SO MANY NEW PRODUCTS TO TASTE & EVALUATE... WHAT A GREAT TIME TO HAVE SO MANY WONDERFUL CHOICES!
WINE / BEER / LIQUOR / LIQUEUR / CIDER / WATER ... we see and taste and choose so many
" new " products weekly! I just found many " new and exciting " ones to include in this Tuesday store email which will be good for two weeks as I will not have a chance to write and send one next Tuesday! Lots to choose from, lots to catch your attention.
I WANT TO INCLUDE YOU ALL MORE in the activities and selections here. This is increasingly important to us here as we try and chart both for you to enjoy and share with family and friends.
AS A SMALL STORE/ BUSINESS we are facing daily the encroachment of larger businesses that pay their lawyers at local levels to argue that " they just want to be more to their customers . " My answer to that is that we all want that. But we respect many of the traditional boundaries of how to conduct business . They, in my humble opinion do not.
YOU MAY HAVE NOTICED on our Facebook Page at : Cleveland Park Wines & Spirits that I have began to include stories and shopping experiences of our customers, using just their first names to give them credibility but to not give more away than necessary. I just want to show the variety and the richness of things that happen here as business gets done and we share with each other. It's enriching, I love it, one of the main reasons I have never gotten tired of helping customers.
I HOPE YOU LIKE THESE STORIES, some of which I include here, and some of which go directly to our Facebook page that I add to daily, even on the weekends when I am off! Here's one for you from this past week:
JEFF, HE LIVES JUST DOWN THE STREET, comes in wearing a deep purple T-shirt with ivory-white lettering across the front of it spelling the word WASHINGTON. He needed a gift and he wanted it from Washington State. I sold him a bottle of the POMUM CELLARS dry red Bordeaux blend that included 20% of Syrah ( $31.99 a bottle ). It's from Woodinville, WA. Jeff did not know it but he said he lived very close to Woodinville and had all kinds of questions as I told him about it. I can't wait to find out how it went Jeff?
I ALSO SHOWED JEFF A BOTTLE of the POMUM CELLARS 2009 Tempranillo from Columbia Valley, $35.99, 14.3% alcohol by volume ) : " This classic varietals of Spain where Tempranillo is king, are finally making their way to the unique wine regions of Washington State. This unlikely union inspired our winery and is showcased in our Tinto bland. " The owner and winemaker comes from Spain, and this dry red Tempranillo has elegance, refinement, power, structure, perfume ann lovely character : medium-bodied, a real treat to enjoy as it will complement many a meal. What a fine wine, Michel and I really like it.
ANOTHER FUN STORY : Rachel is just discovering our Picpoul de Pinet HB from Les Costieres de Pomerols 34810, this 2012 from the Coteaux du Languedoc in Southwest, France, $8.99, 12.5% alcohol by volume. She had never tried it so I said that she must absolutely try it and share it with her family and friends. Linda, a regular customer that loves it was paying at the register and I called out to her and asked her to tell Rachel about the wine. Linda did in glowing terms and that clinched the sale. Thanks for the assist on the sale Linda. That's how it often happens here.
RAVI IS STILL WITH US through the end of October, so, if you have not said your" good byes " yet you still have time. Come by soon though.
HERE ARE EXCITING NEW ALES, BEER & CIDER From Santos :
CIDER :
1) THIRSTY Cross Cider Premium Scottish Cider ( On Special for $4.99, a 16.9 Fl. Oz bottle, 6.9% alcohol by volume, go to :www.Orchardgate@thirstycross.co.uk for more info ) : made from Scottish apples in small batches, and it's glutten-free and really tasty and distinct. What fun, what taste.
ALE :
1) Fall Hornin' Pumpkin Ale from ANDERSON VALLEY Brewing Company , Ale Brewed with Pumpkin and Spices ( On Special for $11.99 a 6-pack of 12-ounce cans, 6% alcohol by volume,, since 1987, Boonville, CA. Get some while you still can, they are disappearing quickly!
2) " Big " A IPA India Pale Ale from the SMUTTYNOSE Brewing Company ( $12.99 a 4-pack of 12-ounce bottles, from Portsmouth, New Hampshire, ) : " Ever since Stash inspired this Imperial IPA for our Big Beer Series, Big A IPA has gotten a lot of attention. ... more hops, more malt & more flavor ... big flavorful ... any time you want. "
BEER :
1) " Peachie Wheat " Peach Beer from the CROWN VALLEY Brewing ( On Special for $9.99 a 6-pack of 12-ounce bottles, 5.5% alcohol by volume, brewedand bottled in Ste. Genevieve, Missouri , go to :www.crownvalleybrewery.com ) : brewing a Missouri legend, " Our Pe achie Wheat takes the great aspects of an American wheat beer and pairs them with the lightly sweet and fruity characteristics of fresh Missouri peaches. "
BRANDY, LIQUOR & LIQUEUR From Ravi :
1) Imported Aguardiente CRISTAL ( $15.99, 750ml bottle, 30% alcohol by volume, product of Columbia ) from the Industria Licorera de Caldas. Our Columbian customres are always really disappointed any time that we are out of this : it's an important staple here. We have to have it as we have a number of customers from Columbia that like shopping here : good people.
2) " VOIVODA " Original Artisan Spirits Pear Brandy Domaca Rakija ( $33.99 750ml bottle, Product of Serbia, 42% alcohol by volume,kosher forPassover , ) : double-distilled, 100% natural , made of fruit from the family's own estate, handcrafted, limited quantity ... enjoy on it's own or add to cocktails.
3) The King's Ginger Liqueur by the Berry Brothers & Rudd ( $42.99, 41% alcohol by volume, product of Holland ) : " This emphatically ginger liqueur was specifically formulated by Berry Bros. in 1903 for King Edward VII. Rich and zesty, it has been appreciated by bon viveurs, sporting gentlemen and high-spirited ladies ever since, "
4) Aged 12 Years GLEN GARIOCH , Highland Single Malt Scotch Whisky ( $65.99, since 1891, Aberdeenshire, Scotland, 48% alcohol by volume ) : " The location chosen by John & Alexander Manson for their new malt whisky distillery in 1797 was an obvious one. Oldmeldrum, in the celebrated valley of the Garioch, was named the 'granary of Aberdeenshire ' , famous for producing the finest golden barley in all of Scotland. .... Tasting Notes : Fresh heather, rich, poached pears and the sweetest of malted barley;Creme brulee, sweet ripe fruits and just a hint of oak give this GLEN GARIOCH a long and memorable finish. "
5) Premium Gi n from DELAWARE Distilling Company ( $30.99 a 750ml bottle, 40% alcohol by volume, distilled and bottled by DDC, LLC , Rehobeth Beach, DE, 100% made from grain , go to :www.delewaredistillingcompany.com for more info ) " Distilled eight times for an ultra smooth finish, with blood orange and a secret botanical blend. "
6) RHUM Agricole Blanc of NEISSON. Rum from Martinique, made by Thieubert-Carbet ( $29.99 a full lier bottle, 50% alcohol by volume, appellation d'origine controlee ) : " in Martinique - French West Indies - the uncontested home of rhum agricole, where endless discussions wax eloquently over the comparative qualities of its different sugar cane spirits, everyone agrees on thesuperior rank of NEISSON Rhums. Only the freshest sugarcane , grown on the volcanic foothills of the Mont Pelee and harvested at its peak of maturity, is used to make our fine rhums. Taste the difference. "
WINE From Michel & Tony :
UNDER $10 VALUES :
1) Malbec 2012 from PARADOS, Mendoza, Argentina ( $8.99, 14% alcohol by volume, from Villafane y Guzman , Barracas , go to :www.donmanuelvillafane.com for more info ) : this Malbec is showing beautifully. I tried it recently with Dan Terrasa and it is round and full and bright and generous : great satisfying mouth-feel now, ahora, agora! No need to wait, buy lots and enjoy through all this government and Congress indecision/ inaction. It's a fine glass of dry red wine.
2) Juan Gregorio BAZAN Reserva 2012 Malbec from Mendoza, Argentina ( $9.99, 14.5% alcohol by volume, from Canal San Martin, Rodeo del Medio, Maipu turns the heat up, gives more weight and power ) : two malbecs here to try on for mouth-feel and pleasure and decide how and when to serve them both?!
3) Garnacha Old Vine from the CAMPOS De LUZ 2011 from Arinena, Spain ( $8.99, 13.5% alcohol by volume, origen Carinena ) : both Michel and I liked this, the balance, the mouth-feel, the pith and it's character from old vines Grenache/ Garnacha that usually mean more than 50 years of age to the vines. This takes away the sharpness and the roughness and yields that lovely full and rich mid-core of flavors that is si amazingly satisfying, and for only $8.99 Ernie!
4) Torrontes Estate-Bottled 2013 Valle de Cafayate, Argentina ( On Special for $9.99 a bottle, 13% alcohol by volume, go to : www.pampabev.com ) : aromatic, lovely open freshness and brightness and yet some really nice dryness and tighter body and flavors that suggest more fruitiness in the bouquet but upon taste are quite dry and reserved and perfect for many a meal in this Indian summer.
WHITE :
1) Insolia Dry White grape variety making this " Tenuta Ibidini " from Sicily by the VALLE DELL'ACATE ( $13.99, 12.5% alcohol by volume ) is amazingly fresh and vibrant and a pure joy to sip or enjoy with a meal. Wonderful ! Made from 100% Insolia indigenous grapes.
2) Chardonnay 2012 from Mendoza, Argentina's DON MANUEL VILLAFANE Estate ( $12.99, 13.2% alcohol by volume ) : made from 100% Chardonnay grapes, medium-bodied on the palate, well-balanced, good acidity, hints of pineapple and citrus flavors to give it some real excitement!
3) Txakoli 2011 MOKOROA , dry brisk, crisp, rippling and zesty-zippy-a flavor and a tartness to be reckoned with : best with food. Makes a lovely dry statement that many a shellfish or a paella dish - some fried calamari, many tapas ... get the idea, this is a versatile wine that will refresh and please the palate as well as challenge it, too. Great value, too!
4) 2010 Macon-Fuisse dry white French Burgundy 100% Chardonnay from Sophie Cinier ( On Special for $21.99, regularly $27.99, 13.5% alcohol by volume ) , this dry and flavorful and charming and fragrant mineral-laden white from the town of Fuisse is amazing, it blew me away, I absolutely LOVED it, I did, wow! What a fine white burgundy, cheers, sante Sophie!
5) Muscadet Sevre Et Maine Sur Lie 20012 from the CLOS Des GRANDS PRIMOS ( $15.99, 12% alcohol by volume ) is flavorful, rich, complex, tightly-focused and firmly-fleshed and , again, I LOVED this Muscadet! We enjoyed having Stephane Defot pour it for you all this past Saturday here. It was probably my favorite wine poured and I would have loved to enjoy some outside on a patio of a cafe with a meal of steamed scallops, French bread and real butter and a bottle of this FABulous CLOS! Cheers!!
SPARKLING :
1) Cremant Dry Sparkling French Loire Valley sparkling white blend from the CHATEAU PIEGUE ( $19.99, 13% alcohol by volume ) is a clean, crisp, steely, bristle-ling-bing-ring0ring-ringing fresh and lively blend of 50% Chardonnay, 40% Chenin Blanc and 10% Cabernet Fr anc. LOVE it, most everyone here did. It's especially fun and tasty and so over-delivers for the price. Set the mood with a bottle of this Cremant fro CHATEAU PIEGUE!
REDS :
1) MEDIEVO Seleccion Especial 2010 dry red Spanish Rioja Tempranillo, $11.99, 13% alcohol by volume : a fresh , fruit-forward, lighter, more pleasing red berry flavors with less bite and tartness : a creamy smooth taste that is great for sipping and needs no food! medium-to-light-bodied, LOVELY and what a value.
2) Chateauneuf-Du-Pape 2010 from the DOMAINE JULIETTE AVRIL ( On Special for $32.99, regularly $39.99, 14% alcohol by volume ) : wait on this some more, great price, BUY IT tomorrow and save 20% OFF this SALE PRICE and put it away so you may enjoy it at it's best in another 5-10 years! Great wine, great vintage, great price! Highly recommended, just tasted here this past Saturday with Stephane Defot.
3) 2006 ALOXE-CORTON 1er Cru " Clos Du Chapitre " from the DOMAINE FOLLIN-ARBELET ( On Special for $55.99 , regularly $65.99 ) is now drinking like a dream. So much going on, so many layers - feuilles - of flavors! Like a pastry that is weighty and airy all at the same time, with spaces to rest and others to be challenged and conquered! This is a lovely treat to buy and enjoy as the weather gets colder and you need to make a further statement! Both Michel and I loved it, really were conquered ourselves!
WEEKLY WEDNESDAY Madeira, Marsala, Port, Sake, Sherry and Still ( Non-Spar kling ) 3-Part WINE SALE :
1) BUY any of the categories listed above for over $20 a bottle and SAVE 20% OFF the marked sticker prices.
2) BUY any six or more bottles of the categories listed above and SAVE 15% OFF the marked sticker prices.
3) BUY any Twelve ( 12 ) o r more bottles of the categories listed above and SAVE 20% OFF the marked sticker prices.
This is eve n off the red sale sticker prices! SAVE BIG here and make it easier as you wait patiently to be paid by Congress and the government!
WEEKEN D TASTINGS / EVENTS:
Wednesday, October 9th, 2013 : Our 3-Part Non-Sparkling Wine-Sale, Call if you cannot come : 202-363-4265 and place your order and pay on Wednesdays and SAVE BIG!
Friday, October 11th, 2013 ( 5-8PM ) Jody Jackman of Winebow Imports will be here to taste a selection of her fine wines which, I believe also includes the YEALANDS Marlborough, New Zealand Sauvignon Blanc 2012 Carbon Zero. As owner Peter Yealands announces ( he's been in the store with Alfredo Bartholomaus when the wines first became available here ) : " Think boldly, tread lightly . " I like that, I like it a whole lot. The wines are excellent and I can't wait to try the 2012! I hope we are also tasting the 2010 AN/ 2 dry red blend of 3 indigenous grapes from Mallorca from ANIMA NEGRA ( $24.99, 13.5% alcohol by volume, Falanis ) : flavorful, distinct, loads of character and personality that can only come from the very specific soils, climate, elevation, vineyard site. GREAT food wine, so tasty it needs a me al to desperately flesh it out and put some extra placements of fruit where needed!
Saturday, October 12th, 2013 ( 2-6PM ) : We have Chris Bartha here to taste his amazing selection of French, German and American wines. Who knows what Chris will pull out of his magic hat for us to taste and consider tomorrow?!? It will be fun and flavorful, of that I am sure, with really good values, too.
Wednesday, October 16th, 2013 : Our 3-Part Non-Sparkling Wine SALE all day long. Call us if you cannot come at : 202-363-4265. Pay on Wednesdays and SAVE BIG here. Cheers.
THURSDAY, October 17th, 2013 ( 5-8PM ) : Santos has organized a HARPOON 12-pack beer tasting of multiple flavors!
Friday, October 18th, 2012 ( 5-8PM ) : We have Sotiris Bafitis here tasting more of his splendid Greek wines for you all to enjoy. Perhaps even some Italian wines Sotiris? What do you have up your sleeves for us? We are happy of course to do another fine Greek wine-tasting with font>
Saturday, October 19th, 2013 ( 2-6PM ) : We have Nolan here to taste some of the International Wine Cellars wine selections which may include a number of the BARTHE RENE wines of Alsace, as well as their wonderful dry brut Cremant D'Alsace!?! More on that really soon. Nolan has lots of choices. Franceen Khang of Vias Imports will also be here to help and to taste at least two of her excellent Italian wines that may be the COLOSI or CANTELE wines? They are great values. font>
I vote to taste again the exceptional Teroldego Rotaliano LECHTHALER 2010, $17.99, 13% alcohol by volume,t that has such excellence, finesse, balance, so silky and where less is more, this is a beauty of a wine on all levels. I would love to sip it, could get myself in a whole lot of trouble as I like it so much! W
I also vote for the CORTE DEI PAPI CESANESE dry Roman red made from the Cesanese grape variety : it's the Rolls Royce, The Ferrari of Cesanese reds! And it only costs $19.99 a bottle : what a font>
RAVI has organized a TITO'S Texan Corn Vodka tasting here at the same time that Nolan and Franceen will be here! What fun.
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