2nd Shift releases

BOTTLED JULY 30th!

A fresh batch arrived, in stock at Forsyth, no limit.
We have 2 cases of each in stock now.

2nd Shift Brewing Brew Cocky Ale....$8.49 / 750ml

"Yup, we love hops and this IPA puts them all up in your face.  Loads and Loads of Falcaner's Flight, a blend of Northwest hops was used in such a gratuitous manner heretofore not seen in these parts.  ENJOY" - label

2nd Shift Ratsalad...$8.49 / 750ml
Just love making IPA's, so here's another one that uses a new hop blend called Zythos that is just delicious and should be enjoyed with a blow-up doll or something similiar.
It is 8.5% ABV

Blue Ice "g" Vodka

Special prices while supply lasts!

Our local distributor closed this one out and we 

took all 40 cases at this great price, we are the lowest price in the country

In stock at Forsyth, Rock Hill and online

Blue Ice "g" Multi-Grain American Vodka....$9.99 / 750ml

Compare to $14.99 at Wally's Wine and Spirits
Blue Ice G Vodka is made from a high quality blend of American grain. The name Blue Ice “G” celebrates American Grain and American Growers. Blue Ice G Vodka was developed to extend the brand’s commitment to premium vodkas reflective of the purity of America’s natural resources while also appealing to the growing market of at-home vodka consumers whose priorities include quality spirits, home Mixology, creative packaging and outstanding discernible value.

Blue Ice G Vodka continues the family-owned business’s devotion to bottling classic American vodka. The success of our occasion-based potato vodka in the luxury category and our organic wheat vodka in the niche organic spirit category has laid the foundation for our Blue Ice G line extension for the everyday vodka consumer who values brand reputation and a good price to quality ratio.

96 Point Lewis Reserve Cabernet

James Laube does not give out sky high ratings - a 96 point rating is huge!   

James Laube, Wine Spectator senior editor and expert Napa Valley wine critic has just rated the 2010 Lewis Reserve Cabernet a chart topping 96 points. The only 2010 Napa Cabernet to score higher is the Schrader Beckstoffer To Kalon MMX going for $800 and up for a magnum.

Pre-Arrival
2010 Lewis Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon....$109.00
Bold, rich and complex, yet delicate and graceful, featuring finely detailed currant, dark berry and licorice notes, with jazzy spice and mocha-scented oak leading to a long, firming finish that gains depth and dimension.  Drink now through 2026. James Laube 

Rated 96/100 The Wine Spectator

Once again, The Wine & Cheese Place has the lowest price in the USA!
Just check out our price and see for yourself - wine-searcher.com

Pre-Arrival.  Pre-order to secure your bottles.

 Click here to reserve yours at this great pre-offering price

1er Cru Burgundy at a great price!

Great price on this great Burgundy!
2005 Domaine de la Vougeraie Vougeot 1er Cru 

"Le Clos Blanc de Vougeot" Monopole...$49.99

(compare to JJ Buckley at $79.99)

"The Clos Blanc, a mythical, mystical vineyard, is adjacent to the Château du Clos de Vougeot. This golden triangle, surrounded on all sides by great reds, first offered its pure, golden sacrament to its spiritual fathers, the first monks of Cîteaux, in 1110. Known as “The White Vineyard”, it is like a diamond set in the centre of rubies."

Winemaker notes:
The Vougeot appellation covers 168 acres, 126 of which are taken up by the Clos de Vougeot. The Clos Blanc de Vougeot is just in front of the Chateau, below the western half of the Clos de Vougeot's north wall.
Soil:  Very calcareous; silyt clay subsoil.
Barrel-aged 16 months.
Visual Aspect: Deep gold; beautiful brilliance and attractive green reflections.
Nose:  First nose is stunning. Powerful, complex, managing to be both fruity and mineral.
Palate:  Possesses richness of taste, with dry fruits, hazelnut and cashew nuts. The opulence of the mouth shows great acidity, with a distinguished and refreshing finish.

2011 J.J. Prums are in stock now

Order Prum online

2011 JOH. JOS. PRÜM Riesling Graacher Himmelreich Auslese....$42.99
A savory and delicate style, with well-integrated passion fruit, apple compote and Key lime pie flavors. Zesty acidity and notes of chive and green herbs give this plenty of snap. Candied mango notes linger on the plush finish. Drink now through 2034. –KM
Rated 94/100 The Wine Spectator


2011 JOH. JOS. PRÜM Riesling Graacher Himmelreich Spatlese...$34.99
Features a savory aroma, with flavors to match, showing good acidity to the juicy apple, pear and white currant flavors. Curry notes extend on the finish, displaying plenty of cream. Powerfully structured and deep with spice. Drink now through 2032. –KM
Rated 93/100 The Wine Spectator


2011 JOH. JOS. PRÜM Riesling Bernkasteler Badstube Spatlese...$33.99
Elegant, with rich citrus overtones to the passion fruit, melon and baked pineapple flavors. A touch languid, with notes of lemon cake and white chocolate that linger on the rich, well-honeyed finish. Drink now through 2032. –KM
Rated 93/100 The Wine Spectator


2011 JOH. JOS. PRÜM Riesling Wehlener Sonnenuhr Auslese...$46.99
Delicate and elegant, with anise and tarragon accents to the crisp apple, grapefruit and ripe citrus flavors. Crystalline notes of mineral and granite put this into relief. Light and airy on the broad finish. Drink now through 2032. –KM
Rated 94/100 The Wine Spectator

Rated 94/100 The Wine Advocate

2011 JOH. JOS. PRÜM Riesling Kabinett....$23.99
This features ripe lime and slate notes on an elegant frame, with lively hints of white chocolate and vanilla. The rich finish of peaches and cream is accented by light, smoky notes. Drink now through 2020. –KM
Rated 90/100 The Wine Spectator

Dominus 2010 is here!

SOLD OUT

Sale!

2010 Dominus Proprietary Red...$164.99 
(net, no additional discount)

The sweetest and most succulent black cherries, plums, violets, graphite, cinnamon and cloves come to life in the 2010 Dominus, a wine that stands out for its superb precision and balance. There is a purity and sheer sweetness in the fruit that is completely striking. As with the Napanook, today the 2010 lacks some of the depth of the 2009. It will be fun to see how the wine develops in bottle. The 2010 Dominus is a model of class and elegance. I find it utterly compelling. The blend is 95% Cabernet Sauvignon and 5% Petit Verdot. Anticipated maturity: 2020-2035.

Rated 96+/100 Antonio Galloni, The Wine Advocate

The Rule Cabernet Sauvignon...

We are told that this wine is sourced from famous Napa vineyards

It is one fantastic $20 bottle of Cab!

In stock at Rock Hill and Forsyth

2010 The Rule Cabernet Sauvignon....$19.99

There are expectations of Napa Valley Cabernet. A specific set of “rules” must be followed. The grapes must be picked at a certain sugar range, fermented at the exact temperature for a certain amount of time, and rest several months in the perfect combination of oak barrels. These guys follow all of the rules, except they break the one rule most wineries won’t.....the price! 

Made by winemaker Tony Leonardini whose family owns of course the famous Whitehall Lane Winery

Goose Island Bourbon County Stout

SOLD OUT!

Limit 2 bottles per person - in store pick up only until it is gone!


Goose Island Bourbon County Stout...$4.99 / 12oz

Very new...Absolut Sparkling Fusion

Is it vodka or sparkling wine?

Taking vodka to the next level....

In stock at Forsyth and Rock Hill 

also online

In stock at Forsyth and online

Absolut Tune Sparkling Fusion...$25.99 / 750ml

Vodka with sparkling New Zealand Sauvignon Blanc

Simply enjoy ABSOLUT TUNE chilled in a flute (40 °F). The crisp, fruit-forward notes of the New Zealand Sauvignon Blanc complement the clean vodka finish.

Prefer to mix things up? ABSOLUT TUNE’s vodka base makes it ideal for cocktails.

Absolut Tune Mimosa
INGREDIENTS

​4 parts ABSOLUT TUNE
1 part orange juice
​​​A splash of orange liqueur
​​​Garnish with a twist of orange

click here for more recipes

New Rouge liqueur

In stock at Forsyth, Rock Hill and New Ballas

We have a bottle open at Forsyth now, ask for a taste.

DeKuyper Rouge Liqueur...$18.99

Add something a little French to your cocktails with Rouge, a new raspberry liqueur with subtle notes of chocolate and the soft sweetness of dark berries.

Old St. Louis Water Tower Wheat

In stock now at Forsyth

Old St. Louis Water Tower Wheat...$8.99 / 6pk

As Old St. Louis continued to grow in the 1800s, there was the need for a more productive way of bringing fresh water to the population of the city. A steam-driven system was used to push water throughout the city, which in turn could create massive buildups of pressure. Standpipe towers were built throughout the city in an attempt to let the water pressure stabilize. Water towers were built around these standpipes as they were more pleasing to the eye than an iron pipe. The Compton Hill Tower, The Grand Avenue, or White Water Tower, and the Bissell Water Tower all continued to dot the St. Louis skyline over 120 years after their construction. All it takes is a close look at these ornate structures to imagine how different things were back in Old St. Louis.

Old St. Louis Water Tower Wheat is a traditional European Hefeweizen with a light color and smooth finish, perfect for quenching your thirst after a hard day's work or play.

Japanese Whisky - Suntory, Hakushu, Nikka

All back in stock now!

Suntory Hibiki Whisky 12 year old (750ml) Japan

Price: $ 57.99 

Hakushu 12 Year Old Single Malt Whiskey (750ml)

Price: $ 54.99 

Nikka Whisky Single Malt Yoichi 15 year (750ml) Japan

Price: $ 109.99 

Nikka Whisky Taketsuru Pure Malt 12 year old (750ml) Japan

Price: $ 57.99 

Suntory Yamazaki 12 year old (750ml) Japan

Price: $ 51.99 

Suntory Yamazaki 18 year old (750ml) Japan

Price: $ 169.99 

Recipe of the Week - Grown-Up Grilled Cheese

Grown-Up Grilled Cheese with Tomato and Bacon 
Don’t get me wrong there is nothing wrong with a good old fashion Kraft singles grilled cheese on white bread, but sometimes it’s fun to dress up the classics.

Ingredients:

• 1 Tri-Beca Baguette (sliced into 4 equal pieces and then each piece sliced lengthwise in half)   ***
• 8 Slices Thick Cut Bacon (try the Jones Heritage bacon) sliced in half.   ***
• 8 Slices Dry Dock Heirloom Tomatoes      *** 
• 6 tablespoons Lurpak European un-salted butter    ***
• 6 ounces sharp cheddar (Tillamook or Maytag cheddar are my favorite) sliced think  ***
• 6 ounces Aged Gouda shredded    ***

*** In stock at The Wine and Cheese Place Forsyth

Directions:1. Cook bacon in a pre-heated 350 degree oven and a heavy baking sheet roughly 12 minutes you will want the bacon a little crispy (by baking the bacon your slices with stay flat and not curl up like in a fry pan, this makes for a less messy sandwich).
2. Melt 4oz butter in a heavy bottomed skillet or fry pan, lay the flat side (bottom) of the baguette in the butter.
3. Top each slice of baguette with bacon, a slice or two of cheddar, tomato and then sprinkle on the gouda, let cook open faced until cheese starts to melt.
4. Spread remaining butter on baguette “tops” and top each sandwich and flip in pan.
5. Lay another fry pan on top of the flipped sandwiches in order to brown the top.
6. Remove from heat slice sandwich in half and serve.

2009 Barolo - big score!

Three fantastic sizes!!!

In stock at Forsyth and online

2009 Marcarini Barolo Brunate....$29.99 / 375ml

2009 Marcarini Barolo Brunate....$58.99 / 750ml

2009 Marcarini Barolo Brunate....$119.99 / 1.5ltr

Marcarini's 2009 Barolo Brunate is drop-dead gorgeous. The aromas and flavors are a bit brighter and more floral than is often the case, while the darker, balsamic notes typical of Brunate are less evident. Instead, it is the wine's textural finesse and sweetness that speak loud and clear. Hard candy, dried roses and sweet red berries wrap around the textured, inviting finish. Classicists might prefer the 2008, but the 2009 is strikingly beautiful in its own way. Best of all, it will drink well pretty much right out of the gate.

Rated 94/100 Antonio Galloni, Vinous Media

Rare 1997 Rum

In stock at Forsyth and online

(only 4 bottles available of this very limited aged rum)

Rhum J.M 1997 Vintage 10 year Old...$119.99
Aged 100% in re-charred Bourbon barrels, the explosion on your mouth’s sensory is matchless. Pure Rhum Agricole delicately aged in re-charred Bourbon barrels and allowed to naturally reduce and bottled at "cask strength" creating a boldly flavored single vintage aged rhum with tremendous body, redolent of crushed walnuts and pecans, pecan pie and brown sugar. The flavors are more sophisticated, with notes of saddle leather, old wood and tobacco joining the subtle sweetness.

Weston IPA

Back in stock!

New IPA from Weston Brewing in Missouri in stock at Forsyth

Weston O'Malley's IPA...$7.49 / 6pk

O'Malley's IPA is another beer that started out as a Brew Labs 22oz. This IPA is built for wider appeal than some of its cousins. With 7.5% abv and 89 IBU it still has all that you expect from an IPA, but with a smoother finish than one might expect.

Evil Twin NOMADer Wit with Brett

In stock and online

Evil Twin NOMADer Wit....$9.49 / 22oz

"Some people we know -- they write about beers and they have called those of us at Evil Twin Brewing "nomads"

Other people we know - they built a hotel and a restaurant, and their neighborhood didn't really have a name, so they called that "NoMad."

And how interesting that both nomads and those in NoMad enjoy a Brett-fermented Wit beer with notes of coriander and orange peel.  So, no matter what - hit the road or hunker down...this beer was made nice, just for you.

Stillwater Sensory Series Small Back

In stock and online

Volume 2 from the Sensory Series is here (Vol. 1 was Lower Dens - read more)

Stillwater Sensory Series Vol.2 - Small Black....$2.59 / 12oz bottle

The Stillwater Sensory Series is a collaboration between Stillwater Artisanal and singular musical artists. In the second volume, Stillwater works with Small Black to make an ale based on an interpretation of their song, "Breathless" On the bottle itself, a QR code links to this exclusive performance of the song. Ultimately, this is a true artistic collaboration that aims to create a full sensory experience - sound, sight, smell, touch, and taste.

Small Black

Small Black is an indie band from Brooklyn, New York. Their new album "Limits of Desire" was released on May 14, 2013 on Jagjaguwar.  Read more on Jagjaguwar

"After many listens to the new album we agreed on the track 'Breathless' as inspiration for the beer. The tune instantly jumped out as a summer anthem and reminded me of my days as a electronic music producer & DJ. Uplifting pads, soothing vocals, and a solid 4/4 kick give the song a powerful drive while still maintaining its beauty and elegance.

In constructing the accompanying beverage I took a similar direction - a dark black beer that maintains the elegance of the song. I decided on a base of German malts and a debittered roasted barley to provide more dark color with very little actual roast flavor. German Hallertau hops are used to create a smooth bitterness and spicy, floral aroma. And while the beer is black, it's extremely light bodied, fermented with Belgian yeast for a dry, slightly fruity, spicy finish at 5% ABV. Perfect for those late night summer gatherings."

-Brian Strumke (Stillwater Artisanal)

info from Stillwater

Local Option from Chicago in bottles

In stock at Forsyth and online

Local Option:  Bierwerker is Local Option’s brewing division. We are not gypsies. We have a home and it’s the Local Option. We don’t play mandolins: we rock SGs. We don’t read palms: we put beers in them. We don’t storm into your village unwanted and filthy, we are summoned by your leaders to deliver intoxicating elixirs and purloin your sobriety. If you take our picture YOUR soul will be stolen.

Local Option Blood ov the Kings...$7.49 / pint

Style: Wheat Ale
ABV: 6%Artwork by: Axel Widén (AxelWiden.com)
At the peak of summer 1631 King Gustavus Adolphus led thousands of Swedish troops into Northern Germany. Following the destruction and subsequent plundering of Brandenburg Adolphus’ army marched through the endless wheat fields en route to Bavaria. Brewed with copious amounts of red wheat, Blood ov the Kings is aromatically driven by bread, biscuit and notes of exotic fruit. Hazy and medium bodied the beer has a rich and creamy mouth feel with a dry, bitter, and slightly sweet finish. Unbound by the Reinheitsgebot Blood ov the Kings would certainly have been the vital fluid of victory for the Swedish monarch as he spilled blood across the wheat fields of Northern Europe.

Local Option Dampf Loc....$7.49 / pint

Warnung: untersuchen Sie nicht direkt den Bieraufkleber, es kann Sie töten.
"Warning: they do not directly examine the beer label, it can kill them."

DAMPF LOC - Neue Welt Hefe Gerste
Style: Dampfbier
ABV: 5.3%

Dampf Loc is an all-barley warm fermented ale brewed by the folks from Chicago’s Local Option; inspired by “Dampfbier” originally crafted by medieval peasant inhabitants of southeast Bavaria’s Black Forest. During the fermentation process generous amounts of foam and surface bubbles burst in the tank, giving the illusion that the ferment is boiling or “steaming.” Tony Russomanno and Noah Hopkins took it upon themselves to brew Dampf Loc as a modern interpretation of its Teutonic predecessor, creating a “Hefe Gerste” ale that is true to its roots; unmistakable in character yet accessible to beer drinkers of all palates.

Dampf Loc has a mild hop profile, medium body with pleasant effervescence and a clear, rich, orange hue. Dampf Loc is ideal for warm months, yet enjoyable year round.

Perennial Barry Rye

In stock at Forsyth and online!

Perennial Barry Rye....$13.99 / 750ml

Ale fermented wiht Blackberries.We like to brew music-inspired beers at Perennial. Our latest addition to the playlist is Barry Rye, an 8.2% dark rye ale fermented on local blackberries. The spicy rye notes and blackberry finish complement a beer that strikes a perfect balance of robust body and mild bitterness.

Great Pinot Noir for under $20

In stock and online

2011 Cambria Pinot Noir Julia's Vineyard...$17.99

Juicy, expressive and layered, the 2011 Pinot Noir Julia's Vineyard impresses for its silky fruit, perfumed aromatics and lovely overall balance. Absolutely nothing is out of place in a gracious, mid-weight Pinot with tons of near term appeal. A high-toned, floral-infused finish nicely balances the exuberant fruit. This is another fabulous value from Cambria.

Rated 91/100 Antonio Galloni, Vinous Media

2010 Gloria - Rated 95 Points!

2010 Chateau Gloria St. Julien....$59.99

The Wine Advocate Reviews:

Neal Martin's Note:The Gloria 2010 leaps out of the glass: blackberry, boysenberry, cedar and graphite aromas that are pure and beautifully defined. This palate does not disappoint: mineral rich black fruit, a saline tang, hints of sous-bois and a beautifully controlled but intense graphite finish that reminds me of Ducru-Beaucaillou. This is an outstanding Saint Julien from an estate that has produced a clutch of high performing wines in recent years. Perhaps the greatest Gloria ever made? Tasted November 2012.

Rated 95/100 Neal Martin, The Wine Advocate


Robert Parker's Note: The 2010 Gloria is an ass-kicking, fabulous value once again from this estate, which would probably be classified if the 1855 hierarchy of the wines of the Medoc were ever done again. Abundant notes of cedar wood, fruitcake, flowers, creme de cassis and kirsch are all present in this full-bodied, opulent, dense, dark ruby/purple wine. It is slightly more restrained than the flamboyant 2009, but equal in quality. This is a juicy, well-proportioned, sensationally concentrated, super-ripe Gloria to drink over the next decades. 

Rated 93/100 Robert Parker, The Wine Advocate

4 Hands / 2nd Shift Second Hand

A Collaboration between two Missouri Breweries!

In stock now and online

4 Hands Collab with 2nd Shift - Second Hand....$6.99 / 22oz
"2nd Hand is a collaboration with out friends at 2nd Shift Brewing Company lcoated in New haven Missouri.  2nd Hand is a session table beer that we dry hopped with Eldorado Hops.  2nd Hand pours a cloudy blonde hue with aromas of pale wheat, spice, and stone fruit." - label

Schofferhofer Grapefruit Radler

Schofferhofer Grapefruit....$9.49 / 6pk

Hefeweizen Beer with Grapefruit flavoring

Ridge gets reviewed....

In stock and online

2011 Ridge Geyserville...$37.99
Dark red/black cherries, menthol, tar, licorice, smoke and tobacco emerge from the 2011 Zinfandel Geyserville. Deep, muscular and imposing, the 2011 boasts impeccable class, pedigree and balance. This is another drop-dead gorgeous wine from Ridge. The blend is 78% Zinfandel, 16% Carignane, 4% Petite Sirah, 1% Alicante Bouschet and 1% Mataro (Mourvedre)

Rated 94/100 Antonio Galloni, Vinous 

2011 Ridge East Bench Zin...$27.99
Pure structure takes center stage in the 2011 Zinfandel East Bench. A rich, intense wine, the 2011 is going to require at least another year or two for the tannins to start melting away. There is a lot to like here, but readers will need to be patient. Dark red cherries, plums, flowers, mint and licorice struggle to emerge in this powerhouse Zinfandel.
Rated 92/100 Antonio Galloni, Vinous

2010 Ridge Estate Cabernet Sauvignon...$43.99
Readers who can't (or don't want to!) wait for Ridge's Montebellos to hit their stride should consider the 2010 Cabernet Sauvignon Estate. A gorgeous wine, the 2010 is laced with dark plum, black cherry, jasmine and crushed rocks aromas. Firm yet beautifully integrated tannins support the saline, crystalline finish.
92/100 Antonio Galloni, Vinous

Wine Education: Grenache Gris

Wine Tasting at all FOUR locations

Taste Le Cirque Grenache Gris at all four of our locations this Saturday, 
July 27th from 11am-4pm.

(each store will also have other wines out to taste)

A little more education: We are going to try to feature either a grape or a wine region each week at our stores. We will give you some background information on the grape or region and feature a wine that highlights what we are featuring. We will taste that wine on Saturday at all four of our locations. We will post it here in our blog and send it out in our emails - click here to sign up for our emails

We have started a new label "Education" that you can hit to read all the education articles (see the right column under the heading "labels".

Image from www.languedoc-roussillon-wines.com

Grape: Grenache Gris
A few weeks back, we featured red Grenache,  now we are taking a look at Grenache Gris which is a pinkish-grey mutation of the red Grenache grape.   Apparently Grenache is genetically unstable and is prone to mutations such as the rare Grenache Gris and also the widely planted Grenache Blanc.  Grenache Gris is grown to a limited extent in the south of France and South Africa. It tends to appear in the vineyard only among other Grenache bush vines and is often indiscriminately blended into other wines. When bottled on it’s own Grenache Gris tend to show apricot and stone-fruit aromas with a full, sometimes oily palate similar to Viognier.

2010 Le Cirque Grenache Gris....$9.99
The 2011 Le Cirque Grenache Gris Vin de Pays, from an underrated varietal that can achieve wonderful things in southern France, exhibits a beautiful perfume of flowers, honeysuckle and quince. The wine possesses good ripeness, medium body and a dry, crisp finish. Enjoy it over the next year. 
Rated 88/100 The Wine Advocate

Cedar Ridge Bourbon

In stock and online

Cedar Ridge Bourbon Whiskey...$27.99
For the best in bourbon, go straight to the heart of corn country. Cedar Ridge Bourbon is built on a base of corn whiskey, barley and rye. Artisans guide the nation’s favorite blend through distillation, charcoal filtering and aging. This is the best of the Midwest in a bottle and recently given a Five Star rating by the New York Times.


Cedar Ridge Vineyards is a family-owned winery, distillery and event space nestled in the beautiful Swisher countryside- a short drive from Cedar Rapids or Iowa City. Award-winning wines and internationally recognized spirits are produced on site at the only winery/distillery in the state.  Cedar Ridge brings you the first licensed distillery in the state of Iowa since the age of prohibition. 

Fantastic Values! All under $10

The Wine and Cheese Place featured values:
Here is a great variety of wines that you can enjoy this summer for under $10 per bottle.  Some are closeouts and at ridiculously low prices.

2010 Veridien Tinto....$7.99
60% Syrah, 20% Monastrell, and 20% Garnacha Tintorera (aka Alicante Bouschet).
The spiciness of Syrah is augmented by the minerality of the Monastrell and the bold fruit and color of the red-juiced Garnacha Tintorera.  Veridien is produced by the La Bodega de Pinoso cooperative in Alicante. This pioneering winery was established in 1932 and made the transition to organic farming in 1997. Offering nearly 2,000 acres of certified organic vineyards and an impeccable track record of quality, it is on of the most important producers of the Valencia region.

From the magnificent maker of Pegau Chateauneuf du Pape
2009 Plume Bleue Selection Laurence Feraud...$7.99
(made from a 50/50 blend of syrah and grenache): Bright violet. Ripe black and blue fruits on the nose and palate. Shows a pleasant jammy quality and good breadth, finishing with good cling and lingering sweetness. This highly drinkable wine has the heft and fruitiness to work with strongly seasoned or grilled red meats.

Rated 88/100 Stephen Tanzer's International Wine Cellar 

Got the Chardonnay blues, try this Grenache Gris, great wine at this price

2010 Le Cirque Grenache Gris....$9.99
The 2011 Le Cirque Grenache Gris Vin de Pays, from an underrated varietal that can achieve wonderful things in southern France, exhibits a beautiful perfume of flowers, honeysuckle and quince. The wine possesses good ripeness, medium body and a dry, crisp finish. Enjoy it over the next year. 
Rated 88/100 The Wine Advocate

On sale, now only $6.99, amazing at this price...
2009 IA Garnacha....$6.99
IA’s 2009 Garnacha is cherry red in color with a nose of spice box, violets, and black cherry that jumps from the glass. Sweetly-fruited, concentrated, and pleasure bent, this excellent value is meant for drinking over the next 3 years. 
Rated 88/100 The Wine Advocate

Our best selling Cabernet....
2010 Villa des Anges Cabernet Sauvignon....$9.99
"2010 Cabernet Sauvignon represents another surprising success and outstanding value. Black currant, beet root, and tobacco tread a fine line between the sweetly ripe, black-fruited and the herbal-vegetal aspects of Cabernet. This is impressively polished for an inexpensive tank-rendered wine let alone a Cabernet Sauvignon, while salt, walnut bitterness, and berry skin tartness make for an invigorating tang and suggestions of bark, smoky black tea, and crushed stone for some depth and intrigue in its lingering finish. I’d plan on serving it over the next 12-18 months." 
Rated 88/100 The Wine Advocate

What makes this Cava so special? 
Almost 2 years on the lees in the bottle before release, the law only requires 9 months for Cava (true Champagne only requires 15 months).   

Stunning at $10
Miquel Pons Cava.......$9.99
Miquel Pons wines are produced from traditional grape varieties in La Granada del Penedès, the heart of Cava country, some 25 miles south of Barcelona. The Pons family has been growing vines in this area for generations, with Miquel and his sons Joan and Pere continuing a proud legacy of quality with their outstanding cavas.
Tasting Notes: Fresh, dry and well-balanced, with plenty of fruit, a pleasant yeasty character and a creamy bubble texture on the palate.Serve With: Enjoy as an aperitif or with tapas, poultry dishes, or your favorite desserts.

2011 Caspen  Rouge Cotes Catalones....$9.99

50% Syrah, 25% Marselan, 25% Mourvèdre

The name comes from the hamlet of Cases de Pene (‘Houses of Stone') and its rugged terroir deep in Roussillon, the French part of Catalonia. Produced by the cooperative winery of Cases de Pene, this distinctive blend is big on flavor and offers loads of character!

Tasting Notes: Offers ripe black fruit and spicy aromas, incorporating a hint of violet. The palate is moderately rich and beautifully balanced, with surprising freshness and lift.

Most of you know this one as it is our best selling white wine (we purchase 112 cases at a time)....
2011 Domaine La Croix Gratiot Picpoul de Pinet...$9.99 
Lightly amylic-pear drop, resin, mineral, stone-fruit and peach-skin aromas dominate the youthful nose of this wine. Very clean and mineral-focused. The medium body and vibrant acidity give the palate a firm texture. Given its short, crisp finish, it is best consumed between now and through 2013. Good by the glass or with light fare.
Rated 88/100 The Wine Enthusiast

2011 Penya Viognier Cotes Catalanes....$9.99 
"The 2011 Viognier reveals surprising finesse and elegance for a southern French Viognier. Notes of white peaches and apricots backed up by crisp acids are found in this medium-bodied, refreshing Viognier." -- Rated 87/100 Robert Parker, The Wine Advocate
Tasting Notes:
Offers an exotic nose of citrus, pineapple, mango and peach, with light floral notes. Light, lively and very refreshing on the palate.
Serve With:
Excellent on its own, with seafood (turbot, sole, or scallops) or spicy Asian cuisine.


We thought the importer was out of the great and highly rated 2011, but we just got another 28 cases in stock....
2011 Alfredo Roca Chardonnay....$9.99
The white wine cuvees are all strong efforts that should be drunk in their first several years of life. The 2011 Chardonnay exhibits attractive notes of apple butter and poached pears along with a surprisingly fat texture. Cleanly made and pure with outstanding length, and no evidence of oak aging, it over-delivers for its meager price point.

Rated 90/100 Robert Parker of The Wine Advocate

Great Rose Buy!!

2012 Villa des Anges Old Vines Rosé....$11.99
100% Cinsault

Sporting a light salmon/pink color, the 2012 Villa des Anges Vin de Pays d’Oc Old Vines Rosé is a classic Provencal rose that has fresh, crisp aromas of orange peel, wild strawberry, and mineral water to go with juicy, lively palate.  Perfect for a hot summer day and leaning heavily towards the lighter weight style, it is a rock solid bottle of wine meant for enjoying over the coming 6-12 months.

Rated 90/100 The Wine Advocate

Saturday Wine Tasting - Forsyth

Wine Tasting - Open House
Tasting some great hot weather wines from Dana from Vinoteca

The Wine and Cheese Place

7435 Forsyth Blvd, Clayton, MO 63105 314.727.8788

Saturday July 20 from 11am-1pm

• 2011 Soucherie Anjou Blanc
• 2011 Monastero Suori Cistercensi Coenobium
• 2012 Yves Cuilleron Rose

2011 Monastero Suori Cistercensi Coenobium....$25.99
Recently, at the Armani/Ristorante, inside the Armani store on Manhattan's Fifth Avenue, I had a revelatory glass of wine. As revelations tend to be few and far between on lists of wines by the glass, I believe this one's for sharing: Monastero Suori Cistercensi Coenobium 2009, a trebbiano-verdicchio-malvasia-grechetto blend made by — get this — nuns, at a monastery just north of Rome. Unfiltered and organic, this hazy, strawberry-blonde wine is part of a growing group of so-called "orange wines." These wines are vinified essentially like red wine: left in much longer contact with the grape skins than is normally the case with white wines, so that the fermenting grape juice takes on a slightly tannic and dry, delicious, cider-like quality. Stylish and rustic, citric and earthy all at once, my glass of Coenobium paired perfectly with Armani/Ristorante chef Roberto Deiaco's custardy leek flan with decadent gorgonzola sauce, and his ricotta and quail egg yolk ravioli dressed in black truffle shavings. And it will go with any rich, creamy, cheesy dish that you make at home." -- Saveur Magazine

"As I have said so many times in the past, Yves Cuilleron has become one of the bright shining stars of the northern Rhone." -- Robert Parker, The Wine Advocate

2012 Yves Cuilleron Syrah Rose....$15.99

This Rosé is sourced 100% from Syrah grown within the confines of the village of Chavanay. It is produced by the “saignée” method after a brief maceration of several hours. The fermentations are in stainless steel and the elevage continues for about six months before bottling in the spring following harvest.