Two Years Ago Here In Washington D.C. 20008 In The 70's : Today, March 11th, 2014 It Mat Be The Same?!? Sake, Mike Potasnik I-Winrereview.com, O'DWYERS CREEK Kosher Kiwi Sauv. Blanc, GABRIELLE Kosher Lazio Unoaked Chardonnay, OLD DOMINION Brewing : " Livin' The Dream '...'N More!

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IT'S HARD TO THINK OF EVERYTHING  that I want to mention at once. It's very
much like an organic, fluid trail of ideas, notions, memories and " glad that I
remembered this or that " kind of process that somehow, with patience and
diligence all seems to come together.

I WALKED INTO THE STORE after finally finding my way around a second accident
on Route 50 ? Arlington Boulevard at Park Street. It took some doing but here I
am safe and sound on an absolutely drop-dead gorgeous day and Ravi at our
register immediately talking to me about last night's wine-tasting with owner/
wine-maker Jean-Marc of the DOMAINE ROUGE-BLEU.

JEAN-MARC TASTED his two reds ( the Dentelle  2009 dry red Rhone-style blend,
$19.99, ; the dry 2010 rose On Special for $14.99 ( just a few bottles left if
that as we switch to the 2011 at $18.99 a bottle ), and the " Mistral " 2010
dry red Cotes Du Rhone , $24.99 a bottle. I will have to let you all know what
is available for sale after yesterday's wine-tasting and then wine-dinner at
Ripple restaurant. Call Ean and me for more info at : 202-363-4265.

AS I REACHED THE BACK of the store Ravi called out to : " Doctor Steve wants to
talk to you". I walked back up to the front of the store to find out that Dr.
Steve is our eye doctor across the street from us on Connecticut Avenue N.W. (
he's the owner of UPTOWN VISION ) and his store got a lot of damage from the
water main pipe that broke and spewed water up above his roof as well as that
of the Uptown Theater ( both had flooding and Dr. Steve had lots of damage done
to his store ). He needs my pictures that I took when everyone alerted me to
this last week. I will be happy to give them to you Steve. Steve is a customer
and a friend as well as a business neighbor.

I JUST RECEIVED A CALL from Mike Potasnik that is the editor of the on-line
wine review called i-winereview.com and this issue that he is working on
currently is all about kosher wines : just in time for Passover on Saturday,
April 7th, 2012. I told him that I would pass this information on to our
customers as we like to share as much information with you as we possibly can.
I also told Mike that we sell a whole lot of kosher wines here pretty much
every day and not simply on the holidays. It has grown with time and many
customers of ours know that they will find an assortment of at least
twenty-to-thirty kosher wines at any time, some Mevushal and some for Passover
: many at under $20 a bottle as well in all styles, colors and levels of
sweetness. Most, in fact are dry. Mike and his group of tasters have taken on
the job to review some of the very best kosher wines available to us these
days. In fact he just returned from New York city where there was a large
kosher wine-tasting event.

ANYWAY : come check out our kosher selection. We just bought more of the
O'DWYERS CREEK 2010 Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc ( $16.99 ) that is kosher for
Passover and also Mevushal. We will have to buy more quickly : it's good and
selling quickly. We also have the CANTINA GABRIELE dry, unoaked Chardonnay (
12% alcohol  by volume ) from Lazio, Italy and the dry Sangiovese from Circeo,
Italy , also from CANTINA GABRIELE : BOTH On Special for $10.99 a bottle now.

BUT HEY, as I always say, this store email has to be about ALL those categories
that interest you and not simply only about wine so I will switch over to
Santos in the back that has been busy receiving many cases of beer just now.

HERE ARE TWO, hot-off-the-presses beers from Santos that he just rolled up to
put up front on our shelves.

1) Oatmeal Porter Series 924 from the WIDMER BROTHERS Brewing company in
Portland, Oregon ( On Special for $4.99 a bottle, 22 Fl. Oz, 6% alcohol by
volume, Widmer Brothers making beer since 1984 ) is richly toasted and
sublimely smooth. For more info go to : www.WidmerBrothers.com. Cheers.
2) Gigi's Farmhouse Ale from our local brewery  OLD DOMINION ( Livin' the
Dream ) Brewing Co. ) On Special for $5.99 a 22 Oz. bottle, in Dover, Delaware,
bottled Feb. 12th, 2012, 7.2% alcohol by volume . " To the French, Gigi is a
woman who farms, to our brewers, Gigi is a Belgian-influenced,
bottle-conditioned saison ". Looks like something perfect for this warm weather
outside with loads of sunshine and blue skies now.

BEFORE SANTOS ARRIVED I found up front THREE to tempt you all with. Here they
are in all their glory :

1) KARLOVACKO Pivo beer Stoljetna tradicija Okrunjeno Kvalitetom ( $3.99 a
500ml bottle, 5% alcohol by volume, Croatia, www.karlovacko.hr ) is something
new at least to me. Have any of you already tried it? Please respond to this
email if you have and include any comments. All your comments are welcome.
2) ODYSSEY Ale Aged In Oak Barrels from ALLAGASH ( $18.99, 1 Pt. 9.4 Fl.
Oz, 750ml bottle, 10.4% alcohol by volume, bottled in December 2011, 1160 cases
made ; Allagash Brewing, Portland, Maine, 1-800-330-5385  ). For more
information go to : www.allagash.com. Open cautiously, contents under pressure.
3) Real Aussie Stout ( No Additives, No Preservatives ) from COOPERS
BREWERY ( $12.99 a 6-pack of 12.7 ounce bottles, bottle-fermented, family
brewed,  Regency Park South Australia, kosher, pareve, since 1862 ) is good to
have back with the other two flavors. Our Aussie owners and wine-makers love to
stop and have a COOPERS after their wine-tastings and are always excited to see
it here on our shelves. I'd rather have more wine : to each his or her own :
that's what makes the world so exciting!

LAST WEEK ONE OF OUR CUSTOMERS was making an interesting drink that in all my
years no one has mentioned to me before and I would like to share it with you
now. Kristin sez : " grapefruit juice and dry sparkling wine " make a good
alternative to orange juice and dry sparkling wine as well as to creme de
cassis and a dry sparkling wine.

THE DRY SPARKLING WINE  we sold Kristin for this is the SIMONET French blanc de
blanc sparkling wine from the Caves de Wissembourg in Alsace. We sell it for
$8.99 a bottle and it's dry and perfect for blending and perfect for drinking
in this warm weather. This drink of Kristin's also sounds perfect for a day
like today that is supposed to get into the 70's. It already feels like it's in
the 70's now.

HEY RAVI, what LIQUOR / LIQUEURS do you have for us ?

LIQUEUR :
1)  Organic Rose Hip liqueur from KOVAL ( $26.99 a 375ml bottle, 20%
alcohol  by volume, Chicago, Illinois, certified organic by Midwest Organic
Services Association, Inc ) : " Koval is Chicago's first boutique distillery,
producing handcrafted spirits in small batches using traditional European
techniques. Made with premium organic rose hips ", Batch #18, natural sediment
may form which is perfectly okay.

LIQUOR :

1) The SINGLETON Single Malt Scotch Whisky of Glendullan aged 12 years (
$42.99, 40% alcohol by volume, Dufftown, Keith, Banffshire,
www.SingletonGlendullan@consumer-care.net ) is  aged in sherry & bourbon casks
: " perfectly balanced, naturally rich and smooth ".
2) Single Malt CLYNELISH Coastal Highland Scotch Whisky Aged 14 Years ( On
Special for $52.99 a bottle, 46% Alcohol by volume, from Brora, Sutherland,
Scotland ) :  " The unique maritime character of CLYNELISH owes much to its
location ... fruity, slightly smoky, consistent quality ... "
3) New York Corn HUDSON WHISKEY ( $50.99 , 375ml half-bottle size, 46%
alcohol by volume, Tuthilton Spirits, Gardiner, New York , www.tuthiltown.com )
" harkens back to an earlier time before Prohibition, when there were over
1,200 farm distilleries in the state. ... Our corn is among the first legally
produced grain spirits to be made in New York over 70 years... whiskey is
double-distilled... Enjoy it neat or in your favorite cocktail ".

FROM EAN BOND & TONY QUINN : Wines -

UNDER $10 A Bottle :

1) Grenache Noir 2010 from Maurice's DOMAINE De GOURNIER ( also available
in the dry Viognier 2010 white - aromatic and focused and fleshed and great
with many foods $9.99 ) , Vin De Pays des Cevennes is quite flavorful with good
deep, rich red color and being medium-bodied I would chill it twenty minutes
and enjoy outside when you grill.
2) Barbera 2010 del Piemonte, Italy from the TERRE D'ALERAMO ( $8.99 ) is
lighter and softer and more bright red-colored and simply perfect even now with
these temperatures in the 70's to enjoy slightly-chilled 20 minutes with or
without a meal. It's a great deal from our friend Mauro. Grazie Mauro.
3) MERLOT South Eastern Australia ( also comes in a bolder, dry and nicely
complex Chardonnay ) is drinking beautifully now. It's medium-to-light-bodied
and also with a slight twenty minute chill will show really well all by itself
or with a meal. BoTh the MERLOT and the CHARDONNAY sell for $9.99 a bottle.

WHITES :

1) New Zealand Sauvignon Blanc from NEW HARBOR, this 2010 ( $10.99, 5,
James Rochfort Place, Hastings NZ ) is clean and crisp and bright and light
enough to be perfect for this warmer weather of the 70's that we will enjoy all
week long I believe? It's back again by popular demand. Our customers know and
love it. Cheers.
2) 2009 M'HUDI Sauvignon Blanc ( $15.99 , South Africa ) : " M'hudi,
meaning " harvester ", inspired by a great African story. That of a bold and
graceful woman who flees from her village to recreate life in a turbulent and
unfamiliar environment. M'hudi Wines are in every way a celebration of this
story of courage, possibility " Tseliso Rangaka. This is quite distinct,
flavorful and great to enjoy now with or without a meal though you will be
looking soon enough for a steaming bowl of Lavandou's mussels!
3) Flonheimer Adelberg 2010 Silvaner from Germany's Rheinhessen ( $10.99 a
liter bottle, 10 % alcohol by volume ) is just off-dry enough, round and smooth
enough to intrigue and delight many a palate. it's also a great value, too.
4) " Purato " Pura Sicilia 2010 dry white from Sicily is a blend of two
grapes :  60%Catarratto and  40%Pinot Grigio ( $14.99, is made with organically
grown grapes ) : " We are ECO friendly ,  1) sustainable ecosystem,  2) 100%
Recycled Paper,  3)  85% Recycled Glass,    4) 100% Recycled Cardboard and   5)
100% Pure Vegetable Ink . " Using only natural methods for fertilization and
pest control, we have extended our total commitment to the environment by using
all eco-friendly products ... " . And on top of all of this the wine is great
and delicious and, with true taste and character. It's a really fine wine to
enjoy with a meal and with this warmer weather. It's only 12.5% alcohol by
volume as well. What a real treat. Franceen our local rep for Vias imports
brought it by for Ean and me to taste.

REDS :

1) Zinfandel 2008 from STERLING, their " Vintner's Collection " ( $14.99 )
is a delight to drink with or without a meal. It's medium-bodied, fleshy, good
rich red color and touches of spice and herbs and tastes really bright. We have
plenty for you in this warm weather. Come and check it out - lovely.
2)Merlot 2008 from Stellenbosch, South Africa ( $14.99 ,
nvdmwines@vodamail.co.za, www.34south.com ) is made by Nico Van Der Merwe. "
Maturation in French oak barrels completes the harmony of this serious yet
friendly wine. Ideal with red meat dishes and medium flavored cuisine ". I do
not think I could say this any better. Made in a traditional style and always
best with food. Cheers and enjoy.
3) Nero D'Avola 2010 from Sicily's CANTINE COLOSI, this 2010 ( $18.99 ,
www.viaswine.com, Giammoro ) : " Roby red in color, it has an intensive and
fruity aroma with notes of cherry and blackberry. It's fresh flavor and
well-balanced tannins make it an ideal accompaniment for red meats and game."
Sound like a perfect wine for tonight?!? Come and get some. Great label, too,
colorful, traditional and make me think of the earth from which the grapes came
from. I like it a lot.
4) Chianti Classico 2008 from the CASTELLO DI MELETO ( Dal 1256 , black
rooster , $23.99, 13.5% alcohol by volume, www.castellomeleto.it ) is made from
90% Sangiovese grapes and 10% Merlot and aged for 12 months in 54 hl. Slavonian
oak barrels. You better come and get some for your meal tonight. You can take
it over to Dino ristorante tonight and not pay any corkage fee! Just remember
to tip the waiter extra as they will not make any money otherwise off the
bottle you take.
5) Shiraz 68% /  32% Cabernet Sauvignon 2006 dry red Aussie blend "
Tantalus "  from ELDERTON ( $28.99, South Australia, www.eldertonwines.com.au,
carbon neutral ) is made by the Ashmeade family and is : " wonderfully
uncomplicated and delicious Shiraz blend ". I went to visit ELDERTON years ago
with Chris Pigott and had a blast. This is a favorite of Ean's and is back on
our shelves once again. One of the two brothers of the ASHMEADE family has also
been here in our store. Family ... come smell the bouquet of plums and cherries
and cassis berries...
6) Shiraz 2008 Barossa Valley from GROOM ( $32.99, 14.9% alcohol by volume
28 Langmeil Road, Tanunda, ) is drinking so smoothly and with such velvet and
richness that it's almost impossible not to enjoy a glass or more and this 70
degree weather is perfect for that now.

SAKE :

1) STARS Kizakura " Pure " Sparkling ( $9.99, made from rice and Koji mold,
6.5% alcohol by volume , Japan ) is doing really well for us here in Cleveland
Park. Tried and true and a success story. Nice to sip and relax and simply
enjoy being ... By the way I am looking for some Nigori sake " Ozeki "? Anyone
know where I can find some? Please respond to this store email if you do.
Thanks.

WEEK'S TASTINGS :

Friday, March 16th, 2012 ( 5-8PM ) : Danielle will come to taste some of
her excellent " new " biodynamic and vegan Greek reds and whites,  as well as
her excellent French dry whites from the Southwest of France. Everything value
: everything I believe $15 and under a bottle.
Saturday, March 17th, 2012 ( 3-6PM ) Roberta of Washington Wholesalers
will be here to taste her Robert Kacher French wine selections like the DOMAINE
De GOURNIER Grenache mentioned above, the Corbieres dry reds , the : new "
biodynamic red and white and maybe more? WE will see. Join us, NEVER any
charge. Bring family and friends : make this your event : we invite you to do
so.

I KNOW THAT I HAVE FORGOTTEN SOMETHING but it will have to wait this time.
For more updates check us out at : www.clevelandparkwinnes.com, on Facebook at
: Cleveland Park Wines & Spirits, on Twitter at : cpwinespirits, and on my wine
blog at : chatwine.blogspot.com. Cheers and thanks for everything. We are
nothing without you ... is that from Whitney Houston's famous song or am I
paraphrasing? ANYWAY, we thank you for all your faith and belief in us. Cheers
and hope to see you this evening when you get off work.  TONY

DO YOU LIKE JAZZ? Go hear the Michael Bowie Quartet organized through the
JazzKnights & Blackberry Jazz  at Viino's March 19th, 2012  from 7-9:30PM : $20
in advance and $25 at the door. Located at : 959 Sligo Avenue , Silver Spring,
Md. Go to : www.jazzknights.com for more info. I have heard Michael Bowie (
bass ) and Robert Redd ( piano ) play and with them are Keith Ailor ( vocals )
and Donato Soviero ( guitar ). This will be fun! Monday night jazz. For
reservations call : 202-270-0107. Cheers... and thanks again,  TONY