Labels

Saturday, August 29, 2009

Wines of Bobby Kacher

Robert Kacher Selections

We recently went to a portfolio tasting of Robert Kacher wines and we picked out some of the greatest values in his portfolio. There are so many great wines available to us now, but the trick is to find the wines that over deliver quality for their price and are true to their style. We feel these are some of the best values in the Bobby Kacher portfolio and I think you will agree with us if you give them a try. We picked great wines from some classic French areas like Rhone, Burgundy and Loire. The wines we chose really show great character for their area and great value for their area. I really enjoyed the rare Bourgueil from Loire (100% Caberent Franc), we have carried wines from Bourgeuil in the past, but it has been awhile.
Here are the wines:



2006 Domaine Gournier Grenache Noir...$10.99
100% Grenache from Costières de Nîmes
This is an amazing fruit forward Grenache (the main grape of Chateauneuf du Pape). Talk about perfect summer and fall red. It will go well with a wide variety of foods from chicken on the grill, picnic fare like ham sandwiches and I think it would also be a great match with Thanksgiving dinner!
"Domaine de Gournier is located in the Cévennes region, above the Mediterranean Sea, between the cities of Avignon and Nimes. The area’s terroir is characterized by low limestone hills studded with calcareous rock and sparse clumps of wind-beaten vegetation. The domaine is owned by Maurice Barnouin. This Grenache cuvée was first released in 2004. The fruit is hand-harvested and vinified 100% in stainless steel tanks to focus on the freshness and purity of the Grenache fruit. The wine displays round and textured cherry flavors with a brilliant spice factor throughout. The tannins here are well behind the fruit which makes this a wonderful wine for everyday dining and parties. The Gournier Grenache Noir is a true crowd pleaser and great value." -- Robert Kacher



2006 Château de Minière Bourgeuil...$17.99
100% Cabernet Franc from Loire
"Le Château de Minière was built at the end of the 16th century, and is located in the heart of the Bourgueil appellation, in the town of Restigné. The estate was handed down through a line of women for 2 centuries. Today it is run by Evelyne de Mascarel. The vineyards spread over 22 hectares in 3 of the 7 districts in the Bourgueil appellation, therefore allowing a diversity of terroirs. The yields vary from 45 to 55 h/ha, and the vines average 35 years of age. The family practices “lutte raisonnée”, or sustainable agriculture. This 100% Cabernet Franc is grown on gravel on clay, limestone and silica terraces, from a small vineyard located on the hillsides along the Loire River. This is a shiny wine, with an intense red berry color. On the nose it displays a complex blend of black fruit aromas with spicy notes of liquorice. This Bourgueil is very round and velvety on the palate, it is well-structured and shows very well-integrated tannins." -- Robert Kacher



2008 Le Bois Martin Touraine....$14.99
Producer: Thierry Delaunay
100% Sauvignon Blanc from the Loire

"Domaine Joël Delaunay is located on the bank of the Cher River, about 30 miles east of the city of Tours. There are 24 hectares of vineyards in the same family for 5 generations now. Thierry Delaunay took over the estate in 2002 and obtained the “Terra Vitis” certification that same year guaranteeing the respect of nature, “using ecologically sustainable methods in view to preserve the environment and human health” (excerpt from www.TerrasVitis.com website). Domaine Joël Delaunay is the perfect combination of modern technique and long-lived traditions. Made from 100% Sauvignon Blanc, this very fruity wine is vinified from carefully selected musts. After temperature-controlled fermentation, the wine rests on its fine lees to maximize the development of its unique characteristics. It is best paired with fish and seafood, or enjoyed by itself as an
apéritif." -- Robert Kacher


2008 Cote Jardin Côtes du Rhône...$11.99
Producer: Thierry & Véronique Boudinaud
Variety: 55% Grenache, 30% Syrah, 15% Mourvèdre
"Thierry and Véronique Boudinaud own Vignobles Boudinaud, located in the tiny commune of Fournès, on the right bank of the Rhône River. They also own Domaine Grange des Rouquette. The Boudinaud’s have been winegrowers and winemakers in the western Rhône Valley for five generations. Thierry traveled extensively in his quest for knowledge about winemaking, working in California, New Zealand and Bordeaux. They now own about 25 hectares of vineyards within the Côtes du Rhône appellation, and farm an additional 25 hectares. Planted on the plateau between the villages of St.-Hilaire, Estézargues and Montfrin are old-vine Syrah, Grenache, Mourvèdre, Cinsault and Cunoise. This particular Côtes du Rhône is named Côté Jardin (which means “garden side”), because it is ideal for a “garden” party, or should we say, a picnic with friends! The grapes are carefully chosen from different parcels surrounding Fournès, and picked from vines averaging 35-years of age. This blend of Grenache, Syrah and Mourvèdre offers a smooth, full and jammy texture. It is round and spicy, with lots of character. Perfect for a picnic in your “jardin”! -- Robert Kacher






Domaine Bertrand Ambroise Bourgogne Rouge
"The domaine of Bertrand Ambroise was established in the late 18th century in the village of Prémeaux-Prissey, just north of Nuits-Saint-Georges. Today the estate has expanded to 42 acres which are worked diligently by Bertrand and his family. Bertrand produces some of the finest examples of Pinot Noir and Chardonnay in Burgundy. He often works with 10%-30% lower yields than are allowed. His genuine passion only to produce wines from absolutely ripe grapes demands a severe green harvest and an additional inspection or sorting of the fruit prior to fermentation. All of this detail work has created a worldwide demand for his wines." -- Robert Kacher
Domaine Bertand Ambroise: Their Pinot Noir and Chardonnay were unbelievable for the money. It is hard to find this quality Burgundy for such a low price. If you shop for Burgundy, you will not find quality like this for under $30.
2007 Domaine Bertrand Ambroise Bourgogne Rouge....$19.99
100% Pinot Noir
"The style of Bertrand’s wines can be characterized as ripe, deeply extracted, full bodied wines. This Bourgogne bottling is vinified 2/3 in tank while the remainder is completed in 2 and 3 year old barrels to add dimension."-- Robert Kacher
2006 Domaine Bertarnd Amborise Bourgogne Blanc...$22.99
100% Chardonnay
"This Bourgogne bottling is vinified in stainless steel and shows crisp apple, pear flavors as well as classic mineral tones. "-- Robert Kacher




2008 Domaine du Tariquet Cotes de Gascogne....$8.49
70% Ugni Blanc, 30% Colombard
Producer: Yves Grassa
"Since 1912 Château du Tariquet has been home to the Grassa family. They first gained notoriety for Hélène and Pierre Grassa’s Armagnac, which is still produced today. In the 1980’s their children, Maïté and Yves, broke all the rules by producing their first still wines, a blend of Ugni Blanc and Colombard. A few years later, they heavily planted and created untraditional blends such as Sauvignon-Chardonnay and Chenin-Chardonnay and word of mouth is how the Tariquet taste and fashion was born! The first of many awards received by Yves and his family include a Gold Medal in Montpellier and “Winemaker of the Year” by the International Wine Challenge in London. Wine production is strictly controlled within the Domaine from viticulture to bottling and adheres to sustainable agriculture. To prevent oxidation the grapes are taken directly from the vines to the vats in isothermal tanks. The estate features a water treatment facility and they recycle and reuse all materials. The innovative “bottling to order” at Domaine du Tariquet guarantees consistent quality and freshness. The result of this meticulous process is a delicious, light and refreshing wine. With floral aromas, it displays citrus flavors with a touch of exotic fruit. This is a very easy-drinking wine, perfect as an apéritif and with shellfish." -- Robert Kacher

Friday, August 28, 2009

Bells Oktoberfest

Introducing for the first time in Missouri --


Bells Oktoberfest....$9.89 / 6pk


"A coppery amber lager that showcases a full bodied, malty flavor that is balanced by a refreshing bitterness derived from fine noble hops. " -- brewert

Alc. by Vol.:
5.5%

Ayinger Oktoberfest

Ayinger Oktoberfest is here!!


Bells Two Hearted is fresh bottled Aug 18!

FYI -- The Bell's Oktoberfest should be here soon also.

New Smokestack Series

In stock now!


Order online now!

Boulevard Smokestack Series expanding soon:



Seeyoulator Doppelbock....$8.49 / 750ml

ABV = 8.5%

"Doppelbock was first brewed in Munich around 1700 by the monks of Saint Francis of Paula, to sustain them through the Lenten fast. This "liquid bread" was renowned for its rich flavor and deep amber color. The monks called their full-bodied brew "Salvator." Today it is customary to pay homage to the good brothers by giving doppelbocks names inding in "-ator." The style is characterized by a very robust grain bill, producing a big, malt-forward beer. Our version, while true to style, bids a fond aufwiederseben to tradition, charting a flight path into bold new territory. Medium amber in color, it offers a heady, estery banana aroma. A luscious maltiness predominates, with balancing notes from Hallertau hops. Cedar aging lends just a hint of spice to the finish. Because of its sweetness, Seeyoulator pairs nicely with roasted meat dishes or stews, and, assuming you're not fasting, beautifully complements desserts such as bittersweet chocolate or bread pudding." -- Boulevard

Thursday, August 27, 2009

Point Brewery is back in Missouri.

Stevens Point, Wisconsin

Stevens Point Belgian White...$6.99 / 6pk
Point Belgian White is a smooth refreshing and distinctive beer brewed in the tradition of Belgian Style White Ales. Our recipe boasts the finest barley and wheat malts, white wheat, rolled oats, and Noble Hallertau and Saaz hops -- naturally flavored with a hint of Curacao orange peel and coriander. The result is a light-
bodied beer renowned for its signature golden-white haze. Try it with an orange slice.




Stevens Point Cascade Pale...$6.99 / 6pk

Point Cascade Pale Ale is handcrafted combining special top-fermenting yeast and a dry hopping
process to create this truly classic American Pale Ale. The intriguing character is derived from generous quantities of the choicest Yakima Valley Cascade hops and the finest crystal, 2-row pale, and Munich malts. The result is a delicious American Pale Ale with a signature fragrant hop bouquet and soft malt palate.



Stevens Point Oktoberfest....$6.99 / 6pk

Point Oktoberfes
t is an authentic Marzen Style Lager beer, a style reminiscent of the beers originally brewed for the first Oktoberfest Celebrations in Germany during the early 1800's. Craft brewed using Hallertauer Hops and sweet Vienna roasted malts result in a full flavored, finely balanced beer brewed in celebration of the upcoming season.




James Page Burly Brown....$6.99 / 6pk
Brewed with two-row malted barley, roasted and chocolate malts, this classic American Brown Ale is distinguished by a deep brown color and creamy smooth taste. James Page Extra Pale Ale....$6.99 / 6pk
Brewed with the finest two-row malted barley, caramel malts and Cascade hops, this true American Pale Ale carries a hearty hop aroma and a rich sparkling hop flavor.
James Page White Ox Wheat....$6.99 / 6pk

This American Frontier unfiltered wheat ale is crafted with a special blend of select barley malts, white wheat and a hint of citrus.
James Page Iron Range Amber....$6.99 / 6pk
Brewed with the finest two-row malted barley, Munich malts and Spalter hops, this smooth Vienna style beer is a true European red lager with a well balanced, distinctive flavor.

L'Aventure Winery in Paso Robles


L'Aventure
"Transplanted Frenchman, Stephan Asseo (from St.-Emilion), has found a home as well as some great terroirs in the limestone soils of Paso Robles (all his vineyards are situated on the western side of Highway 101). Asseo continues to go from strength to strength, producing a fabulous portfolio of wines that makes L-Aventure one of the bright, shining reference points for the region. This is one of the California Central Coast superstars, and the wines are worth every cent."
-- Robert Parker, The Wine Advocate




order online

Three amazing wines --

2007 L'Aventure Cabernet Sauvignon....$83.99

2007 L'Aventure Cote a Cote.....................$83.99

2007 L'Aventure Estate Cuvee..................$83.99



Previous vintage press -- This is what Robert Parker said about the 2006 vintage Estate Cuvee (There are strong rumors that the 2007 will score a perfect 100 in the next issue--coming soon) "A thrilling, nearly perfect efforts is the 2006 Estate Cuvee. A blend of 49% Syrah, 37% Cabernet Sauvignon, and 4% Petit Verdot, the 2006 Estate Cuvee may be even better. Tasting like a superb example of a premier grand cru St.-Emilion made from California's limestone soils, it exhibits a dense purple color as well as a perfume of sweet creme de cassis, fruitcake, licorice, incense, tobacco leaf, and spice box. A voluptuous texture, fabulous opulence, and thrilling concentration as well as purity make for a prodigious example of blended red wine that will provide enormous pleasure and complexity for 12-15+ years." -- Rated 97/100 Robert Parker, The Wine Advocate

Lips of Faith part II

Available online now.

New Belgium Lips of Faith La Folie....$11.99 / 22 oz

"La Folie Wood-Aged Biere, is our original wood-conditioned beer, resting in French Oak barrels between one and three years before being hand bottled, numbered and corked for your enjoyment. Brewmaster, Peter Bouckaert, came to us from Rodenbach – home of the fabled sour red. Our La Folie emulates the spontaneous fermentation beers of Peter’s beloved Flanders with sour apple notes, a dry effervescence, and earthy undertones." -- brewery




Lips of Faith Transatlantique Kriek....$11.99 / 22oz

"In a never-ending quest to create new beers and defy category, New Belgium Brewing and Brewerij Boon of Belgium have partnered together again to create Transatlantique Kriek - a spontaneously fermented lambic ale made with Polish cherries.
This authentic kriek beer began life in the oaken vessels at Frank Boon's brewery in the Lembeek region of Belgium. After more than two years aging, Boon's offering shipped across the Atlantic and found its way to the intuitive palate of New Belgium's Brewmaster Peter Bouckaert. After much sampling and internal consultation, Peter and his brew staff created a full-bodied golden lager to round out the light-bodied kriek.
The cherry nose gives way to a pleasingly sour flash across the palate that rolls gently into a slightly sweet finish. Crisp, effervescent carbonation keeps the mouthfeel bright and delightfully tingly." -- brewery
Alcohol is 8% by volume.

Wednesday, August 26, 2009

Pumpkin Ales are coming --


The Pumpkin ales just keep coming -- Schlafly Pumpkin Ale has also just arrived at Forsyth!
Schlafly Pumpkin Ale....$8.99 / 6pk


"A full-bodied, deep reddish amber beer made with pumpkin and butternut squash and spiced with nutmeg, clove and cinnamon. Celebrate the bounty of harvest with this rich, malty ale and invoke the season of plenty.
ABV:8.0%." -- Schlafly Brewery

also available online now


Lips of Faith series starting to arrive...

Available online now -- click here

The first two have arrived at Forsyth in the Lips of Faith series...

New Belgium Lips of Faith Le Fleur Misseur....$7.19 / 22oz

"Deep burnished gold with a slight haze, Le Fleur Misseur opens with pineapple, clove and honey notes. Dry-hopping produces a flower leaf aroma supported by tones of fresh bread and honey. Bottle conditioned with our special house strain of Brettanomyces (wild ale) yeast, Le Fleur finishes dry and slightly herbal.

Produced for New Belgium coworkers to celebrate our 15th anniversary, Le Fleur has roots in the earliest days of our history. In 1988 founder Jeff Lebesch sat weary on the side of a Belgian road when a young lad passing by picked a delicate yellow flower and offered it to Jeff.

“Le Fleur, Misseur?” Jeff misspelled the boy’s comment in his journal as he accepted the offering. A treasured memory, a beer to treasure." -- brewery


Food pairings for Le Fleur Misseur

Erin Hughes, one of our fine Liquid Center Representatives, recommends:

I love to grill out. So I would skewer up some mahi mahi, orange bell peppers, pineapple and costoluto heirloom tomatoes. The fish is meaty, but not salty so it won’t overpower the beer and the pineapple will bring out the bretta contribution in Le Fleur. The peppers and tomatoes balance the sweetness with acidity.

Salad as a side with fresh greens and edible flowers (like spicy nasturtiums) accentuate the floral aroma, subtle sweet honey taste and spicy Hallertau dry-hopping.

For dessert, grilled pears stuffed with a soft cheese like chevre or capricho de cabra. (There both softer cheeses, more silky to go with the LeF’s creamy mouthfeel). Drizzle vanilla honey and dust some cinnamon on top to highlight the wild yeast’s (Brettanomyces) clove.

If just looking to snack, put out a plate of Spanish Marcona almonds. They’re a little sweet, but you still get the salty fix and they go great on a plate next to chevre on artisan crackers with fig spread to complete the sweet and salty fusion.

Notes from the brewery website




New Belgium Lips of Faith Biere De Mars...$7.19 / 22oz

"For the first time in three years we are pleased to offer one of our favorite harbingers of spring, Biere de Mars.

With earthy tones of ripe mango and lemon verbena, this bottle-conditioned ale reflects the hearty character of the southern Belgian and northern French countrysides. Brewed with barley, oats and wheat malt, Biere de Mars' celestial orange hue inspired the planetary play on words.

Brettanomyces, a wild yeast strain, added for bottle-conditioning creates a refreshingly sour flash across the palate. Lemon peel coupled with the lemon verbena imparts fruitlike character and a citrusy finish.

Golden amber in hue, this beer has delicately balanced hops with toasty aromas. Definite tropical notes of musty pineapple, dried apricot, and sweet papaya immediately indicate that this beer was made to pair with warm weather foods.

For starters, I would pair this beer with crab cakes of Dungeness lump crab, poblano pepper, sundried tomato, and curry with a mango coulis to finish the dish. Or try a salad of mixed greens with avocado tossed in a mimosa vinaigrette of pineapple juice, citrus segments, and cayenne pepper.

For a main course, a couple of ideas come to mind. Perhaps jerk pork with toasted almond studded coconut rice and papaya relish or an African stew of peanuts, hearty greens, and pineapple.

To finish this meal, consistent with the warm weather theme, I think a pineapple frangipane tart could tantalize anyone's taste buds when paired with this beer. Almond paste custard adorned with fresh sliced pineapple and brushed with a pineapple, brown sugar glaze. For any warm weather party, this beer is optimal and "ripe" for pairing." -- brewery

125th Anniversary

Available online - click here

Le Trappe Isid'or Trappist....$9.99 / 750ml

"Koningshoeven/La Trappe is one of only seven Trappist breweries in the world allowed to carry the logo "Authentic Trappist Product". This logo guarantees authenticity, recipe and tradition. Koningshoeven/La Trappe is the only Trappist Ale that is made in The Netherlands, the other six Trappist breweries are situated in Belgium. In the USA and Canada the La Trappe Trappist Ales are marketed under the name Koningshoeven Trappist Ale." - importer "In 2009, it has been 125 years since friar Isidorus Laaber hesitantly, with successes and setbacks, started what is now a stunning product. To commemorate this fact, we are releasing a special-occasion beer for the international market in this jubilee year. It is obvious that the beer will carry the name of our first brewing master. It is a homage to this simple friar with his golden hands, who made our brewery, and thus also our monastery, famous.

As always, part of the profits of La Trappe will go to the monasteries in Indonesia and Uganda, which were set up by Koningshoeven. The profit of La Trappe Isid’or will go entirely to the co-friars in Uganda. Since they fled the violence in Kenya in 2008, they have had to start from scratch in Uganda. With the profit of La Trappe Isid’or, the community there will be able to build a new monastery and find a new source of income." -- brewery

From the label
Taste the Silence

“The monks of Brewery de Koningshoeven have been brewing La Trappe beer for a living since 1884. La Trappe Isid’or has been specially created to commemorate the 125th anniversary of Brewery de Koningshoeven. This ceremonial beer was named after Brother Isidorus, the first brewer of La Trappe.

La Trappe Isid’or is a mildly sweet amber beer with a hint of caramel. Soft bitter flavor with a fruity aftertaste. Brewed with own grown Perle hops.”

Available now in 750 mL
Bitterness: 25 IBU
Malts: Pale, munich, caramel, wheat malt
Hops: Halletauer and Koningshoeven Perle

7,5% alcohol

Tuesday, August 25, 2009

Laughing Dog

Available online also - click here

Available at Forsyth and Rock Hill now.
This is our first beer from Laughing Dog Brewery in Idaho.
Very small brewery, looks like the distribute in about 7-8 states only.

"Laughing Dog Brewing is an award winning Craft Brewery located in the heart of the Selkirk Mountains just outside of Sandpoint Idaho in the city of Ponderay. They brew their Beer on a fifteen barrel PUB brewing systems brew-house using the local water, which is ideal for brewing smooth clean ales. With few exceptions they use only Water, Barley, Hops and Yeast in their beer. The Laughing Yellow Lab that appears on all of their brews is Ben their family dog.
Ben is the inspiration behind Laughing Dog Brewing
Owners are Michelle Douglass and Fred Colby." -- Brewery

Laughing Dog Alpha Dog Imperial I.P.A....$4.99 / 22oz


At 127 IBUs (International Bitterness Units) and 8% abv, this dog has quite a bite. It boasts all the pine resin and citrus flavors to be expected from a West Coast-style Imperial IPA, with loads of caramel malt for balance.

"I make no apologies if our beers are hoppy because I'm a hop head. With the hop shortage, too many breweries were trying to change their hop profiles to save money. We didn't want to back away from any of our beers." -- Fred Colby, owner/brewery