Saturday, February 23, 2019

Enjoying a gift of sparkling bubbly Cobetckoe rom Belarus from Sacha and Logan -ahalf bottle, thanks! 2/2019


Cobetckoe sparkling thoroughly enjoyed!






















Enjoyment supreme if a half bottle gift if Belarus sparkling wine from Sachs and Logan, thank you very much! Tony




Enjoying fine wine whenever I can, A Barsac 1981 Chateau Liot for our 38th anniversary and a sparkling M Brut Blanquette e Limoux Cote Mas NV and delicious and flavorful and a real treat and enjoyed by us all dry rose!


Enjoyment-pure of fine wines always and in all ways for sure! Tony 2/2019 celebrating our 38th anniversary with the 1981 Barsac Chateau Liot and the M Cote Mas Blanquette de Limoux brut nit a rose, both delicious! Merci infiniment! Dante a tous!!














Tuesday, February 19, 2019

JOIN US - Get Ready For Tomorrow's Snow-Rain-Ice Storm! Be sure and be stocked up!


Cleveland Park WineCleveland Park Beer, Liquor & Wine
Featuring a wide, international selection of fine wines, micro-brews and spirits
 
 
 
Congratulations on everything! Take a moment to pat yourselves on the back and not beat yourselves up. Stay focused and positive and make continued steps constantly to move forward, even if they are small steps you take, they advance you and your agenda, and you all deserve to pat yourselves on the back for that. Cheers!
 
 
 
 
Today is the 19th of February, 2019 and you should also think about coming by here on this glorious day to shop and get what you need to get through tomorrow as with snow, rain and ice it promises to be challenging if nothing else. I am not thrilled with the prospect of driving home in the rain tomorrow night.
 
 
 
 
It is glorious outside, and I walked our dog this morning, Kolbie, with my brother Larry, and that was a thrill indeed as I have not seen him in many moons.
 
Just spoke to Danielle of Dionysos Imports and owner-winemaker George Gavalas of Gavalas Winery in Santorini, Greece is in town tomorrow and  he may come by the store! It will be great to see him if he does as he makes brilliant expressions of the indigenous grapes in Santorini! WE are out and need to order more, the last blue bottles went out the store last week as both Danielle and I spoke to our customer shopping here and between the two of us sold him several bottles from Greece! Thanks Danielle.



 
 
The store is stocked now with so many spirits and libations to delight you all, a number of them I have gathered here to write about in today's store email.
 
Jagir just placed four for me on the table, and this is always exciting indeed.
 
Last week's wine-tasting for Valentine's Day : " LOve Potion #19 " went really well on the 14th of February. A great crowd, the wines were FABulous, the enthusiasm and smiles, mirth, happiness and all were at an all-time high, and sales were modest as we were still not certain that our government would stay open.
 
 
 
 
The effects of the original 35-day government shutdown was a disaster with many if not all businesses, retail, restaurants, all enterprises taking a big hit. It was a disaster and unneccassary  - a ridiculous squandering and selfishness and loss of 3 billion dollars. WE are all still recovering from that.
 
SO : here on the 19th I will quote again Rosie O'Donnell that said to Meg Ryan in the movie : " Sleepless in Seattle " - ' it's a sign '!
 
By this I mean we had 19 wines to pour, the year is 2019, I have worked here almost 19 years now, today is the 19th - - what a coincidence all this is! Or is it?
 
It sure all has spelt fun and intrigue, magic, wonder, the desire and willingness to wander through all the wines and spirits we pick for you to choose between when you shop here. All good things as far as I can see.
 
SO : Here are some great suggestions for you all to consider today, to come by today, to get what you need before our trying weather tomorrow.
 

Beer & Cider from Santos -
 
1) Bruery " Terreux  Gypsy Tart ", a Flemish-style brown ale, - malty, balanced and tart - perfect for this cold weather coming now. A 750ml bottle for $19.99, from Orange County, California. Made in 2016, - what a great way to survive tomorrow!
 
2) Bruery " Terreux Rueuze " , a sour blnde ale that is aged in oak barrels, $21.99, made in 2015, again from Orange county, California.
 
3) Bourbon Barrel Porter from Innis & Gunn Brewing Co., a deep, rich and complex porter that is crafted in Scotland, with 7.4% alcohol by volume, this is something I would like a lot and that would be nice to sip gradually and enjoy, on special for $10,99 a 4-pack of 12-ounce bottles.
 
4) " Blood Red Sky " . a rum barrel red beer from Innis & Gunn Brewing Co., barrel-aged, crafted in Scotland, On Special for $10.99 for a 4-pack of  12-ounce  bottles.

5) Barrel-aged Scotch Silly, a limited edition Scotch ale aged in Chardonnay barrels, from Silly, Belgium, $14.99 a 750ml bottle, with 10% alcohol by volume, The Chardonnay barrels give a really lovely mellowness and silk and smoothness. A real treat!
 
 6) Black Joe coffee liqueur , made in collaboration with Mayorga Organic coffee co., with Twin Valley Distilling in Rockville, Md : $25.99 - a perfect spirit to enjoy tomorrow as we are swept with snow then rain and ice and are best staying inside and away from these elements that can be treacherous to us.
 
7) Pineapple Chicha , a rum with natural flavors added, distilled in Rockville, Md., Port Antonio, made by Twin Valley Distillers, $26.99 ( we have a sample bottle ), : I found it intriguing and really a pleasure to sip and to try and decipher all the components, as it is mystifying as well! I love the challenge here, try some and see what you think?
 
8) 100% de Agave Tres Agaves tequila, $41.99 a bottle, Puro de Agave, made in Mexico, we have had a sample bottle to share and have tasted it , and it has been well-received and sold well. An anejo, a treat, I like how silky and fine, polished, too that it is!
 
9) The Japanese Craft vodka HAKU Vodka, distilled from 100% Japanese rice, and with a bamboo Charcoal filtration, $33.99 a 750ml bottle, with 40% alcohol by volume, this is really ' new and exciting'.
 
10) Nikka Coffey vodka, produced by the Nikka Winery distilling Co., $40.99 a bottle, with 40% alcohol by volume - how exciting! Come check this coffey vodka out asap!
 
11) The Japanese craft gin, from ROKU Gin, distilled in Japan, with 6 unique Japanese botanicals, $35.99 a 750ml bottle, this we have already re-ordered two or three times I believe, as it has already captivated and caught the attention of many of our gin-loving customers! Cheers.
 
12) NIKKA COFFEY Gin, produced by the Nikka Whisky distilling Co., $48.99 a 750ml bottle with 47% alcohol by volume! What a unique treat once again, spinning the yarn, the blarney once again in a unique and captivating, fun, quirky way - giving all you mixologists yet another great way to adapt it to your own tastes!
 
 
WINES by Tony - Nine wines and counting -
 
1) 2018 La Vieille Ferme , $8.49, a lighter, brighter, more pleasing dry rose, a fine value , a delight to sip at a very fair price. Mark Congdon asked if we would sell the red, white and I said fine, and added the rose so that we would have all three. Cheers, always glad to work in our wine community and to help people when they need a favor as sooner or later we will need one, too.
 
2) Marcel Malbec from the Lot region in France, where Cahors is, where Malbec is still the inspiration and end for many palates, tastes and tongues. A treat with a meal, $9.99 a bottle. Serve the food with it and have both the food and the wine flesh the other out. Cheers.
 
3) Rkatsiteli 2017 dry Macedonian white wine from STOBI, $11.99 - what a fun wine to sip and to let roll over all the surfaces of your tongue. It is delightful, a treat with or without food, but do have some food waiting in reserve!
 
4) Querciolo Reggiano Lambrusco D.O.C. from MEDICI ERMETE, secco = dry, $13.49, what a delight to sip, really very pleasing dry red with a splash of sparkle, and a delightful bottle-shape and label, too!
 
5) Tannat 2015 Vinho Fino tinto seco from MIOLO, $17.99 a bottle, from Serra Gaucho, Brazil, and the healthiest grape variety you can drink, and also a really bright, balanced, flavorful, inviting taste, too that will make you smile and start to relax as well, and spread out and even perhaps purr a bit.
 
6) Gagliopo, the indigenous grape variety, from Calabria, Italy, this STATTI Winery dry red, $19.99, is absolutely delicious, a delight, so rounded and bright and pleasing, so satisfying you really hardly need anything else if that is possible?!?
 
7) Riesling " Margus Margi " from VINO BUDIMIR, a 2011, $21.99 - softer, fuller, more meaty and fleshy and firm, less tart and tang and no petrol - still quite the delight! Dry, cheers!
 
8) Wiener Gemischter Salt 2017 Wiener wein - a German wine that is a blend of eleven different grapes I believe?!? A true field blend of exceptional quality! the new release, the new vintage, what depths and highs will it reveal?!? From Weingut Wieinger!
 
9) Quinta do Seival , Safra 2013, from Campanha, Brasil, from MIOLO winery, , with 13.5% alcohol by volume, Castas Portuguesas, $25.49, a real treat of more rustic, earthy, old-world tastes and sensations that have not been tummy-tucked, scripted, edited, phot-shopped - just the ' real pure flavors and tastes '! Love it, especially with a meal.
 
WEEK'S TASTINGS -
 
Friday, February 22nd, 2019 : We have Jaren from Lanterna Imports coming to do a tasting of French wines here from 5-8pm!
ALSO : we have Dave of the Twin Valley Distillers here, too from Rockville, Maryland. JOIN US for both, never any charge, #everyonealwayswelcome!
 
Saturday, February 23rd, 2019 ( 2-6pm ) : We have Amy from the Republic Restoratives here to taste an assortment of her fine local DC women-owned,women-made-delightful-bright-engaging spirits!
ALSO :
 
We have Mickey Downey here to taste some of his fine wines with us this Saturday : diLenardo, Friuli, Degani, Veneto, Italy and Savignola Paolina, Tuscany, too!
 
What fun, join us!
 
THANKS for everything, thanks for almost 19 great years! What an honor and a privilege, what a great trip it has been serving you all! Cheers, TONY
 

Tuesday, February 12, 2019

Join me to taste 19 wines for a Pre Valentine's Day Day 5:30-8:30pm, me waxing poetic here! Cheers


Cleveland Park WineCleveland Park Beer, Liquor & Wine
Featuring a wide, international selection of fine wines, micro-brews and spirits
HAPPY Pre VALENTINE'S DAY as we celebrate tonight with four really talented people pouring their wines & their hearts into these wines that they serve you. We will have 18 thus the number of our love potion.
 
 
 
 
TABLE # ONE with Juliana and Wagner Alberti pouring MIOLO wines, with Chris and Ross joining them, too  - of Brazil-
 
 
 
 
1) MIOLO Cuvee Tradition Brut, $17.99, such finesse and velvet power that is like the taut strings of a violin that will once on the tip of your tongue start to play beautiful music that will spread all along the length of your tongue seamlessly!
 
2) MIOLO Cuvee Tradition Brut rose, $17.99  - the dry rose is a bit more fullness and wields a touch, pinch, slap more weight and that extra density permeates with a bit more lasting splash that will benefit from an accent of cheese or smoked salmon or a tender white meat grilled fresh and served-up immediately so that both liquid and solid start their love match dancing-romancing.
 
3) MIOLO Cuvee Demi-Sec NV, $17.99 - a cry or a delicate murmur for a softer pillow to rest one's tongue on,gentler, smoother, less joust, less to confront, more to simply comfort and coddle and please-tease-ease! Yes, si si si si si!
 
4) MIOLO Reserva Tannat 2015, $19.99 - the power of the Tannat grape in all it's regal, glorified, wealth of flavors, tasty sensations, emmancipations, proclamations, -invitations! The grape the highest in resveratrol and so the healthiest grape to be imbibing, and rendered here with supreme presence and authority and total comfort. So brilliant - a gem sparkling even late into the darkest night.
 
5) MIOLO Quinta do Seval 2013, $25.49 - then you get the black swan lover here that thrives at night, that thrives in the brush and the thicket and the heat - that is gnarl and sweet sweat and attire and dress and animal contentment wild and delicious and untamed - a treat to pair with grilled meats, riper and more flavorful cheeses. This is best with food as it takes the food and us to lighten the groan and growl and howl of this medium-bodied red.
 
 
 
 
TABLE # 2 with Tom of RNDC
 
1) Domaine Paul Mas, Cote Mas Cremant de Limoux Brut, $22.49 - has such a true spark and sparkle and profound presence that rivals some champagne as it is equally magnificent with a bit more streamline and less weight but no less power, peace, perfection, presence and preen! Feel it rise and flaa perfectly all along your spleen!
 
2) Coeur Clementine , Cotes de Provence, La Petilante Brut rose sparkling, $19.99  - a charm and a pleasure, some call it a national southern French treasure. At any measure, whether ours or theirs, their is true taste and flavor to fill any ledger! Nice to sip a glass before your salmon salad arrives with cornichons and some youthful brie and a ficelle baquette would seal the romance and make you all squeal!
 
3) Medici Ermete Reggiano Lambrusco ' I Quercioli ' Dolce , $13.49 - some sublime gravitas that defies gravity almost as it floats above your palate and just ever-so-slightly massages your many buds-of-taste however many you may possess, you lend them to this task ever so gratefully!
 
4) Paringa Estate Sparkling Aussie Shiraz, $19.99 a bottle, - some darkness and less clarity and if chilled some mystery to awaken fully or not your palate and other senses, but you must wait, you must not rush. You must have some food like some Fat Pete's barbecue, some Mongolian pork from Me Chen's Organic restaurant, some Margherita and some pepperoni  organic pizza from Coppi's Organic restaurant - with Marco's half-chicken at Byblo's Deli. The food and this mellow meow sparkling Shiraz are perfect matches just like you and your lover are!
 
5) Michele Chiarlo Moscato 2017  d'Asti ' Nivole ', 375ml bottle, $14.49 - a half bottle of liquid-smooth-talking peaches and pears and apricots and tangerines, - honeyed accents, honeysuckle wildness and fragrance, to entrance, to romance, to roam to you, to surround you, to kiss gently yet firmly - you! A lover's retreat before or after the welcome heat! Nothing it to beat!
 
 
 
 
TABLE # 3 with Rob Moultrop tasting Spanish and Chilean
 
1) JUVE & CAMPS Cava Brut, $14.99 - a firmness that is gentle in it's embrace, a Spanish flair that tastes and announces " para ti para ti para ti ! ", for you I offer my services, my love, my devotion, myself to be soaked into your palate before released to your guts and passing by and along and through your soul and heart! This over-delivers, this has some real guts, body and lover's flare! Save me save me!
ALSO : available in the friendly, larger, more-of-a-splash-spark-sparkle-spree-wheeee magnum ( 1.5ml bottle size ) at $32.99 - go for broke, have a party with others! Be merry, be gay, be yourselves, be true , honorable, embrace all. Estes sparkle, profiles preen, lift up the screen.
 
2) JUVE & CAMPS  Cava Brut rose, $16.49, Again there is some real substance and authority to this taste that comes from experience and loving one' s partner and place and each and every moment and time well-spent spending horas contigo amour together in any place, any weather.
 
3) JUVE & CAMPS Dama de Plata " Cabernet Sauvignon from Chile's Maipo Valley  2015, $19.99, a firm yet loving grip here to tongue and palate that draws our mouth walls closer to become one with the other, with each other. The surround, the surrender, the render, our sender, open up our mouths to this medium-bodied Chilean wine do we almost immediately surrender. Look for some dark chocolate, place it on the tip of your special one, surround with your lips, eyes closed, inhale,, release and savor the lingering mingled tastes of both as they ignite love and longing for more.
 
4) JUVE & CAMPS Cava 40th, $19.99" - this has more to wield and to offer and to titilate imagination, fancies-t0-float, frames to break and release, flavors - savors, sips and gulps happy in their escapes! With friendly and new landscapes - all part of the lover's circle.
 
5) Sauvignon Gris from COUSINO-MACUL, 2016, from the Maipo valley in Chile, there is a lovely fragrance and freshness and lilting airy brightness in color and in taste that immediately placates me and my tongue and other senses, calming and smiling-my-face-, grinning-my-insides, I relax and feel good and enjoy the ride. A great way to end this amazing journey of both Chile and Spain. I say : " Gracias amigo Arturo Cousino of Cousino-Macul! "
 
 
TABLE # FOUR with Jeff Palmer of Vintage Wines pours DON JACOPO Spanish Rioja wines - tasted here often with the owner Victor that comes to present them to us -
 
1) DON JACOPO Rioja blanco, $12.49 - a refreshing alert and splash of liquid Viura and Verdejo brightness that seems so very right each time I taste it. It over-delivers, too. What a splendid Spanish treat to celebrate Valentine's Day. So much pleasing pleasure!
 
2) ALTOS Rioja, 2016, $9.99 - the ' new ' vintage of this delightful, playful, valued and trusted Tempranillo that is both a playmate for our taste-buds as well as gentle on our pocket books, too! Smooth, bright, balanced, a treat anytime. Enjoy with or without food.
 
3) DON JACOPO Crianza 2013, $14.99 - there is authority, presence, power, focus, firm-mmmmmmmm-ness and glee and gentleness - I am always immensely pleased each and every time that I taste this 2013 - it slays my taste-buds soooooo!
 
4) DON JACOPO Gran Reserva 2004, $33.99 : a Siamese cat's inviting meow, a young one calling out, a trusted dog and companion, a loved-one at any age that is ageless and beautiful, bright, eager, pleasing, ready to continue alongside us. We are all in this together and this is a magical taste to celebrate that union, that love and that play that places us firmly center-stage together! Love this youthful-yet-aged 2004 Gran Reserva!
 
THANKS for joining us. Please buy at least one bottle tonight to show your appreciation for these tastings and all involved to make then the grand successes that they are. Cheers!
 
 
HAPPY VALENTINE'S DAY all! May you enjoy tonight and all day tomorrow with your special one!
 
THANKS for everything, you all are the very best. Jagir, Santos, Ranjit, Miguel and me - Tony
 
STAY-TUNED for today's regular store email that I will write and send shortly later today!
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
WHAT FOLLOWS below is an old store email, read and enjoy it, cheers, TONY 2/12/2019
 
 
 
 
 

 
HAPPY VALENTINE'S DAY To you all today. Wow, what a treat for me to be able to write an email on the day itself. OH THE PRESSURE! That's okay, I have been thinking a whole lot about it even around the very sad passing of Whitney Houston over the weekend. That is truly a great loss and one that many of us are grappling with now. Of course her famous song written by Dolly Parton : " I Will Always Love You " is a perfect Valentine's Day song and last night I admit after making a pre-Valentine's Day dinner I did listen to it twice and my spirits rose each and every time that her voice rose. Both a broad smile and a tear welling up in the corner of my eye each time. This morning I was comforted and joyed and overwhelmed once again as I listened to her to her sing our national anthem, especially the last few words that rallied my spirits to such an excitement and joy.
 
IT'S OUR Monthly 2-Part  Still ( Non- ) Wine-Sale Tomorrow and Thursday ( 2/ 15-16 / 2012 ) here at Cleveland Park Wines :
     1) Buy any  non-sparkling bottle of wine over $20 a bottle and SAVE 20% OFF the marked sticker price, even if the wine is already on sale.
     2) BUY Any 12 Bottles of Still Wine ( includes sake, port, sherry, marsala, madeira, half bottles, magnums, box wines - ANYTHING bust sparkling wine and liquor ) and SAVE 20% OFF the marked sticker prices, even if they are already On Special! What a deal! SAVE, SAVE and SAVE some more here at Cleveland Park Wines & Spirits.
 
WE STILL HAVE A FEW BOXES of Bailey and Saif's D.C. Chocolates here for Valentine's Day up at our register, starting at $10 a box, they are the real thing, distinct, flavorful and offer everything that one could want : all from the best ingredients and not with lots of filler and things that are less desirable ... the creme de la creme caramels and more ... dark chocolate ... oh yeah ...
 
SO : I have just walked the aisles here in the store in search of some PERFECT LAST-MINUTE Valentine's Day gifts and ideas to enjoy with that someone special in your lives. There are so many great ideas and I have gathered just a few now to share with you all.
 
MOSCATO D'ASTI from Cascinetta VIETTI, this Castiglione Tenella 2011 from Italy's Piemonte region ( $18.99 ) is one of the great examples of the perfect marriage and harmony and pleasures to be found in combining in one's mouth the flavors of peaches and nectarines, pears, and apricots ( YES : some of all of those flavors ) with accents of various nuts, and splashes -dashes of honey, too. It's an amazing experience when it gets to this level. There's also an amazing brightness and airiness that I love here - not heavy and cloying, refreshing. The flavors sort of pause and gain speed and emphasis and definition and clarity like Whitney's voice does as she sings " I Will Always Love You ". Drink some of this VIETTI 2011 Moscato and listen to Whitney sing at the same time and see if you do not taste and experience some of this harmony and correlation between the two? It's pretty amazing, really. It's worth every cent of this $18.99 and more.
 
WHEN MOZART WAS ALIVE he loved the Bricco Mondalino Dolce Stil Novo off-dry red made from the Malvasia Di Casorzo D'Asti grape of the Piemonte region of Italy as well. This is made by GAUDIO ( $28.99 ) and it's made from 100% Malvasia Rossa. It possesses a light, cherry color, it's fizzy, delicately sweet. I like it's elegance and finesse, makes me think of fresh rose petals, even of raspberries and blackberries. It depends on what part of the taste you are at at any given time : the start, the middle or the long and wonderfully lingering finish? I even get accents of red currants. The flavors, too are refreshing and airy and gravity-defying and they cleanse and refresh me rather than weigh me down. Chill slightly and tonight on Valentine's Day serve some strawberries or other berries; perhaps a simple fruit salad and desserts, of course : the simpler the better. Let the flavors speak for themselves and not fight amongst themselves.
 
BANYULS 2000 Vigne D'En TRAGINER ( $34.99 , 375ml bottle ) from EY is another " classic " Valentine's Day great off-dry red to enjoy with that someone special. There is no better, that's why it is still the great treat for this time of year. It's French and from the southwest of France and we want everyone to taste some of it. Every time that an article comes out on wines and beverages for Valentine's Day this is mentioned at the top of the list. You don't need a whole lot : just a little bit coats the palate and intrigues, teases and YES : PLEASES. You can close your eyes and tilt your head back and get that dreamy smile, you know that expression : like true love : goofy even and yet so marvelous and so wonderful and so all-consuming. It's a revelation, it's a special treat. You will taste all kinds of wonderful nutty flavors. Imagine all the nuts that you love in the world - all coming together to please. Imagine a bit of chocolate as an accent? It's there , faint but unmistakable.
 
 
BUT HEY, SOMETIMES we all need something that's even more subtle and delicate and polished and refined. So here's a lovely ethereal, silky, really refined taste that just skips daintily over your taste buds and like the swish of a skirt or the turn of a shoulder and the break of a smile can reduce us to that state that we all say : " they're in love ". WE all want to be in love. So here's a step in the right direction :  
     1 NEBBIOLO ICE 2010 from Virginia's BREAU Vineyards in Purcerville. It's got a deep amber color that is warming and welcoming all in itself. Made from grapes that are frozen after the harvest ( $24.99, 375ml bottle ) these Nebbiolo grapes were plucked from their frosty vines on the morning of the final day of harvest. High in natural sugar frozen and pressed quickly : the taste is a wonderful blend of nuts and peaches and pears and has really delicate splashes of honey, too. It's hard to pin-point : every time that you do the flavors change in your mouth and erase almost completely what preceded these " new " flavors. It's fun, it's a challenge to describe except to nod your heads and smile sheepishly and know that you are all enjoying the flavors perfectly. It's another treat and this one's from our own back yards. For more info go to : www.BreauxVineyards.com. The residual sugar is 12%.
 
THEN THERE IS ALSO GREAT golden liquid flavors that come from apples! The FOGGY RIDGE " Pippin Gold " , $28.99 , : it's a delicious, deep and thick, viscous melting and simmering and brewing and story-telling of the Newtown Pippin apple with Grimes Golden, Ginger Gold and Golden Delicious apples. Wow, a little bit goes a very, VERY LONG way in flavors, harmonies, rhapsodies and it will be a great one for this romantic evening! For more info go to: www.foggyridgecider.com, 18% alcohol by volume.
 
WE JUST HAD OWNER ANDREA of her family's CASA LARGA " Created for everyday enjoyment " - LILAC HILL Finger Lakes Table Wine ( a blend of Riesling and other grapes ) that is medium-sweet and only $10.99 a bottle. This is perfect to sip and enjoy later tonight as it is lighter and refreshing and not cloying at all. For more info go to : www.CasaLarga.com or call : 585-223-4210. Only 11% alcohol here so really easy on the system.
 
THEN YOU CAN SKIP ACROSS THE U.S. and discover the fabulous OKANOGAN Estate & Vineyards 2006 Ice Wine made from the Chardonnay grapes in the Orchard Hills Vineyard of Washington State. This half-bottle ( 375ml bottle sells for $37.99, go to : www.okanoganwines. We just got some recently when Andrew Stover tasted Ean and me on it. We loved it, especially Ean. He's a big fan of these " sticky wines " and so our collection is definitely expanding as a result.
 
BUT THEN AGAIN, SOMETIMES a dry wine is in order as well and so for fun, quick last-minutes we have BOTH the MONTEFORTE D'ALPONE dry red and dry white blends from Veneto, Italy here for only $7.99 a bottle! Great flavors and taste and labels and blends. The red is a blend of RABOSO and MERLOT ( quite bold and flavorful and the Raboso flavors give nice spice and individula herb and pepper flavors while the Merlot acts like the flesh of the wine ) : and the dry white is a blend of GARGANEGA and SAUVIGNON BLANC grapes( it's dry and got some good body, bright, with some good acidity, too ).
 
THEN FOR A COUPLE OF TREATS in dry REDS:
 
     Saperavi and Cabernet Sauvignon grapes blended together at CHATEAU MUKHRANI, this 2007 ( $17.99 ) is hearty and robust and very flavorful and best with a meal. It's from Georgia and it will be tasted here this coming weekend I believe, Friday the 17th, 2012 with our new French rep Virginie.
 
     60-Year-Old Non-Irrigated vines in Apalta, this 2008 CLOS APALTA Limited-Release CASA LAPOSTOLLE dry red blend ( On Special at $58.99, regularly $79.99 ) is a real treat. WE also have some of the 2006 available at the same price. The 2006 was drinking like a dream the other day when Paulette tasted it with our customers. I would have bought a bottle myself at the time it was so good : that's how much I really enjoyed it. It surprised me a whole lot and that's always a great thing. I like being surprised especially when it's in a positive way like this!
 
BUY ANY OF THE WINES LISTED ABOVE TODAY / tonight and get another 10% OFF the sticker prices! SAVE and ENJOY some more!!!!!!
 
 
BUT WAIT A MINUTE :  Valentine's Day is not simply about wine, it's also about beer and liquor, too!
 
SANTOS HAS SOME WONDERFUL BEERS :
 
     1) Imperial Choklat Stout  ( $8.99 a 1 Pt. 6 Fl. Oz. bottle, southerntierbrewing.com ) from the Blackwater Series : " The Popol Vuh, the sacred book of the Maya, unfolds a complex web of mystery around a beverage known as xocoatl ( ch-co-atle ). " This would be great tonight on Valentine's Day!
     2) Lips Of Faith Series ( with a name like that? and for Valentine's Day?!? ) Biere de Mars, Ale Brewed With Spices ( On Special for $6.99 a bottle, 1 Pt. 6 Fl Oz. , alcohol 6.2% by volume , Fort Collins, Colorado, New Belgium Brewing , www.newbelgium.com )  " is a celestial collision of orange-hued ale, citrusy lemon Verbena, and unidentified flying brettanomyces, launch to new belgium.com ". Great label, a great " must-try " tonight.
     3) Baba Black Lager Usda Organic from United Brewing Co. in Salt lake City ( On Special for $9.99 a 6-pack of 12-ounce bottles , www.unitedbrewing.com ) is " new and exciting " and with a cool label. 
     4) XXX Weisse ( another great name for Valentine's Day! ) from RIEDER Feinste Innviertler Braukunst ) is a malt liquor, 6.5% alcohol by volume ... and also very new and very exciting. Check it out! It's a " supercharged Hefe-Weizen which is equal to a Weizen Bock beer. Very drinkable, yet rich and mouth filling. ... a true specialty from the Rieder Brewery ".

LIQUOR / LIQUEUR From RAVI :
 
     1) Elit STOLICHNAYA Ultra Luxury Vodka ( $58.99, 750ml bottle , 40% alcohol by volume, ) is also kosher for Passover. What a treat. Great bottle and package andpresentation.
     2) Gin, Gold River " Traditional " ( $26.99, 47% alcohol by volume, Batch # 10 ) is distilled and bottled by Maine Distilleries, LLC. Freeport, Maine, USA is made from 100% neutral spirits, distilled from Maine potatoes.
     3) LINIE AQUAVIT Fabrik Maerke ( $27.99 ) from Norway ) is " taste that really travels ". From Oslo, for more information go to : www.linie.com. We are thrilled to have it here : there's a real demand for these aquavits and there has never been enough of them here in Washington D.C. to satisfy the demand. Cheers.
     4) Irish Whiskey Special Reserve from MILLARS ( Adam Millar & Company , On Special for $29.99, 40% alcohol by volume , for more info go to : www.AHardyUSA.com ), was established in 1843 , and is from Rivertown, Dundalk. Co. Louth. It's just arrived here this past week. I still have not tried it.
 
     WEEK'S TASTINGS :
 
    TONIGHT : Valentine's Day : I will have at least one red open to celebrate if you all come by and need some last-minute treats. I may do more, it depends on how many of you all show up to start celebrating here before going on to a dinner ...

     Friday, February 17th, 2012 ( 5-8PM ) : We have Virginie coming to pour a selection of excellent Georgian wines that include at least one rose and one white and two or three reds, too. Discover the Saperavi grape with Virginie.
     Saturday, February 18th, 2012 ( 2-6PM ) :  Chris Bartha of Cobblestone Cellars will be back to taste some of the really fine COOPER Vineyard wines of Virginia that include the great chocolate-infused " Noche ", $18.99  Norton grape - PERFECT FOR TONIGHT!!! ,  as well as a killer Viognier and two great reds : a Petit Verdot and a Reserve Norton. Chris will also pour some of the HANS WIRCHING dry German rose trocken from Franken. It's a Rudi Wiest selection and sells for $14.99.

I AM SURE I HAVE FORGOTTEN SOMETHING but it's time to post this so you can/ may all read it and get here in time for all your Valentine's Day needs! We can help, we want to help you!  Check out web page : www.clevelandparkwine.com, we are also on Facebook at : Cleveland Park Wines & Spirits and follow my blog at : chatwine.blogspot.com, chatpoetry.blogspot.com.

GET OUR BAILEY & SAIF D.C. Chocolates here for tonight and for Valentine's Day. Starting at $10 a box ... caramels, dark chocolates, ginger and sea salts and more natural flavors ... distinct and personal and delicious!

THANKS AGAIN for everything ... Happy Valentine's Day Today : come by tonight for last-minute things and then again tomorrow for our TWO-DAY Still-Wine TWO-PART SALE. Read about it above and SAVE 20% On Your Still Wine Purchases Wednesday and Thursday ( 15th-16th, 2012 ) here at Cleveland Park Wines & Spirits! Cheers,  TONY

Tuesday, February 5, 2019

Cleveland Park Beer, Liquor & Wine

Featuring a wide, international selection of fine wines, micro-brews and spirits
 
 
 

20% off ON  wine sale (12 Or More Bottles) - or any bottle of wine at $19.99 or more  / 



 

TIME TO WELCOME MIGUEL to our store. Miguel is here to help you all. He comes from Peru and a lot of experience in restaurants working the bar and so he will be our mixologist, as we ll as help with both beer and wine that he also knows a lot about.
 
MIGUEL jumped right in on Friday night and then again on Saturday, and was here on Monday, and so is already getting to know some of you. Be sure and welcome him to our store as we all work together as a team here as we do in our community.
 
MIGUEL is not shy and is a people person and likes to help. I can see this well having worked just two days so far with him, and what I see is all very encouraging.
 
THE SUPERBOWL came and went and I was one of the very few that did not watch it and watched instead the movie in France with Helen Mirren called the Hundred Foot March or something like that. The story deals with an Indian family that comes to this small village with a 1 star Michelin rating and all the wonderful scenarios you can imagine when you mix these two vibrant cultures together.
 
HAVING SAID this we do have two red wines from India for you all from SULA Vineyards : 1) 2016 Shiraz Estate Bottled NASHIK, 13% alcohol by volume, $15.49 that is pretty hearty and edgy, AND  2)  Dindori Reserve 2914 estate-bottled NASHIK, with 13.5% alcohol by volume, $22.99 that is richer, more velvet, more plush, more appealing all by itself, medium-bodied, and a treat with your meal across the street at Indique! Cheers.
 
WE ALSO HAVE a bottle left of the RAMPUR Distillery Indian Single Malt whisky, non-chill-filtered with vintage select casks, , made since 1943 , this is aged in the foothills of the Himalayas, - " the Kohinoor of Single Malts ". On Special for $74.99,  : " Rampur, a princely state of Britis India worthy of its 15 Gun Salute, is known for its rich heritage and royal traditions. ... originated at Rampur Distillery, thier exquisite whisky bears fruity and spicy notes, with a hint of vanilla and caramel. " Try it, really a lovely smooth taste and sip and treat!
 
 
 
 
 
WE LOVED THE MOVIE, sorry we missed Gladys Knight sing the national anthem. I hear that that was quite inspiring and her voice, and figure with the backdrop of the flag and all was striking. I will have to try and find that clip and watch it. I am sure it will inspire me as the movie we watched did.
 
WE JUST HAD Scott Franklin, Rachel King, Demi Warner, and Colin Quill from ANGELS ENVY come and see us and taste both the bourbon and the rye, and I have some here for you all to have a sip if you ask me. I liked both very much, the bouquet of the rye really intrigued me and made me stop and try and figure out what it was that I was smelling?! I loved all the various notes and will have to figure out what it reminds me of besides simply enticing and teasing me in a big away to also take my first sip.
 
WE SELL the ANGELS ENVY Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whisky that is finished in port wine barrels, 43% alcohol by volume, for $51.99 a bottle. It sure is smooth and silky and refined and so pleasurable to sip all by itself, needs no accompaniment but people that will appreciate it's grace and subtle flavors of refinement!
 
 
 
 
 
IN BEER and CIDER from Santos Rivera  we have -
 
1) Albermarle CIDERRRWORKS " Royal Pippin " hard Virginia apple cider that was open this weekend here. So delicate, bright, refreshing and a taste that starts and then let's you and your palate finish it just like you like!  $16.99 a bottle, with 8.1% alcohol by volume - nice on this beautiful afternoon.
 
In Beer - 3 -
 
1)  Kalamazoo Stout from Bell's On Special for $11.99 a 6-pack of 12 ounce bottles.
 
2) Tripple Belgian Collection from New Belgium, a Belgian style ale, On Special for $12.99 for a 6-pack of 12-ounce bottles.
 
3) Nugget Nectar Ale  from Troeg's Brewery, $14.99 a 6-pack of 12-ounce bottles.
 
 
 
 
 
LIQUEUR & LIQUOR From Jagir Singh -
 
1) Absinthe Superiore from MT. DEFIANCE Distillery in Virginia, $29.99 for a 375ml bottle, Batch 41, made in Middleburg, 40 % alcohol by volume, what a treat to sip. I like it as well as I like their creme de cassis. Distinct, flavorful, and will draw you in slowly to it's hidden tastes.
 
2) Imported Cinnamon Rush from Canada's BLACK VELVET, $13.99 a 750ml bottle, with 35% alcohol by volume - come try it and enjoy some of the cinnamon thing to warm you in the nights as temperatures drop and this will help to take that chill away and warm you so you are comfortable and relaxed. Cheers!
 
3) Kentucky Fire - a cinnamon liqueur infused with straight Kentucky Bourbon whiskey , On Special for $19.99 - made by JIM BEAM. Come try some as well as the BLACK VELVET.
 
4) Cardhu Gold Reserve single malt scotch House Targaryen - a special limited release by the GAME of THRONES, $46.99 a bottle. We just have 3 bottles left so do not delay, come and get one or all three now!
 
5) American Dry Gin from BLUECOAT in Pennsylvania, made by master distiller Robert. Robert used to come see us and taste it here when his girlfriend lived here in Cleveland Park. He would make the best gin and tonics! Thank you Robert, that was in 2007 when you started selling here in Washington DC. It is On Special for $24.99, regularly $27.99 a bottle.
 
 
6) Gin , crafted by hand with pleasure from CANDY MANOR in Smyrna, Delaware, with 40% alcohol by volume, $32.99, and named after the old local ladies of the night hotel there, from PAINTED STAVE Distilling, very pleasing and definitely worth your tasting to see if the fit and feel on your palate is just right. Best to be a slow poke when tasting to get your full money's worth. 
 
 
 
 
WINES - From Tony ( and Miguel ) soon -
 
TWO Beaujolais Nouveau wines -
 
1) 2018 MANOIR DU CARRA, $9.99 a bottle - fuller, a bit smoother and richer-tasting then when we got and opened it on the third Thursday of November, 2018. I like it better now. Chill 30-40minutes and enjoy tonight while listening to President Trump give his Sate of the Union Address.
 
2) Millesime 2018 Bouchard Aine & Fils, $14.49 is so charmingly delicate and fine and that might be better to drink tonight listening to President Trump. Both are chilled and ready for you all. Cheers!
 
FOUR Fine Wines from FABBIOLI CELLARS in Loudoun County, Virginia and made by Doug Fabbioli. Some of the bottles are still signed by him of his Tannat2013 On Special for $39.99.
 
1) 2017 Petit Manseng, $27.49 a bottle, lighter, brighter, more pleasing tropical and sun's-warmth-embrace that will not be tamed, will not be caught, will only allow itself to be followed!
 
2)  2016 Chambourcin from the Amber Creek Vineyard, $20.99 a bottle, always been one of my very favorite wines that Doug has made. I like it each and every time. It is medium-to-light-bodied - it is so balanced and just a pleasure to sip with or without food.
 
3) Reserve Cabernet Franc 2015, $34.99 a bottle : what Virginia is banking on as their best red grape variety in the state. I am not sure, I think Petit Verdot might take that honor and place soon enough. This one has muscle, steel, flint, power, edge, sledge, stealth and is a really fine food wine. What a treat when you sit down to something with higher levels of acidity in the food. Also something just off the grill, a treat.
 
4) Tannat majesty and elegance and lovely palate-immediate-relevance : love the 2013, On Special for $39.99 a bottle, this goes so smoothly down each and everyone of our gullets! What a delight, what a velvet seat and a satin glove and cushion. Your tongue-tush will delight and coo and whimper in pure pleasure sipping this small sip by small sip!
 
 
 
 
WEEK'S TASTINGS -
 
Friday, February 8th, 2019 ( 5-8pm ) : We have Craig Mauro of Comete Wines here pouring a selection of our wines On Special for $12.99 ( with a 3 for $33, and a 6 for $60 ). JOIN US, taste real value at great prices this Friday night!
ALSO :
We have Scott with ILLEGAL MEZCAL   pouring his three great mezcals for us! World-class, JOIN US!
 
Saturday, February   9th, 2019 ( 2-6pm ) : still being decided who will pour? It may be Dan pouring a selection of great deals for us! It may be someone else : still in the works.
ALSO :
We have Adam Reel from the VA. Distillery here to pour like their Port Cask finished Virginia Highland Whisky, $48.99, whisky from Scotland married with Virginia whiskey distilled from Malt Mash. Come taste and see what you think!?!
 
JOIN US - NEVER any charge for our weekend tastings!
 
 
MARK YOUR CALENDARS for the Pre-Valentine's Day Love Potion #18 Win-Tasting here from 5:30-8:30pm! We have it lined up with four great people showing up and pouring their heart's out and their experience and expertise, too wit  18 wines. We also have a tasting of the flavored KETTEL ONE vodka for you that night to cap everything off ever so nicely! FEBRUARY 13th, 2019 No charge, join us with family and friends and office associates, too!
 
TONIGHT President Trump speaks to our nation and gives his State of the Union address. Come get something asap to have to watch that. What will we get from that, what will we take from it? Will his words do anything to better Washington FC, the federal workers as well as the rest of us? Will there be talk of the crime here, the epidemic of prescription drugs, the inequality, the prejudice, the bullying, the boys-will-be-boys mentality, the sexual abuse in homes and in the church, the exorbitant high cost of drugs like insulin? Will he strike a conciliatory tones and not again blame Democrats for the evils of government, Washington, morals, our polluted swamp, and more?!?

 
COME BY before you head home. We have lots here for you as we have less than ten day's left to find out if the federal government will close once again?! That not-knowing is a killer, it really is. Not being one of those billionaires I might have to take another loan out, who knows if this continues?!? 
 
BUT THIS IS NOT A COMPLAINT, we intend to do something about it and are each and every day. We have strength and purpose and will to continue on in a positive and constructive way and we know that we will not be alone here in our vibrant, alive, active, inspired, fired, dedicated, principled, practical, peaceful, respectful, inclusive community of Cleveland Park Northwest, Washington DC, 20008. Cheers and thanks and see you soon. Be strong with us, be heard, say something, we will not de dumbed-down or bullied. Cheerio all!
 
THANKS FOR EVERYTHING, you all are the very best! Trust us, we know, the creme de la creme, gracias, grazie, obregado, merci, ... amigos, friends, amis, ...   TONY 2/5/2018
 
ON A HAPPY NOTE TO END my wife and I will be celebrating 38 years of marriage! A wonderful lifetime so far of experiences, dreams, fantasies, strolls, conversations, meals, trips, visits to museums, cathedrals, concerts, capitols, small villages, islands, wines and other spirits - and still alive very much, passionate very much, in love, too very much, a couple, too very much! We are blessed, too with two great children, two cats and one dog and two fish, and a number of white canvases still virgin-white or dark-shiny black or cream-colored, whatever that await our prints and imprints and steps and eyes' gaze, hands' graze, ooohhhhh the magic the magnet of life and how it still can very much dizzy-one! Cheers.   TONY