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Saturday, September 3, 2011

Exciting Odell Beer


Odell just got a very cool label approved -- ingredients from the 10 states that they distribute.   Our own Missouri supplied the oak barrels!!!


You would have to assume we will see this one here in Missouri!!   I cannot wait!


"There are TEN states that make up what we call our "distribution footprint".  Each sate made a unique contribution to FOOTPRINT.  This artful ale is our tribute to these states in which our beer is available.  The result is a crafty collective of regional flavors:

Colorado - Hops & Barley
Arizona - Prickly Pear
Idaho - Barley & Hops
Kansas - Wheat
Minnesota - Wild Rice
Missouri - Oak Barrels
Nebraska - Corn
New Mexico - Green Chilis
South Dakota - Barley & Honey
Wyoming - Wheat

It still surprises me that Odell is only in 10 states, I think it has been here so long that we take it for granted how lucky we are!!!!!


Friday, September 2, 2011

Le Cirque - amazing new wines to MO


We are proud to introduce to Missouri -- the wines of Le Cirque....







2010 Le Cirque Grenache Gris....$15.99
The Le Cirque 2010 Grenache Gris - which I tasted just after its winter bottling - smells alluringly of iris and honeysuckle atop ripe melons and pineapple. Luscious and infectiously juicy, it saturates the palate with watermelon, Persian melon, and pineapple, mingled with walnut oil, peat, crushed stone, and saliva-liberating salinity, all of which collaborate on an exuberant finish, delivering an amazing value that will certainly continue to satisfy for at least a couple of years.
Rated 90/100 The Wine Advocate


2010 Le Cirque "Le Cirque Red"....$15.99
The freshly-bottled 2010 Le Cirque red - which I refer to as "Le Cirque" since it is otherwise a vin de pays with no name; although I could refer to "50% Carignan, 25% Mourvedre, 25% Syrah" as they appear prominently on the wrap-around label, and despite my having reason to believe there's some Grenache here, too - reached me just as this report was going to press. "I'm surprised that this has evolved enough to be bottled already," remarked Kravitz. "I thought it would be September before I blended it." I'd be able to drink quite a bit of this by September! Here are the virtues of the 2010 vintage on tasty display: impeccably ripe but vivacious fruit (above all red raspberry and cassis) accompanied by enticingly salty minerality; pungent, resinous impingement of rosemary and black pepper; and a slight, but by no means unattractive, reductive suggestion of smoked meats. I'm willing to assume that the alcohol level is 14.5% as labeled, but given the levity and infectious juiciness of a finish free from heat or roughness, I would have found it easier to believe this harbored 13.5%. My suspicion is that this superb value will be best drunk over the next couple of years, but there's really no telling, given no track record.
Rated 90/100 The Wine Advocate


2010 Le Cirque Rose.....$12.99
From Grenache (around 10% of it Gris) and Syrah, the Le Cirque 2010 Rose is distinctively suggestive of tart cherry, prickly pear, and pineapple; is lush yet bright, possessed of invigorating tactile impingement suggesting citrus zest, red fruit skins, pineapple core; and crystalline minerality; and introduces a rich element of nut oils as well as a foundation of wet stone in its vibrant, refreshing finish. Quite distinct from any other pink wine you will have tasted, this outstanding value should be worth pursuing over the next 6-9 months. (And it's not a rose to confine to warm-weather consumption.)
Rated 89/100 The Wine Advocate


Thursday, September 1, 2011

Taste Ramey Claret 2007 at our Ballwin location.


Taste the amazing Ramey 2007 Claret this Saturday at our Ballwin location...

We have very little left of this great wine, come try it at our 
Ballwin location on Saturday Sept 3, from 12-4pm.   More info call Kevin at 636.227.9001


75% Cabernet Sauvignon, 3% Malbec, 3% Merlot, 15% Syrah, 2% Cabernet Franc and 2% Petit Verdot



2007 Ramey Claret...$37.99

Bordeaux-like in its subtlety and restraint, yet rich, flavorful, full-bodied and expansive, with a mix of cedar, currant, cigar box, tar and mineral. Firm and focused, its elegance and refinement are impressive. Cabernet Sauvignon, Syrah, Malbec, Merlot, Cabernet Franc and Petit Verdot. Drink now through 2018. 4,500 cases made. –JL
Rated 93/100 The Wine Spectator

Spoonbill New Zealand


St. Louis resident Dave Eatwell produces some great New Zealand wine....


"Long time Saint Louis resident Dave Eatwell has been actively involved in the production of his own wines in New Zealand for the past five years.  Dave, a native "Kiwi" owns a 16 acre, prime, hillside vineyard in the heart of Marlborough, Rawiri Vineyard.
As winemaker, vineyard manager, picker, sorter, etc.  when it comes to his wines, Dave is as hands on and as passionate as anyone.
A successful engineer and businessman, with a lifelong enthusiasm for wine, Dave has become a real student of the process.  After receiving his Certificate of Winemaking from UC Davis in California, he promptly began working vintages in New Zealand (6 vintages), as well as Oregon (4), and Burgundy (2)." - importer


We are proud to introduce to the U.S.
Missouri is the only state in the U.S. that you can find Spoonbill...
(he plans on being in California next year)


2010 Spoonbill Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc....$15.99
"A blend of Awatere and Wairau Valley fruit.  Handpicked and bunch sorted.  Fermented in stainless steel tanks.  
It's not often descriptors such as 'texture' and 'mouthfeel' are used to describe a Marlborough Sauvignon Blnac.  This wine, however, has silkiness as well as the Marlborough's typical intensity and vibrancy, displaying lifted aromas of currant, lime zest and passionfruit.  The palate is concentrated and beautifully flowing with lovely texture and lingering juicy finish.  This is immensely approachable but should continue to improve in the bottle." -- importer

Farm Fresh Eggs in stock

FARM Fresh eggs-- back in stock -- laid 8/31/11.
 Non factory produced from right here in Missouri .

Chickens apparently don't like the heat.  They were able to get us a some eggs today.  He just dropped them off -- laid July 27.  I talked to Dry Dock when they delivered and he said they have fans on the chickens trying to keep them cooler.  They are still only getting about 70 dozen per week.






"We grow with nature, not against it" -- Dry Dock
Dry Dock Farm Heritage Breed Farm Fresh Eggs...$4.99 / per dozen
We have been tasting and searching for the right eggs for our store to go along with our artisan Bacon program. We have found them with Dry Dock Farms. Dry Dock Farms has all free range Heritage Breed chickens. Tomorrow we are getting our first batch, it will be an assortment of heritage breeds. Once you try these farm fresh eggs, you will not be able to go back to the "grocery" store mass produced eggs. The flavor is so much fresher and richer. 


What is Heritage Breed? Basically many of these "heritage" breeds of chickens (and other animals) were becoming threatened because the large egg producers were favoring chickens that produced a quantity of eggs and not quality. To quote The American Livestock Breeds Conservancy (ALBC), "Modern food production now favors the use of a few highly specialized breeds selected for maximum output in a controlled environment. Many traditional livestock breeds have lost popularity and are threatened with extinction. These traditional breeds are an essential part of the American agricultural inheritance."

Some of the Heritage breeds that Dry Dock has includes:
Ameraucana Chickens - "Easter Egg Chicken" -- produces blue and green eggs Barred Plymouth Rock Chickens -- Brown Eggs - pre-World War II - this was the most popular and most likely the eggs being eaten. Rhode Island Red Chicken -- Light to Dark Brown Eggs New Hampshire Chicken (see picture from Wikipedia above) -- Light brown eggs "Dry Dock Farm is 3 acres of rich river bottom land near the village of Silex, Missouri. We purchased our farm in 2005. We are remodeling our turn of the century farm house and barn. We grow Heirloom vegetables, flowers, and herbs. Our Heirloom tomatoes are bursting with that old time “picked from Grandma’s garden flavor”.

We grow our produce and flowers using bio-intensive, no chemicals, no GMO seeds, and we enrich our soil with natural minerals, cover crops, worm castings and compost. We also raise Heritage chickens, turkeys, geese. ducks and assorted other poultry. Our birds are raised on pasture with fresh air and sunshine. They are fed a vegetarian diet, to provide you with the best tasting farm fresh eggs. Dry Dock Farms runs a Community Supported Agriculture (CSA) In basic terms, CSA consists of a pledge support to a farm operation so that the farmland becomes, either legally or spiritually, the community’s farm, with the growers and consumers providing mutual support and sharing the risks and benefits of food production. Members or shareholders of the farm or garden pledge in advance to cover the anticipated costs of the farm operation and farmer’s salary. In return, they receive shares in the farm throughout the growing season as well as satisfaction gained from reconnecting to the land. (USDA definition)

Read more about CSA
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Wednesday, August 31, 2011

Stone 15 Anniversary Escondidian Imperial Black IPA


In stock at Forsyth, Rock Hill and Ballwin 


Stone 15 Anniversary Escondidian Imperial Black IPA...$5.49 / 22oz

Rated 99/100 on RateBeer



In the 15 years since we entered the craft brewing world, change has come not in a straight line, but as an exponential curve. The craft brewing movement has long been called a "revolution." But today the air is so thick with revolution, it's palpable. No longer is it only an awareness among the faithful; the unconverted are beginning to feel it as well. Denial and ignorance are disappearing in favor of opened eyes, curiosity and the sense that there's something larger out there. For far too long we have been lied to. For far too long we have been oppressed by the notion that dumbed-down-lowest-common-denominator-mediocrity was all that we could, and should, expect. You might think we're talking only about the world of brewing, but we're not. There is a myriad of products out there masquerading as cheeses, coffee, chocolates, breads...hell, there is stuff pretending to be 'food' that our great grandmothers would not recognize as such. Yet the craft brewing movement, together with the artisanal food movement, is making much progress. Where the industrial companies can't dismiss or bury us, they are attempting to copy us with cheap facsimiles. Yes, chances are if you are holding this bottle, you understand these things to be true about the world of brewing. You also likely understand the importance of our fight at Stone against accepted 'norms' over the last 15 years. We believed that America was ready to embrace things made with artistry and passion. You have spoken. Your response has been clear. We are not merely consumers to be spoon-fed whatever commodities need to be unloaded for a profit. We have only just begun to move the needle of this revolution, & mediocrity still reigns. Consider that when you reject dumbed down, industrialized food and drink, you also support craft brewing. The line is nearly seamless; we are fighting the same battle. We will not win in our lifetime, as the powers are too entrenched, and the masses tooĆ¢€¦fooled. And shackled. However, this is a revolution of ideas and of taste, and we will win. How do you want to be viewed by your children, and your children's children? As a hero, or as the oppressed? (Those that don't think they have been oppressed are already lost.) Ultimately, it's up to you to decide. We hope you'll stand with us. Strong and unyielding. You are needed. This bottle and its glorious contents are a celebration of you, brothers and sisters, and your importance in this fight. Cheers to all we've accomplished together in the past fifteen years, and cheers to the adventure ahead!






Green Flash arriving at The Wine and Cheese Place again...




Green Flash Beers back in stock The Wine and Cheese Place 

Including the new Red IPA formula -- everything was bottled 8/16-8/24



The Red IPA

The -New- Hop Head Red!

"With our move to Mira Mesa Blvd the multiple award winning Hop Head Red was getting a packaging change.  It certainly didn't need a recipe change, but as owner Mike Hinkley looked at the label and read "Is it a Red IPA? That's your call" he immediately thought we should take the question out of it and redefine the beer as "The Red IPA".  Accepting my charge to redefine Hop Head Red as "The Red IPA" I made a few recipe changes. The changes end up being simple but I took great care not to lose the original character profile of the beer.  I changed the first hop addition to Columbus and increased the bitterness by 10 IBU putting it in the IPA range.  Then I wanted more hop aroma, so I increased it with a 25% bump up in Amarillo dry hop for a more floral, IPA like nose.  Giving the beer a bigger overall presence by raising the ABV to 7% was the final touch.  I'm very pleased with new Hop Head Red formulation as I retained the original caramel malt richness and added bucket loads of hop character to a slightly bigger beer, redefining Hop Head Red as "The Red IPA"" - Chuck Silva


HHR

Tuesday, August 30, 2011

Stone IPA


Fresh Stone IPA has arrive at Forsyth -- this is the freshest we have seen in Missouri so far -- bottled 8/23 - 1 week old today.

Very Limited Melange a Trois






Nebraska Brewing Melange a Trois Aged in Chardonnay Barrels


Nebraska Brewing Melange a Trois...$18.99 / 750ml

RESERVE SERIES #4
Chardonnay French Oak
Melange A Trois

Our first beer in the Reserve Series, Melange A Trois begins with a wonderfully big Strong Belgian-Style Blonde Ale and moves into the extraordinary category through an additional 6 month French Oak Chardonnay Wine Barrel maturation. The essense of Chardonnay permeates while a subtle sweetness remains from the Ale itself. Oak tannins combine to create a fascinating mesh of dry, sweet, and wine-like character. One of our favorites!

Awards: Silver, 2009 U.S. Open Beer Competition, Wood/Barrel Aged Strong Ale


10.0% A.B.V
from their website.

Schlafly Porter is in the house


Schlafly releases Porter - now at The Wine and Cheese Place



Welcome Our Newest Core Fall Seasonal Release: Schlafly Porter

porterlnd"Join us in welcoming Schlafly Porter, our newest beer style in our Core Seasonal line-up of bottled Schlafly beers.
Our new Porter is a 5.4% alcohol by volume, dark ale with a mild roasted character and a distinct sweetness from caramel malt.  This medium-bodied porter has a velvety body with Pilgrim hops adding a subtle bitterness and East Kent Goldings hops adding aroma and flavor.  The English yeast helps showcase all of these flavors in this traditional British-style porter.
In late 2009 we began to really examine our core seasonal line-up to see if and where improvements might be made. We looked long and hard at not only the beer styles we were offering, but at the entire seasonal release structure and we came to a few important conclusions. Our most important conclusion being that St. Louis really only has three seasons. Seriously. Anybody who lives here will attest to the fact that we pretty much go straight from ice storms into 90 degree heat with 80% humidity during what most people would typically call Spring. That being our environmental reality, we figured why not let our seasonal release schedule more accurately reflect it. Thus began the year-long transformation of our seasonal program that culminated today when we bottled Schlafly Porter for the first time.
porterOur Core Seasonal line-up of bottled beers is now structured in such a way as to have two seasonal beer releases to correspond to each of the three St. Louis seasons: Fall, Winter, and Summer. Porter now joins Oktoberfest (now available in bottles and on draft) as our second Fall Seasonal offering. This winter we will transition to Coffee Stout andWinter E.S.B. and then cycle back to Summer Lager and Raspberry Hefeweizen in April."
From Schlafly's Employee Blog.

Stillwater Saison


Stillwater Saison Ale new batch arrives to The Wine and Cheese Place


Available online also

Brian Strumke, the brewer behind Stillwater Artisanal Ales. Stillwater Artisanal Ales is a nomadic brewing venture headed by Brian "Stillwater" Strumke, who's goal is to create inspired and unique ales in multiple locations around the globe.




New Batch - Bottled July 6, 2011
Stillwater Stateside Saison....$10.99 / 750ml



Rated 98 on RateBeer
"Stateside Saison pays homage to old world tradition while celebrating new world innovation. Naturally brewed with the finest European malts & fresh aromatic hops from the United States & New Zealand. It’s then fermented using a classic farmhouse ale yeast and bottle conditioned to enhance stability. The outcome is a beer of unique design and exquisite taste, showcasing some of the best attributes of modern-day craft brewing."
Product info: Stateside Saison
Style: Saison, refermentation in bottle
Alcohol Content: 6.8%/vol




Plus also in stock now






Stillwater Artisanal Existent....$10.99 / 750ml"an existentialist commentary on a brewer imposing his own view on the beer universe. "

"...picture schwarzbier / ipa / saison melange." -- Brian from Stillwater





Stillwater Atumnal....$10.99 / 750ml Rated 92 on RateBeer
“This deep amber hued ale takes it’s inspiration from Germany while still nodding to the Belgian farmhouse tradition. The base is comprised of German two-row, wheat, Cara-Munich, and roasted barley. Generously hopped with a blend of Perle, Spalt, and Hallertau MittelfrĆ¼h and fermented with a rustic Belgian farmhouse ale yeast. These elements together provide a melange of earth and fruit aromas backed with hints of caramel with a dry clean finish.”







2009 Burgundy


2009 Burgundy - greatest since 2005

We have a very limited amount of these in stock now -- call 314.727.8788 or
email paul@wineandcheeseplace.com if you have interest.

Parker  Burghound
Meo Camuzet Clos St Phil 09 $42.99
Meo Camuzet Bourgogne Rouge 09     $37.99
88-90 88-91 Meo Camuzet Vosne Romanee 09 $99.99
87-89 Meo Camuzet Fixin 09 $53.99
Meo Camuzet Bourgogne Blanc 09 $35.99
90-92 93-95 Meo Camuzet Corton Clos Roget 09 $289.99
91-93 92-94 Meo Camuzet Corton Perrieres 09 $244.99
Dujac MSD Blanc 09 $85.99
88-90 88-90 Dujac Chambolle Musigny 09 $94.99
90 88-91 Dujac Morey St. Denis 09 $89.99
93 91-93 Dujac Chamb Musigny Gruenchers $229.99
90 90-93 Dujac Gevrey Chamb Combottes $239.99
90-92 Dujac Charmes Chambertin 09 $299.99
92-94 92-95 Dujac Vosne Romanee Malcon 09 $319.99
92-95 92-94 Dujac Echezaux 09 $334.99
93-96 93-95 Dujac Clos de la Roche 09 $359.99
90 88-90 Dujac Fils Chambolle Musigny 09 $69.99
89 88-91 Dujac Fils Gevrey Chambertin 09 $69.99
90 88 Dujac Fils MSD 09 $69.99
89 Dujac Fils Puligny Montrachet  $59.99

ask about a mixed case discount

Great Champagne and a great price






Heidsieck Monopole Blue Top Champagne....$31.99
Elegant and expressive, this delivers floral, pear and toffee flavors matched to a creamy texture. Beautifully integrated, this lingers nicely on the mineral finish. Drink now through 2010. 35,000 cases imported. –BS
Rated 91/100 The Wine Spectator

A new Mikkeller


Mikkeller Nelson Sauvin Brut -- Champagne of beers 

In stock now at Forsyth, Ballwin and online



With Brett and aged in White wine barrels

Mikkeller Nelson Sauvin Brut...$19.99 / 750ml
Nelson Sauvignon is a New Year beer it is fermented with ale yeast, brettanomyces and enzymes. Then it has been three months in Austrian white wine casks. Very dry, very vinous and very delicious.


"Brewed by base malt and mashing and fermentation with added enzymes to achieve as high fermentability as possible. For both bitter, taste and aroma hops are used the New Zealand hop variety 'Nelson Sauvin' which is named after its grape characters that bring memories to the New Zealand white wine grape Sauvignon Blanc. The yeast is used both champagne and brettanomyces and because the enzymes are beers fermented very far down, and thus the end result is a very dry beer. After fermentation the beer has been 5 months in casks of white wine from Austria Weingut Kollwentz and gained additional character.  Finally it is bottled in 750 ml champagne bottles with an extra high CO2 content." -- Rated 99/100 RateBeer

Struise Svea IPA


A new Struise beer to The Wine and Cheese Place

In stock at Forsyth and online now


Struise Svea IPA....$5.99 / 11.2oz bottle

Dear mother of Srevige,

We send you our approach for the Svea IPA. As your growing thirst is leaning towards more bitter levels, we have carefully selected a set of noble hops, for you to enjoy on every suitable occasion.
From Struise with hops

Ingredients: Water, Barley, Oats, Wheat, Rye, Hops, Sugar, Yeast &; a Struise twist.
Made for Monk’s Cafe SveavƤgen, Stockholm.

Sunday, August 28, 2011

Wine Class Schedule


Fall Wine Classes at The Wine and Cheese Place

Reservations are required -- click here


plus

We have STLWinegirlAngela Ortmann, back to host some classes at The Wine and Cheese Place this fall.


Sept 19 (6pm-7:30pm) - Brown Bag Challenge - Underdog wines vs. Famous names
This is an exciting wine class featuring a blind tasting of Famous wines vs. the underdogs.  You will taste wines like Santa Margherita Pinot Grigio against an unknown Pinot Grigio and see which comes out on top.  Do the famous wines live up to their reputation?  We will see!


Oct 3  (6pm-7:30pm) - Beer vs Wine Smackdown with Goose Island Beers
This class will feature wine vs. beer paired with some cheese and light appetizers.  We have STLWinegirl picking the wines and Karen King from Goose Island picking the beers.  Which will match better with the food?

Oct 10  (6pm-7:30pm) - Wine and Cheese of America - Celebrating American Cheese Month with domestic wine pairings
In honor of American Cheese Month, we will feature a class with all American wines and all American Artisan cheeses.    American Cheese making has made incredible strides and now competes on the world's stage.


Oct 24  (6pm-7:30pm) - Blind Red Wine Tasting
This is the ultimate learning class.  We will feature 6 different red wine grapes in this class.  Angela will help you determine from the nose, color, and the flavor of the wines which grapes you are tasting.  Red wine grapes that could be included in the class are Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Grenache, Sangiovese, Mourvedre, Petit Verdot, Syrah, Zinfandel, Nebbiolo, Cabernet Franc....you must wait and see.


Seating is limited.
Reservations are required -- click here now




Class location:
The Wine and Cheese Place
7435 Forsyth, Clayton, MO 63105
314.727.8788





Matt Holliday is coming back to The Wine and Cheese Place



Here are some pictures from the last event - click here




 We are proud to have Matt Holliday's wine at The Wine and Cheese Place -- Click here order his wine.  Proceeds of the sale of his wine benefit Make-A-Wish Foundation - St. Louis Chapter.

The Event is over, but you can still buy his autographed wine.


Time is running out for a chance to meet
St. Louis Cardinal's All Star Outfielder....
MATT HOLLIDAY
at The Wine and Cheese Place
7435 Forsyth Blvd, Clayton MO 63105
314.727.8788


The facts:

  • September 3, 2011 (7pm-pm)
  • Cost: $5 per person
  • Reservations required
  • You do not need to order your wine when you make the reservation.  You will pay for the wine after you get it personally autographed by Matt.
  • This is for charity, so each couple must purchase at least 1 bottle of Matt Holliday Wine - $75 / per bottle.  It is the sale of the wine that benefits Make-A-Wish Foundation
  • Matt will only be signing bottles of his wine since the proceeds benefit Make-A-Wish
  • We will be offering drinks for sale at a great price...
    Bud/Bud light --  $1 / bottle
    Bells Two Hearted Ale -- $2 / bottle
    Bells Oberon -- $2 / bottle
     Odell St. Lupulin -- $2 / bottle
    plus more beer options and some wine:
    Silverado Cabernet Sauvignon     $5 glass
    Silverado Chardonnay    $3 glass
    Kreusch Dex Doctor Riesling   $3 glass
    Buzz Cut Aussie Red    $3 glass
    Sbragia Home Chardonnay     $3   glass
    Sbragia Rancho Del Oso Cabernet Sauvignon   $5 glass
    Greg Norman Chardonnay    $3 glass
    Greg Norman Shiraz/Cab    $3 glass

  • Reservations required - click here









On behalf of Matt and Leslee Holliday, Uncork for a Cause has designed and bottled a Matt Holliday private label wine from Hill Family Estate, Napa, California. Proceeds from Matt Holliday wine support the St. Louis Chapter of the Make-A-Wish Foundation, and their mission to grant wishes to children with life-threatening medical conditions to enrich the human experience with hope, strength and joy.
Join the Holliday’s and their guests for a special evening to benefit Make-A-Wish.


Matt Holliday wine is the feature of the event, each bottle purchased includes a personalized autograph from Matt, and maybe even a photo with the slugger. 
Autographed bottles are only $75 each.
(this is a great deal for an autograph -- at the Cardinals winter warm up, it is $100 just for an autograph, here you get a bottle of great wine also and it benefits a great charity)

Don’t miss this great opportunity to meet Matt, mingle with friends and special guests, and support the children and families of St. Louis through the Make-A-Wish Foundation.

plus there will be an amazing auction of Sports memorabilia for you to bid on....


Here is Matt and his wife Leslee at the first event at The Wine and Cheese Place