 The Good News
100% RSV Grown Carneros Pinot Noir
Organic - CCOF Certified Vineyards
Whole-cluster pressed, never saignée
Free Run - No skin, seed or stem contact
during fermentation.
Pure - Never blended for color
Produced in small batches since 1991
Limited production, yields determine quantity
Rated 90+
Robert Sinsky:
"Almost twenty five years ago, I watched one of my favorite wine styles, rosé, get molested on the altar of commerce. I was afraid if we didn't do something soon, it would forever be tarnished with a bad reputation. The culprit was sugar-laced White Zinfandel. It ruled the shelves and created moguls out of farmers. The problem was not that it just pushed rosé out of the mindshare of "real" wine drinkers, it was tarnishing rosé's image as the ultimate food wine.
Two decades later, some people still can't shake the image that all rosé is sickly sweet, but one by one, the "cool" kids flaunted the status-quo with their pink cred, accepting dry rosé like never before. Pink is finally ready for its close up and, unlike the early days, it is our fastest selling wine. It only goes to show that if you do something you believe in, you will find kindred souls who like to break bread and share a pink-induced smile.
Dedicating your top Pinot Noir vineyards to rosé is a fool's folly. I guess we're fools - but the only way to make great rosé is to start with great grapes from great vineyards. RSV's Vin Gris of Pinot Noir is made from several blocks of RSV's CCOF certified organic vineyards in the Carneros... grapes are never purchased for this wine... ever!
The grapes are night harvested by hand, whole cluster pressed at dawn, and cool fermented with no wood contact for a pure, vibrant, living wine.
A captivating jewel-like glint of pale pink attracts the eye. Taking a sip is like biting into a crisp, ripe nectarine with citrus, pear, and slate. The wine is delicious with youthful vivaciousness, but will only become more enticing as it develops a savory quality. Take with food." We have just one case.
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This Friday Night
We welcome back Mr. Stefan Wich from the venerable Hartley & Parker group. After a good bit of discussion Stefan would like to showcase these wines on Friday night. Please join us 5-8 PM - no charge.
FULGET ALBARINO
With a pale straw color very bright, this albariño is full of freshness, with a remarkable intensity. Nuances of citric, apple, flowers and fresh herbs. In the mouth is also very fresh and fruity with a lively acidity and wonderful harmony. Recommendations Suitable as an accompaniment to hors d´oeuvres, shellfish, fish, rice, dishes, white meats and oriental cuisine. Serve this wine all summer long. Steamers, shrimp, fish sandwiches, and pic-nicks at Harness. They are all perfect matches. |
Xiloca
89 Points - Wine Advocate
Ribera del Jiloca is the highest growing region in Zaragoza province, located in the mountainous geographic center of the region of Aragón. Vineyard elevations range between 2900 and 4000 feet, and the slopes consist primarily of exposed slate. Climate is Continental with mild Mediterranean influence, and it is widely thought that the Garnacha variety originated here.
José Antonio Martín was born and raised in the high, remote Jiloca River Valley, and fondly recalls a youth spent among the vineyards of his forefathers in Murero's Pago de la Moratilla. Returning later in life with friends including noted Spanish wine authorities, the latent treasure of the area's nearly forgotten old Garnacha vines was clear. In 2001, a partnership was formed to recuperate the old vines of the family estate and gradually acquire additional plots of old vines from local growers looking to retire.
One hundred percent Garnacha from old vines planted primarily in red clay soils. Bottled without oak. A spicy, forward and versatile wine with a fresh, juicy flavor and finish. This may be one of the best BBQ wines we had in a very long time.
Please try it on Friday night.
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Whispering AngelAs noted above it is time to reconsider rosé. Whispering Angel is an affordable luxury that you really need to try.
Financial Times Of London:"This is a superb vintage of Whispering Angel and my only quibble with the silky smooth, haunting wild red berry fruit notes is the apparent juiciness on the finish. I would prefer it to have more of a snap of acidity on the finish, shocking the palate back into order, but notto worry. The faint cherry nuances are delicious and lip-smacking and if you chill it down ice cold I would wager you could drink it from midday to midnight without a care in the world."Drink Different.
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WHISKEY NEWS
BRECKENRIDGE BOURBON WHISKEY
BACK IN STOCK You can almost taste the pure, clean Rocky Mountain snowmelt used in the proofing of Breckenridge bourbon. This high-rye content whiskey is produced in the Colorado Rockies in the highest distillery in the country, so instead of bold smoky-sweet, caramel-forward notes you'd expect from a bourbon, Breckenridge offers a silky smooth, almost vegetal taste, with a gentle tingle of a burn. It's got a slightly bitter finish more reminiscent of an unpeated Scotch, making this surprisingly subtle, small-batch bourbon one of the best sipping whiskeys around.
If You Reserved A Bottle - it is safe. (You Know Who You Are)
PENDLETON BLENDED CANADIAN WHISKY
A few years back, I was looking for a go-to standard without the familiar, harsh bite of Jameson or Bushmills, or the hefty price tag of Red Breast. I love Pendleton's slightly sweeter, bourbon-like profile, with hints of raisins and toast and a rich flavor reminiscent of a pecan pie, with plenty of deep-caramel goodness. It is just the thing for a shot added to hot drink on chilly evenings, or when I'm making Irish coffee for Sunday brunch with friends.
DARK HORSE DISTILLERY RESERVE BOURBON
This small-batch bourbon, made in Kansas City using locally sourced corn and rye, comes in sexy, hand-numbered and signed bottles-which I love-but it's the smooth, smoky, leather-and-maple flavor, which owes its clean finish to copper still distillation (a process more typical in Scotch production), that makes this one of my favorite bourbons for sipping neat.
BALCONES RUMBLE
Rumble isn't exactly easy to categorize-it's something between a mead, a whiskey, and an eau de vie-but it is a supremely drinkable spirit, fruity and sweet but not at all cloying. The yellow gold-colored spirit smells like a fresh garden, while on the palate you get gentle spice with notes of dried fig, citrus, brown sugar, and hints of rosemary. It's perfect over ice, and I suspect it would play nicely with pear or apple in a cocktail.
Just five years ago, Balcones was little more than an idea fueled by a ruthless drive to create something new, something genuine, something worthwhile - a Texas whisky tradition.
In Stock - but it does go quickly.
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BUZZ -
CALENDAR:
Friday April 4
Mr. Stefan Wich - Hartley & Parker
Friday May 2nd - Chateau Lamothe
Meet Damien Chombart
"Wine School" - No Charge
The Loire Valley
860-443-6817
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Of Note
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Moonstruck
Easter Chocolates
Are Arriving
MARGAUX
Confidences de
Prieure Lichine
Rated 90 Points
Soft, round, ripe and filled with black and dark red berries, licorice and earth, the wine ends with fresh, plums, spice and blackberry.
The final blend is 65% Cabernet Sauvignon, 30% Merlot and 5% Petit Verdot. $38
Great Bordeaux does not have to break the bank. CHATEAU BELLEVUE PEYCHARNEAU
This Chateau has been winning awards for its wines in national and regional competitions over the past several years. These fine wines have also been highly recommended by the 'Guide Hachette', France's premier wine guidebook.
 Rated 89 Points Wine Spectator Gold Medal in Bordeaux 2013 Bronze Medal PARIS 2012
"Dark mocha and espresso notes lead the way, melded to a core of plush plum, blackberry paste and fig fruit. The roasted, smoky finish shows enough of a graphite edge to stay honest. Though a bit revved up, this is enjoyable now." - $19
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Italians Know How To Drink - Yes?
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Il Ugo Spritz
Every day as stylish Italians in the Veneto finish their day of work, they stop at a local spot and order a "Spritz." A delightful combination of sparkling wine and a splash of aparol. A bitter orange concoction like Campari.
As the warmer weather arrives this is something that you should try.
They come in single sized bottles and will surprise you with a tart bite that somehow relaxes you.
All-natural aromas, harmoniously combined with exotic fruit notes and the enticing bitterness of citrus.
Food Matches:
Various finger foods, cured meats, cheeses and grilled vegetables, appetizers of any kind.
Serve:
Serve chilled, in a wide tumbler with plenty of ice and a slice of orange or olive.
Try It On Friday Night |
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 Imported Cheese
 Well Stocked Humidor
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Please Join Us
Its Fun, Informal &
A Great Way To Start
Your Weekend
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