Tuesday, December 18, 2018

JOIN ME and celebrate with all our great customers & slaes reps as we pour more than 20 sparkling wines & French champagne, Spanish Cava, Italian Prosecco & Franciacorta, Greek Xinomavro & MOre & Celebrate my birthday, too! Yes! Still kicking!!!!

 


 

We Should Have Fun With Bubbly & All It's Implications, Styles, Types !




Cleveland Park Wines via icontactmail3.com 

5:36 PM (0 minutes ago)



 
 
 
THIS IS a FUN store email that I write today. Time to relax, time to enjoy what we have, time to feel positive, pleased, warmed and without stress. We are tired of being  of being so stressed out by events and situations and possibilities and situations that we have little control over and that serve to depress, upset, disorient, alienate, and make us sad and helpless and at times make us feel like failures.
 
HEY, we are only human. We are all in the same boat and so let's cut each other some slack and smile and try and embrace and welcome one another.
 
SO to do that we have planned tomorrow's Big-Theme SPARKLING - BUBBLY - CHAMPAGNE - wine-tasting here of 20+ types that come in all styles, shapes, forms, countries, from dry-to-fruity, with tiny small bubbles or fewer larger one!
 
I AM SO RELIEVED that I have already done my job to write about them all!
 
SO NOW I will have fun with all of the sparkling wine styles.
 
WE WILL also talk about cold-weather spirits, cocktails and drinks :
 
HERE ARE some to consider making -
 
1)  Dead Rabbit Irish coffee -  use the BRADY'S Irish Cream On Special at $12.99, mix it and drink it all by itself, too. Excellent.
 
2) The JIMADOR Hand-Harvested Hot Shotty , make it with the Reposado tequila, On Special for $19.99 a bottle, and enjoy the rush of Mexican spirits!
 
3) HENDRICK'S Hot Gin Punch - make this with HENDRICK'S Gin, $39.99, and let that cucumber taste, accent, softness and brightness soar to new levels on your palate!
 
4) Hot Buttered Rum - this can be so warming and you can use some of the Plantation Original Dark Double-Aged rum, or the 3-StarS Clear rum, BOTH at $20.99 to make a great hot buttered rum to warm and soothe and cajole you into a relaxed smiling enjoyable experience. They are both finished in the pot-stills in Cognac, France at PIERRE FERRAND. Cheers, sante.
 
5) Tea & Honey & Spice, with a Spritz of lemon - these added instead of hot water to either -
 
a) Rum ( DON Q , in clear or gold - $14.99 ),
 
b) Brandy V.S.O.P. of HARTLEY ( using imported brandy ), from SAZERAC, On Special for $10.99
 
c) Bourbon from JIM BEAM, their Black Extra-Aged, 1.75ml bottle, $41.99 - you can make many with this larger-sized bottle!
 
d) Rye from OLD OVERHOLT , a Straight Rye Whiskey ( 1.75ml bottle, $34.99 - again more to make more or make other drinks with Rye Whiskey! ).

IN CIDER and BEERS for this colder weather TRY -
 
1) Red Cider, a 4-pack from WOLFER ESTATE in Long Island, New York : a 4-pack of 355ml bottle, gluten-free, - deep rose color, really fresh and bright, lively, exciting, tasty - liked it a lot and it was fun and had a unique quality and taste! Made with New York State apples, gluten-free, a nice 4-pack carrier, - ALL fun and special for the holidays and this cold.
 
2)  GAFFEL KOLSCH, imported German beer from the GAFFLE Brewery in Cologne, $12.88 for a 6-pack of 12-ounce bottles.  With only 4.8% alcohol by volume, this is a great way to go : blue and gold shiny colors, fine taste, too.
 
3) Double Bock beer " Troegenator ", from TROEGS Independent Brewing, handcrafted by the Troegs, $11.99, with 8.2% alcohol by volume, a 6-pack using Magnum, German Northern and Brewer hops, with an IBU 25, available year-round! Yes so oui!


FOUR Beaujolais Nouveau Wines from Burgundy, France to finish off the year for cocktails and relaxed parties -
 
1) Beaujolais Nouveau 2018, from DOMAINE DESCROIX, $10.99 a bottle - so soft and mild and nice - purrrrrrFect sipping with or without food.
 
2) Beaujolais Nouveau 2018 from Bouchard Aine & Fils, $14.49 a bottle - another bright and cheerful Gamay to enjoy almost anytime and with anything.
 
     TWO from MANOIR DU CARRA - from Frederique -
 
1) Beaujolais Nouveau , $9.99 - a bit more stuffing, girth, density and intensity - always one of the favorites each and every year!
 
2) Beujolais Villages Nouveau, from Frederique Sambardier, owner, $12.49 - each yoear the most popular, like the Nouveau but with more polish, finesse and smoothness! A class-act!
 
We still have about three cases here assorted between these four so come get some while you still can. These are perfect now. Chill 30-40 minutes and enjoy how vibrant they are - just like us and our FABulous community here of Cleveland Park!!!!
 
WE STILL HAVE SOME of our half-off Wine-Specials, so come by and get them while you still can. Come tomorrow and get 20% OFF on those bottles of wines that are $19.99 a bottle or more! 
 
SAVE BIG Every Wednesday here at CP Wine & Spirits.
 
TASTINGS this week -
 
Wednesday - tomorrow - our Big-Theme  BUBBLY, 5:30-8:30PM, $15 cost that you apply later to your purchase.
 
Friday, December 21st - TWO Tastings -
 
1) We taste the VA. DR STONERS from 5-8pm =
 
2) We have Eric Garcia here of Tradewinds Specialty Imports here tasting a selection of Spanish wines from the sparkling ROSSINYOLOL Brut Rosado,  $16.49, the Gran Cardiel Rueda dry white blend of Verdejo and Viura, $12.99, the dry Bobal indigenous grape variety from TEMPERAMENTO, $19.99, and from Argentina, the CHANARMUYO Reserva 2016 Cabernet Sauvignon from La Rioja, $21.99 a bottle. JOIN US! Something for everyone.
 
Saturday, December 22nd, 2018  : We have THREE Tastings -
 
1) Andrew Shapiro comes to taste his Ginger Brew non-alcoholic DC-made ginger beer 12-3pm, and
 
2) Tina Epstein comes to taste her fine wines from 12-2pm of EVANS & TATE Chardonnay and Shiraz and red blend, as well as here McWILLIAMS Chardonnay and Pinot Noir - different tastes and styles, a nice assortment from Australia!  AND
 
3) Kevin comes to taste the BLACKLEAF Maison Rene Laclie in Cognac, France, On Special for $25.99 with 40% alcohol by volume, a Organic winter wheat , a copper pot artisinal distillation - ' new and exciting ! '
 
JOIN US ...

 
COME TOMORROW for our BUBBLY tasting of 20+ bottles ( the biggest event here of the year )!
PAY $15 a person - and that money can be used later when you purchase a bottle or more of anything you taste and want.

NOW for some more fun -
 
ABOUT Bubblies -
 
REAL French Champagne - must come from the Champagne district of France. The three grapes in most French Champagne :  Chardonnay, Pinot Noir, and Pinot Meunier!
 
-A Blanc de Blancs in Champagne is 100% Chardonnay.
 
- Brut is dry
- Extra Dry is not as dry as Brut
- RM = Recoltant Manipulant, MN = Negociant Manipulant , CM = Commerciant Manipulant
- Grand Cru grapes represent 5% or less of the grapes grown in Champagne and they are the best
- Premier Cru grapes are a step-down from Grand Cru
-Most famous Champagne houses do not use either Grand Cru or Premier Cru grapes, and if they do, they charge usually an arm and a leg to you
-Vintage champagne from one vintage is considered the best by many people
-the British like aged French Champagne - aged up to ten years after release from the cellars
-Most people do not necessarily like aged French champagne
-Once released and NV ( non-vintage ) Champagne it should be enjoyed within the next two years
-some champagne is kept on the sediment for 18 months, some more,
-when the sediment is finally removed at the top of the bottle, it is frozen ( a process developed by the widowed Clicquot a hundred years ago ), and some still wine is put in to replace what was removed.
- the wine added can either be bone-dry without any sugar or include some.
-if the added wine and brandy has any sweetness it will not be labelled Sauvagem Brut Integral, Brut Zero, Natur , Natural, Nature
 
ALL Fun and Interesting
 
-Prosecco is perhaps the most popular sparkling wine here today because it has bigger and fewer bubbles and is easier to sip and immediately appreciate
 
-Valdobbiadene makes the fines Prosecco as it grows the best Gerla Prosecco grapes ( Cartizze being the very best! ),
- Franciaccorta  from Italy is the only sparkling wine many people in the wine business says rival real French Champagne - you will try two tomorrow
 
-Cava is the Spanish word for sparkling spumante wine
-In Spain the grapes usually used are Parellada, Trepat for the dry rose, and one other? Sometimes the French grapes of Pinot Noir and Chardonnay are used, and 
- in one case with have used tomorrow the Rhone grapes of Grenache ( Garnacha + Monastrell = Mourvedre + Pinot Noir ) - wow
 
- Sekt is the word for dry in Germany 
- we will taste a German dry Riesling
- We will try a Greek dry Xinomavro - a red grape variety
- We will try two fine California sparkling wines, too from CHANDON
 
-We will learn about the grape Raboso Veronese in Veneto, Italy - fun!
 
- We will learn about the Cremant style of French sparkling wines from Burgundy tomorrow
 
- We will try the French Savoie wines tomorrow - sparkling = vin mousseux - that uses the indigenous grapes of Molette and Altesse grapes!
 
 
- WE WILL LEARN< ENJOY, celebrate -
 
ONE OF US turns 65 soon, and we will celebrate that, too. More on that when you ask me.
 
THANKS FOR EVERYTHING , you all are the very best! We could not be here without you - we love you!
 
NOTE - I got an email from someone in the business that started : " Tony, you know I love you ... " I have not been able to get that out of my head because I know it is only meant in part, but reading it makes me feel ggod, all day good!
 
SO - once again I say , we love you. Hopefully you will feel as good from reading this as I have all day today! Cheers, happy holidays!   TONY
 

Wednesday, December 12, 2018

Happy Holidays! 2018!!!!! Thanks for everything!

Cleveland Park WineCleveland Park Beer, Liquor & Wine
Featuring a wide, international selection of fine wines, micro-brews and spirits

THIS IS THE TIME TO SHOP : NOW! 

 

 

 

 

Don't wait until the weather turns nasty as it most surely will and soon. I've heard predictions for a bad storm to hit us in mid December and so I implore you all to call 202-363-4265  , come by, think about what you may all need for the rest of this December to celebrate your holidays with family and friends. 
 
 
 
 
     THERE'S NO BETTER TIME THAN NOW to shop as the store is filled with " new " and " exciting " things in all categories for you to enjoy as the temperatures tumble and you want to bundle up and enjoy that precious time you have off with family and friends. Read on :
 
 
 
 
HERE ARE Ridiculous  SALES : I will list them - google and see how much you save today, AND - ALL The bottles that are over $19.99 listed TODAY - Wednesday, you get another 20% OFF the bottle prices here - CALL if you cannot come - 202-363-4265
 
1) Chateau Haut-Beasejour 2013 Saint-Estephe Left-Bank  dry red smooth-as-silk red Bordeaux, On Special for $27.99
 
2) Chateau Lafleur-Gazin 2011 Pomerol Right Bank red Bordeaux - heartier, beefier, On Special for $29.99
 
3) Condrieu ( original home of the FABulous Viognier, North Rhone France, a 2014 " La Galopine ' dry white On Special for $34.99 - amazing floral, exotic, layered dry white!
 
4) Clos Pegase 2015 Estate-Bottled Merlot ' Mitsuko's Vineyard ' , Carneros, Napa Valley, On Special for $19.99 - really bright and lovely, amazing treat now!
 
5) Clos Pegase 2014 Estate Grown Pinot Noir " Mitsuko's Vineyard " from Carneros , Napa Valley, On Special for $24.99, so much flavor and taste at such a bargain-basement price! WOW!
 
6) Jeff Cohn Cellars ' El Diablo Vineyard ' Grenache 2013, On Special for $24.99 - so much taste and layers of flavor packed-in here to luxuriate your senses all of them in!
 
7) TWOMEY Merlot Napa Valley 2013 On Special for $29.99 - it does not get much better than this!
 
8) TWOMEY Pinot Noir Russian River Valley 2014, On Special for $19.99 - ridiculous price for this fine fruit-centered Pinot - fabulous!
 
9) SWANSON Vineyards 2014 Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon, On Special for $34.99 - a Napa Cabernet Sauvignon at this price and quality - unheard of!
 
10) 2014 Substance Washington State Columbia Valley Magnum ( 1.5ml bottle ) On Special for $19.99 - unbelievable value, tastes so rich and complex, full, layered, so much delicious substance here! Love it, love the price, too!
 
11) Champs de Provence 2016 Cotes de Provence rose, dry, pale beautiful color, a 3-liter bottle ( that is four bottles of 750ml in here ), On Special for $59.99, regularly $100.00 a bottle. This is insane and great and lovely and bright and fruit-centered and wonderful for a party - only the bottles left!
 
12) 2008 Domaine des SAUMADES Chateauneuf-Du-Pape dry white blend On Special for $29.99 - what an amazing medley of taste sensations still rocking and still delivering so much taste to enjoy now with most meals!
 
13) JEFF COHN Cellars ' Rockpile Vineyard ' Syrah , ' Haley ' Sonoma County , On Special for $24.99 a bottle. Jeffrey has come here many times. His family lives here and it has always been a pleasure to talk with him. Cheers!
 
LIMITED QUANTITIES< COME BY or CALL TODAY and get these EXTRAORDINARY ' Values ' for gifts to yourselves or for others. Cheers, ASK for Tony or for Chris. Cheers, Happy Holidays!
 
NOW TO FINISH the last two tables at our BUBBLY Sparkling Wine Champagne Tasting here on Wednesday, December 19th, 2018 - 5:30-8:30PM, $15 cost per person that then gets applied later to your purchase of whatever you want to buy here on this night.
 
TABLE # THREE - Craig Mauro, President of Comete Wines pouring 5 selections- French and German -
 
1) Schloss VAUX Sektt Manufaktur RIESLING, On Special for $22.99 : I was surprisingly drawn into, closer, stopping immediately in mid-palate-taste and filled with wondrous dazzle, splash, panache and pleasure. Squealed silently like a happy pig! Just like Templeton in the animated version of the movie " Charlotte's Web " ! Yes yes yes
 
2) Cremant de Bourgogne Brut Extra 100% Chardonnay from CLOTILDE DAVENNE ( Clotilde makes fabulous classic Chablis and also Saint Bris Sauvignon Blanc and a red Burgundy with 10% Cesar that you all love already! ), On Special for $23.99 : a heartier, more layered, robust, flavorful series of sparks that will spark your imagination , flair your flanks, flesh your lips and pucker and prick your thought-waves! Great with food, love it with almost any meal.
 
3) 2017 Feder STAHL, " pink spark ! ' from Christian Stahl in Franken, Germany that is  five-in-one : husband, father, owner, winemaker and chef of fine cuisine : all things he does FABulously! AND last year on the Women's March he was here to greet you all and pour you samples of all his wines! This pink spark , $17.99, with only 11.5% alcohol by volume, is a meliferous medley lullaby of gentle wafting and waving great happiness and cheer liquid breezes! Great to sip and relax and enjoy!
 
4) ' Lumiere et Craie ' , a dry Brut Blanc de Blancs 100% Chardonnay Recoltant-Manipulant = growers,harvesters,makers,bottlers, sellers - all - tous French champagne JEAN VELUT , vignerons & elaborateurs a Montgueux, $58.99 - " take me to your pilot " sings Elton John. With this Jean Velut I concur! We will fly high and low and everywhere well and in complete style with this taste!
 
5) Champagne Blanc de Noirs Grand Cru Recoltant Manipulant = grower, owner, producer, bottler, seller, this family does everything using the best grapes grown in the champagne region which is less than 5% of the grapes they grow. From the family of HENRIET-BAZIN, a dry Brut, $62.99, is so small and so classic and so wonderful that it will be like, as you sip, that you are also enjoying the feel of the best leather shoes on your feet, the best silk scarf round your neck and the best caviar on a slice of thin-toasted baguette, mmmmm, c'est bien tout ca et plus!
 
 
TABLE # FOUR :  Jean Gagliolo will pour four -
 
1) ' Petit Royal ' grand vin mousseux, a methode traditionnelle from Savoie from Seyssel, Lambert de Seyssel, $21.99, a more substantial taste with more layers of heartiness, a tough of rustic earthy gruffness, no time grooming here, just wonderfully ' as is ', and that knowledge that it is good so " take me  or leave me ", i will thrive, arrive, and be just fine either way! A Kermit Lynch selection with 12% alcohol by volume.
 
2) Rose subltly dry and elegant and refined in both taste and color from KARANIKA, Greek Brut Methode Traditionnelle, with 12.5% alcohol by volume, $35.49, from 100% Xinomavro, the definition of rose refinement, class, - a lovely sparkler to spark and make you sparkle, too like you are tasting and waving a hand around with a lit sparkle : mouth, tongue, palate and hand and surroundings all bright and sparkling in light and liquid fireworks!
 
3) Twee Jonge Gezellen KRONE Methode Classique     vintage 2015 Borealis Vintage Cuvee Brut from South Africa. Used to buy and sell this from John & Theresa Morrison, $24.49 a bottle,  a Pinot Noir and Chardonnay blend that has a thousand stars of light to offer each and everyone of us! What a delight, loved it then when John & Thersa poured it, love it now when Jean pours it, too! A true celebration of Bacchus ans  and the daughter of the King of Crete. Cheers. Enjoy!
 
CHEERS< Come to our tasting, come buy some of these great half-off price CLOSEOUT wines today , and many cases get another 20% OFF on the bottles that are $19.99 or more. 
 
CHEERS
 
THANKS
 
HAPPY HOLIDAYS to one and to all.   TONY
 
 
 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
WHAT FOLLOWS BELOW is an old store email I wrote and posted on December 14th, 2011 - read it if you have time, then check for current prices and availability ?!?

 
       BEERS :
 
     1) LIEFMANS Goudenband Juicy is " one of the world's most complex beers. An aged Belgian Brown Ale... it is brewery-cellared for many months until it matures, only then is it blended and bottled. " It's a 750ml bottle beautifully wrapped in paper an On Special for $10.99. Try this Belgian Brown Ale!
 
     2) Tripel Ale Brewed With Honey & Ginger from BEERHIVE, this high gravity series from NEW HOLLAND ( On Special for $7.49, www.NewHollandBrew.com, Vintage 2010, 1 pint, six f. oz, 8.4% Alc. by volume is made from Little John's local bees that create a wildflower honey that gives a sweetness, an earthiness complexity with a snap of ginger, too. Great with fresh veggies, soft-ripened cheese, fruit of late summer, custards and biscuits. Fun, great package, great gift, too.
 
     3) Baltic Porter Winter Brew from DOMINION ( On Special for $8.99 a 6-pack, 6.8% alc. by volume, 12 fl. oz, made in Dover, Delaware ) is " a bottom-fermented lager brewed to meet your need for warmth on a cold winter's night. Hints of licorice, toffee &chocolate mingle with German Pilsner, Crystal, Dark Speciality Malts and a touch of Rye giving our Porter a full-bodied taste. "
 
 
       ITALIAN TUSCAN EXTRA-VIRGIN OLIVE OILS :
 
     1) Olio Extra Vergine Di Oliva 500ml ( $32.99 ) from Greve, Chianti Classico ia 500ml bottle made by Azienda Agricola SAVAGNOLA PAOLINA the " Mozart " of Chianti Classicos and so it follows that this extra virgin olive oil is the Mozart of olive oils! It's so elegant and smooth - not bite or burn at all - as refines yet flavorful as it gets " GREAT GIFT!
 
     2) Olio Extra Vergine Di Oliva, $37.99 from ANTICO PODERE " La Costa " and made at the CASTELLO Di POPPIANO ( from Conte Guicciardini that's been here before tasting with you all - also written up and highly recommended in the Washington Post Food section - a whole article devoted to olive oils from Tuscany and singling this one out ) is another very special gift.
 
 
       LIQUEUR :
 
     1) Nux Alpina / Walnut Liqueur Nusse-Noix-Nocino ( $37.99 ) from Osterreichisches Ereugins, 375ml bottle size, product of Austria is here at last! We have had so many requests recently for a walnut liqueur and there simply has been none for us until we got this one last week. Beautiful, stylish bottle shape and presentation and it, too would make a great gift for someone wanting something fun and definitely on the cutting edge!
 
 
       LIQUOR :
 
     1) Vieux Carre Absinthe Superieure grain neutral spirits distilled with herbs with additional herbs added is On Special for $56.99, 60% alc. by volume ( 120 proof, ) and was a Gold Medal winner at the San Fransisco Spirits Competition 2009. It's made and bottled by PHILADELPHIA DISTILLING and inspired by New Orleans the old-quarter- vieux carre - the soul of the city. Great package, great gift that will keep on giving until it's all done. Go to : www.VieuxCarreAbsinthe.com for more info. Cheers.
     2) Ultra-Premium Blanche White Armagnac that's clear like a vodka, this " new rage " CHATEAU DE LAUBADE Blanche Armagnac  is On Special now for the holidays at $52.99 a bottle, has a beautiful bottle design that you can see through and packaged also in a see-through box 0- stylish and fun and will make a great gift as it is the " latest thing " in French Armagnac.
 
 
       Wines :
 
       WHITES -
 
     1) Dafni indigenous grape variety from Crete, 2007 dry white wine with loads of character and distinct flavors is made by LYRARAKIS and is On Special for $15.99 ( regularly $19.99 ) and has enough body and taste to hold it's own against many a holiday meal - lovely, intriguing!
 
     2) Dry White Burgundy 2009 from the small town of Saint-Veran, this " Vins Auvigue " from Le Moulin Du Pont  is On Special for $22.99 ( regularly $29.99 ) and it sure is pretty and bright and smooth and creamy sun-fused flavors that cajole, and linger and just lie around soaking up the quality that is the moment you are sharing while drinking it - ahhhhhhh, take a load off with this velvety 100% Chardonnay - it does not get much better when you want to relax and tilt your head back and dream...
 
     3) Montagny 1er Cru " Les Bassets " 2007 from the DOMAINE LAURENT COGNARD is On Special for $27.99 ( regularly it is $39.99 a bottle ) and is the opposite of the Saint-Veran. This bottle is complex and multi-layered and very flavorful with both many highs and lows in it's ranges as well as some solid middle flavors, too. This is a serious food wine that will hold it's own against many varied food flavors. Enjoy the Saint-Veran before the meal and then this Montagny with your holiday meals. Cheers.
 
     4) 2008 Chardonnay from the Chalone Appellation in California, this Estate-Grown Chardonnay is On Special for $22.99 and we are very pleased to have it here once again. This is a BIG-SAVINGS with CHALONE, you get the extra flavor and taste for a third-off here. Come check it out and see if it's to your taste.
 
 
       Reds -
 
     1) NEMEA Agiogitiko V.Q.P.R.D. dry red Greek 1999 is On Special for $10.99 ( regularly $14.99 ) and it got a fine review when it was first released in the Washington Post newspaper by Ben Giliberti I believe. We've been selling it now off-and-on for the last two years and we have the very last of it. You should check it out if you have not already : medium-to-light-bodied and the old world, classic style of wine-making. It's showing beautifully now - and WHAT A GREAT DEAL!
 
     2) Cabernet Sauvignon from HESS' Allomi Vineyard 2007 Napa Valley Estate-Grown is On Special for $24.99 and is showing really well now. Great package, too for a really nice gift to someone special that loves California wine.
 
     3) Counoise, this " Cuvee " made from the indigenous grape called Counoise ( one of the thirteen grapes that are blended to make the famous French Chateauneuf-Du-Pape ) at $15.99 is a real joy and so fun and unique and special. You have to love it : I used it recently in one of my wine-classes and it was a huge hit. You need to try it on for size, fit and feel - you won't be sorry that you did. It will hold it's own against many meals served at this time of the year.
 
 
       CHAMPAGNE -
 
     1) Champagne MOUTARDIER Brut Nature is 100% Pure Meunier , that's Pinot Meuniere, no Chardonnay or no Pinot Noir was tasted here by Jody Jackman at our Big-Theme Bubbly tasting two weeks ago and I must say that it really impressed me a whole lot. It's got so much flavor and so much taste - broad and rich and fuller yet quite balanced flavors - really nice! What a treat : we sell it for $49.99 a bottle and I am thrilled to have it. Everyone needs to try it to learn more about the third champagne grape - the Pinot Meunier!  
 
 
     WE HAVE MANY MORE, Of Course : These Are But A Few of the SPECIALS we have going now here in Cleveland Park Wines & Spirits and we encourage you to come by in person and check out the variety of beers, liquors, liqueurs, etc.
 
 
     OUR WEEK'S TASTINGS -
 
       Friday, December 17th, 2010 ( 5-8PM ) : We have Arielle Monaco here from Country Vintners and we are going to taste some great Aussie wines as the Aussies need our help these days in a big way.
     We will feature Robert Whale that has decided to close his import company called ROBERT WHALE Selections and so Arielle will taste his CORIOLE 2008 Sangiovese Shiraz blend ( On Special for $12.99 ) that drinks beautifully now. 
     ALSO : the famous dog named Jim-Jim of High Hamilton of the HUGH HAMILTON winery in McLaren Vale has just passed away so we will taste the famous Jim-Jim Shiraz.
     We will also taste from Rob Gibson the Loose End GSM dry red 2006 - a blend of Grenache, Shiraz and Merlot( On Special for $13.99 ).
     From Nick Stacey at WEST CAPE HOWE in Denmark, western Australia we will taste the dry red Tempranillo 2008 ( $17.99 ).
     From LONGVIEW Vineyards in Adelaide, South Australia we will taste the Red Bucket unoaked Chardonnay, too at $13.99.
     And from Dan Pannell of the PICARDY Vineyard in Pemberton, western Australia we will taste the " Merlimont " dry red Bordeaux-style 2005 ( $22.99 ).
     They are great people and they need our support now more than ever - and they make great wines, too. Join us, Arielle will be here pouring for you all. Cheers, never any charge.
 
     Saturday, December 18th, 2010 ( 3-7PM ) : We have John & Theresa Morrison here of their own South African import company called Boutique Vineyards 34 South pouring an assortment of South African wines: BEAUMONT Pinotage (2008, $24.99 ) as well as the BEAUMONT Port-Style red- both from Walker's Bay : as well as the ROBERT ALEXANDER Shiraz 2007 ( $19.99  ) made by Nico Van Der Merwe in Stellenbosch,  as well as ' The Ladybird " 2009 Organic Viticulture Simonberg-Stellenbosch from LAIBACH ( $21.99 ).We may also pour the DIEUX DONNE dry red 1999, too if we have room from Franschoek. We will have plenty of goodies for you all to taste as well as the DE MEYE Little River red blend of Shiraz and Cabernet Sauvignon - something for everyone.
     THERESA MORRISON also has a book that she wrote that she can sign ( $19.99 - All the money goes to Breast Cancer research - and the book's amazing! ) called CAPE VINELANDS - and the subject is what can a family of people do when they visit these vineyards in South Africa.

     ALSO BIG BOURBON TASTING : Saturday, December 18th from 5-8PM: Ravi Sharma has organized a tasting of the following bourbons:
 
       1) KNOB CREEK
       2) JIM BEAM Black
       3) MAKERS MARK 46 and
       4) R1 Rye
 
     NEVER ANY CHARGE - Join Us! Bring family and friends, everyone is welcome all the time.
 
 
     DON'T FORGET - OUR CHAMPAGNE DINNER at PETITS PLATS Featuring the Champagnes of the Ed Addis Selections : 5 Courses/ 5 Champagnes December 14th and December 20th at 6:30PM Call the restaurant to reserve a seat at : 202-518-0018. I have the menus here for you all to study. It's $95 everything included. Come check out Chef Patrick Moulet's cooking at 2653 Connecticut Avenue N.W. just a few long blocks from her. It will be great, we will have a great time.
 
 
     I'M SURE I'VE FORGOTTEN SOMETHING but it's time to post this/ send this. I had a great time last night writing about Stephen Stills and Veronique Sanson and the concert that I saw them perform in Paris on Thursday, June 1st, 1978 vers minuit- close to midnight at the Palais des Sports at the Port of Versailles when I was in my twenties... wonderful. Go to : chatwine.blogspot.com. Also the new Facebook page of ours is updated at : clevelandparkwine&spirits as well as our web page at : www.clevelandparkwine.com.
 
     CHEERS and THANKS For ALL Your SUPPORT!! Happy Holidays to one and to all and -
 
     SHOP NOW! SHOP EARLY : Come while we have so very much for you to choose from .... AND AT SALE PRICES, Too ...   TONY
Please visit our website below for more information, events and specials, and our calender of wine tastings!

www.clevelandparkwine.com

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Cleveland Park Wines
Cleveland Park Wine & Liquors
3423 Connecticut Ave NW
Washington, DC 20008

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Tuesday, December 11, 2018

Today's Email I Wrote and Posted, Read & Enjoy, Happy Holidays!

Time To Gather W/ Family & Friends, So Many Spirits On Special To Enjoy Now!




Cleveland Park Wines via icontactmail3.com 

5:31 PM (13 minutes ago)




to me
JOIN US anytime, we are always here for you!
 
HOPE everyone had a happy Hanukkah? We ordered more fine kosher wines to have here for the rest of the year. We have some -
1)Cantina GABRIELE sparkling bianco / sparkling white extra dry that came, $17.99 to enjoy with or without a meal.  It is vegan , mevushal, kosher for Passover, too with 12% alcohol by volume. From Lazio, Italy just outside of Rome. AND -
2) Cantina GABRIELE Moscato sweet white in the classic blue bottle, $13.49 a bottle - easy-sipping, a treat anytime, and much more! Come and check these out. Cheers!
 
LOVE THE sunshine today, started all frosty and yet now things are looking really good! It was a good drive into work today and the positive vibes from my drive have followed me into the store as I just now finish wrapping a gift of spirits to deliver to five guys! What fun, picked something for many tastes and occasions. Just feeling good as it is time to star and to start waxing poetic over our Part TWO Big-Theme BUBBLY sparkling wine-tasting this coming Wednesday, December 19th, 2018 - 5:30-8:30pm, COST : $15 that can later be applied to the purchase of whatever you want to buy. Cheers!
 
BUT First we have some regular greatness to mention besides just sparkling wines -
 
BEER and CIDER from Santos -
 
BEER-
 
1) Kristall Weizen from TUCHER, On Special for $2.99, from Germany,  with 5.2% alcohol by volume, a treat - classic beer, mmmmm good.
 
2) Heritage 2012 ( Bottled No. 15868, an oak-aged ale from STRAFFE HENDRIK, Bruges quadruple ale, since 1856, $28.99, a treat 750ml bottle - cheers!
 
CIDER -

 
1) ' Thundering Molly ' Cider - ' well rounded and medium ', from ABRAHALLS, On Special for $6.99 for a 500ml bottle with 5.2% alcohol by volume, a treat in flavors to excite your palate!
 
2) The Lake Hopper , a dry-hopped cider, many farmers, one landscape, from CITIZEN CIDER, On Special for $12.99 a 4-pack of 16-ounce cans, cider for the people, from Vermont.
 
3) Wit's Up a dry ale-style cider ( The Cider Maker's cider ). ' enjoy the future with us ', from CITIZEN CIDER, $12.99 for a 4-pack of 16 ounce cans. with 6.2% alcohol by volume. Come check out these flavors.
 
 
LIQUOR & LIQUEUR -
 
1) Game of Thrones WHITE WALKER by Johnnie Walker, a blended scotch whisky, $46.99, ' freeze for an unexpected ice reveal '! A first!!!! Try it like this.
 
2) BlackLeaf Vodka from the house Maison Rene Laclie, Cognac, France, since 1889, On Special for $25.99 a bottle, for a 750ml bottle. Cheers! I need to try this, have not yet. Love the bottle and packaging and price.
 
3) Extra Dry Vermouth from LIONELLO, STOCK vermouth, On Special for $10.99
 
4) Rosso Vermouth Original ' Lionello ' from STOCK, On Special for $10.99 a bottle - BOTH new and exciting.
 
NOW for our Part TWO BIG-THEME Sparkling Wine-Tasting pn 12/19/2018 - Five great people pouring, five tables and 20+  bubblies - cavas,champagnes, Cremants,  Franchiacortas, Proseccos, Sparkling Wines from around the world Taste California, France, Italy, German, Greek, Biodynamic, Organic,
 
TABLE # ONE - Francois Hurtel of Moet-Hennesy will pour French Champagne & CA. Sparkling wines -
 
1) ETOILE ( Star ) Brut  from the DOMAINE CHANDON, California $51.99 - totally soft and delicate and so pliant and pleasing and compliant and agreeable on tongue and palate - a real pal for us all, a bubbly that understands we have had a frantic and difficult day, that will remove wrinkles from our foreheads and kiss us ever so gentle on the tippy-tip-tips of our stretched lips! Lovely.
 
2) ETOILE ( Star ) Rose Brut from DOMAINE CHANDON, California, $52.99 - a striking bottle of complex flavors , emotions, moods, thoughts, situations that will amaze, delight, excite, captivate all your senses. You will so close to being alarmed in a wonderful way of course. You will stop immediately and pause, more than a second or two or even three which may seem like a lifetime. It will be worth it because the next taste will vanquish any doubt at all from your questioning mind - yes ( so - oui ) - you have arrived, you are exalted and entertained and regaled and flamed and filled completely with a wondrous series of taste sensations. Great moments here with this Etoile brut rose!
 
3)  2009 Grand Vintage from MOET & CHANDON, On Special for $98.99 a bottle - the epitome of a refined elegance and cool pleasing whif of a breeze to tease and please and settle one's weary thoughts and bring a gentle smile and warmth back to each of us.
 
4) Rose Brut  from RIUNART, a delineated in art and magic and theater and performance - intimate and tamed-yet-not-fully dry medley of french history of love that stayed pure and true - what elegance, too. Close your eyes and be washed-over with all this satisfaction, bien vrai et magnifique tout ca!
 
5) 2008 Vintage VEUVE CLICQUOT French champagne, On Special for $85.99 a bottle ( was closer to $100 before ), a way to enjoy the ' top-niveau = top level ' of French champagne at an affordable price. On Wednesday we take 20% off this to make it $68.79 a bottle. I have not tried this but am thrilled to offer it here, and you will be able to taste it and decide for yourselves.
 
 
TABLE # TWO - We have Franceen Kahng of Leonardo Loscasio selections ( Winebow Imports ), pouring a selection of fine Italian spumantes -
 
1) " Z " NV dry sparkling made with the indigenous grape Raboso Veronese , a delicate color and a richer flavor of mostly pastel colors on tongue and palate to please, tease, ease and pleasantly pleasure, too!
 
2) ' San Boldo ' MARSURET  Brut Prosecco Superiore from the area Valdobbiadene in Veneto, Italy, $20.99 a bottle - DOCG - " it don't get much better than this " sings Lyle Lovett and I have to agree, this has got a whole lot to offer us all , since 1936, dry, using the Glera indigenous grape variety for Prosecco - hillside grapes that are hand-harvested.
 
3) Franciacorta " Animante " Extra Brut NV, from BARONNE PIZZINI, $37.49, ( The ONLY sparkling wine that many people in the business like myself can rival real French champagne ), I met the owner tasting this three years ago and became an immediate fan. It is the definition of an air-mattress, a water bed, pillows fluffed, big feathers being waved by you to circulate the air to refresh, to stimulate, the relax so one can become completely expansive and serene and happy yes si si si si si!
 
4) Franciacorta ' Naturae ' Edizione 2012 ( no dosage or extra sweet wine added to top-off the bottle after the sediment is disgorged ), drier, more angular and athletic prowess-lioness-lion-edges-pledges-purrs-preens-perks-prances-pitches-prattle-persniketyness! $49.99 a bottle - great to delineate and polish and refine and uplift many a meal. Lovely.
 
I HAVE TO SEND THIS EMAIL NOW so will fit in TABLES THREE and FOUR next Tuesday!
 
 
TABLE # FIVE - With Mark Congdon of Bacchus Imports pouring an eclectic, fine selection -
 
1) Falanghina Extra Dry Naples, Italy sparkling dry made from the indigenous grape Falanghina. We always see still wines using this grape, it is rare to see a sparkling version and we are thrilled! $21.99, from CANTINA Del TABURNO, with 12% alcohol - this will both surprise and please you as you have no expectations at all , this being for most a total mystery. Yet the vibrancy of alive and active and percolating, bubbling, and frothing-free-ing flaves will draw you closer and closer and closer till, with closed eyes you ar swallowed whole and willing and nothing more than wanting thus ' to be '!
 
2)   Cava AVINHO Reserva 2015 Brut, $17.99, with more depth and richness than some, since 1597, I need to retaste this with you all. I have liked it quite a bit in the past, but I need to taste it once again, and so for the moment this remains a lovely selection of questions to have bounce around our heads as we taste. Perallada, Macabeo, Chardonnay or Pinot Noir, any Trepat for accent?!? None of that really matters, it just all comes down to do you like it or not?!?
 
3) Rose Brut Reserva from ILOPART, a Methode Traditionelle Spanish Cava sspumante made from  an original, unique blend of 60% Monastrell ( Mourvedre ) and 20% Garnacha ( Grenache ), and 20% Pinot Noir. Also being organic, this is a number of ' firsts ' for me! " Elegant and fine ... made since 1887, our own mountain vineyards located close to the winery, at Heretat Can Llopart de Subirats, Barcelona, since 1385. " Long ageing in the bottle makes everything more complete and developed and with more nuances to entertain your taste-buds divinely!
 
4) Champagne THIENOT in Reims, champagne, France, elabore par Alain Thienot, a dry Brut champagne, $55.99, NM, with 12.5% alcohol by volume, small production here, a sophistication and a finesse, a power and a majesty, this is one that turns heads repeatedly, and causes positive energy and conversation. A treat.
 
 
WEEK'S TASTINGS -
 
Friday December 14th, 2018 ( 5-8PM ) : We have THREE tastings for you all -
1) Christina Caswell of Kysela Pere et Fils et Fille will be here to taste some great Austrian wines, some fine red Cotes Du Rhone, and more!
 
2) John-Michael will be here from SPRINGFIELD MANOR in Maryland pouring his various spirits, too including Lavender Gin , grappa and pear brandy and more.
 
3) Sam will be here  pouring a hard cider from Abemarle Cider Works in Virginia, an assortment!
 
Saturday, December 15th, 2018, 1:30PM- 6PM :
 
1) We have first Dan coming to pour some of our half-off wine close-outs, till 3PM, and then Mickey will be here from DOWNEY Selections pouring some great Italian wines like Savignola Paolina Chianti Classico, and some DiLenardo TOH Tocai dry white and maybe some dry red Refosco, too - and more!
 
2) We have Emily from Republic Restoratives local DC spirits here to pour the Burrough Bourbon, the Civic Vodka, the Rodham Rye, and their new apple liqueur, too!
 
JOIN US! Cheers,
 
THANKS for all the business over the years!  TONY
 
COME SEE US NOW - the store is filled to the gills with ' goodies '!
 

Tuesday, December 4, 2018

Taste BUBBLY Tomorrow,, Taste Close-Outs on Wine Friday, Happy December 2018 ALL!

 
 
 
Cleveland Park WineCleveland Park Beer, Liquor & Wine
Featuring a wide, international selection of fine wines, micro-brews and spirits
 
 
 
IT'S SAVINGS TIME HERE @ CLEVELAND PARK WINES & SPIRITS : 20% OFF 12 Or More  Bottles Of Wine EVERY WEDNESDAY: 3-Part Wine SALE : Read On...
 
 
 
 
     THE WEATHER IS PRETTY GORGEOUS NOW ( also very un-seasonal  - that was yesterday! ), today the weather is back to it's old self and bbrrrrrr cold and windy and biting! If this continues tomorrow it will be perfect for our Bubbly Wine-Tasting tomorrow when we taste some amazing ( 20+ different ones - Part ONE of a Part TWO Bubbly wine-tasting , the other on Dec. 19th, 2018 , 5:30-8:30PM, $15 cost that gets used when you purchase whatever sparkling wines you tasted and would like to have for the holidays.
 
JOIN US TOMORROW for Part ONE of our two-part BUBBLY-Sparkling Wine-Tasting, 5:30-8:30pm. $15 that gets applied to your purchases tomorrow. Join us, taste, smile, smirk, relax, feel warm and part of our community. 



 
THE HOLIDAYS are gearing up!
 
 
 
 
 
HAPPY HANUKKAH to you and your family and friends, enjoy these special days.
 
 
 
 
 
GO SEE the movie GREEN BOOK - loved it, cried. The ending is priceless. What an open, generous, loving way to be, what great friendships forged and unexpected, loved it all.
 
 
 
 
 
SO : yesterday I raked the leaves in the front yard and our dog kept me company, was in long shorts and a t-shirt, today I am bundled up once again! So goes it.
 
OUR Recommendations -
 
BEER : From Santos Rivera, we have -
 
1) SINGLE CUT Mastery Knows No Short Cut , a Kim hibiscus sour lager, a one pint with 4.2% alcohol by volume, a 4-pack of cans at $15.99 - try some!
 
2) Happy Hour - a crushable Pilsner, from PEAK Organic Brewing Co., a 4-pack of 16-ounce cans, with 4.7% alcohol by volume, a fun refreshing, vibrant taste from Maine that is a great palate-cleanser to enjoy watching games, playing games, while gaming! Go! On Special for $9.99.
 
3) IPA India Pale Ale from SWEET WATER Brewing Company, " A hophead's beery dream " sez BEERADVOCATE , On Special for $9.99 , from Atlanta, Georgia. With 6% alcohol by volume - " This mamoth IPA is dry hopped to the gils, delivering a kick-you-in-the-teeth hop chop. This beer is unfiltered, as with all SweetWater's brews, to leave all the natural flavors intact. " Oh yeah, true pure and perfect!
 
 
CIDERS From Santos Rivera -
 
1) Austin " East Ciders " , " How do you like them apples? " here we have the Pineapple Cider, $10.99, with 5% alcohol by volume. Hard apple cider, filtered water, Pineapple concentrate, Cane Sugar, Brown sugar, Malic acid , sulfites to preserve freshness, Carbon Dioxide : wow, this is informative and helpful - thanks for such transparency of ingredients - bravo!
 
 
SPIRITS - Liquors & Liqueurs from Jagir -
 
1) Ouzo of PLOMARI, since 1894, Isidozos Azvanitis , $21.99 A BOTTLE, lESVOS, $21.99, WITH 42% ALCOHOL BY VOLUME, THIS IS WHAT OUZO should taste like, really bright, round, rich on the tongue, a treat! Made since 1894.
 
2) Two by Two Rye from BASIL HAYDEN, a Kentucky Straight Rye whisky blended with Straight Bourbon whisky, On Special for $48.99, regularly $53.99 - tasty, good mouth-feel, makes a strong and reflective impression on our tongue!
 
3) Ron Gran Reserve Doblemente Anejado rum from BRUGAL 613 Barricas, On Special for $43.99, regularly $49.99 a bottle.
 
TWO $12.99 Specials , 3 for $33, and 6 for $60 - steals! Will we have a steal?!?
 
1) Frappato & Nero D'Avola blend, Terre Siciliane, a 2014 that is showing all the flavors in complete harmony now with one another!
 
2) Aglianico from NARDONE, DOC, 2010, from Vigna Palatelle, an Irpinia Aglianico, this tastes like so many wonderful aromas you get in a stew, I loved it, Dan thought is smelled and tasted like many feet! Go figure, the bouquet is redolent and strong, the taste is sooooo smooth. It has all the bottle-age it needs, come and see if this bottle fits your feet?!? It did mine, with plenty of room to dance and jump and squat and walk well!

 
 
NOW For my notes on tomorrow's Bubbly Wine-Tasting - JOIN US -
 
THESE NOTES of mine will be to include you and encourage you more to feel free to express your thoughts and tastes as those are really the only ones that should matter to you anyway. Here goes -
 
TABLE # ONE : Robert Kennedy the owner of RWK Imports ( Robert provides his own glasses and shares them here with us all - grazie Robert, thanks for loaning them to us ), they make our tastings that much better! Robert specializes in Italian sparkling wines
 
1) Bianco dell'Emilia Vino frizzante secco, from owner and winemaker Alberto Paltrinieri. Tasted it here with Robert this weekend and we sold out! Bright, round, full and firm, so deliciously-appealing! But what do you taste? Does the fruit remind you of any special fruits? Do you like this lush magic carpet ride of tastes soaring high above the clouds ?!? I do, very much. $14.49 a bottle. 50% Trebbiano e 50% Lambrusco Sorbara.
 
2) Valdobbiadene Prosecco D.O.C.G. Brut from RONFINI, $18.99 a bottle, a loveliness, delicateness that is angelic. But what do you taste? Do you find enough taste? Do you want more taste for the $19 a bottle?!? These are questions you should ask yourself and wonder whether tasting more variety will help you understand better what gives you the most bang for your buck!? Subtle and refined is good, it is not a negative, do you agree?
 
3) Dry Romagne rose " Villa Zappi ", named after one of the men that discovered the North Pole, his home is by the winery of Silvia & her family. This deeper-skinned rose has a more intense blush of color and more of a lush carpet of appealing textures and flavors. Nice to sip, do you agree, or would you prefer something heavier or more delicate? I like this " just the way you are " Thanks Billy, is your family originally from this region of Italy. " A bottle of white, a bottle of red, a rose instead. " Made with the Sangiovese  , 11.5% alcohol by volume.
 
4)  " Rosanna " Brut rose from Serghio in Piemonte, Italy, made from 100% Nebbiolo, $32.99, using the Metdo Classico, , a S.S.Q.R. German Etore, with 12.5% alcohol by volume, I was blown away the last time I tasted it, it floored me, so much impact, so much " the Force is with me taste ! " This is a really great bottle of sparkling wine that sparks me onward to greater things, purposes, porpoises - I like swimming in the same water, respecting our healthy distance 'tween one another - free my palate glides through the liquid and surf and bubble that is Ettore Germano here! Do you agree? What do you taste?
 
 
TABLE # TWO - With Narayan Campbell of GlobalWineMD pouring -
 
1) Domaine MongeonCremant de Bourgogne , a blend of Pinot Noir, richer, deeper, more of that yeast and bread qualities, more developed and with a great appeal and " weight-mmmm-ness "! But do you like these extra layers of flavor and taste, if not, there are more to choose from. Nice, too with many a meal..... $26.49 a bottle, a treat.
 
2) " Tradition " Brut a a Grier Family Wine, from VILLIERA, South Africa, $24.99 a bottle, using the Methode Cap Classique, using the blend of Chardonnay, Pinot Noir and Pinot Meunier grapes ( just like in many fine French champagnes ). Here I am intrigued and challenged and pleased with the natural effervescent brightness, the tastes of mineral and fruits I cannot put my finger on make me taste more closely! It adds to the equation of what is already available and I like that, the price, too......
 
3) : Trus Colors " brut Cava from Spain, $19.99 a bottle, a dry white made from the indigenous grape Airen, and the Sauvignon Blanc grapes, this is a celebration for everyone, love the rainbow colors, I cannot wait to taste it tomorrow, you cannot miss the bottle : it screams : here we are, join us in all our glory and celebrate the holidays with us! Do you like this fun and unique blend for a Cava? I do not think I have ever seen this blend before, maybe that alone is the point - include it, too in your hearts and vocabularity!
 
 
TABLE # THREE - with Noah Wallace Stevens of Global Wine Maryland. Noah will taste four -
 
1) " Cuvee Tradition " MIOLO  Brut from Sierra Gaucha, Vale dos Vinhedos, southern Brazil, $17.99 a bottle, 12% alcohol by volume, a treat always. I like the blend of Chardonnay and Pinot Noir, it worked ten years ago when I first discovered and sold it, and now, too. A lean dryness, a spryness, a spreeness - really quite impressive. Made by Italian immigrants that came from the Veneto region where Prosecco is made. They know what they are doing it, that knowledge runs through their blood as the fine flavors run through and with these defining bubbles.
 
2) Extra Brut estate-bottled Armenian brut from KARAS, $17.99,  a really impressive-tasting blend of    50% Chardonnay, 40% Colombard, and 10% Kangun, with 11.5% alcohol by volume. I smile when I taste this, it always surprises me in a great way. Is happiness a warm-no-chilled Kangun ?!? Too bad the Beatles never tasted it, or maybe they did. I like this and I like the song, and I will write my own song sipping this!
 
3) " Cuvee Tradition " Brut rose from MIOLO is a blend like the Brut above, with more weight, more power, more impact, more to contend with, but as you as contented by it? Does it need a meal? How about the wild Sokeye salmon I had for lunch that I grilled Sunday night, but smoked instead?!? That would be amazing. There is room for both, which do you prefer?
 
4) Dyutich off-dry sparkling Armenia blend of Colombard, Folle Blanche and Chardonnay ( clear that they love white Burgundy, French champagne and either or both French Cognac and Bas-Armagnac ! ), I love how easy to sip this is. It is pure pleasing delight! I highly recommend it for just chilled. And the aquamarine capsule is soothing. Wrap it around your finger and make a impromptu ring and make a wish.
 
TABLE # FIVE - With Tom Crotteau of RNDC distributors - Tom will taste five - 2 from CODORNIU Spain, 3 from Limoux,France
 
1) Anna de Codorniu brut Cava, $11.49 - need to try it once again, liked it before, hoping to still like it! I am taking a leap-of-faith here and we will taste what we will each individually taste. Let's hope that collectively we all like it enough to have it here for you all. What do you think?
 
2) COTE MAS a dry Chardonnay Blanc de Blancs, $20.99, again I take a leap-of-faith as I want to taste these with you, I want to like them, and I am hoping that these three Limoux sparkling Southwest French wines are as fine as many others made in this region. WE will taste together tomorrow and evaluate. When Thomas Jefferson died he has I believe seven cases of sparkling wines in his cellars from Blanquette de Limoux! This was the famous bubbly way back then.
 
3) COTE MAS Cremant de Limoux , also $20.99 should be a step-up from the Blanc de Blancs here, but only if it tastes that way to you. What do your taste-buds say?!?
 
4) COTE MAS Cremant dry rose , $20.99 - should have more mouth-feel, more weight and a wider girth on your tongue, what say you tongue?!?! Cheers!
 
5) Anna de Codorniu dry Cava rose, $11.49 - what will the color reveal? Will it please, how many flaves does it hide withing it's seeming transparency? It showed so well last time, we need to try it on for size, fit and feel and squeal and fast-swimming, playful National Zoo seal!!!!!
 
TABLE # FIVE - with Jaren Keller of Lanterna Imports pouring a selection of five fine wines - with French champagne!
 
1) " Origins " from KEUSH, a methode traditionelle Brut from Armenia, $ $23.99, with 12% alcohol, I am blown away by this sophistication and delicate elastic transparent and fluid-flying-gravity-defying taste that is subtle and delicious to say the very least! Please elaborate for me?!? How do you find it?
 
2) Dante Robino NOVECENTO Extra Brut from Mendoza, Argentina , $14.49 is a bit more hearty and robust and will warm you, steel you a bit more, rough and tumble and contact, wrestle with your taste-buds a tad more, si si si venga aqui spumante seco!
 
THREE French small grower champagne houses -
 
1) 2009 Jean-Noel HATON, French champagne, NM, the Noble Vintage, a complex bready, doughy yeast yes yes blend of 40% Pinot Meunier, - this is something to really plan a little more time to luxuriate and saturate slowly, lovingly all your palate and taste-buds, senses, limbs, toes and fingers, hair follicles to hair-ends! Oh yeah. $56..99 a bottle - a very special treat, probably beast with some smoked salmon or trout, yum. Maybe some delightful Tennessee orange caviar-style?!?
 
2) Champagne COLLON from Landreville, France, an RM ( Recoltant Manipulant ), brut champagne. with 12% alcohol, this is another champagne to enjoy and take seriously, a real treat that will be lighter and brighter and more gravity-free than the HATON 2009 Vintage champagne, like a breath of fresh air. $54.99 - a lovely steal.
 
3) DEVAUX Grande Reserve Veuve A. DEVAUX, Bar-Sur-Seine,  CM, with 12% alcohol by volume, this brut should be the brightest, lightest, more spacious and blythe-faerie-spirited of all -! $59.99 , try this Cuvee Classique Grande Reserve and see what your tongue, heart, mind and guts tell you!?! Cheers.
 
 
WEEK'S TASTINGS -
 
Wednesday, Tomorrow - surround yourselves with bubbles - 20+! 5:30-8:30PM $15 cost.
 
Thursday, Close-Outs of wine flood the store - come see what we have!?!
 
Friday, December 7th, 2018 - 5-8PM, Come for our TWO tastings -
 
1) John tastes the Port City beers with you, Porter, Wheat and a Pilsner!
 
2) Fernando Silva tasting some of these amazing close-outs we get here on Thursday! Wow, what fun!
 
Saturday, Dec. 8th we have from 2-6PM Narayan tasting some fine West Coast wines of IDYL Cellars, Sonoma, CA :, BURGEVIN LANE, WA State, and BRYN MAWR, Willamette Valley, Oregon, and PICO & VINE, CA. Yes yes yes! JOIN US.
 
THANKS for everything, you all are the very very best, creme de la creme! Cheers, TONY 12/4/2018
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
I WROTE and posted the below in December 2012 - read and enjoy it if you have time! Times move on and we are all just trying to keep up. Cheers, TONY Thanks for your business. 12/4/2018
 
THE WEATHER IS PRETTY  GORGEOUS NOW ( also very un-seasonal and all our hearts are heavy with the recent tragedy and senseless loss of so many precious lives. young and old in Connecticut. Last night at home after a very busy day my wife and I sat down to watch the latest episode of " The Voice " and were greeted by country singer singing with the group of judges and current contestants this year a holiday song. He was holding a card with the name and the year of one of the children that was lost this past week. The camera went from him to the other judges and there was a warmth and a beauty and a calming influence with lighted candles and the soothing sounds of all the singers. It was a lovely tribute to those that died recently in Connecticut. It may have been my favorite moment ever watching " The Voice " and brought tears to me. I also enjoyed very much the songs that followed after that were comforting as well as Bill Wither's famous : " Lean On Me ". I WANT TO THANK ROGER the owner of the Ripple restaurant here for this past Saturday when he was kind enough to bring me a cup of hot coffee. I had tried to get one at the Firehook Bakery quickly but it was too crowded! I saw Roger in his coffee shop and was thrilled that I might get a cup there? It was too early but when he heard my plight he said : " Give me a few minutes and I will bring some to the store for you ". Good to his word, as I was helping a customer he showed up with a cup for me and I was feeling better already as I smiled, took the cup, offered to pay him, but he would have nothing of that. Thank you again Roger. That's what good neighbors are, here to help one another when they can and I appreciate the cup. It was just what I needed as I continued to help our customers. Cheers!
 
THE  "  New "   STREET DECORATIONS up and own our two blocks and lining the poles on either side of Connecticut Avenue look great. That was done by our Cleveland Park Business Association that has been making steady strides for the last two years to improve our neighborhood and to make it look more attractive, clean, appealing and : more of a destination for everyone. It takes a whole lot of patience and grunt work and it makes me happy to see THE THREE WORDS :    DINE  SHOP LIVE !    and ...   Live It Uptown ! It's all a nice touch and we hope that people walking and driving here notice them, stop, shop, dine and live a bit more here in this great neighborhood of ours :   CLEVELAND PARK  that we are all so proud of, that do add to our lives immeasurably.  CHEERS!!!
 
OUR SWEDISH NEIGHBOR at home complained to me yesterday that she missed the snow and the colder weather. She remarked that it's either a deluge of bad weather here or hardly anything at all : and that she wanted some of the " in-between " weather. I second that motion. I do love this weather in some ways , it's so pleasing. It's easier to get around and to do things in this nicer weather. We all must have pretty big " to do " lists to constantly be adding to, and subtracting from? I know that I do. That's how I exist these days and feel fortunate to remember to put many of the things that I need to accomplish on the list so that I do not so easily forget.
 
AS I TYPE THIS we are listening to Christmas music and it's comforting. I do like it. It's easier to type this store email and to feel " in the spirit " as I do with everything corresponding except this unseasonably warm and calm/peaceful weather. This past weekend I spoke to some of our customers and they will be heading down south to Florida. I guess that that feels like a whole different experience than the one we enjoy here? Except that the holiday experience of being with family and friends and celebrating as we do transcends where any of us are. We can enjoy the experience no matter where we are. That's a good thing as so many of us are scattered all around the world and travel for our jobs and spend more time traveling than being here in Washington D.C.

BUT WE ARE GEARING UP here and I had a message waiting from a good customer planning a holiday party for 150 people. My first job was to see what wines we had in stock that I know David likes and I then called him back to discuss more of the specific details as everyone has their likes and their preferences. That's normal. It's not easy to change our colors or our stripes. I read an article in the New York Times Sunday magazine about that and watching the show : " Survivor ". and how people could not easily change no matter how much they wanted! Anyway, we are here to help you all and to get for you what works best for you : simple as that!
 
 
 
      THIS SALE is the regular THREE-PART SALE that we like to run here at Cleveland Park Wines & Spirits :
 
       1) PART ONE : BUY ANY NON-SPARKLING WINE OVER $20 a bottle and SAVE 20% OFF The Sticker-Price. That includes ports, sherry, Marsala, madeira, sake, all-size bottles and shapes including box wines, too.
 
       2) BUY ANY 6 Or More Bottles Of Still Wine and SAVE 15% OFF the marked sticker prices.

       3) PART TWO : BUY ANY 12 BOTTLES Of Non-Sparkling Wines ( includes the ports, sherry, marsala, madeira, sake, all size bottles and boxes ) - EVERYTHING non-sparkling that is still wine, any size, boxes, too may be included in the mix.
 
     MIX IT : GOOD FOR EXISTING MERCHANDISE HERE in the store : not for special orders. Come have some fun mixing some things up to taste and try and SAVE, SAVE, SAVE SOME MORE. Wednesday , December 19th, 2012. If you cannot come call Michel or me ( 202-363-4265 ) and we can get your orders together for you and even arrange to have them delivered to you if in Washington D.C.
 
 
     HERE ARE SUGGESTIONS FOR You To TRY :
 
       BEER From Santos :
 
     1) III Avec Les Bons Voeux de la Brasserie DUPONT Vieilles Bieres sur lie/ non filtre ... lots of French here : means : Old Vines, non-filtered and kept on it's own lees to add flavor, complexity and taste ( $10.99 for a 1 Pt. 9.4Fl. Oz bottle, 750ml bottle, with 9.5% alcohol by volume, product of Belgium, Belgian Saison Ale ) : " Les Bons Voeux means best wishes, which is what Brasserie Dupont sends with this very special saison ale brewed only for the holidays. Redolently aromatic, rich and velvety, this is an ale to toast the season and welcome in the New Year! "
 
     2) Imperial Porter from SHIPYARD Brewing Company in their Pugley's Signature Series ( $10.99, 1 Pt. 6 Fl. Oz bottles, 7.1% alcohol by volume, Portland, Maine, ) : " ... Imperial Porter is a full bodied, very dark, malty beer with a good roasted character coming from the Crystal, Chocolate and Black Patent Malts used in the mash. ... ".
 
     3) Imperial Helles Lager KRAMPUS from the SOUTHERN TIER ( $7.99, 1 Pt. 6 Fl. Oz 650ml bottle, 9 % alcohol by volume, Lakewood, New York, southerntierbrewing.com ... Are You Naughty Or Nice ? ) : " St. Nicolas, aka Santa Claus, is a magical figure, the bringer of gifts and an icon of holiday spirit. Forgotten by most is his evil side kick and enforcer of ' the list '. Dark malts and aromatic hops create the diabolical spirit of this brew. It is finished with lager yeast ... will warm even the coldest hearts ".
 
     4) Winter Ale by SMUTTYNOSE :  Let Snow Wash Away Your Cares ,  Handcrafted in New Hampshire  ( $9.99 a 6-pack, Portsmouth, New Hampshire ) : " Here's to winter in New England : short days & long, cold nights : scratchy wool mufflers & soggy, wet boots : getting up early to dig your car out from under two feet of heavy snow. ... Why do we do it? Hell, what else can we do? ...  warming , mellow, & full-bodied, Smuttynose Winter Ale is your perfect cold weather companion".  WE MAY GET SOME OF this weather, but not right away so be patient everyone. Cheers.
 
     5) BEAR REPUBLIC " Hot Rod Rye " Specialty Ale - Alcohol Burnin' Monster Ale ( $8.99 a 4-pack of 12 Fl. Oz bottles, 8% alcohol by volume, from Healdsburg, Cloverdale, California ) : " Don't drink & drag. Sediment at bottom of bottle may be a result of the truckload of hops in this non-filtered ale. ". Since 1995 and still going strong! Come check it out. this high performance, turbo charged, alcohol burnin' monster ale ...  Cheers.
 
 
LIQUOR / LIQUEUR  From Ravi :
 
     1) Terroir Gin from ST. GEORGE, Handcrafted in California, ( $36.99, 45% alcohol by volume, Mt. Tam, CA. artisan distillers since 1982 ) : " Uniquely Californian gin with a sense of place and poetry, distilled from sustainably sourced botanicals ". 100% neutral grain spirits, Alameda, CA. USA, www.stgeorgespirits.com.
 
     2) Private Stock Fine Puerto Rican Rum with spice and other natural flavors ( $21.99, 40% alcohol by volume, Ponce, Puerto Rico, www.rum.com ) is something " new and exciting " for all of us. Great deep golden color, too : very attractive.
 
     3) Petite Liqueur de Poire Williams Pear Liqueur / Birne Likor of ELIE ARNAUD DENOIX ( On Special for $19.99, 24% alcohol by volume from France ) is in a beautiful hand-blown decanter that makes a great gift. We have sold them for years : a big favorite, and so smooth, bright, rich and silky and with no burn, just warm cream pear flavors on your tongue! Cheers.
 
     4)  XRated Fusion Liqueur ( On Special for $26.99, 17% alcohol by volume, 12043 Canale, Italy, I would put in the web page but it might pick it up as spam as the letter " x " and the word " ratedfusion " and put together to then add the .com! ). I do not want to have this email not be sent because they think it's spam!  It's got a beautiful deep red-pink color that is beautiful.
 
     5) Banana Liqueur , the " Genuine " one from JACQUIN'S ( $12.99, a 750ml bottle, 25% alcohol by volume, made and bottled by Charles Jacquin et Cie, CO., in Philadelphia, PA ) has got a great banana color and sure does look appealing - draws one's attention. Made since 1884. what can you think to mix with this banana liqueur this holiday season? Good to have it back, it's not always available sadly.
 
 
WINE From Michel & Tony :
 
          WHITE :
 
     1) Sauvignon Blanc from the Loire Valley's Touraine region from Jean Sablenay ( $10.99. 2011 ) really tastes like Sancerre and both Michel and I love it, especially when you consider the ridiculous price! Cheers.
 
     2) 2011 Bourgogne Blanc 100% Chardonnay from CLOTHILDE DAVENNE is an " overproduction " in Chablis by CLOTHILDE so it must be called " Bourgogne " and not " Chablis " and yet it's a dead-ringer for a good bottle of clean, crisp, bright, MINERAL-accented Chablis,and for ONLY $14.99. This is a " must-buy ". You will love it. Cheers.
 
     3) Riesling 2006 from PADDY BORTHWICK Vineyards, in New Zealand's Wairarapa region is bone-dry yet developed and flavorful and has great minerals and is a fine food wine. it's too flavorful to drink all by itself, best with a meal. It sells for $20.99 a bottle and will hold it's own well against many a flavorful sauce or a more well-seasoned fish, shellfish or even a nice fresh-water Rainbow trout. Cheers. Was tasted here this past weekend by Scott of Monument Imports and it showed really well.
 
     4) " Adriatico " Ribolla from BASTIANICH ( $18.99, 2009, 13% alcohol by volume, estate-bottled by Marian Simcic, Ceglio, Slovenia , www.adriaticowine.com ) is full and rich and forward and has a very specific nutty quality that is natural and fresh and not oxidized. This region is famous for this. It's lovely and creamy and a delight to sip with or without food. Scott of Monument Imports tasted this also this past Saturday here in the store with some of you lucky enough to have been here.
 
     5) Morava 2011 from MILIJAN JELIC is a dry and very flavorful white from western Serbia ( $24.99, 14.5% alcohol by volume, www.milijanjelic.com ) that has real body and really needs a meal to flesh out it's flavors that have mineral and richness and dense fruit, too that is accented by flavorful spicy notes. What a treat : just tasted it here this past week with Alex that will come to taste it here in January 2013. Cheers. Made from 100% Morava indigenous grapes to this region of Serbia.
 
     6) Roxanich white Orange wine, 2008 called " Ines In White " ( $44.99, 13.5% alcohol by volume, www.roxanich.hr, ) is a UNIQUE white, a one-of-a-kind that is flavorful, complex, filled to the brim with nutty nuances, vanilla, cream and richness, ) : " Cuvee seven grapes ( Sauvignon blanc, Vermentino, Riesling Italico, Glera,, Friulano, Pinot Gris ) aged in oak vbarrels 36 months. After 100 days of maceration and 3 years of aging in large wooden vats it is bottled without filtration or any other intervention". It's pretty amazing : a must-try! Cheers. From Croatia.
 
 
          SPARKLING WINES :


     1) Champagne JANISSON & FILS Grand Cru a Verzenay, Rose, since 1923 ( $50.99, 12% alcohol by volume , ) , a dry and elegant blend of 40% Chardonnay and 60% Pinot Noir is one of the great champagnes " tache " with a splash of rose or salmon color. Lovely, a treat.
 Glad to have it back. Using 5% of the finest grapes grown in Champagne.
 
     2) NEIGE Premium Sparkling Apple wine from Canada that uses some of their ice-apple-wine in the blend, $27.99, this is pretty creamy and bright and soft and round and filling on one's palate! Cheers!
 
     3) Champagne from GIMONNET-GONET from Mesnil-Sur-Oger : Tradition " ( $49.99, dry brut, 12% alcohol  by volume, RM - recoltant-manipulant-owners-harvesters-blenders-makers-they-do-it-all/own-it-all! This is what you want : small families that control everything from start-to-finish and do the job really well. Cheers.
 
     4) Cuvee TSARS LEGEND Methode Traditionelle Brut 2009 sparkling wine from Bulgaria ( $27.99, blanc de blanc, 12.5% alcohol by volume ) is smooth and light and gravity-defying and a real treat! I love it! No better, what a fun treat to introduce your friends to : it tastes GREAT ALL BY ITSELF! Cheers.

     5) Prosecco Bosco di Gica from Azienda ADAMI, from Italy's Veneto region - the best - Valdobbiadene, ( $12.99, for a half bottle ), it does not get much better than this : so lovely all by itself, just melts effortlessly away on the palate!Go to : www.adamispumanti.it for more info. A lovely half-bottle to enjoy, one after the other, pace yourselves, stop when you want : don't feel guilty with these tasty half bottles of some of the best Prosecco. Cheers.
 
 
          REDS :
 
     1) 2009 Vacqueyras dry red from XAVIER ( $29.99 ) : a real Rhone treat from a great vintage.
 
     2) ACORN 2008 Cabernet Franc from California's Alegria Vineyards, Russian River Valley ( $29.99, 13.5% alcohol by volume ) is smooth and bright and very silky and has some delicate Cabernet Franc traits. Great to sip, with finesse and balance.
 
     3) Pinot Noir 2010 Sonoma County, California dry red ( On Special for $19.99, 14.5% alcohol by volume ) is a real treat from California. Cheers : fun, warm wood-fire label, too.
 
     4) Altos Del CUCO Spanish dry red Monastrell/ Mourvedre grape/Syrah and Tempranillo blend ( $11.99, 13.5% alcohol by volume ) from Jumilla, Spain. This 2011 is a real treat and a value, too.
 
     5) COLIMAN Malbec from Mendoza, Argentina, this 2011 ( $8.99, 12.5% alcohol by volume ) is a light and very fresh and bright style, easy-drinking for anytime.
 
     6)  Svb Rosa Vino Budimir, Aleksandrovac Zupaki , Serbia dry red ( $42.99, 13.5% alcohol by volume ) is made from 60% Prokupac and 40% Cabernet Sauvignon and is a really full-flavored, spicy, earthy and tasty wine from southern Serbia to combine with a good, hearty, robust meal that includes some meat or at least really well-seasoned-spiced foods. Cheers! What an amazing wine!!
 
 
     WEEK'S TASTINGS :
 
     Friday, December 21st, 2012 ( 5-8PM ) : We have Chris of Lanterna here to taste some great Spanish and Washington State wines.
 
     RAVI has lined up a GLENLIVET, ABERLOUR, Single Malt Scotch tasting at the same time.
 
    Saturday, December 22nd, 2012 ( 2-6PM ) : We have Chris Bartha here to taste some really fine selections from around the world that will be great for our weekend and our Christmas meals. More info tomorrow as we decide what would be the very best to taste with you all.

     JOIN US,NEVER any charge for any of these tastings!

     JUST SPOKE TO OWNER FLORENCE of Lavandou restaurant and they have changed back their " no corkage " day to Monday. So remember buy a bottle here on Mondays and take it down to the restaurant. Tell us you are doing this and we will give you a 10% off on whichever bottle you take there, that pays your tax. Cheers.
 
 
     I AM SURE I FORGOT SOMETHING ... oh well,  and DON'T FORGET TO COME tomorrow for our 3-Part Weekly Wednesday  20% OFF still wine ( non-sparkling ) Wine Sale Wed. Dec. 19th, 2012 event on 12 or more bottles of non-sparkling wines.
 
     SAVE, SAVE MORE, SAVE EVEN MORE Here At Cleveland Park Wines & Spirits. Cheers and Thanks For All Of Your Business. We are nothing without you and we know this. Thank you, be safe, be sound, be merry, be wiser and happier and more satisfied ... and do come and chat and hang with us. We love it when you do. You are the very best. Happy Holidays to one and to all!! It's been a difficult year and I, for one am really looking forward to this 2013!  Cheers ...  TONY