Crau, in the eastern part of the appellation). No doubt the hiring of renowned oenologist Philippe Cambie has also increased the quality of these offerings.   From Robert Parker: "The 2009 Chateauneuf du Pape Vieilles Vignes reveals supple tannins, a velvety texture, good opulence and low acidity. The wine is full-bodied, less intense in the mid-palate than the 2010, and already complex and evolved. It can be drunk now or cellared for 12-15+ years." 94 Points                

2009 Domaine Gerard Charvin CNDP ($75.99 / $66.99)Beautifully made, traditional wines emerge from Laurent Charvin's estate in the northwestern sector of Chateauneuf du Pape, where the family owns 20+ acres of vines. Everything made here is aged in cement tanks. The Chateauneuf du Pape blend tends to be approximately 85% Grenache and the rest equal parts Syrah, Mourvedre and Vaccarese. From Parker:   "The 2009 Chateauneuf du Pape (which tips the scales around 15% natural alcohol) is a great example of traditional Chateauneuf du Pape winemaking. A dense dark ruby color is followed by a sexy nose of raspberries, ground pepper, spice box, damp earth, kirsch and dark currants. Full-bodied, complex, elegant and already irresistible as the tannins have completely melted away, it can be drunk now and over the next 15+ years."  95 Points                

2009 Domaine de Ferrand CNDP ($75.99 / $66.99).Philippe Bravay fashions some of the most singular and distinctive wines of Chateauneuf du Pape. From Parker: "A candidate for wine of the vintage, the 2009 Chateauneuf du Pape (a tank-aged blend of 90% Grenache and the rest Mourvedre, Syrah and Cinsault from 80+ year old vines) is a naked expression of Chateauneuf du Pape that is pure fruit and complexity. Its dense purple color is followed by aromas of melted licorice, charcuterie, Provencal herbs, black currants, roasted meat, plum sauce, seaweed and licorice. It is incredibly complex in both the aromatics and on the palate, full-bodied and super-rich with sweet tannin and low acidity. Enjoy it over the next 15+ years."  95 Points               

2009 Le Ferme du Mont CNDP "Côtes Capelan" ($75.99 / $66.99).This estate has essentially come out of nowhere under the guidance of the ambitious, talented and still young proprietor and winemaker, Stephane Vedeau. The wines are bottled with neither fining nor filtration). From Parker: "Vedeau's top cuvee is his deep ruby/purple-colored 2009 Chateauneuf du Pape Cotes Capelan. Revealing a cool climate feel, it offers notes of cool red and black cherries, spring flowers, raspberry liqueur and hints of forest floor as well as lavender. Complex, medium to full-bodied and supple with plenty of sweet tannin, it will be even better in several years and should drink well for 15 years."  93 Points

WINTER HOURS

Monday - Thursday  11:00 to 5:30

Friday & Saturday    11:00 to 6:00