The Wine and Cheese Place: 2010-03-14

Saturday, March 20, 2010

Amazing offering....

From the owners of Screaming Eagle

"This remarkable Santa Ynez estate is under the same ownership as Napa Valley’s Screaming Eagle winery....The 2006s and a handful of 2007 barrel samples I tasted suggest this is one of California’s most exciting new wineries. What they are accomplishing with Bordeaux varietals is mind-boggling." -- Robert Parker, The Wine Advocate

In stock now at Forsyth
Click here to order

2006 Jonata "Todos".....$46.99 / bottle
(Formerly El Corazon)

This wine was called El Corazon when Robert Parker tasted the wine. The wine is the same, but the name was changed to "Todos".

"The 2006 El Corazon de Jonata (now TODOS) (39% Syrah, 35% Cabernet Sauvignon, 11% Sangiovese, and the rest Petit Verdot, Cabernet Franc, and Viognier) is a 1,000-case cuvee that will be bottled in a few months. Profound, sexy aromas of smoked duck, soy, blackberries, pepper, and a hint of spring flowers are followed by an exotic, full-bodied, voluptuously textured wine bursting with complexity and richness. A subtle smoky, meaty component is present in the deep, dark blackberry flavors. Long, rich, and pure, this stunning 2006 should drink beautifully for 10-15+ years."
Rated 95-97/100 Robert Parker, The Wine Advocate

2006 Jonata El Alma de Jonata...$119.99 / bottle
"Perhaps the greatest Cabernet Franc being made in California is Jonata’s El Alma de Jonata. The amazing 2006, a blend of 95% Cabernet Franc and the balance Cabernet Sauvignon and a dollop of Merlot, tastes like a liquid version of haute couture from Chanel. It possesses nobility, grace, and remarkable complexity. An inky/blue/purple color is accompanied by an extraordinary bouquet of blueberries, black raspberries, and graphite. In the mouth, it reveals wonderful elegance, precision, and laser-like focus along with noteworthy density and intensity for a wine dominated by Cabernet Franc. The varietal character is obvious, and the wine’s superb balance, purity, and well-integrated oak, acidity, and tannin are admirable. This beauty should hit its prime in 2-4 years, and last for 15-20."
Rated 95/100 Robert Parker, The Wine Advocate

2006 Jonata El Desafio de Jonata....$119.99 / bottle
"The 2006 El Desafio de Jonata, a blend of 84% Cabernet Sauvignon, 9% Cabernet Franc, 6% Petit Verdot, and 1% Merlot, may be even better (it was scheduled to be bottled right after my visit). A beautiful black/purple color is accompanied by stunning aromas of creme de cassis, graphite, camphor, and incense. It exhibits tremendous intensity, beautiful sweet fruit, full-bodied power as well as purity, and a finish that lasts 45+ seconds. This amazing effort is the greatest Cabernet Sauvignon-based wine ever made in the Santa Ynez appellation."
Rated 94-96/100 Robert Parker, The Wine Advocate

2007 Jonata La Flor de Jonata....$59.99 / bottle
"A sensational, non-malolactic blend of 80% Sauvignon Blanc and 20% Semillon that was aged in a combination of new neutral French oak and stainless steel tanks, the 2007 La Flor de Jonata smells like a great vintage of white Pape Clement. Flowery, orange blossom, lemon oil, and crushed rock aromas are followed by a wine revealing amazing texture, richness, purity, and length. A sensational example of Sauvignon Blanc, this cuvee establishes a new reference point for what can be accomplished with this varietal in California. Jonata also produces a remarkable Sangiovese."
Rated 94/100 Robert Parker, The Wine Advocate

Schlafly in 12 pack cans...

Cans coming later,

but we just got the Schlafly Summer Lager in Bottles
1 day old!!
Bottled March 18, 2010
Try it FRESH!!

Our Schlafly distributor just told me will see Summer Helles Lager in 12oz CANS this year. The approval just came through online. Watch for it this Summer

Spectacular Shiraz

2008 Chris Ringland Cote Rotie Shiraz.....$18.99

"This is the third vintage of Chris Ringland Cote Rotie Shiraz. The 2008 was sourced from 20-60 year old Barossa vines and aged in seasoned American oak hogsheads. Deep purple-colored, it emits a captivating, already complex nose of smoke, incense, Asian spices, and blueberry. Velvety-textured, intense, full-bodied, and powerful on the palate, this rich effort will drink well for another 8-10 years. It is a steal at the modest asking price."

Rated 92/100 The Wine Advocate

Great Chardonnays

A couple of Russian River gems....

2007 Rodney Strong Chardonnay Russian River Reserve....$29.99

"Floral honeysuckle, ripe fig and melon scents are rich, full-bodied, elegant and refined, showing a light touch of toasty vanilla oak on the finish, where the flavors turn subtle and delicate. Drink now through 2015. 2,465 cases made. –JL"

Rated 93/100 The Wine Spectator

"Visitors to the winery often ask what “Reserve” chardonnay means to us. It’s simple. Reserve means the winemaker’s careful blend of individual wines made from time tested, meticulously farmed sections of some of the very best vineyards in Russian River Valley. Each lot is vinified separately in our finest barrels, and shortly after completion of malolactic fermentation, select lots are assembled in tank to facilitate flavor integration, and returned to barrels to finish aging. It literally is a matter of taste.
Frequent stirring of the lees during barrel aging added a creamy texture to an already full-bodied wine, making for a rich, plush mouth feel, balanced with vibrant acidity. Powerful aromas of spiced apple, pear and pie crust join lemon-cream and toasty oak on the palate, adding up to a compelling and thoroughly satisfying experience for true Chardonnay lovers." -- winemaker

2007 Gary Farrell Russian River Chardonnay....$24.99

"Brilliantly crisp and lushly creamy and honeyed, just a beautiful Chardonnay that offers decadence and sheer deliciousness. Massive in grilled pineapples, green apples, ripe nectarines and butterscotch, brightened with mouthwatering acidity. A joy to drink. - S.H. (12/31/2009) - 94 "

Rated 94/100 The Wine Enthusiast

"This 2007 Russian River Chardonnay has bright aromas of lemon custard, butterscotch and hints of nutmeg, followed by additional notes of baked apple, hazelnut, vanilla cream and tropical fruits. Although youthful and enticing, this wine will benefit from some additional time in the bottle. The wine’s medium plus body and acidity will lend itself to many seafood dishes as well as aged Gouda cheeses." -- Winemaker

Tres Ojos

One of my favorite bargain reds...

2007 Tres Ojos Old Vine Garnacha....$11.99
"Bright ruby color. Primary dark berry aromas are simple but offer very good purity and focus. Juicy blackberry and bitter cherry flavors are youthfully tangy, with good back-end acidity adding snap. The clean, brisk finish leaves behind notes of sweet dark berry preserves and cracked pepper. As usual, this is a very good bargain, even with the lousy dollar."

Rated 88/100 International Cellar

"The 2007 Old Vines Garnacha, sourced from 40-50 year old vines, was aged for 12 months in stainless steel. Purple-colored, the nose exhibits spice box, violets, and black cherry. On the palate it has plenty of supple-textured, succulent fruit and a finish with no hard edges. Drink it over the next three years."

Rated 88/100 The Wine Advocate

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New Un*Earthly...

Order Southern Tier online
In stock at Forsyth.
New batch, bottled March 10, 2010

(And the price went down from last year!)
Southern Tier OAK-AGED Un*Earthly...$7.49 / 22oz

"At Southern Tier Brewing Company, vigorously hopped beer is our standard and inspiration.

An Uninhibited infusion of hops and oak.

We continue a commitment to innovation with an aggressive offering. Oak Aged Unearthly is a manifestation of the brewer's craft; skillfully balancing art and the forces of nature to produce a divine liquid, this brew is aged on oak. Pour a taste into a fluted glass. Smell the enchanting aromas of hops as your first sip divulges this beer's fervent soul. To underestimate Oak AGed Unearthly is to trifle with the mysteries of the universe, so please consume wisely." -- Southern Tier

ABV = 11.0%

23 Plato

2-row pale malt

cara-pils malt

red wheat

kettle hops: chinook and cascade

hop back: styrian golding

dry hopped: cascade, centenial and chinook.

Cathedral Square in bottles now!

Available online -- click here
Cathedral Square is now available in bottles at The Wine and Cheese Place. They have been around town for a little while now, but this is the first batch that has been bottled!

New!
Cathedral Square Iglesia Agave Ale....$3.99 / 22oz

"This Ale is brewed with three malts, two hop varieties and authentic imported Agave Nectar. Iglesia is Spanish for church and this Ale is blessed from barrel to bottle creating a fiesta anytime." -- Bottle

Cathedral Square Belgian Style White Ale....$3.99 / 22oz

"This traditional White Ale is faithful to the Belgian Style with its light body, cloudy color and touch of spice. A complex, refreshing Ale that's perfect for any season." -- label

Cathedral Square Belgian Style Abbey Ale....$3.99 /22oz

"The traditional Belgian-Style Abbey Ale is brewed using five malts, two hop varieties and authentic Trappist Belgian Yeast.

Vote for us....

Fox 2 New Hot List

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March 19 is the last day

Vote for the "Best Wine Shop"

We have been nominated, please take time to vote.

Vote for The Wine and Cheese Place - click here

Thanks very much

More Boulevard news...

I am told Rock Hill still has a little KBS left. Call Chris at 314-962-8150 to reserve some.

In stock now at Forsyth and Rock Hill!
Order Boulevard online now

Boulevard Smokestack Tank 7...$8.49 / 750ml

Here is the first look at the new Tank 7 label....
Tank 7 will be a new year round member of the Smokestack Series on the shelves of The Wine and Cheese Place (It will replace the Smokestack Saison which is leaving the lineup). Tank 7 has been around in draft for few months and is basically their Saison Brett with out the Brett. I got a chance to try it while visiting the brewery in KC back in July.

"Most breweries have at least one piece of equipment that's just a bit persnickity. Here at Boulevard we have fermenter number seven, the black sheep of our cellar family. Ironically, when our brewers were experimenting with variations on a traditional Belgian-style farmhouse ale, the perfect combination of elements came together in that very vessel. You could call it fate, but they called it Tank 7, and so it is. Beginning with a big surge of fruity aromatics and grapefruit-hoppy notes, the flavor of this complex, straw-colored ale tapes fof to a peppery, dry finish." -- back label

CITRA HOP
Also, did you notice in the description of the upcoming Harvest Dance Wheat Wine from Boulevard that it includes the rare CITRA hop? The Citra is the hop used in the Sierra Nevada Torpedo. Boulevard's brewmaster had told that they were able to purchase some of the citra hop but would not say what they were using it in --- now we now.

Sierra Nevada Torpedo Press release.....
"We are using a new varietal called the Citra hop. Sierra Nevada ( and two other breweries) funded the research and development of this variety and we own most of the acreage available in the world, (which is something like 3 acres)."

New Boulevard....

Order Boulevard online now

Boulevard Boss Tom's Golden Bock -- in stock now!

A new label just got approved by Boulevard --
I just heard from Boulevard that this is their name and package for the Maibock that they introduced on draft last year.

"Boss Tom's Golden Bock is Boulevard's new seasonal release for early spring. A bock is traditionally a lager beer with somewhat robust malt character. The word "bock" also means "billy goat", and images of goats are often used as a symbol of the style. The smooth, soft maltiness of Boss Tom's is complemented by a restrained hop presence. The mild warming quality of the beer makes it perfect for days when there is still a bit of a chill in the air. The beer finishes with a lingering dryness, and just a hint of caramel." -- Boulevard
Malts: Pale, Munich, Pilsner, Caramel and Wheat
Hops: Hallertau and Perle
ABV: 6.1%
IBUs: 33

Tuesday, March 16, 2010

Demolition is here!

Back in stock - 4 more cases!
The Demolition has arrived at Forsyth. Keeping our fingers crossed on the Night Stalker (at least a week away though. I read somewhere that only 750 cases were made and very little was leaving Chicago.)
Available online now

Goose Island Demolition Belgian Style Golden Ale...$5.29 / 22oz

Brewmasters Notes:
Brewed to honor the brave souls who kept our brewpub open in the early 90’s while wrecking balls tore down the mall around us. Dry and smooth, with a grassy, citrus aroma and honey malt middle.

Recipe Information:
Style: Belgian Style Golden Ale
Alcohol by Volume: 7.2%
International Bitterness Units: 40
Color: Golden Straw
Hops: Saaz, Chinook
Malts: Pilsen

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Great Divide Releases!

Order Great Divide online

Great Divide Colette Saison 6pk

"Colette is our homage to the beers that Belgian farm workers have enjoyed for centuries. Brewed with barley, wheat and rice and fermented at high temperatures with a special blend of four different yeast strains, Colette is fruity and slightly tart, with a dry finish that makes it that rarest of treats - a beer as refreshing as it is complex. 7.3% ABV" -- Brewery

New Batch has arrived!
Great Divide Espresso Oak Aged Yeti....22oz
Rated A on Beer Advocate

Rated 100/100 RateBeer
"...is a new addition to the Yeti clan. A generous infusion of espresso adds yet another layer of complexity to this beer, combining with the vanilla oak character, intense roasty maltiness and bold hop profile to create a whole new breed of mythical creature. It’s official: You can now have Yeti with breakfast.

Food Pairings: Enjoy with: Breakfast burrito, eggs Benedict, hash browns, cheesecake, creme brulee." -- Great Divide

Southern Tier 422 Pale Wheat Ale / 6pk

“make everyday earth day!”

"Pour 422 Pale Wheat Ale into a pint glass, give it a long whiff and you’ll realize that this isn’t your average pale golden wheat. Preserved in its unfiltered state, 422 is a fantastic session ale in which flavors of wheat, barley and hops commingle to a refreshing and zesty conclusion. Hints of orange and sweet malts waft to the fore as a touch of bitterness contributes to a smooth finish. 422 is brewed as a tribute to preserving our precious planet and it’s environment. It is responsibly packaged with over 80% recycled consumer products and is completely recyclable. Enjoy 422 all year as to take one stride closer to a eco-friendly life.

Order Southern Tier online now

Red Rocket 6pks!!!

Red Rocket now in 6 packs!!

Bear Republic Red Rocket...$9.99 / 6pk

"The brew of choice for mountain bikers, and adventurous types worldwide. (Are you excited now!) This fiery red ale is not for the weak at heart. It originally started out as a Scottish red ale but has taken on flavors of its own. This is a very complex recipe using five different grains to achieve its unique flavor. The caramel malt used is a mixture of Belgian Caravienne and Hugh Bairds Crystal malts. Red Rocket is a full bodied, hoppy brew which finishes on the pallet with caramel malts. Centennial and Cascade hops are used for bittering and aroma." -- brewery

Thanks!

Sophie Hayden born on March 5.
8 lbs 7 oz

I wanted to say thanks to for all the emails and notes about my new beautiful baby girl. Sophie and mom are all perfect and healthy. I just got back to work today and I am a bit overwhelmed trying to catch up on emails and orders. Please be patient. I will respond to all.

Random store news...
New Beer specials will be posted tomorrow.

And an update on KBS tomorrow.

O'Fallon Wheach has arrived.

I have not even tried the new Dark Truth or Rye on Rye from Boulevard.

KBS -- March 15

Sorry it is gone.

Founders KBS is here!!

Founders Kentucky Bourbon Stout.....$18.99 / 4pk
Rated 100/100 on RateBeer

Rated A+ on Beer Advocate

#8 Best Beer in the World on Beer Advocate

"The Amazing Kosmicki's Highly Acclaimed KBS....A stout ale aged in oak bourbon barrels. Does not give relieve from: rheumatism, neuralgia, sciatica, lame back, lumbago, contracted muscles, toothache, sprains, swellings, and all manner of distress.....is good for everythig a stout ought to be good for." -- label

What we’ve got here is an imperial stout brewed with a massive amount of coffee and chocolates then cave-aged in oak bourbon barrels for an entire year, to make sure wonderful bourbon undertones come through in the finish. Make your taste buds squeal with delight." -- label

Order online now -- click here
You can also pick which of our four stores you want to pick up your order. Best way to guarantee getting some.

Bells Batch 9,000

Order Bell's Beers online -- click here

Founders KBS due later today, stay tuned! Probably around noon, 12:30

Somehow our Rock Hill location got another case of 9,000. No limit, first come, first served. Gone already!

Bell's Batch 9,000....$2.79 / 12oz btl

From the label....
A Commemorative Brew
Malt Beverage Brewed with Molasses and Brewer's Licorice.

On the back label--

Batch 9,000 is part of our commemorative series celebrating our progress with special brews. Black, dense and rich, this is a great ale for the cellar

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