Notes From Doug 

It's been a while since I have sent an update of new wine & beer arrivals so lots to share with you including some fantastic wines & beers open for tasting all day Friday and Saturday! Below you will find an updated list of both with something for everyones palate including lots of top rated wines and beers! In addition there are at least 10 wines that are rated 90 Points or better from around the world all in stock now! Stop in to see what's new and let up help pick out that special bottle for your Valentine or just for you!

Save the date March 19^th for an Incredible upcoming wine dinner featuring the Incredible Pinot Noirs of Patricia Green! Details soon! Email me if you would like to reserve seating now!

Lastly below be sure to check out our 100 Point Collectible Wine along with our weekly featured wines open for FREE tasting anytime during business hours along with our Collectible Wine feature and a great recipe too!

We thank you for your business and look forward to serving you soon.

Cheers
 

Wines of the Week

See the wines highlighted below that we have open for tasting all Day Friday & Saturday!!

(Oregon) Lumos Wine Co Rose of Pinot Noir Willamette Valley 2013

Reg. $24.99 Now $14.99 Closeout Save 40%

BTI 89 Points Wren and Temperance Hill vineyards with a touch of barrel time,   Steely pink red color. Aromas of dried strawberry with a dry light-to-medium body and a tangy orange cream, pepper, melon and silky finish. Interesting aromas and flavors with great structure. 231 cases. 12.5% alc.  Drink now.

(Washington) Bergevin Lane  "Love Struck" Viognier Columbia Valley 2012  

Reg $23.99 Now was $17.99 closeout Save 25%

Wine Enthusiast 90 points and Editors Choice "The 8% splash of Roussanne in this blend, contributes to the lovely complexity of the opening aromas. Sweet citrus, honey and tea flavors combine, while keeping the palate light and focused. Complex hints of lemon meringue, vanilla cream and toasted coconut keep it lively and interesting through to the finish." RHWG..drink now to 2016.

(California) Iron Horse Blanc de Blanc 2005 (Limited)

Reg. $44.99  Now $29.99 save 33%

 Winemaker's Notes The most distinctive and elegant of the Iron Horse cuvées, made from 100% Chardonnay, this vintage is aged an average of 4 plus years on the yeast. It is ethereal - like drinking a cloud. It seems to effervesce away in your mouth and tastes like, among other flavors, a perfectly browned, lightly buttered slice of sourdough toast. A natural on Sunday morning with a beautiful, juicy melon. It is a sensational match with oysters, smoked salmon, caviar and pate. Ideal with roast chicken because it adds a clean, lemony flavor to the dish.

Wine & Spirits 92 Points- "A rich sparkler, this focuses on a through line of tart apple flavor. It's crisp and clean, with firm leesiness adding a smoky bass note. Serve it now with a seafood terrine, or age it a year or two for Dungeness crab."

Wine Enthusiast 91 Points- "The 2005 vintage was a very great one for Iron Horse. This 100% Chardonnay reflects the perfect growing conditions. It's dry and especially elegant, with rich brioche, lime and green apple flavors, and a firm minerality in the finish. Drink Now"

NEW Beers

Southern Tier Crème Brulee Stout 22oz $8.49 (Open to taste)

Troegs Nugget Nectar Imperial Amber 6pk/12oz $13.99 (Open to taste)

Crabbies Ginger Beer 4pk/12oz $9.99

Crabbies Spiced Orange Ginger beer 4pk/12oz $9.99

Crabbies Alcoholic Lemonade 4pk/12oz $9.99

Hardywood Great Return West Coast IPA 4pk/16 oz cans $11.49

Crispin Original Natural Hard Apple Cider 4pk/12oz $7.99

Crispin Natural Hard Cider Blackberry Pear  4pk/12oz $7.99

Bold Rock Pear Cider 6pk/12oz $10.49

Blue Mountain Brewery Kolsch Cans 6pk/12oz $9.99

Angry Orchard Traditional Dry Cider 6pk/12oz $9.99

Blue Point Blueberry Ale 6pk/12oz $9.99

Full Sail Session Lager 6pk/12oz $8.99

Chase Mountain Squatsh Ale 6pk/12oz $10.49

Belhaven Scottish Ale 6pk/12oz $12.99

Devils Backbone Striped Bass Pale Ale Cans 6pk/12oz $10.49

Devils Backbone Four Point IPA Cans 6pk/12oz $10.49

Starr Hill Little Red Rooster Coffee Cream Stout 4pk/12oz $10.99

RJ Rocker Hop Quake IPA 6pk/12oz $9.99

Hardywood Raspberry Stout 750ml $9.99

Erdinger Gift Set 5 beers and glass 5/16.9oz $17.99

South Street Brewery Lager 6pk/12oz $10.49

Anderson Valley Gose 6pk/12oz $10.99

Collectible Wine Spotlight

(France/Bordeaux) Chateau Pontet Canet Pauillac 2009

Robert Parkers Wine Advocate 100 Points - "An amazing wine in every sense, this classic, full-bodied Pauillac is the quintessential Pontet Canet from proprietor Alfred Tesseron, who continues to reduce yields and farms his vineyards biodynamically - a rarity in Bordeaux. Black as a moonless night, the 2009 Pontet Canet offers up notes of incense, graphite, smoke, licorice, creme de cassis and blackberries. A wine of irrefutable purity, laser-like precision, colossal weight and richness, and sensational freshness, this is a tour de force in winemaking that is capable of lasting 50 or more years. The tannins are elevated, but they are sweet and beautifully integrated as are the acidity, wood and alcohol (which must be in excess of 14%). This vineyard, which is situated on the high plateau of Pauillac adjacent to Mouton Rothschild, appears to have done everything perfectly in 2009. This cuvee should shut down in the cellar and re-open in a decade or more. Anticipated maturity: 2025-2075. " RHWG - This will arrive in March.

Bottle $410

2 bottles 15% off $348.50

6 bottles 20% off $328.00

Featured Recipe

*These are some tried and true recipes I have acquired over the years! I hope you will try them and let me know how they turn out for you. Enjoy!

Chocolate Bourbon Pecan Pie

a repeat but a great dessert to make for your Valentine!

INGREDIENTS:

1 (9 inch) pie shell, 1 cup white sugar, 1 cup light corn syrup, 1/2 cup butter, 4 eggs, beaten, 1/4 cup bourbon, 1 teaspoon vanilla extract, 1/4 teaspoon salt, 6 ounces semisweet chocolate chips, 1 cup chopped pecans

DIRECTIONS:

Preheat oven to 325 degrees F (165 degrees F). In a small saucepan combine sugar, corn syrup, and butter or margarine. Cook over medium heat, stirring constantly, until butter or margarine melts and sugar dissolves. Cool slightly.

In a large bowl combine eggs, bourbon, vanilla, and salt. Mix well. Slowly pour sugar mixture into egg mixture, whisking constantly. Stir in chocolate chips and pecans. Pour mixture into pie shell.

Bake in preheated oven for 50 to 55 minutes, or until set and golden. May be served warm or chilled.

Try a nice LBV or Vintage port or a French Banyuls and enjoy!

(Virginia) THE WILLIAMSBURG WINERY Acte 12 of 1619 Chardonnay 2012

Bottle $21.99     10% off mix 6 $19.79   15% off mix 12 $18.69

100% Chardonnay. Showing lovely balance and richness, with some forward fruit notes of pear, apple, banana. Very pleasant creamy vanilla and lemon characters and a touch of tropical notes, and a hint of almond and fresh cut hay, helps with the overall complexity. The oak is wonderfully integrated into the wine and adds to the long soft finish.

Red

(Australia) Hardys Nottage Hill Shiraz 2012

Bottle $12.99 10% off mix 6 $11.69   15% off mix 12 $10.99

A solid Shiraz, rich, with flavors of blackcurrant, chocolate and spice, complemented by fine oak and a long smooth finish. Drink now to 2016.

(Australia) Hardys Nottage Hill Pinot Noir 2012

Bottle $12.99 10% off mix 6 $11.69     15% off mix 12 $10.99

Ken's Wine Review Best Buy!" Readers always ask me to recommend Good Pinot under $15. Those that Ifind and can recommend below $15 are few. However, this red ruby one is Good and is a nice value option. It opens with a raspberry like bouquet. On the palate, this wine is medium bodied, balanced, and easy to drink. The flavor profile is a mild plum with hints of gentle oak. The finish is dry and its flavors and mild tannins linger slightly. I would pair this good Pinot with a BLT sandwich. Enjoy - Ken"

(Argentina) Finca Decero Mendoza Malbec Remolinos Vineyard 2012

Bottle $17.99 10% off mix 6 $16.19 15% off Mix 12 $15.29

Tanzers International Wine Cellar 90 Points- "Full red-ruby. Pure aromas of blackberry, licorice, bitter chocolate and violet. Juicy, concentrated and refined, showing a restrained sweetness and good medicinal reserve to the flavors of darkest berries, mocha and bitter chocolate. Finishes smooth and persistent, with a serious dusting of fine-grained tannins and lingering dark berry and licorice notes." Drink now to 2018.

(Argentina) Chakana Estate 2013 Estate Selection Red Blend, Mendoza

(Very Limited)

Bottle $25.99 10% off mix 6 $23.39 15% off   Mix 12 $22.09

Juan Pelizzatti walked the province of Mendoza in search of suitable land to cultivate, and found 360 acres of in Lujan de Cuyo. A few old Malbec vines were still alive so he sustained these and planted new ones, thus founding Chakana. The name means "Southern Cross" and signifies the bridge between Mother Earth and the spiritual world in ancient Incan culture. Vines are planted at a nearly exact 45 degree North-West axis, which not only has spiritual significance in Incan culture, but ensures grapes aren't hit with direct sun exposure at the hottest part of the day, around 3pm. With careful attention to detail like this, grapes are given the chance to achieve optimal flavor balance and structure. This red blend is among their top wines, made from the best grape selection sourced from their two estate vineyards. A blend of 60% Malbec, 20% Cabernet Sauvignon and 20% Shiraz aged 10 months in 100% new French oak. It shows mouthfilling ripe blackberry, dark chocolate, anise seed, minerals and smoke on a silky, elegant frame.   Drink now to 2022.  I met founder Juan Pelizzatti on a trip to Argentina a few years ago and can tell you his vision is to become one of the top 20 exporters of wine from Argentina by consistently offering outstanding value for money.  This wine is another fine example of his philosophy.

(California) Jenica Peak Coastal Pinot Noir 2012

Bottle $11.99 10% off mix 6 $10.79   15% off mix 12 $10.19

The grapes for Jenica Peak Pinot Noir were sourced from some of finest vineyards throughout California's Central Valley. aromas of Italian plums and Bing cherries evolve from the deep bowl of your wine glass. The expressive palate is lifted by vibrant, dark fruit, mature acidity and gentle, round tannins. Drink now to 2016.

(France/Burgundy) Josephine Dubois Bourgogne Pinot Noir 2010

We take pride in finding some of the best wine values in the worlds greatest wine growing regions. Here's one not to miss. Lovely ruby red color offering bright Burgundian strawberry aromas with just a touch of earth, round and rich fruit flavors are supple and medium bodied with balanced tannins and finesse. Light to medium bodied. Drink now.

(Oregon) Eola Hills Willamette Valley Pinot Noir 2012

Bottle $21.99     10% off mix 6 $19.79   15% off mix 12 $18.69

Wine Enthusiast 89 Points! You can't do much better than this well-made wine from a top-flight vintage. Brambly black cherry fruit carries a streak of cola, with ripe, moderate tannins balancing out a medium-long finish. Drink now to 2017.

(Oregon) Left Coast Cellars Willamette Pinot Noir Cali's Cuvee 2012

Bottle $23.99     10% off Mix 6 $21.59     15% off mix 12 $20.39  

Solid Case Deal $19.99

Wine Enthusiast 92 Points Given extra bottle age, this is drinking optimally at the moment, with a spicy, brambly nose mixing blackberries, mint and chocolate covered cherries.There is a scent of fresh cut wood also,and a mouthful of fruit and barrel flavors that are both nicely integrated and complementary.The long finish lingers into a resonant note of black tea. Drink now to 2017.

(Oregon) Andrew Rich Pinot Noir Willamette Valley Prelude 2012

Bottle $26.99 10% off mix 6 $24.2915% off Mix 12 $22.94

Wine Spectator 91 Points Fresh and expressive, with pretty plum and currant fruit at the core, shaded by hints of cream and spice as the finish lingers delicately. This has presence and delicacy. Drink now through 2022. 1,450 cases made.-H.S.

(Oregon) Maison L'Envoye Two Messengers Willamette Pinot Noir 2012

Bottle $34.99  10% off mix 6 $31.4915% off mix 12 $29.74

Wine Spectator 92 Points Crisp, focused and expressive, broadening out on the finish into a panoply of gorgeous black fruit, meaty and spicy notes that sing in harmony as the finish lingers deftly. Drink now through 2022.

(Oregon) Adelsheim Pinot Noir Willamette Valley 2012

Bottle $35.99  10% off mix 6 $32.3915% off Mix 12 $30.59

Wine Spectator 92 points "Taut, tart and surprisingly generous, blooming with juicy, cranberry-accented blackberry, cherry and spice flavors that linger easily

on the sharp-edged finish. Best from 2016 through 2020.-H.S."

(Oregon) Arterberry Maresh Maresh Vineyard Willamette Valley Pinot Noir 2012

Bottle $69.99 10% off mix 6 $62.99   15% off mix 12 $59.49

The 2011 was rated 95 by Parker and I expect the same or higher for this incredible 2012. This is the best Pinot on this list period. The Maresh vineyard is a coveted source for several other wineries as well, from Rex Hill to Teutonic Wine Company. The Maresh family farms Pommard and Wadenswil Pinot Noir from 1970, 1974 plantings and own-rooted Chardonnay from 1974 and 1983 plantings. Ranging from 500' to 800' elevation, these high elevation vines experience a long hang-time and are the last to ripen. The vineyard is managed by Jim Maresh Sr., Martha Maresh, and Steve Mikami. Maresh Vineyard is Jim's reference point for Dundee Hills Pinot Noir. It is the most complex and layered Pinot Noir. It tends towards pure flavors of concentrated red berries, black tea, sandalwood, floral tones, stony spice, and berry bramble. The silken tannins and long, intricate mouth feel speak to the truly elegant profile of this wine, which always benefits from ample air upon opening." Drink now to 2020.

(Portugal) DFJ Vinhos Portada Winemaker's Selection Tinto Red 2011

Bottle $8.99 10% off mix 6 $8.09 15% off   Mix 12 $7.64

Wine Enthusiast 90 Points #8 Wine Value in the World 2014 A dark colored, dense wine that is rich and firmly structured. Aged in wood, it holds flavors of plum and berry fruits balanced with a fresh acidity. Drink now to 2020.  RHWG - this wine will age and also drinks nicely now.

(Virginia) THE WILLIAMSBURG WINERY J. Andrewes Merlot 2012

Bottle $13.99     10% off mix 6 $12.59   15% off mix 12 $11.89

100% Merlot. Nuances of blackberry, strawberry, raspberry, blueberry, and cherry. On top of the berries is a soft cocoa note, along with a touch of darker aged fruits. The complexity is rounded out with pleasant old world earthiness, enhanced by firm, yet approachable tannins. The oak is balanced into the beautiful multiple layers.

(Virginia) THE WILLIAMSBURG WINERY Lord Botetourt Red 2012

Bottle $21.99     10% off mix 6 $19.79   15% off mix 12 $18.69

38% Merlot, 31% Petit Verdot, 31% Cabernet Franc. This wine present many layers, and is well balanced. The fruit forward aspect has jammy strawberry and cherry notes. The earthiness layer shows some olive and mushroom, with hints of pepper, floral, and cocoa. Long finish and a pleasant mouthfeel and the oak is well integrated.

(Virginia) THE WILLIAMSBURG WINERY Vin Licoreux de Framboise 375ml

Wine with Raspberry

Bottle $17.99 10% off mix 6 $16.19 15% off Mix 12 $15.29

A luscious dessert wine that is a blend of raspberry and red wine, comprised predominately of Merlot. Ultimately the raspberry character is the most forward with the red grape wine following on the back palette. Serve lightly chilled for an after dinner drink or anything with the word chocolate in it.

Find us on Relay Foods!

If you find it hard to get in the store sometimes, did you know that you can find many of our wines and beers on Relay Foods at www.relayfoods.com This is just another great way to access many of our products online and pick them up at designated spots in Charlottesville, Staunton, Fishersville, Harrisonburg, Culpeper and Lynchburg.  Home delivery is also available.  We have just updated and added many new items for your shopping pleasure. Shop anytime and place orders online and then pick up your items at designated convenient locations. Almost our entire beer selection is available here as well. Shopping online has never been easier. Go to

www.Relayfoods.com and select your area, view pick up locations and browse our selections. It has never been more convenient to shop at Rio Hill Wine & Gourmet! We can also add any item here you would like so let us know of special requests and we can add to the site for your shopping convenience. Please spread the word as this is a great way to take advantage of our store and products!

Thank you for helping us spread the word that we are located in the Rio Hill Shopping Center! Please tell your friends and neighbors about us.  We appreciate your business and look forward to serving you soon.