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