GOT OUT AND VOTED this morning in Virginia before driving here to work. I am wearing proudly my " I Voted " sticker on my shirt : glad I did it, glad I made time. Every vote makes a difference. Cheers.
THIS IS A GREAT TIME TO STOCK UP Early as between Ravi, Santos, Michel & I we have ordered and received many great beers, ales, liquors and liqueurs, wines and ciders, too. It's nice to see so many wonderful choices now, for example with ciders that are gluten free and sometimes organic, too. This category seems to be getting a whole lot of attention recently.
THIS WEEKEND DAMIEN TASTED one of those wines that really surprises and pleases, teases and impresses :
Cuvee 113 , a dry white 2011 blend of 32% Furmint , 26% Chardonnay, 15% Sauvignon Blanc , 14% Yellow Muscat and 13% Harslevelu from Hungary's prestigious Tokaj region and made by SAUSKA ( $22.99 a 750ml bottle, 13.5% alcohol by volume, go to : www.sauska.com for more info.
As it was cooler this dry and floral and fragrant layered wine just filled up all the spaces available on my surface of my palate as around it! So bright, so rich, so thick and satisfying. I could have simply sat there drinking it all by itself with others by my side to enjoy it! It's quite simply a little Hungarian : work of art " that must be tasted to be fully experienced and under it's spell, a wonderful state-of-being.
COME AND SAY " Bye Bye " To Ravi & wish him Happy Diwali / Festival of Lights as it was this Sunday night. He's here for the next two weeks and then is off to India for a long vacation before returning here so that will be a change for many of us that love working and being around him and that have benefited largely from this.
I KNOW THAT I WILL MISS Ravi greatly as we have worked very well together for many years now. It's been a great ride to have been able to work so well and so closely with Ravi. He's been a force to be reckoned with / he's put a real face on Cleveland Park Wines & Spirits ...
AND I KNOW many of you have come to depend upon him, his smile and kind words and whatever it is that he has been able to do for you effortlessly over these years to make your lives just a little bit better and brighter!
RAVI WILL MOST-ASSUREDLY be a changed and new man when he does return. It will be great to see that when it happens. So come and get whatever you need from Ravi that only Ravi can do in his own style and with such character, unlike anyone else. He's an original.
LIQUOR / LIQUEUR :
SO : Let's See What Ravi Has For You ? :
1) Peppermint Mocha from KAHLUA : a Rum & Coffee Liqueur ( On Special for $18.99 a 750ml bottle, 20% alcohol by volume, product of Mexico, caramel color added , established in Vera Cruz, Mexico, 1936 ) : www.kahlua.com.
" This holiday limited edition is a luxuriously festive balance of cool peppermint and dark chocolate blended with 100% Arabica coffee and sugarcane rum.
Serve on the rocks or ... try the
KAHLUA PEPPERMINT Hot Chocolate : that's 1 Part Kahlua Peppermint Mocha, 2 Parts hot chocolate and with a Garnish of a sprig of mint . "
... now - ahora, enjoy!
2) Pineau des Charentes from Cognac, France from PIERRE FERRAND ( $31.99 a 750ml bottle, dessert wine, 17% alcohol by volume ) :
they call it a dessert wine, I call it a very aromatic style of wine to enjoy before a meal, or after the meal when you might have some people wanting something lighter and less-intense than a cognac.
It's aromatic, very intense, perfumed and a very specific taste that is multi-layered and quite complex and that is definitely an acquired taste as well.
Chill it in the warmer weather and serve it otherwise when it's colder so that it may please and intrigue and warm you and your soul and body, too! This is perfect to enjoy now as the evenings really do get colder.
A deep golden color, a bit deeper than a regular cognac, and certainly a more toasty-roasted flavor, too.
Also available in red but I am not sure the importer has it here. It probably has to be special-ordered in red.
3) Dry Vermouth By RANSOM Wine Company ( $29.99 , 18.4% alcohol by volume, from Sheridan, Oregon ) : Last week I wrote this up and listed eight of the sixteen ingredients, here are the " other " eight : Cinnamon Bark, Coriander, Arch Angel Root, Burdock Root, Fennel, Caramom, Lemon Peel and Vanilla Bean. Very tasty, very special, very worth coming and buying a bottle and experimenting with it. You can use it thoughtfully, brilliantly and magically! Cheers.
4) Holland Vodka from EFFEN ( On Special for $29.99 a 750ml bottle, 40% alcohol by volume, 100% grain neutral spirits, go to : www.effenvodka.com for more info ) : this is " tried-and-true " and has sold well here for years. I just want to bring it to your attention once again in case you do not know it or have tried it yet. Cheers.
5) Aged 4 Years Rhum / Rum In Oak BARBANCOURT Vielli 4 ans THREE STARS ( $19.99 a 750ml bottle, maison fonde/ house founded in 1862 , from Port Au Prince, Haiti, 43% alcohol by volume ; go to : www.barbancourt.com ) : " ... distinctly different, pot-distilled from 100% pure cane sugar and aged in imported white oak casks in a method similar to the finest French cognacs. " Enjoy. 6) Damien of Opici Imports poured this Rebellion Bourbon 5- Stars ( $32.99, 750ml. 47% alcohol by volume, made by WILLET, Bardstown, Kentucky ) : " ... it's not only your right but your duty to stand up and do something about it. Stop drinking sub-par bourbons. Start the rebellion! "
It sure is very aromatic, very complex and rich, too on the palate!
JUST SPOKE TO SANTOS about his beer selection and what's " new " and what's " exciting ", and what "limited-availability ", too :
1) " Magic Elf Ale " from TROEGS Independent Pennsylvania Craft Brewery ( On Special for $16.99 a s-x-pack of 12 Fl. Oz bottles, 11% alcohol by volume, from Hershey, Pennsylvania ) : " Handcrafted by the Troegs Brothers, an ale brewed with honey and cherries, Happy Holidays , ... this Mad Elf, a jolly and delicious beer for the holidays. Holiday cheers! " say Chris and John. Go to : www.troegs.com for more information. We only have seven cases that were delivered today : get some while you can!
2) " Double Trouble " IPA Indian Pale Ale from FOUNDERS Brewing CO. since 1997 ( On Special for $13.99 a 4-pack of 12-ounce bottles, from Grand Rapids, Michigan, 9.4% alcohol by volume, go to : www.foundersbrewingcompany.com for more information ) : this is also " new and exciting " sez Santos as he handed me this 4-pack carefully as it clearly is treasured by him! Gracias Santos. 3) " Reboot White " IPA India Pale Ale Malt Beverage brewed with spices , a Smokestack Series from BOULEVARD Brewing Company ( $10.99 a 750ml bottle, 7.4% alcohol by volume, from Kansas City, Missouri, go to : www.boulevard.com for more info ) : " This re-release of our 2011 Collaboration Series No. 2 White IPA brings back the unique marriage of a classic Belgian-style witbier to an American IPA. Version 2.0 has upgraded its spicy aroma, with hints of bubblegum and clove. Bold flavors will launch upon uncorking, as sage and lemongrass balance the tangy, zesty wheat malt profile. ... " Cheers.
4) Black Lager from GUINNESS St. James's Gate Dublin. Established 1759 ( On Special for $9.99 a 6-pack of 11.2 Fl. Oz bottles, Ireland, go to : www.guinness.com for more info ) : " Guinness Black Lager is cold-brewed with roasted barley to deliver the refreshing taste of lager with the unique character of Guinness. Enjoy ice cold straight from the bottle. "
5) Bourbon Barrel Stout Malt beverage aged in WILD TURKEY Bourbon barrels from ANDERSON VALLEY Brewing CO. ( $12.99 a 22 Fl Oz bottle, 6.9% alcohol by volume, go to : www.avbc.com for more info, from Boonville, CA. ) : " Bahl Hornin' since 1987 . " Try some!
6) " Red Thunder " Malt Beverage aged in wine barrels from VICTORY Brewing CO. ( $10.99 a 1 Pt. 9.4Fl. Oz bottle, 8.5% alcohol by volume, from Downingtown, PA , go to : www.victorybeer.com for more info ) :
" First brewed in England in the 18th century, porter-style beers were transported to Baltic maritime cities in oak casks.
As the style roamed through Europe, it picked up flavor influences along the way. We guessed that this drifting, vagabond style would enjoy a bit of downtime, so we gave it a new home for a few months.
We filled oak barrels that previously held red wine with with our Baltic Thunder and waited patiently for results.
Subtle and seductive, the burnished cocao creaminess of this beer is now accented with the tannic dryness that the wood imparts... Red Thunder honors the Baltic god of heavenly rumblings, as the ever-changing porter is as unpredictable , yet romantic, as an evening storm." Cheers, Bill Ron, the Brewmaster of Victory.
WINE From Michel & Tony :
WHITE :
1) 2012 Sauvignon Blanc from RIEBEEK CELLARS in Swartland, South Africa ( $7.99, 12.5% alcohol by volume, ) : lovely, my family enjoys it - so refreshing and easy on the palate. As they say themselves : " well-defined fruit with a complimentary freshness to ensure a crisp and refreshing white wine. " And at a fine value, too we add!
2) 100% dry white French Viognier from Alain Paret and the Cotes-Du-Rhone northern region in and around Condrieu, this 2012 Valvigneyre ( $15.99, Saint-Pierre-de-Boeuf, go to : www.maison-alain-paret.fr for more info , 13% alcohol by volume ) was tasted by Damien here this past weekend and we almost sold-out.
It's so flavorful, so dry with great mineral accents and it needs a meal because of all it's flavor. You all simply must try this to see and to taste first-hand what all the BUZZ is about the Viognier grape and why it has now traveled around the world and become quite successful here in Virginia!
SPARKLING :
1) Cremant de Loire , a Brut French sparkling white wine from the CHATEAU PIEGUE ( $19.99 a 750ml bottle, 13% alcohol by volume, Proprietaire-Recoltant - owners and harvesters , ) : a full and silky, a creamy texture that coats the palate completely in freshness of 50% Chardonnay and 40% Chenin Blan and 10% Cabernet Franc :
drinking this on Saturday night after work and a hard week for me that started early Tuesday morning and just continued after that was like getting a second lease-on-life, a second breath, a welcome break, a peace of calm after the storm!
I absolutely LOVED it : words cannot describe my relief sipping it in the comfort of home with my lovely wife and daughter there. I highly recommend you try it, it over-delivers!
2) L.MAWBY Blanc de Noirs Leelanau Penninsula Brut dry Traditional-Method Sparkling ( $26.99 , #1075 , 11% alcohol by volume, Cuvee 181, Suttons Bay, Michigan, go to : www.lmawby.com for more info ) : " Fragrant whisper invites, mature caress captivates : she's light at heart ... "
My wife and I loved this dry American sparkling wine this Sunday night at our home in northern Virginia. It made a fantastic impression on the both of us : we LOVED it.
Like real French champagne, for the price this really delivers so much sublime and hearty and bread/and/yeast toastiness that's quite unbelievable! Made quite a hard week so much more pleasant at the end when it was finally over and the relaxation and joy for one's hard efforts could be celebrated as they were in both our cases!
ROSE :
1)Dry Cotes De Provence 2012 Rose from a classic house ESTANDON, this " Legende " ( $38.99 , 13% alcohol by volume, from Brignoles, Var, France ) raises the ante and the measure by which great dry roses of the world are measured. World-class : a very special treat! Fun bottle and label, too : it simply all fits so well.
RED :
1) Merlot 2010 from CHATEAU JULIEN , from California's Monterey region ( On Special for $9.99 a bottle, 13.5% alcohol by volume ) : a delicious dry and flavorful and rich, balanced wine from California at a great price. We like it! Cheers.
2) Primitivo del Salento 2010 from Italy's Puglia southern region ( $10.99, 14.5% alcohol by volume , ) : Here's a delicious dry and tasty and fleshy and bright and really appealing Italian wine to enjoy just about anytime with about anything! From my great friend Andrea Fossi : a class-act! Try some and be really pleased. 3) " Old Basket Press " 2012 Walker's Bay from BEAUMONT ( $12.99, 13% alcohol by volume, go to : www.beaumont.co.za for more info ) : Founder Raoul Beamont discovered the Tinta Barroca grape from Portugal that usually makes sweet port and he brought it back with him and is now making this delightful blend of medium-to-light-bodied earthy and spicy and pleasing red made mainly from the Tinta Barroca.
What a deal, what a special taste and flavor profile. Really nice slightly-chilled and with a meal off the grill or slightly seasoned-marinated. Lovely. It was a huge hit when John Morrison poured it here this pastFriday evening. Thanks John.
4) Valpolicella Classico 2011 from DEGANI ( $13.99 a bottle, 12.5% alcohol by volume, made mostly from the Corvina grape in Veneto, Italy ) : medium-to-light-bodied, chill slightly and enjoy most anytime. It really is nice by itself thought it will complement most any food no matter what type or style, just not the very strongest or aged or hottest peppers! Otherwise you will have a friend here in liquid form that will please many. From our dear friend Alessandro Furlan.
5) " Secret de Jaligny " a 2010 dry 100% Pinot Noir from France's Loire Valley Sain-Poucain ( On Special for $19.99, regularly $23.99, 12% alcohol by volume ) : this is a spicy and earthy Pinot Noir made in the classic style, lighter-bodied, made to be enjoyed with many a meal. It will hold it's own with many foods as well. Made from old vines, only 500 cases made. Come try some, you will enjoy these forest-floor flavors.
6) 100% French Gamay 2009 from Beaujolais' town FLEURIE from the DOMAINE DES NUGUES ( $21.99 a bottle, 13.5% alcohol by volume , go to : www.dstwine.com for more info ) :
tasty, good toasty-roasted berry flavors, chill and serve now as this is a perfect time to enjoy this dry red with good acidity that will cut through many a flavor and a taste of a food. Great at Thanksgiving with turkey and fresh cranberry sauce and stuffing and everything else, too.
7) 2009 Bellevue de FOURCAS DUPRE a dry red Left-Bank red Bordeaux ( $21.99 a bottle, 12.5% alcohol by volume , estate-bottled ) : a dry red blend of 70% Cabernet Sauvignon and 30% Merlot : from a great vintage in Bordeaux : this is a flavorful, pungent, youthful still tannic dry red that will age much longer and be better later, but that may be enjoyed now with a meal :
a fine red meat of course, some tasty cheeses, pate, sausages, cured meats, well-seasoned vegetarian dishes, some Portobello mushrooms, too!
WEDNESDAY Weekly 3-Part Still-Wine SALE:
1) BUY ANY bottle of still wine over $20 a bottle and SAVE 20% OFF the marked sticker prices.
2) BUY ANY SIX ( 6 ) Bottles of still wine and SAVE 15% OFF the marked sticker prices.
3) BUY ANY twelve ( 12 ) or more still wines and SAVE 20% OFF the marked sticker prices.
THIS INCLUDES : port, sherry, marsala, madeira and sake, too : mix them all up :
SAVE BIG here on Wednesdays at Cleveland Park Wines & Spirits!
PAY ON Wednesdays and SAVE BIG!
WEEKEND TASTINGS :
Friday, November 8th, 2013 ( 5-8PM ) : We have Alex of Balkan Wine Imports here to taste some exciting " new " wines of Croatia from TRAPAN that include the ...
1)wonderful dry rose we already stock ( $19.99 a bottle ), as well as ...
2) the " new " Malvzija-Malvasia " indigenous grape variety , Ponente Istrian, and the ...
3) Northern Croatian dry red Trapan made from the Trapan grape variety , grown in red soil that is also organic, 14% alcohol by volume, $32.99 a bottle , red Terra Mare, rare and unique and very special!
JOIN US : NEVER any charge.
Saturday, November 9th, 2013 ( 2-6PM ) : We have Oscar of Voila Collection Imports here to taste some great French country wines and to talk as well about the birth of his recent two twins - a boy and a girl, healthy and happy and new lives! What fun. We may do some sparkling Loire Valley wine, and we may throw in something special from Oregon. Since it's almost Thanksgiving we may, in fact, do mostly Oregon wines to celebrate early! Stay-tuned. more infor tomorrow when we see Oscar.
I KNOW I HAVE FORGOTTEN MANY THINGS but it's time to send this email.
THANKS FOE EVERYTHING.
GO TO THE CP Public Library tomorrow to be heard on the service road debate.
FOLLOW US on Twitter at : cpwinespirits and also at : wineenabler.
LIKE Us On Facebook at : Cleveland Park Wines & Spirits.
CHEERS ALL, TONY
| 
No comments:
Post a Comment