Boulevard Nommo Dubbel

Boulevard next Smokestack Series beer is coming in September.
If you made it to The Wine and Cheese Place Beerfest 2011 back on May 14th, you got a chance to preview this beer.   Boulevard brought a keg of this beer for your tasting pleasure.  The label just got approved and The Wine and Cheese Place should have it sometime in September.  You can order other Boulevard beers online now while you wait (including Saison Brett - we only have about 3 cases left) - click here

"Our Nommo Dubbel has a brilliant deep amber color and a sweet caramel malt profile. This beer showcases the coriander, cinnamon, and star anise used in the kettle, complementing them with clove and banana notes contributed by the Belgian yeast. The rich complexity of Nommo’s flavor makes it a worthy partner to a variety of meats and game, as well as aged or aromatic cheeses. The name “Nommo” is derived from a Dogon word meaning “to make one drink.” No, really. Nommo, usually described as amphibious, hermaphroditic, fish-like creatures, were created by the sky god Amma, who caused them to multiply by splitting them into doubled sets of twins. Maybe it’s farfetched, but we think the story of the Nommo makes this whole enterprise a little more fun and interesting." -- Boulevard


Click on picture to read the full sheet.

A new 2009 from Cabirau

This is the estate is owned by importer and our friend Dan Kravitz

He has hit a home run with this one.... Dan brought us a sample when he was in town last month and our staff loved it.  The new issue of the Wine Advocate that just came out a few days ago also apparently like it.

2009 Domaine Cabirau Grenache Serge & Nicolas...$19.99
"Dominated three-quarters by old vines - some of which informed in 2007 a memorable separate bottling known as "Le Bonte des Amis" that he no longer plans to produce - Kravitz's 2009 Grenache Serge & Nicolas is redolent of black raspberry preserves and grenadine, along with overtones of kirsch, herbal distillate, peat and smoked meats. Sappy concentration of dark berries and grenadine syrup are mingled with herbal liqueur in a palate performance that for all of its sheer ripeness preserves startling verve and invigoration, bitterness of cherry pit and schiste-licking mineral notes - along with an exposed seam of tannin - serving for robust counterpoint in a sustained finish. This terrific value ought to be even more expressive - and possibly more refined in finish - in another year or two, and be worth following for at least half a dozen.....Dan Kravitz has scored renewed success with his latest Domaine Cabirau releases"
Rated 91/100 The Wine Advocate

Paul Hobbs - tremendous wines.

In stock at Forsyth now...

The Wine Advocate

Rated 94/100

2008 Paul Hobbs Chardonnay Ulises Valdez....$69.99 

The outrageously tasty 2008 Chardonnay Ulises Valdez reveals caramelized tropical fruits such as oranges and pineapples intermixed with brioche, creme brulee and hazelnuts. Deep, rich and full-bodied, this authoritative Chardonnay is classically Californian with a nod to French structure and minerality. Consume it over the next 4-5 years. 

The Wine Advocate

Rated 94/100

2008 Paul Hobbs Pinot Noir Ulises Valdez.....$69.99 

Even better is the 2008 Pinot Noir Ulises Valdez, which is made from a suitcase clone smuggled in from Vosne-Romanee and the Calera clone, which is believed to have come from the most famous vineyard of that appellation. Forest floor/mossy notes intermixed with fresh porcini mushrooms, black raspberries and black cherries emerge from this medium to full-bodied, luscious Pinot Noir. It is ideal for drinking over the next 5-7 years. 

The Wine Advocate

Rated 94-96/100

2009 Paul Hobbs Chard Richard Dinner....$65.99

The 2009 Chardonnay Richard Dinner Vineyard has more nectarine, apricot and white peach notes, crisp acids and a hint of wet rocks that gives the wine a steely backbone. Medium to full-bodied, more restrained and more dominated by its minerality than the Ulises Valdez, it should be consumed over the next 4-5 years. 

The Wine Advocate

Rated 92/100

2008 Paul Hobbs Chardonnay Russian River....$45.99

One of the great buys in California Chardonnay is Hobbs’s 2008 Chardonnay Russian River, which offers abundant notes of orange blossoms, tropical fruits, white peaches and a hint of smoky oak. This fleshy, full-bodied Chardonnay exhibits a steely backbone because of good acidity. Enjoy it over the next 2-3 years. 

Amazing new Pinot Noir...

A must try in a new Pinot Noir -- first time in Missouri....


We were all excited about this wine when we tasted it a few months back....finally arrived.....


2010 Calathus Pinot Noir...$21.99

"Named after the ceramic vases that were used to serve wine in Roman times, Calathus is produced by Finca Don Carlos in Tupungato, in the heart of Mendoza's Uco Valley, at 3,200 ft above sea level. With its wealth of old vines and a new, state-of-the-art winery, Calathus represents a perfect union of terroir, tradition and technology.
Tasting Notes: A complex, well-balanced wine with aromas of black cherries on the nose. Medium to full-bodied on the palate, it offers dark-berry fruit and round tannins with a delicate touch of oak, ending with a long, lingering finish.
Serve With: Enjoy with a wide range of cheeses, stewed meats, and hearty pasta dishes." -- importer

Some of the best Gigondas

2009 Domaine St. Damien Gigondas Les Souteyrades....$31.99
"The top cuvee is the 2009 Gigondas Les Souteyrades, which also comes from 60+-year-old vines and is a blend of 80% Grenache and 20% Mourvedre. Again, it is all aged in old wood foudres and bottled unfined and unfiltered. This wine plays it closer to the vest, and one can see that there is a level of density and richness that might eclipse the other two wines, but there is also more tannin and a striking near-liqueur of minerals in this wine. It is very reserved and restrained, but super-concentrated, full-bodied, and incredibly impressive, with much of the character of the La Louisiane but tighter. It may have more up-side potential that any of these wines, but will probably need 1-3 years of bottle-age and then drink well for at least 15 years."
Rated 91-93+/100 Robert Parker, The Wine Advocate 


2009 Domaine St. Damien Gigondas Les Souteyrades....$29.99
The 2009 Gigondas Vieilles Vignes (a blend of 80% Grenache and 20% Mourvedre from 40-year-old vines) is a rich, full-bodied Gigondas with notes of crushed rock, boysenberry, black raspberry, camphor, and a hint of pen ink. The wine displays terrific fruit on the attack, a medium to full-bodied mouthfeel with good acid, superb purity, texture, and length. This deep ruby/purple-colored wine should drink well for at least 10-15 years. 
Rated 91-93/100 Robert Parker, The Wine Advocate

Fresh Schlafly

Fresh batches have arrived at Forsyth


Schlafly AIPA -- now 6/20/11
Schlafly Pale Ale -- now 6/24/11
Schlafly Pilsner -- now 6/23/11

Beringer just scored 97/100 from Robert Parker

2007 Beringer Private Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon
we have a great price right now -- order here


"Production: 9,008 cases; Alcohol: 14.6%; Blend: 100% Cabernet Sauvignon; Harvest Dates: September 10 to October 24. The 2007 Private Reserve is composed of 34% Bancroft Ranch, 33% Steinhauer Ranch, 8% Chabot Vineyard, 8% Lampyridae, and the remainder from St. Helena Home Vineyard, Marston Ranch and Rancho del Oso fruit. A mild spring and summer with only a handful of heat spikes was followed by beautiful weather in September and October. One of the finest Private Reserves made over the last two decades, this phenomenal wine is obviously still an infant in terms of development, but it exhibits a dense purple color as well as an extraordinary nose of blackberries, white chocolate, licorice, tobacco leaf, smoky barbecue, charcoal and a burning ember-like note reminiscent of a Graves from Bordeaux. A dense, luscious, full-bodied, opulent style, with sweet tannin, this locked and loaded, intense, full throttle Private Reserve should be accessible in 5-6 years and last for 25-30."
Rated 97/100 Robert Parker, The Wine Advocate

Taste all 19 Hops - July 14

SOLD OUT


Beer Tasting

Taste all 19 beers from Mikkeller's Single Hop Series

July 14 from 6-8pm

The Wine and Cheese Place 

7435 Forsyth Blvd,

Clayton, MO 63105

314.727.8788

Join Brent from IBU as he will lead you through this amazing tasting....

$15 / person

You will taste all 19 hops in 4 flights.

(each pour will be about a 2oz pour)

Sit down event and reservations are required -- seating is limited.

Mikkeller Single Hop Series







Here is what we will taste:
Mt. Hood
Citra
Columbus
Palisade
Willamette
Warrior
Simcoe
Centennial
Nugget
Cluster
Amarillo
Galena

Super Galena

Bravo

Cascade

Magnum
Challenger

Tettnanger

Sorachi Ace

Available online

Best Wine, Cheese, and Liquor

The Sauce Magazine Awards are out for 2011
We have won the Best Wine Shop and Best Cheese shop for 3 years in a row.   This year they moved us to a new category "chain store"??     
I am going to call it 4 years in a row....
.................as best wine shop and best place to buy cheese


In the "chain store" category we won
1st place again - Favorite Wine Shop
1st place again - Favorite Liquor Store
1st place again - Favorite Place to buy Cheese

Some recent awards:
2011 Sauce Magazine Readers’ Choice Favorite Place to Buy Cheese
2011 Sauce Magazine Readers’ Choice Favorite Wine Shop
2011 Sauce Magazine Readers’ Choice Favorite Liquor Store
2010 Sauce Magazine Readers’ Choice Favorite Wine Shop
2010 Sauce Magazine Readers’ Choice Favorite Place to Buy Cheese
2010 Sauce Magazine Readers’ Choice Favorite Specialty Food Shop
2010 Ladue News Platinum List “Best Place to Buy Wine”
2009 Riverfront Times Readers’ Choice Best Liquor Store
2009 Riverfront Times Readers’ Choice Best Cheese Selection
2009 Sauce Magazine Readers’ Choice Favorite Cheese Shop
2009 Sauce Magazine Readers’ Choice Favorite Wine Shop
2008 Sauce Magazine Readers’ Choice Favorite Liquor Store
2008 Sauce Magazine Readers’ Choice Favorite Wine Shop
2008 Sauce Magazine Readers’ Choice Favorite Place to Buy Cheese
2008 Ladue News Best Cheese Selection
2008 Ladue News Platinum List Award Winner

Share

Some new ones from High West

High West Silver Whiskey Western Oat....$31.99
An un‐aged oat whiskey (akin to a blanco tequila) with a mash bill containing 85% oats and 15% barley malt. A very unique and incredibly smooth whiskey. 


“Delicate aromas of bison grass, granola, toasted nut and grain, and chervil follow through on a soft, satiny entry to a light-to-medium body with hints of anise, pear and apple. Finishes with delicate, lightly warming, mossy stone accented fade. Very stylish and slightly reminiscent of shochu; will make great cocktails.
– 92/100 Beverage Tasting Institute


– Best Un-Aged Whiskey -- 2010 ADI Craft American Whiskey Competition.
– 94/100 American Craft Spirits - americancraftspirits.com
– Gold Medal - International Review Of Spirits

High West Double Rye....$31.99
Marriage of two straight rye whiskies that combines the feisty properties of a high rye 2-year-old and the saddle smooth richness of a 16-year-old. The 2-year-old has a 95% rye 5% barley malt mashbill. The older rye has a “barely legal” rye mashbill of 53% rye and 37% corn. The extra age and corn provides some extra sweetness to calm the “bite” of the younger rye for a relationship that works.

Thanks to its balance of cinnamon, anise, and honey, DOUBLE RYE!™ is great served neat, with a little water, or on the rocks. And its spirited flavor fortifies classic cocktails like the Manhattan and Old Fashioned. We recommend it for most occasions – sipping it in solitude by a campfire, savoring with favorite old friends, or sharing it with a good-looking stranger.

Some new Hatters....

Available online also

New Holland Black Hatter Black I.P.A....$4.69 / 22oz

"A blackened version of Mad Hatter brewed with black malt for a dark, roasty sweetness to the base of the flavor profile. Finishes with a strong Centennial hop character from dry hopping." -- brewery




New Holland Rye Hatter Rye P.A......$4.69 / 22oz

"This beer showcases it’s grain-bill, made up of rye and barley malt. The rye adds a slight spiciness to the caramel-malt base, while also creating a creamy texture. Dry-hopping contributes a fresh citrus finish." -- brewery

Aphrodite and Peche Mortel are back!

We introduced Dieu du Ciel to St. Louis a few years back and now they are getting even harder to get...we have two of their best in stock now
Dieu du Ciel --
"The tiny ‘Dieu du Ciel!’ brew-pub, just at the edge of Montrèal's city center, has developed an incredible reputation and a devoted following in only a few short years. The young brewer, Jean-François, has never had any formal training as a brewer, but he is a natural, with superb skills and flawless instincts.
‘Dieu du Ciel!’ is a common exclamation, meaning ‘God in Heaven!’ more or less, which is undoubtedly the most polite oath you are likely to hear in Montrèal – a city with a well-known penchant for turning religious sentiments into profanity." -- brewery






Dieu du Ciel Peche Mortel...$4.99 / 11.2oz
"If you love really good coffee and really good beer equally, you will be thrilled with Péché Mortel. If coffee isn’t your cup of tea, and caffeine makes you bounce off the ceiling, then just put the bottle down and find something else to drink. This beer is all about coffee. Indeed, you may have seen ‘coffee stouts’ before, but no brewer has ever married coffee and beer so naturally and seamlessly.
And this isn’t just any stout, but an imperial stout, which means that it is modeled on the strong, rich, and very complex stouts that were made in England in the 19th and early 20th centuries exclusively for shipment to Russia, where they were a special favorite at the court of the Czars.
A warning: Between the caffeine buzz, and the 9% alcohol by volume of this singular brew, you may find yourself a little disoriented. What is this, a morning pick-me-up and a drowsy night-cap, all in the same bottle? It’s just too much pleasure all at once, and that’s why the brewers named it Péché Mortel, which is French for 'Mortal Sin.' Unfortunately, we can’t say that it’s good for you. In fact, it’s a sure thing you’re going to Hell for this . . ." -- brewery




Another very limited brew....

Dieu du Ciel Aphrodite...$4.99 / 11oz
Black ale with aromas and flavours of vanilla, dark chocolate, bourbon and roasted malt. The vanilla and cocoa marry nicely, without out-competing each other, to produce a surprisingly well balanced beer. This beer is mildly hoppy, but the cocoa introduces a touch of bitterness. Its colour may be intimidating, but it is a very smooth beer within reach of most beer drinkers. This highly appreciated dessert beer is brewed with organic fair-trade cocoa and first rate vanilla beans.
Rated A on BeerAdvocate.com
Rated 100 percentile on Ratebeer.com

Available online now

2010 Rose

Rose is big this time of year, I have not really even advertised our Rose selection this year, but they are selling like crazy, we sold out of over 6 different ones over the weekend.  Many have been re-stocked now!  


We have the new vintage of some returning favorites and a few first timers. 

There is nothing like a great Rose from Provence...Here is one of the best....and usually our best seller every year.

  

.

2010 Bargemone Rose Coteaux d'Aix en Provence....$16.99
"Tasting Notes: Offers classic aromas of wild strawberries and red currants, with a light, floral character and a crisp, bone-dry palate.  Serve With: A rosé of reference, to be enjoyed year-round on its own or with a wide range of lighter fare and Provence-inspired cuisine." -- Dan Kravitz, importer

2010 Villa de Anges Rose...$11.99
"Tasting Notes: A light-bodied wine, intensely crisp and vividly fresh, it offers complex aromas of strawberries and red currants, with a hint of quince.  Serve With: As an aperitif it is the perfect warm weather gulper and also pairs well with a wide range of salads, seafoods, lighter dishes and grilled white meats and poultry" -- Dan Kravitz, importer


2010 Domaine Massamier Cuvée des Oliviers Rosé....$12.99

Tasting Notes: Fresh strawberry and cactus flower aromas lead to a light, extremely lively palate with strawberry and red cherry flavors presented in a very dry, refreshing style. More intensity of flavor than the color would indicate.  Serve With: Enjoy this as an aperitif or with very light spring dishes. Also excellent with Asian cuisines


Plus more....
2010 Domaine Les Grands Bois CDR Rose
2010 Chateau Mourgues du Gres Les Galets Rose
2010 Domaine Charvin Cotes du Rhone Rose

2010 Domaine Fontsainte Rose
2010 Grand Veneur Cotes Du Rhone Rose
2010 Mordoree Cotes du Rhone Rose
2010 Mordoree Tavel Rose




Share

Highly rated Chardonnays of Mount Eden

Very limited amount left at Forsyth...

2007 Mount Eden Chardonnay Estate....$49.99 
"Notes of white currants, lemon butter, poached pear, as well as touches of honey and crushed rock are all present in the complex aromatics of the light greenish/gold-colored 2007 Chardonnay Estate. A beautiful, full-bodied, textured mouthfeel with great freshness and brilliant purity is evidence of another stunner from this iconic source of high-elevation California Chardonnay. This is probably my favorite vintage over the last decade and has at least 10 years of aging potential."
Rated 96/100 Robert Parker, The Wine Advocate




2008 Mount Eden Chardonnay Estate....$49.99
"Yet another in a line of great Chardonnays from this producer. Very rich and intense, deeply concentrated and perfumed, delivering detailed flavors of white peach, honeysuckle, fig and citrus. Full-bodied, sleek and leesy, with a long lingering finish. Drink now through 2018. 1,717 cases made. –JL"
Rated 96/100 The Wine Spectator 

Fortified apple wine....

Æppeltroew Pommeaux...$18.99 / 375ml

"Our Pommeaux is inspired by the traditional farm beverage from Normandy and Brittany called pommeau.  This Wisconsin version of pommeau is made from the last, best cider pressing of the season - Golden Delicious, Winesap, Arkansas Black, Fameuse and other rich apples.  This 'sweet cider' is then mixed with apple eau de vie distilled from Great Lakes cider apples.  The result is so intense, it must be tried to believed." -- Æppeltroew

The big boys of 2008 Bordeaux

2008 Leoville Las Cases Saint Julien.....$189.99

Readers should not be surprised that the 2008 Leoville Las Cases is a great classic as the selection process here is as Draconian as at any of the first-growths. Slightly more than one-third of the production made it into the grand vin, a blend of 78% Cabernet Sauvignon, 12% Cabernet Franc, and 10% Merlot. Yields were just under 38 hectoliters per hectare, and the natural alcohol of 13.4% is among the highest ever measured at this estate. The harvest was very late, between October 6-18, and the result is a wine boasting extraordinarily sweet tannin as well as abundant black cherry and cassis notes intermixed with a prominent underlying minerality. Despite the massive density, concentration, and length, the wine is extremely precise, nuanced, and impeccably pure. This phenomenal effort should be more drinkable in its youth than many other vintages of Las Cases because of the ripe tannins and sweet fruit density. It will need 5-10 years of cellaring, and should last for 40+ years.

Rated 95-97+/100 Robert Parker, The Wine Advocate

Rated 94/100 The Wine Spectator

Rated 92/100 Steven Tanzer

2008 Chateau Pavie St. Emilion....$219.99

"A remarkable success in this vintage, Pavie’s 92 acre vineyard situated on the limestone soils of the spectacular south-facing Cote Pavie (one of the greatest terroirs of Bordeaux) was cropped at 30 hectoliters per hectare. A blend of 70% Merlot, 20% Cabernet Franc and 10% Cabernet Sauvignon, with an atypical (for a 2008) alcohol level of 14.5% that is higher than in its 2010 counterpart, the opaque purple-colored 2008 exhibits sweet, smoky barbecue notes intermixed with creme de cassis, black cherry, toast and crushed chalk. Deep, intense and full-bodied with surprisingly civilized tannins for such a young Pavie, it reveals wonderful breadth of flavor, a savory texture and a layered mouthfeel. It should drink beautifully in 2-4 years and keep for 25 or more."

Rated 95/100 Robert Parker, The Wine Advocate

Rated 93/100 The Wine Spectator

Rated 92/100 Steven Tanzer

2008 Chateau Pavie Decesse St. Emilion....$179.99

Another top-notch effort, the 2008 is a blend of 90% Merlot and 10% Cabernet Franc produced from yields of 30 hectoliters per hectare. It reached 14% natural alcohol, no doubt because of the extremely late harvest. A deep purple color is accompanied by massive notes of blackberries, incense, fruitcake, camphor and toasty oak intermixed with a crushed chalk-like minerality (a hallmark of this vineyard). The wine has softened considerably in bottle, and while it seems more structured than the 2010, it reveals a degree of accessibility. Anticipated maturity: 2016-2035.

Rated 94+/100 Robert Parker, The Wine Advocate

Rated 92/100 The Wine Spectator

Available online now

2009 Croix Mouton Bordeaux

Bargain Bordeaux................

2009 Chateau Croix Mouton Bordeaux Superieur.....$17.99

"One couldn’t ask for a more serious owner than Jean-Philippe Janoueix, who has done such a terrific job at La Confession in St.-Emilion and La Croix St.-Georges in Pomerol. Tiny yields of 31 hectoliters per hectare as well as super attention to detail in both the vineyard and winemaking has resulted in a wine that is a final blend of 87% Merlot, 12% Cabernet Franc, and the rest Petit Verdot coming in at 14.1% alcohol. The wine is stunning, dense purple in color, with notes of chocolate, espresso roast, pain grille, blackberries, and cherries. It is a hedonistic mouthful of wine to drink over the next 4-5 years."

Rated 89-91/100 Robert Parker, The Wine Advocate 

also online