Tuesday, December 29, 2009
New Years Sparkling Wines
The Holiday season is winding down with New Years right around the corner, and what other way to ring in the New Year than with some BUBBLY!!! Sparkling wines are a New Years Eve staple and overall, the most exciting wine for celebrating. Georgetown LOVES sparkling wines, from unbelievable Grower Champagnes to Italian Prosecco. Here’s some different sparkling wines to think about for your New Years Eve:
Silver Cap Blanc de Blanc – This is a simply, fruity sparkler from France, and one of our top values!
Price: $6.77
Gloria Ferrer Sonoma Brut NV- This wine is a domestic, Methode Champenoise sparkling wine that has recently received some amazing press! 90 points Wine Spectator AND # 78 on the 2009 Wine Spectator Top 100 list! Here’s what they have to say about this wine:
“Lively and fun to drink, with creamy Asian pear and citrus aromas that lead to crisp, easygoing apple, yeasty cinnamon and mineral flavors. Drink now through 2012.”
Price: $14.77 ON SALE
Domaine St. Vincent – This is Methode Champenoise sparkling wine from, who would have guessed, NEW MEXICO! It is a delicious wine, especially at this price point. It’s bright and lively with crisp fruit and classic toasty elements. TRY THIS.
Price: $9.77
Raventos I Blanc l’Hereu Reserva Brut – This wine has been a Georgetown favorite for quite some time now. This is a DELICIOUS Spanish Cava, which means that it too is produced in the classic method (Methode Champenoise) but does not use the traditional French grapes (Cava uses cool indigenous Spanish varieties to make this sparkler). This is another wine that can be classified in the sparkling value pile and DEFINITELY worth a try. Surprise your friends with this Spanish treat!
Price: $16.77
Jean Louis Denois Brut Blanc de Blanc – This is an awesome little Classic Method Bubbly from Limoux in the Languedoc region in Southern France. This is a Blanc de Blanc (100% Chardonnay) making this a bright and lively sparkling wine with gorgeous acidity, fresh fruit flavors, and notes of toasted almond.
Price: $19.99
Domaine Carneros by Taittinger – We’re back to a fine example of Domestic Classic Method Sparkling wine. This is a special winery because it has a rich history in California Classic Method Sparkling Wine production and is part of the Taittinger family of Champagne wine makers. This wine recently got 91 points Wine Spectator, here’s what they have to say about it:
“Festive and vibrant, but rich and complex, with bright aromas of fresh cherry and lemon that lead to luscious flavors of raspberry, yeasty pear and crisp mineral. Drink now.”
Price: $21.77
Schramsberg Mirabelle Rose – This is a GORGEOUS Rose from the Schramsberg Family of Wine Makers in California. Schramsberg was one of the pioneering Classic Method Producers in California and continue to produces incredible Sparkling wines. This rose received 93 points Wine Spectator, here’s their review of this luscious rose:
“A rosé with serious intentions, this has a delicate pink hue and floral strawberry and spicy yeast roll aromas. The flavors show good focus, offering raspberry, Gala apple, ginger and fig flavors. Drink now through 2012.”
Price: $23.77
H. Billiot et Fils Rose – GROWER CHAMPAGNE, a concept dear and true to any Champagne lover. Grower Champagne is basically defined as a wine that is produced from sustainably farmed, estate grown fruit. These wines tend to have a much lower production and is produced from the same farmers/wine makers that grow the fruit. This particular Grower Champagne comes from Henri Billiot et Fils and is an unbelievably delicious rose! This wine has also received some press, Wine Spectator gave it 91 points and here’s their review:
“Floral, yeasty and nutty aromas and flavors mesh with the rich texture in this radiant rosé. Elegant and beautifully balanced. The flavors just keep coursing through the lingering finish.”
Price: $56.00
Duval-Leroy – We have 2 different styles of Champagne from this wonderful Champagne producer this New Years, each of them unique and DELICIOUS.
Duval-Leroy Brut NV – This has been a long standing Georgetown favorite, and happens to be one of our best value Champagnes! This wine has received a lot of acclaim from Wine Spectator with a 93 point rating as well as being listed on their Top 100 list in 2005, 2006, and 2008. Here’s their review on this wine:
“This rich, sumptuous bubbly is marked by clover honey, candied citrus and hints of malt and mineral. It's beautifully integrated, with medium weight and a lingering, ginger-infused aftertaste.”
Price: $32.77
Duval-Leroy Brut Rose – On to Duval-Leroy’s Rose… this is another amazing effort by this Campagne house and received 90 points Wine Spectator:
“A mix of cinnamon, clove and nutmeg highlight this delicate rosé. A hint of cherry enters as the fine texture and bright structure drive the flavors to a long finish.Well-integrated.”
Price: $53.77
Vilmart e Cie ‘Grand Cellier’ Brut – Vilmart is another one of the fine Grower Champagne producers and their Grand Cellier is EXCEPTIONAL (and not to mention a Georgetown favorite!). This wine received 93 points Wine Spectator:
“Alluring toasty aromas of vanilla, coconut and coffee mingle with fresh citrus, rhubarb and red currant flavors. Beautifully integrated with the refined mousse, this lingers with citrus and spice notes on the long finish.”
Price: $64.99
Pierre Gimmonet Blanc de Blanc- This is a gorgeous, refined Blanc de Blanc Grower Champagne. It is beautifully long and lean and packed with green apple and crisp fruit. Wine Spectator gave this wine 90 points, here’s their review:
“Brisk and compact, exhibiting apple, floral and lemon notes on a lean profile. Nicely balanced and crisp on the finish.”
Price: $47.99
A Margaine Demi-Sec – This wine also falls into the family of Grower Champagnes, but holds it’s own spotlight being the only Demi-Sec Champagne in our selection. This wine also received 90 points by Wine Spectator:
“Elegant and lightly sweet, with ginger, lemon and honey notes. It has good structure and length, with vanilla pastry accent on the lingering finish.”
Price: $41.99
We hope that these reviews have been helpful and that everyone enjoys a healthy and happy New Year!
Thursday, November 19, 2009
HUGE THANKSGIVING TASTING THIS SATURDAY
Mark from Empire
-Sophia Lorenz Gruner Veltliner 750mL $11.99
-Marques de Casa Concha Chardonnay 750mL $15.99
-Grand Cassagne Rose 750mL $8.99
-Tamari Malbec 750mL $10.78
- Domaine Carneros Brut 750ml $21.77
- Wild Rock Pinot Noir 750ml $18.99
Joe from Lauber
-Dr. L Riesling 750ml $9.99 ON SALE $8.99!!
-Oxford Landing 750ml $7.99
-Nino Franco Prosecco 750ml $15.77
-Ridge Three Valley Zinfandel 750ml $19.77
-B.R. Cohn Olive Hill Cabernet Sauvignon 750ml $44.99
Curt from Southern
-Blackstone Merlot 750ml $8.77
-Estancia Meritage 750ml $24.77
-Estancia Cabernet Sauvignon 750ml $14.77
-Monkey Bay Sauvignon Blanc 750ml $8.99 ON SALE $7.49
-Salmon Run Chardonnay 750ml $9.77
-Hayman & Hill Riesling 750ml $8.99
Chris from Southern
- Brancott Sauvignon Blanc 750ml $11.99
-Jacob’s Creek Shiraz/Cabernet 750ml $7.99
-Jacob’s Reserve Shiraz 750ml $12.99
-Cono Sur Viognier 750ml $9.99
-Francis Coppola Claret 750ml $14.44
-Dona Paula Los Cordos Cabernet 750ml $7.77
-Chateau St. Michelle Riesling 750ml $11.89
-Cuena Vista Chardonnay 750ml $13.77 ON SALE $10.77
John from Bowler
-Johnson Family Napa Cabernet Sauvignon 750ml $19.77
-Gunderloch Diva Spatlese 750ml $16.77
-Pecina Rioja Joven $11.99
-Benaza Godello 750ml $11.99
-Usseglio Chateauneuf du Pape 750ml $44.99
-Jean-Louis Denois Brut 750ml $19.99
-Domaine La Montagnette Cote du Rhone 750ml $12.99
Paul from Bayfield
-Chateau Lamothe White Bordeaux 375ml $6.99, 750ml $11.77, 1.5L $23.44
-Chateau Lamothe Premieres Bordeaux Rouge 750ml $18.99
-Camille Cayran Rasteau 750ml $14.99
-Albert Bichot Bourgogne Rouge 750ml $16.99
-Henry of Pelham Reserve Riesling 750ml $12.99
-Winzer Krems Gruner Veltliner 750ml $10.77
Joe from Opici
-Angeline Chardonnay 750ml $10.77
-4 Vines Zinfandel 750ml $11.77
-Cycles Pinot Noir 750ml $10.77
-Leese-Fitch Cabernet Sauvignon 750ml $9.99
-Bleasedale Sparkling Shiraz 750ml $16.77
-Sebastiani Cabernet Sauvignon 750ml $17.99
-Ksara Blanc de Blanc 750ml $10.99
Arrowhead Springs Vineyard
Don't miss this great opportunity to taste some excellent wine, have some snacks, and stock up on the real holiday essentials!
Tuesday, November 17, 2009
WINE SPECTATOR TOP 100 WINES AT GEORGETOWN
#7 Renato Ratti Barolo Marcenasco 2005, 96 points $46.99
#27 La Massa Toscana Giorgio Primo 2007, 97 points $64.99
#30 Sette Ponti Toscana Crognolo 2007, 93 points $33.99
#50 Tablas Creek Esprit de Beaucastel Paso Robles 2006, 93 points $41.99
#62 Loosen Bros. Riesling QbA Mosel-Saar Ruwer Dr. L 2008, 90 points $8.99 ON SALE
#70 St.-Michael-Eppan Pinot Grigio Alto Adige 2008, 90 points $12.77
#80 Argiano Toscana Non Confunditur 2007, 91 points $19.99
$91 Four Vines Zinfandel Paso Robles 'Biker', 91 points $22.49
There you have it! And now that the Top 100 list is out, these wines will not be around for long, so pick up your stock while you can!!
There were also a few wines featured on Wine Spectators Top 100 that we have the new vintage of...
#6 Chappellet Cabernet Sauvignon Napa Valley Signature 2006
**WE HAVE 2007**
#9 Merry Edwards Sauvignon Blanc Russian River Valley 2007
**WE HAVE 2008**
#51 Shoofly Shiraz Adelaide 2007
**WE HAVE 2008**
In the spirit of the Top 100 list, the Georgetown Staff has decided to put together a list of our own...
Stay tuned for GEORGETOWN'S TOP 50 WINES OF 2009!!!
Coming Soon
Friday, October 9, 2009
New Chateauneuf du Pape and New Zinfandel
“This delivers a very large core of crushed currant, plum and blackberry fruit, all held in check by hints of maduro tobacco, bittersweet ganache, black tea and graphite. The long finish has ample grip, lending further length and definition to the impressive range of fruit. Best from 2010 through 2025”. – 93 points Wine Spectator
Robert Parker gave this wine between 90-93 points over the course of the wine’s life; he thinks this wine “offers up beautiful, sweet black raspberry and kirsch fruit, tremendous opulence, and a sexy, gamy character”.
As you can probably tell, we are really pumped about this wine! So, we’re going to pop this open TODAY at the tasting bar from 3-6pm!! This is a must try wine, and not to mention, the price is pretty great for this caliber Chateauneuf.
We’re going to be retailing this wine at $39.99, BUT for today and tomorrow ONLY we’re going to have it on sale for $34.99!!!
******
We have also received a HOT new Zinfandel for all of you lovers of this grape. Outpost Zinfandel Howell Mountain 2007; Outpost is a super cult producer from Howell Mountain MADE by the infamous Thomas Brown (Schrader, etc...) Thomas makes Cab, Grenache, and Petite Sirah for Outpost as well, but we think the Zin is probably the most pure wine being made there. Elegance defines it... this is not bomber Zin, it has structure and acid and balance. Finally!
HERE'S WHAT TANZER WROTE ABOUT IT:
(92-94) Tanzer, "Bright ruby-red. Knockout nose offers red and darker berries lifted by ginger, flowers and pepper. Juicy and intense; a real essence of zinfandel fruit, with superb clarity and spicy lift to the crushed berry flavors. This really coats the mouth without leaving any impression of weight. The very long, juicy, bright finish features a fine dusting of tannins and resounding fruit. Aged entirely in Burgundy barrels, 25% new. This sample was enough to restore my faith in zinfandel."
This wine is definitely big and lush but refined, like Turley and Carlisle
Only 1 case available!!! $48.99/bottle
Wednesday, October 7, 2009
Owen Roe ‘The Sinister Hand’ 2008
Welcome to Fall! Now I know it’s October, but we’re officially getting that fall chill and changing leaves, and that means that everyone is cracking open more red wines! Halloween (believe it or not) is also right around the corner, and Georgetown has the best Halloween wine EVER!!
Once a year, just before Halloween, Polaner imports releases a small amount of Owen's Sinister Hand, David O'Reilly's ode to Chateauneuf du Pape from the Columbia Valley in Washington. This year the varietal breakdown is 62% Grenache, 35% Syrah, 3% Mourvedre. The wine is excellent, but that label and the mythic story behind it are singular:
Once upon a time in Northern Ireland there were two warring clans: the O'Neills and the O'Reillys. Even though they controlled much of the land, there was a small tract that was yet unclaimed, and the two families battled fiercely over it....(there is also a side story about an upstart clan called Congel who were sharpening their swords & eyeing the parcel for future development, but we won't go there today..)
Anyway, in an effort toward civility they managed to agree that possession of the parcel would be decided by a rowing race. Whichever clan's team was first to touch the land could claim it as their own, and effectively finish the War. The body of water was long and wide and it was quite a race. The teams rowed hard and they were neck and neck approaching the land. The O'Neills, though, started to slip, and realized that they were going to lose.... So, in a last ditch effort, a rower from the O'Neill team puts down his oar, takes out his sword, severs his hand, and heaves it ahead of the other boat, onto the shore...claiming the land for the O'Neills and ending the war. And thus...The Sinister Hand.
BLOODY COOL, HUH?
skip the snickers bars-- I know what I want in my bag this year...
Stop by and pick up you stock of this limited Halloween sipper – this wine’s going to go fast!
Owen Roe ‘The Sinister Hand’ 2008
ONLY 5 CASES OF the 1.5 Liters for all of NYS! (Georgetown received 1 of them!)
We only have 2 cases of the 750ml bottles ($26.99) and 1 case of the 1.5 Liter bottles ($64.99).
We’re going to have this wine, as well as the hot new Chasing Lions Napa Blend (the next Menage a Trois?), open at the Tasting Bar tomorrow, Thursday, October 8th after 4pm.
Monday, September 21, 2009
Tastings this Week
Thursday, September 24th : This Thursday we are going to be having a tasting with an amazing local winery, Arrowhead Vineyards. Arrowhead is a small winery located on the Niagara Wine Trail and is producing some of the best NY state wines that I have ever tried. The tasting will begin at 5:00pm with a tasting of their wines at the tasting bar, followed by a more in depth tasting and discussion of New York state viticulture in our tasting class room at 6:30pm. This is going to be a really informative tasting and help all of us to understand our local viticulture. These tastings are FREE, so don't miss out!
Friday, September 25th from 7-9pm we will be having an awesome Southern Italian Tasting. We would like to feature some our favorites wines from this region as well as some of the highlights from the Southern Italian wine dinner we had this past weekend. This is going to be a really fun tasting with some crazy Italian grape varieties! The cost of the tasting $25 per person and reservations are required. Call and book your seat ASAP!
Also this week, we are going to be having one of our HUGE store-wide tastings on Saturday, September 26th from 2-5pm. We're going to have a ton of delicious wines open throughout the store. These tastings speak for themselves; they're always a lot of fun and a great way to try some new stuff!! The tasting is free, so don't miss out on a great afternoon of wine tasting.
Saturday, September 12, 2009
Bordeaux Tasting
September 17, 2009 from 6:30-8:30pm
Bordeaux is one of the most renowned regions for wine production in the world. With the release of the new 2006 vintage, we will be hosting a Bordeaux Tasting with Christophe Dumoulin of Chateau & Estate. Christophe will show a collection of Left Bank Bordeaux wines, speak about the producers and educate all of us on the Left Bank Bordeaux wine legacy and wine making traditions. We will taste wines from the 2004, 2005, and 2006 vintages. This type of vintage tasting will make it interesting to compare the variations between vintages as well as the differences in regional terroir.
We’re really excited about this tasting. Bordeaux wines are still the benchmark for quality wine production all over the world and the pinnacle of refined Old World wines. This is going to be one of the most informative tastings we’ve ever had (and not to mention, delicious!).
The Tasting is Thursday September 17, 2009 from 6:30-8:30pm and the cost of the tasting is $30 per person. This tasting is definitely going to fill up quickly, so call and reserve your seats ASAP!
Friday, September 4, 2009
Chateau Lamothe and Cabernet Tasting
Next week we have two awesome tastings planned for Friday, September 11. From 5-7pm we will have Chateau Lamothe pouring their wines at the tasting bar!! The wines from this producer are some of the best value French wines that I have tasted in a long time. The tasting is free, so stop in to taste some seriously delicious wines from Bordeaux.
After the Chateau Lamothe tasting, from 7-9pm we will be hosting a Cabernet Sauvignon tasting. We’re really excited about this tasting because we love Cabernet and there is some really excellent stuff being produced in the US. The producers from the west coast are constantly improving their wine making techniques and the wines are a true reflection of the quality fruit and wines being produced. The wines we will be showing are all silky, rich and delicious, and with fall right around the corner we will all be drinking more red wines. Here’s the line-up for the tasting:
Cartlidge & Browne 2007 Cabernet Sauvignon Paso Robles
ExLibris Cabernet Sauvignon 2006 (Washington)
Januik 2006 Columbia Valley Cabernet Sauvignon
Longboard Vineyards 2005 Alexander Valley Cabernet Sauvignon
Paradigm 2005 Napa Cabernet Sauvignon (By the wine maker of Screaming Eagle!)
Whitehall Lane 2005 Napa Cabernet Sauvignon
Conn Valley Vineyards 2006 Cabernet Sauvignon
Johnson Family 2007 Cabernet Sauvignon
Adele 2007 Napa Cabernet Sauvignon
Justin Isosceles 2005 Paso Robles
The cost of this tasting is $30 per person and reservations are required.
This is not a tasting to be missed!! It will definitely be a great way to kick off the fall season.
Wednesday, September 2, 2009
Dobbes Family Estate Syrah 2005
We have another awesome new wine to introduce to all of you, the Dobbes Family Estate Syrah Grand Assemblage 2005. This is a fantastic wine with luscious smoky and cocoa aromas along with the full-body and rich taste that we love from Syrah. The Dobbes Family Estate sources their fruit from some of the best Syrah vineyards in Oregon to produce a powerful yet well-balanced and elegant wine.
This wine drinks like a $30+ wine and normally costs around $25, BUT Georgetown is selling this wine for only $13.99!
Since we love this wine so much, we’re going to open a bottle on Friday, September 4th after 4pm at the Tasting Bar (we’re also going to open the new vintage of the Johnson Family Cabernet, another must try).
We have limited quantities of this wine, so come taste on Friday and load up while you can!
THIS WINE WILL SELL OUT and YOU WILL REGRET NOT PICKING SOME UP! We mean this in this in the nicest way possible.
Monday, August 31, 2009
Wine Dinners with Georgetown
For the first series of dinners we will be collaborating with Tempo and Chef Paul Jenkins to create an authentic regional Italian dining experience accompanied by regional wine pairings. Tempo is excited to be part of this initiative and we are thrilled to be working with the talented Chef and staff at Tempo.
The first dinner in the series with Tempo will be on September 18, 2009 and will be a “Southern Italian” theme. The dinner will be 4-courses and will feature traditionally Southern Italian foods paired with wines from the southern part of the Italian peninsula as well as the Islands, Sicilia and Sardegna. The evening will also feature a traditional Italian aperitivo with small passed appetizers and a traditional Italian cocktail before the meal begins.
The event will begin at 7:00 pm on September 18, 2009. The cost of the dinner is $130 per person (tax and gratuity included) and reservations are required.
The “Italian Regional Dinner” series will continue in October with a “Central Italian” themed dinner and in November with a “Northern Italian” themed dinner.
We have also teamed up with Bacchus Wine Bar & Restaurant to create a unique Champagne pairing dinner. The dinner will be 5-courses and each dish will be paired with a different style of Champagne. The dinner will be on November 2, 2009. The cost of the dinner will be $95 per person and reservations are required.
For all of these dinners you may place your reservation with Ryan or Stephanie, or call the restaurants directly.
We’re excited to share our love of food and wine with the Buffalo community and hope that you can be a part of this experience with us.
"Spanish" Tasting
We would like to remind you of the Spanish Speaking Tasting we have coming up this week. The tasting will feature wines from the Latin world, Spain, Chile, and Argentina. The tasting will be Thursday, September 3 from 6:30-8:30. The cost of the tasting is $25. This should be a really fun tasting with some classic Old World Spanish wines and delicious reds and whites from the booming wines regions in Chile and Argentina. Think Rioja, some of our best Malbec, and really delicious and interesting whites. Call to reserve your seat today!!
Here's the line-up of wines (wines are subject to change):
Imperio de Sentidos Sauvignonesse 2006 Mendoza, Argentina
Tomero Torrontes 2008 Argentina
Viña Cartín Albariño, Rías Baixas 2006
Margués de Murrieta 2003 Rioja ‘Capellanía’
Isabella Rose 2008 Chile, 100% Syrah
Señorio de P. Peciña 1999 Riserva
Raspay Tinto 2003
Loureiro Goliardo Tinto 2006 Rías Baixas
Laura Hartwig Cabernet Sauvignon Reserve 2006 Coldigua Valley, Chile
Ben Marco Malbec 2007
Bodega Catena Zepata ‘Catena Alta’ 2005 Malbec, Mendoza
Tuesday, August 25, 2009
Wines We Love
Alto Adige is a region in northern Italy that borders Germany and produces some of Italy’s best white wines. Many of the grapes grown in this region are of Germanic origin, along with interesting grapes indigenous to Alto Adige. Abbazia di Novacella is an exceptional producer from the Valle d’Isarco near the town of Bolzano. They specialize in cool climate white grape varieties of Germanic origin. We love these wines because they are all DELICIOUS! They all express the terroir and the natural quality of the grapes really well. The wines all have unique, full aromatic qualities and have a beautiful balanced minerality and acidity on the palate.
We chose to describe this winery rather than choose just one wine because we simply love them all and couldn’t decide! Their Kerner, Veltliner, Pinot Grigio, and Sylvaner have very distinct unique qualities but all represent the traditional wine making of the producer. These wines show the true characteristic of each grape, which I truly appreciate in white wines. The Kerner, which I savored last night, was rich and complex while finishing with a bright and refreshing acidity and minerality. The aromas of mango, lemon peel, and ripe peach were so alluring and the finish was wonderfully zesty and refreshing. The Sylvaner was slightly less aromatic than the Kerner but incredibly long, lean, and flavorful, a fantastic food wine.
These are some of my favorite Italian white wines that I have had in a long time, and I drink a lot of Italian whites! Because I love them so much, I am going to be opening all four varieties on Friday from 4-7pm. The wines will be available for tasting at the Tasting bar. So, stop by and taste these 4 stunning Italian whites!
Monday, August 17, 2009
Chardonnay Tasting
Next week we have a fantastic Chardonnay tasting planned. I love Chardonnay because it's AWESOME. It’s one of those grapes that can really showcase the ability of producers because of its versatility. Chardonnay expresses terroir in really unique ways and can be a great vessel for creative and innovative wine making. We’re going to show some of the best Chardonnays in the store including a great French Champagne, some heavy-hitters from California, lean and mean Chablis, and some other delicious Classics. Think Peter Michael, Puligny-Montrachet, and Ramey.
The tasting in next Thursday, August 20 at 6:30pm and costs $30 per person. Reserve your seat ASAP!
Friday, August 14, 2009
Wines We Love
Cote Rotie, “the roasted slope”, is a tiny area in the northern Rhone Valley producing some of the most unique and delicious Syrah fruit in the entire wine world. The wines being produced in this region are exquisite and coveted by most wine lovers. The expression of terroir in these wines is distinct showing minerality and the gamey flavors of classic old world Syrah. Cote Roties have the ability to be aged, but some are also stunning right now.
It is unusual to find any Cote Rotie under $50, but we have received three different Cote Roties that we got for a killer deal and all of them are absolutely stunning! These wines all come from the same producer, Domaine de Bonserine. We have the base 2001 as well as two single vineyards. The two single vineyards are from La Garde and Les Moutonnes. All of these wines are bold and have an incredibly unique rustic and earthy character to them. They are exceptionally balanced and refined. While they have a linear style and similar characteristics, each of these wines has a special uniqueness that distinguishes them from one another.
Needless to say, we’re in love with these wines! Because we’re so in love with them, we want everyone else to experience them, so we’re putting together special 6-pack and case prices on the wines:
Base Domaine de Bonserine 2001: $120/6pk, $200/case
Domaine de Bonserine 2001 Single vineyards, La Garde and Les Moutonnes: $180/6pk (very limited)
Thursday, August 13, 2009
Falesco 'Vitiano' 2007
“Ridiculously dark black-ruby color. Pretty aromas of cassis, black plum and earth, with a pronounced vanilla presence that does not overpower the fruit. Rich and densely packed, with distinctly ripe flavors of black fruits, raisin and chocolate lifted by an intriguing balsamic vinegar note. This finishes lighter than it starts, with welcome acidity nicely delineating the borderline-overripe fruit. Finishes creamy and long. This is a lot of wine for the money, and the best Vitiano in years, far removed from some astringent versions of recent memory.” – Stephen Tanzer
It’s on sale for $7.99 until the 23rd, so come and pick up your cases today!
Monday, August 10, 2009
Italian 101 and Spanish Speaking Tasting
We have two awesome tastings planned for this week!! For all of you Italian lovers, Stephanie is going to be on a roll with more Italian tastings starting with an Italian 101 tasting this Thursday, August 13 from 6:30-8:30. The wines are coming from all over the glorious Italian peninsula including the islands. Classic Italian favorites will be featured as well as some of Stephanie’s favorites. This tasting will be a great way to familiarize you with the wonderfully unique Italian varieties that produce some of the world’s finest wines. Here’s the lineup (wines are subject to change):
Nino Franco ‘Rustica’ Prosecco di Valdobbiadene
Abbazia di Novacella Pinot Grigio 2007 DOC
Salviano Orvieto Classico Superiore 2008 DOC
Terredora di Paolo Greco di Tufo 2007 DOCG
Produttori del Barbaresco, Barbaresco 2005
Zenato ‘Ripassa’ Valpolicella Superiore 2006 DOC
Mazzei ‘Fonterutoli’ Chianti Classico 2005 DOCG
Livio Sassetti ‘Permitali’ Brunello di Montalcino 2004 DOCG
Cantine del Taburno, Aglianico del Taburno 2005 DOC
Scurati Siciliano Rosso 2007
Isola del Nuraghi ‘Barrua’ 2005 IGT
The cost of this tasting will be $30 per person, call and reserve your seat today!
The other tasting we will be having this week is a ‘Spanish Speaking’ tasting! We have been receiving a lot of requests for a Spanish tasting, so we decided it would be fun to expand it into the Spanish speaking wine world. So, for this tasting we will be opening up some delicious Spanish wines along with wines from Argentina and Chile. The tasting will be on Friday, August 14 from 7:00-9:00. The cost of the tasting is $25 per person and seats are limited, so call and reserve today!
Friday, July 31, 2009
Wine Tasting Recap - Old World v. New World
Last night, Thursday July 30th, Stephanie and I presented a comparison tasting of Old World and New World wines in our upstairs tasting room. I thought it was a great tasting that really stressed the stylistic difference between “Old World” and “New World” wines. While I do think the terms are too general, the “New World” wines tended to show more upfront fruit, obvious oak influence, and less long term structural elements (hard acids and tannins) than their “Old World” counterparts. All wine’s were tasted blind, in flights of two. None of the taster’s, including Stephanie or myself knew which wine was the “New World” example or “Old World” example. Here is a brief recap of the flights;
Flight 1 Sauvignon Blanc
“Old World” – F&J Francis Bailly Sancerre 2007 – Elegant nose of wet stone, mineral and lemon, with great depth on the palate and finish. The acidity was extremely well integrated and finish was long with mineral elements dominating. Classic Sancerre.
“New World” – Cloudy Bay Marlborough New Zealand Sauvignon Blanc 2008 – WOW, this is an absolutely delicious example of classic Marlborough flavors. Showing ripe grapefruit, grass, and very well integrated minerality. The wine was super well integrated and finished with refreshing acidity, without being artificial at all! (My biggest complaint with NZ SBs) This is a gorgeous wine, the best Coudy I have had in years!
Flight 2 Chardonnay
“Old World” - Albert Bichot Chablis Premier Cru Les Vaucopins 2006, Domaine Long-Depaquit – You could tell the difference right on the nose between the two, but it really exploded on the palate. This Chablis showed classic stoney, flinty elements intertwined with citrus fruit and a good chalky like texture. The acid creeps up on you, and is relaly well integrated into the wine. Delicious stuff…screaming for oysters!
“New World” – Chalk Hill Russian River Valley Chardonnay 2006 – I was really impressed with this wine, but you could definitely tell that it was a Cali Chardonnay. All that buttered popcorn and toasty oak burst out on the palate and hangs out right to the end. The ripe tropical fruit was still evident, and finished with a dollop of acid. Tasty
Flight 3 Pinot Noir
“Old World” – Pierre Naigeon Gevrey-Chambertin 2005 – I was slightly disappointed with this wine, I remembered it tasting much better last time I tasted it. The fruit was a little “stewed” almost macerated. The finish and palate were good, and it showed classic Gevrey stoney fruit on the palate…but just a little…blahhh
“New World” – Marimar Russian River Valley Pinot Noir 2005 – Perfect example of a well built RRV Pinot Noir. The spice and ripeness were present, but restrained and very well matched with a nice backdrop of acid in a silky frame. Good stuff, better than I remembered.
Flight 4 Grenache
“Old World” – Domaine Saint-Damien Gigondas Les Souteyrades 2006 – This wine is a ROCKSTAR! Seriously, talk about bang for your buck, this bad boy retails under $30 and has a shelf life of at least a decade! I know I am buying a few more(already have two in my cellar). Showed classic red fruit, dark spices, and a wet stone element that I found very intriguing, all wrapped in a powerhouse frame of tannins and acid that will easily let this wine age for 10 years! I can’t think of a better Southern Rhone for under $30, just an outstanding Grenache, my #2 wine of the night! (It will probably end up in the Ryan’s Favorite Wine’s tasting next Thursday!)
“New World” – Broc Cellar’s Dry Stack Vineyard Grenache 2005 – This was a shocker…it was really good! I haven’t tasted this wine in over a year, and remembered liking it…but I was really expecting to be disappointed. It showed great red Grenache fruit, but was masterfully blended with a new world ripeness and well balanced (but obvious) sweet vanilla and cedar oak flavors. Still maintained a freshness from still present acidity, it should drink well for another few years. A very good bottle of wine, and it was a crowd favorite as well.
Flight 5 Cabernet Sauvignon (mostly)
“Old World” – Chateau Haut Bailly Grand Cru Classe Pessac-Leognan 2004 – I am in love with this wine…seriously, I only wish everyone could have finished their night with a glass after it had been open for about 5 hours like I did. The 2004 vintage has decades left in the bottle, but is really showing what Bordeaux is all about right now. It shows incredible cigar box, with tobacco, fresh mint, and Asian spices mixed with dark red fruit and an incredible backbone of tannins and refreshing acidity. This is a wine to be held, and loved…and the price/quality ratio is ridiculous! My favorite of the night, especially after revisiting it later. If you plan to drink it soon, please decant for at least two hours!!! Also owned by M&T’s Robert Wilmers…
“New World” – Karl Lawrence Napa Cabernet Sauvignon 2005 - While I loved the Bordeaux, I couldn’t resist this spectacular Napa Cabernet either! This is really what Napa is all about, hedonistically delicious and massive Cabernet’s that don’t need decades to enjoy. Shows sexy ripe fruit, sweet oak, and a caressing mouthfeel…while I would marry the Haut Bailly, I would have an affair with the Karl Lawrence, its like the wine equivalent of Scarlett Johansson…too sexy to resist!
All this for $25!!!! You must be kicking yourself if you missed this!!! Don’t miss the next one!
Thursday, July 30, 2009
Looking Forward to the Tasting Tonight
Tuesday, July 28, 2009
California Heavy Hitters Tasting
Hello Everyone!
We have added another tasting to our schedule for this weekend and it’s going to a fun one! We are going to be hosting a “California Heavy Hitters” Tasting!! So, for all of you wine lovers, this is not a tasting to be missed! We are going to be opening up bottles from some of the most talented wine makers in California. The tasting is going to focus on the best expression of California grape varieties and blends. You’re basically going to taste a little bit of everything. This should be a very exciting and delicious tasting!! The tasting will be on Friday, July 31st and will cost $30 per person. Here is the line-up (wines are subject to change):
Shramsberg Mirabelle Rose – The first family of classic method sparkling wine makers in the U.S.!! They are located in Calistoga, northern Napa Valley, and the ‘Mirabelle’ was rated 93 points by Wine Spectator this year, the highest rating for a California sparkling wine this year. Presidents are inaugurated with these wines!!
Cliff Lede Napa Valley Sauvignon Blanc 2006 – This producer is cool because the wines being made are the product of some of the most well respected wine makers in the world.
Tablas Creek Côtes de Tablas Blanc 2007 – Tablas Creek is one of the most important “Rhone Ranger” producers in California, these wines have to be tasted to be believed!
Kongsgaard Napa Valley Chardonnay 2006 – Kongsgaard is a huge name is California Chardonnay producers. He is known for his massively concentrated and intense chardonnays; definitely a “cult” producer.
Hitching Post Highliner Hartley Ostini Pinot Noir 2006 Santa Barbara – Made famous by the movie “Sideways”. The ‘Highliner’ is their high-end Pinot Noir.
Carlisle Russian River Two Acres 2006 – This is a sort of Italian “field blend” wine. It is produced from a blend of different grapes from very old vines, to produce a delicious and robust wine. What makes this wine interesting is that the vines were planted in 1910 and are producing very old vine, low production wines
Ridge Geyserville 2006 – This is from one of the most important Zinfandel producers in California and their flagship bottling.
Corté Ríva Vineyards Petite Syrah 2005 – The producers of this wine are a couple of Filipino guys that worked in Robert Foley’s vineyards. This side project uses some of the best Petite Syrah fruit in California.
Paradigm Merlot Napa Valley 2004 – This wine is the product of one of the most important female producers in California, Hiedi Barrett, producer of the Screaming Eagle.
Etude Cabernet Sauvignon Napa Valley 2005 – This is Tony Soter’s flagship Cabernet, one of the best in Napa. The 2005 is a MUST try!
The tasting is going to be Friday, July 31 at 7:00pm, reserve your seat today for this incredible tasting!!
There are still a few seats left for the Old World vs. New World tasting this Thursday, July 30 at 6:30pm. This is going to be a really cool comparison tasting. We’re going to be comparing Old World and New World styles of wine produced from the same grape varieties. We have also finalized the list of wines being served that evening (wines are subject to change):
Sauvignon Blanc:
Sancerre F & J Francis Bailly 2007
Cloudy Bay New Zealand Sauvignon Blanc 2008
Chardonnay:
Albert Bichot Chablis Premier Cru Les Vaucopins 2006, Domaine Long-Depaquit
Chalk Hill Russian River Valley 2006
Pinot Noir:
Pierre Naigeon Gevrey-Chambertin 2005
Don Miguel Vineyard ‘Marimar’ 2005 Russian River Valley
Grenache:
Broc Cellars Dry Stack Vineyard Grenache 2005
Domaine Saint-Damien Gigondas 2006
Cabernet Sauvignon:
Chateau Haut-Bailly 2005
Pahlmeyer Cabernet Sauvignon 2004
The cost of the tasting is $25 per person. There are only a few seats left, so call to reserve your seat ASAP!!
Wednesday, July 22, 2009
Upcoming Wine Tastings
Saturday, July 25:
Don’t miss an incredible opportunity to taste all of those wines that you’ve been dying to try! From 2-5 on Saturday we’re going to be hosting a store-wide tasting. We’re going to have 5 tasting tables arranged throughout the store allowing you to taste over 20 different wines!! We won’t be serving any food at this tasting, but come prepared to taste some delicious wines! Better yet, this is a FREE TASTING!
Thursday, July 30 at 6:30pm:
We still have spots left for our Old World vs. New World Tasting. This is going to be a really fun comparison tasting; we’re going to be tasting side by side 5 classic, international grape varieties in an Old World style and a New World style. You’ll be amazed at the difference between an Old World style Cabernet vs. a New World style. This tasting is going to really help explain the concept of ‘terroir’, which we will explain in more depth at the tasting. The cost is $25 per person, reserve your seat today!!
Friday, July 31 at 7 pm:
For all of you California wine lovers this is a tasting not to be missed!! To close out the month of July we’re going to be having an intense California tasting! We’re going to be opening up bottles from the California power-house producers. That means some of the best Napa Cabs, Sonoma Pinot Noirs, Chardonnays and more. The cost for this tasting is $30 per person, reserve your seat ASAP!!
Tuesday, June 30, 2009
Skurnik Tasting with Scott Lawrence and Mike DePue
Thursday, June 25 Scott Lawrence from Skurnik was in town and showed us some awesome California wines here at Georgetown. We tasted through the lineup and are making all of the wines available for pre-sale for a limited time and are a great deal! We’re not going to get all of these wines into the store so we strongly suggest picking some up on presale! All of them are going to go fast. Here are our tasting notes, this is a combined effort of Ryan, and our new addition Stephanie, please email or call with any questions;
Etude Cabernet Sauvignon, 2005 – This wine was one of the favorites of the show! The 2005 Etude Cabernet has strong notes of dark intense fruit with rich viscosity, and a beautiful lift on the finish. This is one of those powerful wines that manages to keep great focus and intensity throughout. The aromas and flavors are luscious and seamless, just an incredibly harmonious full-bodied, intense wine. This is also the lowest price you will ever see on Etude Cabernet! The presale price is only $360 a sixpack or $60/bottle! Buy a couple cases now, cause it will cost about $85 once it hits the floor!
Etude Los Carneros Pinot Noir – For those of you that like California Pinot Noir, you will love this wine. It has beautiful aromas of cloves, sweet spices, and dark fruit reminiscent of Russian River Pinots. This is a rich and spicy pinot with a soft finish. A great “meditation” Pinot, can be drank on its own. $228/6pk , $38/bottle
Hendry Zinfandel, 2006 – This wine was an interesting and pleasantly surprising display of Zinfandel. Atypical of most fruit-forward Zinfandels this wine has some great notes of mild pepper and earthiness. It has wonderful finesse and lift, overall it was a very elegant and refined. $162/6pk, $27/bottle
Myuge Cabernet Sauvignon, 2006 – This wine is an amazing example of California Cabernet. With rich aromas and rich flavors this wine will be a favorite of California Cabernet drinkers, and it’s a STEAL for the price. This wine has great fruit aromas as well as a pleasant freshness. The tannins in this wine are a bit chalky and will allow this wine to have a long shelf life. This wine will pair really well with grilled or roasted meats but will also be delicious on its own. A great everyday Napa Cab! $192/6pk or $32/bottle
Ramey Cabernet Sauvignon, 2005 – Ramey is probably one of the most well known of the California Cabernet producers, and for good reason. David Ramey has been making incredible Cabernets and Chardonnays for over 20 years! This wine shows aromas of caramel, butterscotch as well as ripe jammy fruit. It also had a hint of animal or earthy aromas. This wine will pair really well with steak on the grill. $264/6pk or $44/bottle
Tablas Creek Esprit Beaucastel Rouge, 2006 – This wine showed the most amount of red fruit out of the bunch. It has beautiful aromas of raspberry, strawberry, as well as some spice. It was lighter in color than the other wines and was very reminiscent of Rhone Valley Grenache. This is a wonderfully pleasant wine and has a great price. $216/6pk, $36/bottle
Tablas Creek Cote du Tablas Blanc, 2007 – This wine was the only white wine of the group and was a great way to start of the tasting! It’s tropical, spicy, and has exciting lychee aromas. This white has a good texture with a nice freshness on the palate. A very well constructed wine reminiscent of a “rhone-style” white. If you’re a fan of Conundrum or Vionier, try this! $126/6pk, $21/bottle
Karl Lawrence Cabernet Sauvignon, 2005 – This wine is really fantastic!! It’s a great example of true Cabernet. An elegant and harmonious wine that has nice fruit and a herbal element on the nose and the palate. Also, this is the first time this wine has ever been available outside of New York City!! This is one of those wines that not many people know about, and it’s a pretty good price too. Do not miss your chance to grab Karl Lawrence! $366/6pk, $66/bottle
Capiaux Pisoni Vineyard 2006– This is a much different Pinot style than the Etude. It has more red fruit like raspberry and strawberry as well as some earthy notes. One of the least expensive and most reserved of the Pisoni vineyard wines on the market, it is always a unique experience tasting Pisoni Vineyard. $252/6pk, $42/bottle
Breggo Anderson Value Pinot Noir 2007 – Breggo is one of our favorite Pinot Noir producers in California, and their entry level 2007 Anderson Valley Pinot Noir reminded us why. It has an elegance one rarely finds in West Coast Pinot Noirs showing a bright brilliant ruby color, red fruit, amazing focus, subtle forest floor notes and a touch of spice. Finished with focused refreshing acidity and amazing lift. Seriously delicious stuff. Presale price $220/6pk or $36.66/bottle.
Click here for the presale forms…get back to us quickly, you do not want to miss these special offers!Monday, June 22, 2009
Raventos I Blanc Brut 'L'Hereu'
Chateau La. Bienfaisance Saint-Emilion Grand Cru 2005
An amazing buy in a 2005 Bordeaux, just tasted this again last week…a very silky, sexy Right Bank Bordeaux. Drink now, or hold for a decade!
92pts Robert parker
“A stunning effort from this property in St.-Christophe des Bardes, this 25-acre vineyard is planted with 80% Merlot and 20% Cabernet Franc. Made in a flamboyant style for the vintage, it reveals a dense purple color along with an expressive, ostentatious nose of sweet cherry liqueur intermixed with creme de cassis, toast, spring flowers, incense, melted licorice, and chocolate. Full-bodied with high but sweet, velvety tannins, it is already approachable, but promises to develop more nuances over the next decade. It should last for 20+ years. Kudos to the proprietor and his wine consultant, Stephane Derenoncourt.
Regular price is $40, on sale June 22nd to 28th for $33.99
To buy this wine, send us an email.
Why Drink Grower Champagne?
Tuesday, June 16, 2009
Tasting on Friday July 10, 2009
I am very excited to announce that this Friday’s wine tasting is going to answer one of the most common questions I hear at Georgetown…”Is it worth the price?”
Do you think you can tell the difference between a $10 California Chardonnay and a $65 California Chardonnay?
Is a French Champagne worth the $50+ price tag…or is a $10 Sparkler from New Mexico just as good?
Is a $70 Napa Cabernet that much better than a $12 bottle of Cabernet from Napa?
Can you decipher between a $65 Brunello(100% Sangiovese) and a $9 Sangiovese from Molise?
If you want to know the answer to all these questions, and see how many others know, then stop by Friday night! The tasting costs $30/person and starts at 7PM. All wines will be served blind and we will truly find out if wine is worth the price tag! There will be limited seats to this tasting, so call today to reserve yours!
Hope to see you Friday!
Ryan
Il Cascinone Rive Barbera 2006
One of our perennial rock stars at Georgetown. The 2006 Rive Barbera delivers all the same ripe and delicious fruit that we have grown to love. This silky ripe Barbera is barrique aged (aged in small French Oak barrels that add a sweet vanilla element), and has well balanced subtle acid on the finish. You have to be crazy to not like this wine!
Regular price is $20.99, on sale June 22nd to 28th for $17.99
To buy this wine, send us an email.
Albert Bichot Vieilles Vignes Bourgogne Rouge 2006
I have fallen in love with the wines from Albert Bichot, who represents some of the unknown stars in Burgundy. The 2006 Bourgogne Rouge is the base level from Bichot, and shows how amazing his wine’s are! This Pinot Noir really tastes like at least a village level quality wine, it has gorgeous juicy fruit, a nice mouthfeel and great balanced acid. A really well made wine, and a wonderful introduction to Burgundy!
Regular price is $16.99, on sale June 22nd to 28th for $14.99
To buy this wine, send us an email.
Cloudy Bay Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc 2008
The legend! The first big time Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc is back to making some of the best SB’s in the world!
91Points Wine Spectator
“Light and tart, with a zip to the acidity that carries the vivid, celery-tinged gooseberry and lime flavors, lingering impressively on the sharply focused finish.”
Regular price is $27.77, on sale June 22nd to 28th for $23.99.
To buy this wine, send us an email.
Chateau Grand Cassagne Rosé 2008
A brand new wine to Georgetown, and our best Rosé for under $10 by far! It has a rich nose of ripe strawberry and spice, with a subtle floral element, a nice texture and a great finish with subtle acidity that pulls everything together! This has all the elements that I look for in a Rosé, and at a wonderful price!
Cantina del Taburno Aglianico del Taburno Fidelis 2005
90Pts Robert Parker
“Readers looking for a delicious Campanian red that is ready to drink today should consider Cantina del Taburno’s 2005 Aglianico del Taburno Fidelis. Black cherries, spices, juniper berries and worn-in leather jump out of the glass as this full-bodied, sumptuous wine reveals the multiple dimensions of its expressiveness. Soft and caressing on the palate, the Fidelis reveals tons of persistence and a long, satisfying finish. The Fidelis is 90% Aglianico and 10% Sangiovese aged in cask. It is a great value. Anticipated maturity: 2009-2013.”
Regular price is $14.99, on sale June 22nd to 28th for $12.99.
To buy this wine, send us an email.