- WE'RE PROUD OF OUR NEIGHBORHO
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3:56 PM (6 minutes ago)
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Featuring a wide, international selection of fine wines, micro-brews and spirits
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WE'LL START OFF WITH Saying : Boo! Happy Halloween!
IT'S THIS THURSDAY and we are getting set up for it now as time is running out! Come by and see what we have organized for you all? You never know what we might come up with here?!? There's always that great element of surprise here that we reserve for you all. BREAKING NEWS :
BOXWOOD Winery Dinner TOMORROW, Wednesday, October 30th, 2013 @ PULPO Restaurant starting at 6:30PM : 4 Courses, 5 BOXWOOD Virginia wines : $95 a person. Call general manager Dave Hansen @ PULPO : 202-450-6875, and go to : www.pulpodc.com for more information as well. There's still room for this coveted event with owner Rachel Martin of BOXWOOD Winery to conduct this FABulous dinner and wine-food pairing meal in a really fun space, too.
WE ARE THRILLED TO BE ENTRENCHED HERE in our Cleveland Park neighborhood of Northwest Washington D.C.
WE'RE NOT alone : we are a part of many events and people, businesses, schools, concerns. I want to take a brief moment to talk about the CPBA ( Cleveland Park Business Association ) that we are involved in.
I HAVE BEEN GOING to the meetings now for about three years as we have met and discussed and formed a group of dedicated business owners that are very much an integral part of the community.
WE STARTED FROM SCRATCH and have arrived at a point where we will piece many of the final loose pieces together by the end of this year and really start strong next year. We care and believe in Cleveland Park.
I HAVE GOTTEN TO KNOW and see many of the various owners/ managers up and down this two-block stretch and that has been pleasing and rewarding. I'm enriched by this extra contact with our business community that does it's very best to serve you as very best as it possibly can, We're in this together : we sink and we swim together.
AND NOW THERE'S MORE TALK about changing the service road out front. Judy Hubbard that was here this weekend says that this next meeting at the Cleveland Park Library will be to discuss this further with the community and then a recommendation will be made finally to the D.C. City Council about whether to leave it or to adopt one of the three proposed for changing it and the block at Porter and Connecticut Avenue. There will be updates to follow.
GO TO THE NEXT MEETING at the Cleveland Park Library and have your voices heard.
THERE'S ALWAYS A CERTAIN LEVEL OF skepticism and questions, and that's tough. Well. I have been involved since the start I believe and I have personally witnessed as we have worked to make something that we can all be proud of that will hopefully serve our community that is ours.
IT HASN'T BEEN EASY at times but we have been patient and have persevered. We have met with the famous Main Street people that are based here in Washington and we have listened to them outline what we must do and we are busy doing that as we are busy serving our many customers, too.
IT'S A LOT OF shuffling and planning and longer hours but it's fallen together pretty magnificently and we will all see the benefits that we can bring to our community when we all work together.
I WILL BE BLOGGING further about this and including it on Facebook and tweeting, too. I have some wonderful pictures from our meetings and will include those when we have met at the 4-P's, Lavandou restaurant and now at Ripple. So stay-tuned for more and please feel free to comment and express any of your concerns and ask any questions that you may have? Respond to this email or call me at : 202-363-4265,
I HOPE EVERYONE WILL HALLOWEEN. WE had a number of people come here dressed up and looking really nice this past weekend : tigers and cats and various scary and spooky characters. I wish that I had taken some pictures like I had in the past.
HALLOWEEN DAY is this Thursday, October 31st : are you ready? My daughter keeps asking me if I have decided on what I will wear for my costume? I responded that I would pick something if she would go trick-or-treating with me? That would be nice.
BY THE WAY WE HAD A LOCAL SUPPLIER make a suggestion : that perhaps if we had a few more national and popular brands that we would have more people shopping here? Are there any popular brands that you'd like to see here that you would rather buy from us than a Safeway or a Giant, Wholefoods, Harris Teeter, Trader Joe's?
REMEMBER THAT WE ARE simply one operation, not a national chain. It's amazing what our buying power can and has done. WE come up with some spectacular prices for you all even if I do have to say so myself. Usually I let you say it for us but after so many years of doing this here I am proud of what we have accomplished as a small independent store.
THE LARGE CHAINS do not need to worry whether they make money on the sale of wines as they can make it back on the sale of their food. It's just an additional item for them amongst many already; and they are not specialists in the field of ciders, liqueur, liquor or wine as we are. That fortunately keeps us in this very competitive game today as you come and see us when you really do need some sound advice and help. Thanks for that.
WE WANT TO BE HERE for you but we do not want to have to always sell a national brand because we buy less of it than these national chains.
I CALL THIS APPROACH : " Adding to the equation, not duplicating it ".
THAT'S MY / our approach. We cannot match every price and so what we can do well is offer you many things you will not readily see in these larger, national venues that are just adding wine and spirits where they can as " an extra ".
AS I JUST SAID it's not their field of expertise : it's not their main livelihood.
I REMEMBER GOING TO an ANC meeting where Wallgreens wanted to add some wine sales to their store because they wanted to " more to their customers ". My response was : " Well then why don't we start selling some drugs to be more to our customers as well ? " I went on to say : " Why don't we all sell everything then so that we can be everything to every customer? "
I KNOW, it's already been tried.
MY POINT IS that we specialize, are specialists in what we do. Having said this, however I still want to know if we can be more to you with any national brands? Let us know? Thanks. Your opinions are essential to us, really our bread-and-butter : essential. Thanks.
IT'S ALMOST NOVEMBER and the sun's out and it's cool and breezy and the sky's blue. Pretty nice and already some of our favorite wines are pouring once again through our doors. The same is true for our beer. We have just checked in some really good beers and wines. It's the perfect weather now to enjoy some of both.
BEERS From Santos : In All Sizes & Styles
1)" Queen of the Night " Pale Ale from CERVECERIA MEXICANA, Mexico ( On Special for $11.99, 11.2 Fl. Oz bottle, 4.8% alcohol by volume , ) : " Day of the Dead Beer / Cerveza De Los Muertos . " A fine Mexican Craft beer that's perfect for this time of year!
2) " Big Eye " India Pale Ale from the BALLAST POINT Brewing Company ( $10.99 a six-pack of bottles, 7% , from San Diego, California, go to : www.ballastpoint.com ) : Oh what fine flavor and taste!
3) Baltimore Pale Ale Full Tilt Brewing ( On Special for $10.00 a 6-pack of 12-ounce bottles, 6.3% alcohol by volume, go to :www.fulltiltbrewing.com, on Facebook at : fulltiltbrewing ) : " BALTIMORE PALE ALE utilizes Nugget, Columbus, Summit, and Crystal hops in a blend which provides for an unforgettable aroma apparent from the very instant it is served and a full, pleasant taste which will satisfy your taste buds no matter what time of year this brew finds you. "
4) " American Beauty " from DOGFISH HEAD Craft Brewery, an Imperial Pale Ale brewed with Granola & All-American hops ( $14.99 1 Pt. 9.4Fl. Oz bottle, 9% alcohol by volume , Delaware, go to :www.dogfish.com ) : " Inside this bottle, your miracle ticket awaits. It called America Beauty, an Imperial Pale Ale inspired by the Grateful Dead. The best way to capture 30 years, more than 100 live albums, 2.300 shows? Let the loyal fans drive the recipe. Among thousands of suggestions, granola was tops. It was the main source in millions of parking lot meals and is a sweet and toasty complement to the all-American hops and barely. There was something different about a Dead show. Whether you saw one or 100, you felt it."
5) BIERE DU BOUCANIER " Golden Ale " ( $12.99 , 750ml, alcohol 11% by volume, www.globalbeer.com, brewed and bottled in Belgium ) is a " living beer , refermented in the bottle. Perfect balance of hops and malt. Three yeasts create an incredible complexity in aroma and taste ". I agree , we sampled it out this past Saturday afternoon here with Matt our local rep. Thanks Matt. It's so rich and creamy that it will warm anyone now even with the biting winds and the cold snaps. Cheers.
LIQUOR/ LIQUEUR By Ravi :
1) Skinny Girl Sangria ( On Special for $12.99 ) is a white sangria made with grape wine with natural flavors. This is the hot " new " product from Betheny that was one of the " housewives " of New York, remember?!? It's a fun " new " drink for this fall weather. Come and check it out.
2) TOMBO Schochu/ Soju ( $14.99 ) is a Japanese-style vodka and we are thrilled to finally get some here with all the requests that we have had here over the years. Cheers.
3) " Authentic " RIVERBOAT Rye American unfiltered Whiskey made handcrafted in small batches. It sells for $20.99 a bottle : " This authentic American Rye whiskey might be young in age, but feisty and full of character, much like the folks who lived in the riverboat age. ... Whether gambling on a riverboat , dealing faro in an old west saloon, relaxing after a long day prospecting for gold ; rye whiskey was never far away. "
4) Lincoln County Lightning Tennessee corn whiskey from Benjamin : PRITCHARD'S ( $22.99 ) is also brand-spanking " new " and very exciting! It's from Kelso, Tennessee, 40% alcohol by volume. Cheers.
5) NUDE Vodka Simply Seductive ( On Special for $21.99, regularly $24.99 a bottle, 40% alcohol by volume, go to : www.NudeSpirits.com , bottled by BEND Spirits, Bend, Oregon for NUDE Spirits, LLC. distilled from grain ) : we have been working with NUDE vodka now for four or so years, have done at least three or more tastings over these years and are thrilled to have it. Great smooth flavor and really fun marketing, too. Try it again for the first time!
6) ZAYA Gran Reserva 12-Year-Old Finest Luxury Rum, Imported From Trinidad ( On Special for $42.99, 750ml bottle, 40% alcohol by volume, ) : one of the rums that we absolutely MUST HAVE here at Cleveland Park Wines & Spirits. It's considered by many to be one , if not their all-time favorite.
Customers are always talking about it and even recommending it to others here when they overhear any conversation about what rum to select for a special treat/ occasion. And Trinidad is sure one of the " beautiful places " in the word that everyone must try and visit in their lifetime.
7) Straight Bourbon Whiskey Corn/Rye/Barley from HENRY Du YORE'S ( $42.99, 45.65% alcohol by volume, 91.3Proof by volume, Batch No.003, Bottle No. 2587 , Distilled and Bottled by Joad Spirits, Sheridan, Oregon, USA ) :
" ... Long gone are the days of furtively moving still, keg and jugs from the hollow to barn in the bed of a '76 Dodge. And thankfully so. Can't really say which hollow, which barn, or the real name either. Some things are better left unsaid ...
These days the distilling may be a bit less exhilarating, but that lack of anxiety does mean a greater focus on quality ... come together to bring you this unique American Whiskey. "
8) Dry Vermouth from RANSOM Wine Company ( $29.99 a 750ml bottle, Shreridan, Oregon ) : Made with the following -
1) Wormwood, 2) Rosehip,
3) Scullcap 4) Chamomile,
5) Orange Peel, 6) Verbena,
7) Spearmint and 8) Star Anise :
and there are eight more ingredients , all written here on the bottle! Come get some, check this out : special, flavorful, distinct : a " must try ! "
NEWS :
I just heard a few minutes ago that today marks a year since Hurricane Sandy brought the East Coast, New York and New Jersey such devastation. If you have any stories or comments to make please do share them with us.
Wines From MICHEL & Tony
WHITES :
1) Sauvignon Blanc 2012 from Chile's Central Valley ( $8.99 a bottle, 13% alcohol by volume, go to : www.terranoble.cl for more info ) :
" This zesty Sauvignon Blanc has fresh aromas reminiscent of lemons, gooseberries as well as those of tropical fruits. "
Crisp on the palate, and it actually has a really nice finish, too. GREAT VALUE always!
2) Roussanne 2012 Indigenous Dry White French variety from CHABERT ( $8.99 a bottle, 12.5% alcohol by volume, Meze, France Pays D'Oc ) : really bright and fresh, with a lovely pale yellow color ...
and flavors that are both floral and with accents of citrus and mineral notes to make the wine " pop " on your palate! Michel and I really like it, what value, too.
3) 80% Chardonnay / 20% Pinot Blanc 2008 Bourgogne Hautes-Cotes-De Beaune dry white French Burgundy from DOMAINE Henri Naudin-Ferrand ( $21.99, 12.5% alcohol by volume, in Magny-les-Villers , go to : www.cometewines.com for more info ) : mature, still really bright and lively and fresh and it jumps right from the glass onto your palate, it's so refreshing, so lively, so tasty :
with great mineral overtones and touches of bread and steely mineral qualities, dashes of nuts, too.
Importer Jim Reeves tasted it here this past Friday and it was quite the success. Great food wine, will warm you even outside in this cold.
4) Fino Sherry from ALEXANDRO ( $18.99 a 750ml bottle, Jerez-Xeres-Sherry from Spain made from 100% Palomino grapes, 15% alcohol by volume, go to : aecovi-jerez.com ) Fernando Silva tasted it here this past Saturday. So distinct, so bright and crisp and fresh :
what lovely nutty overtones. Great when you use nuts in any food preparation. Also great with hard and semi-hard cheeses. Nice all by itself as well before a meal!
ROSE :
1) 2012 Pinot Noir Rose from Germany from REICHSRAT VON BUHL in the Pfalz region ( $21/99, 12% alcohol by volume, from Deidesheim, Germany ) : Dry, charismatic, flavorful, will cut through many dishes and enliven-brighten-focus them even more. What a real treat this 100% dry Pinot Noir rose is : perfect for this time of year. It's also quite nice to sip all by itself.
REDS :
1) Pinot Noir From California from REDTREE, 2011 ( $9.99 a bottle, made by CECCHETTI Wine Company, in Santa Rosa, Sonoma, CA. go to : www.cecchettiwineco.com for more info ) : made from 100% Pinot grapes and quite refined, quite smooth- lighter-bodied, nice.
2) NATA VACHNADZE dry red made from 100% Saperavi grapes in Kakheti, Georgia On Special for $9.99, regularly $14.99 a bottle, 12% alcohol by volume go to : www,georgianwinehouse.com for more info ) : earthy, spicy, intense and a really fine food wine that is mature and such an incredible value for the ten bucks! Buy several bottles, buy a case of it!
3) Chianti Colli Senesi from TENUTA VALDIPIATTA 2008 ( $17.99 ) from Miriam is drinking so well from Tuscany. it's a favorite of mine. We are thrilled to have it here finally for you all. I had a bottle this weekend.
We only have a few bottles left of this 2008 as we have moved into the 2011. The 2008 is earthier, more complex, more spice and toasted dried cherry flavors :
it warmed me as I sat outside on this past cold weekend by the fire I built in our elevated fire-pit : and felt the heat from the flames in front and the cold of the night on my back : with the warmth of the VALDIPIATTA inside me! Nice.
4) Crianza Rioja Cosecha 2010 from Baron LADRON De GUEVARA ( $20.99 a bottle, 13.5% alcohol by volume, Elciego, Spain ) : Fernando Silva from Peru was here tasting it with you all this past Saturday and it's fruit-forward, bright rich toasted cherry-strawberry flavors with accents of spice.
It is really showing perfectly now and will be great to enjoy all by itself or with many a meal, and warm you with the chill of day and night when the sun is scarce!
5) " Les Asters " French southern Rhone from Gigondas, this 2009 dry red blend of mostly Grenache is made by GUYOT in Taluyers, Rhone ( $26.99 a bottle, 14% alcohol by volume. It's a dry blend of 80% Grenache and 18% Syrah, 2% Mourvedre ) :
Jim Reeves tasted it here this past Friday night and it's lively, bright, fruit-and-white-pepper-
PEAR WINE :
1) Pear Wine from FABBIOLI CELLARS ( $36.99 ) from Doug Fabbioli and Virginia's Loudoun County is a great gift and a great drink to enjoy as this 500ml bottle ( www.fabbioliwines.com ) is made from Doug's own fallen pears from his own pear tree. It's hearty and intense and a great way to end an evening outside sitting around a fire. Cheers.
SPARKLING WINE :
1) TEAVINE Green Tea- White Wine & Honey Infusions ( On Special for $12.99 a bottle, 750ml bottle, slightly carbonated ) : the owner was here that's a Cleveland Park resident. He's calling tomorrow to set up another in-store TEAVINE tasting with you all. Each time we do one here it sells out by the end of the tasting! That's pretty good. Many of our customers love it. Smooth, rich and pleasing on the tongue, so easy to drink with or without a meal. Lovely, and for a sunny day like today it's perfect! Enjoy with a good friend, no bite, no burn, it will titillate the palate.
2) HILLINGER Secco From Leo Hillinger, Dry Pinot Noir Rose Austrian wine ( $17.99 a bottle, 12% alcohol by volume, from Burenland, Austria ) : " Supports Breast Cancer research and awareness with the Pink Ribbon on it. Really refreshing and tasty : a treat now during October's Breast Cancer Month. Always a favorite here. Try some if you have not already, nice to sip all on it's own.
WEEKLY WEDNESDAY 3-Part Still-Wine SALE:
WEEK'S TASTINGS :
1) BUY Any $20 Or More Bottle Of Still Wine and SAVE 20% OFF the marked sticker price, even if it's On Special or not.
2) BUY ANY Six ( 6 ) Bottles of Still Wines and SAVE 15% OFF the marked sticker prices.
3) BUY ANY Twelve ( 12 ) or more bottles of still wine and SAVE 20% OFF the marked sticker prices : assorted or the same.
YOU MAY INCLUDE any sherry, marsala, madeira, sake or port in this purchase. Mix some of all the wines together and SAVE BIG here at Cleveland Park Wines & Spirits. You will be happy with a mix like this.
IF YOU CANNOT COME call Michel or me ( Tony ) at : 202-363-4265 and we will mix up whatever you want.
I KNOW I HAVE FORGOTTEN SOMETHING : Sorry! Come and see us, be a part of what we do here. Come and take a part, take a position, be an integral piece of our wonderfully diverse and rich Cleveland Park neighborhood culture and experience. Cheers and thanks for all your support.
YOU MAY FOLLOW US on Twitter at : cpwinespirits and also at : wineenabler.
YOU May " LIKE " Us on our FACEBOOK Account at : Cleveland Park Wines & Spirits.
THANKS for everything, you are all the very, very best! Cheers, TONY
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