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Saturday, August 24, 2013

Excel Brewing


In stock at Forsyth and online


Excel Carlyle Lake Lager...$8.99 / 6pk
"It's a delightful drinking beer made of barley and corn with a light hop character.  This brewing process (lagering) takes 3 times longer than the other beers that Excel produces.  Carlyle Lake lager is a classic American Pilsner.  It's truly an anytime beer!




Excel Shoal Creek Wheat...$8.99
"Shoal creek Wheat is made from water taken from the local Shoal Ceek.  This beer is a German-style Hefeweizen giving a crisp beer with a balance of sweet malt.  The hazy gold beers supports on off white tightly beaded whipped cream foamy head.

Excel Eastside IPA....$9.49
"California breweries are known for their distinctively American take on the classic English style: India Pale Ale.  Heavily hopped, Excel Eastside IPA brings to the forefront notes of lemon zest, grapefruit and pine with a dry finish.  Here at Excel, we're brewing up some West Coast flavors on the East Side.

Excel Ctira...$8.99 / 6pk
"Excel Ctira is a blonde ale that is made from simple ingredients with a light hop character.  the citrus flavor is derived from the hops during the brewing process and from the addition of natural lemon and orange flavor.  This makes Citra refreshing and very drinkable."

Beerhive in stock

Just arrived at Forsyth and online  




New Holland Beerhive Tripel...$7.99 / 22oz
Tripel Ale Brewed with Honey and Ginger
Little John’s local bees create a spring wildflower-honey that lends a sweet, earthy complexity to a traditional style of beer with a balancing snap of ginger in the finish.
Pairings: fresh veggies, soft-ripened cheese, fruit of late summer, custards & biscuits.

Friday, August 23, 2013

Bargain Spanish!


2012 Volver Tarima Monastrel....$7.99 / 750ml

The grapes for this wine are 100% Monastrell with the age of the vines ranging from 25-35 years old. The soil is very chalky and are at an elevation of some 2.100 feet above sea level. The winery owns some (80 hectares) 192 acres of vineyards,some of which are certified organic


2012 has not been rated, but check out the press for last year's vintage by Robert Parker...
     "The 2011 Tarima made from non-organic Monastrell is sensational. From an area dominated by cooperatives, this full-bodied blockbuster boasts plenty of blue and black fruit notes, impressive purity and an enticing texture as well as length. It is hard to believe that wines such as this can be found for under $10 a bottle." - Rated 91/100 Robert Parker, The Wine Advocate

Jim Beam Maple





Jim Beam Maple Kentucky Straight Bourbon...$12.99 / 750ml
"Jim Beam Maple contains all the pride of the Beam family's 200 year history.  This time, our expert distillers have brought togehter the world's finest Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey with natural maple flavor.  The result is a perfect balance of robust bourbon notes and sweet brown maple, with a rich, smooth finish.  Enjoy chilled or on the rocks."

Heitz Martha's Vineyard Vertical Tasting


Heitz  Cellars Wine Tasting
Featuring a vertical of the famous Martha's Vineayrd
October 1 
7pm-8:30pm

$20 / person

The Wine and Cheese Place
7435 Forsyth Blvd * Clayton, MO 63105

Sit down class in our tasting room
Seating is limited

Reservations required 314.727.8788

Taste:
  • Heitz Chardonnay
  • 2007 Heitz Cellar Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon...$44.99
  • 2003 Heitz Cellars Cabernet Sauvignon Martha's Vineyard...TBA
  • 2004 Heitz Cellars Cabernet Sauvignon Martha's Vineyard...$159.99
  • 2005 Heitz Cellars Cabernet Sauvignon Martha's Vineyard...$159.99







2007 Heitz Cellar Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon...$44.99
Tasting Notes: Our 2007 Napa Valley Cabernet is a stunning wine from the popular 2007 vintage. Unquestionably a Heitz Wine Cellars cabernet, this is a classic wine of finesse and elegance – beautiful now and structured to age gracefully for years to come.

The rich varietal aroma leads to delicious flavors of dark cherry with notes of spicy plum. A generous core of cabernet fruit is nicely integrated with refreshing acidity and just the right touch of oak. This wine is silky in texture, building momentum as it crosses the palate to a lovely, lingering finish. 


2004 Heitz Cellars Cabernet Sauvignon Martha's Vineyard...$159.99
Shows hints of maturity, with chocolate mint, cherry and currant flavors that are intense yet elegant, balanced and stylish. Full-bodied, firm and focused, this is complex and concentrated without being heavy, offering the wine's classic style and personality. Drink now through 2018. 2,750 cases made. –JL
Rated 93/100 The Wine Spectator

2005 Heitz Cellars Cabernet Sauvignon Martha's Vineyard...$159.99
Minty bay leaf aromas are pure, with a spicy edge, leading to firm dark berry, mocha, mineral and sage flavors that are tight and well-structured, with firm, ripe tannins that provide an excellent backbone. Much too young now, however tempting. Should only get much better. Best from 2013 through 2022. 3,569 cases made.–JL
Rated 93/100 The Wine Spectator

Tony Soter's Last Napa wine




2007 Soter Vineyards Napa Valley Red Blend....$129.99

This wine is Tony Soter's last Cabernet and his last Napa Valley wine! It is a truly special bottling commemorating a 30 year career that involved making many acclaimed wines for exceptional producers, namely: Araujo, Dalla Valle, Etude Niebaum Coppola, Shafer, Spottswoode and Viader. More than a piece of vinous memorabilia, this wine makes a parting statement about what Napa Cabernet can be, what it was and what it has meant to this acknowledged master of the craft. This bottling represents a thread spanning three decades in the evolution of napa winemaking as seen through the hand of one talented and influential winegrower.

"Little Creek" Vineyard is a 3-acre parcel surrounding the former Soter home in Napa. this area is part of a proposed AVA called Tolucay, east of the city of Napa. Tulocay's southern Napa location benefits from the cooling breezes drawn in through the Golden Gate as well as from the well-drained gravelly loans. The resulting wines have vibrance and aromatic focus. Where "Little Creek" contributes the Cabernet Franc component {40%} and part of the Malbec, a second elite vineyard in the Eastern hills of the St. Helena AVA planted on volcanic soils provides rare, "Heirloom" clones of Cabernet Sauvignon {40%}, along with more exotic Malbec {20%}. Tony helped to plant this vineyard site ten years ago. It's unusual, Northeast facing exposition helps to prevent desiccating head from potentially damaging the fruit while preserving complexity and expressing terroir. This site represents a special plant collection of several clones of Heritage Cabernet clones from properties like Eisele, Coppola, Cohn {aka Scarecrow}, Montebello and Monte Rosso. THese clones and this site in St. Helena yield high tone definition and powerfully concentrated essence.

Unmistakably exotic Cabernet Franc notes of blueberries, violets and cigar box lead the initial aromatic burst. The wine is robust and precisely focused on the palate adding flavors of black currant, cases and dark chocolate with subtle tertiary notes of slate and iron. Richly textured - both silky and velvety - it finishes with fascinating complexity to ponder and enjoy.
Both the 2007 and 2006 vintages are represented in this bottling, where the blend of both years together simply made for the most compelling wine.

Thursday, August 22, 2013

Bourbon Barrel Aged Wild Honey Stout





To Øl / Omnipollo Brewmance Imperial 

Bourbon Barrel Aged Wild Honey Stout...$18.99 / 375ml
We bring to you a big black dirty deep delicious crazy craving creepy imperial stout created on the love to extreme beers and stupid ideas. We bring to you a fairytale. A love story between two scandinavian breweries whos destiny was simply just meant to be. We bring to you Brewmance. An Imperial Stout, that has been brewed with honey from the Swedish female urban honey collective called BeeUrban. The Bee Hives here are placed on different roughtops in Stockholm and the honey is extreme in every way. After fermentation the beer has matured 3 months in Bourbon Barrels. Cheers!
Rated 98/100 RateBeer


Stillwater in CANS





Stillwater Classique Postmodern Beer....$10.99 / 6pk cans
Rated 94 on RateBeer overall
Rated 97 on RateBeer in its style"Classique is a cerebral nod to American industrial beers like Natty Boh, whose landmark tower looms over Strumke’s Baltimore gastropub Of Love and Regret. A spinoff of his Premium ale, the refreshing 4.5 percent alcohol brew has Pilsner malt, corn, rice, and historically accurate hops, but none of the original beer’s sourness that comes with Brettanomyces yeast. As a result, Classique more closely resembles the frothy yellow beverage most people think of as “beer.” But Belgian farmhouse ale yeast and Cascade hops add complexity and fruitiness. Classique is earthy with aromas and flavors of grass, bread, and grapefruit." - Washington City Paper 

Great white Bordeaux from Beychevelle

Recognize that boat, yes it is Chateau Beychevelle.


Great wine and a great price!
Grand Bateau Bordeaux Blanc....$10.99
The Elite Bordeaux Wine !
Dating back to the 1980’s, Grand Bateau is the fruit of the collaboration between Maison Barrière and Chateau Beychevelle, our sister company. The boat which decorates this label is the mythical galleon of the famous Château Beychevelle which took part and sponsored the conception and creation of Grand Bateau.  Today, Philippe Blanc, Château Beychevelle’s winemaker, provides us with the ultimate technical guidance in our famed assemblage of these wines.   Elaborated by our oenologist starting with a selection of the best wines from our partner estates, Grand Bateau incarnates the complexity of great Bordeaux.
Varietals:  75% Sauvignon Blanc, 25% Sémillon 

Vinification & Ageing:
Following a skin-contact maceration (pre-fermentation maceration resulting in greater aromatic structure due to the contact between the skins and the juice), 70% of the juice is fermented in new oak-barrels during 4 months. During this ageing period, “batonnage” is carried out (the lies are stirred giving the wines more weight and fat). After blending and filtration, bottling is carried out in late spring following the harvest.  Aromatic to the nose with notes of buttery-vanillin oak flavours and exotic fruit (orange rind and honeyed grapefruit….).  On the palate, the wine is round, fleshy with wonderful minerality and again, delightful exotic fruit flavours. The new-oak flavours are present. Very nice balance between the oak, fruit and acidity. Excellent finish.

Recipe of the Week: Salad Nicoise


Salad Nicoise

Ingredients:
  • 1 Cup Marcona Almonds Chopped   ***
  • 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
  • 1/2 cup Nicoise olives    ***
  • 1/2 onion, thinly sliced
  • 1 (6 ounce) can tuna ( we have a fantastic new brand Tonnino Yellow Fin Tuna packed in oil only $4.99 / 5.98oz can)   ***
  • 1/3 pound fresh green beans - rinsed, trimmed and blanched
  • 1/2 pound mixed salad greens
  • 1 cup lemon vinaigrette (juice of one lemon plus zest, ½ Cup Extra Virgin Olive Oil, 1 shallot minced, 1 ½ tsp whole grain Dijon mustard, all whisked together.)
  • 3 hard-cooked eggs, quartered   ***
  • 1 Pound Tomatoes thinly sliced    ***
  • 1 tablespoon capers    ***
  • 4 white anchovy filets    ***
*** In stock at The Wine and Cheese Place Forsyth


Directions:
- Combine the almonds, parsley, olives, onion, tuna and green beans. 
In large bowl, toss greens with vinaigrette with above mixture. Garnish with eggs, tomatoes, capers and anchovies.

Wine Education: Prosecco

Wine Tasting at all FOUR locations

Taste Mionetto Prosecco D.O.C. Treviso  at all four of our locations this Saturday
August 24 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

On our blog, click on the  label "Education" and you can read all of the education articles (see the right column under the heading "labels".


Grape: Prosecco
Prosecco is an Italian sparkling wine; generally a Dry or Extra Dry wine; normally made from Glera ("Prosecco") grapes. DOC Prosecco is produced in the regions of Veneto and Friuli Venezia Giulia in Italy, and traditionally, mainly in the areas near Conegliano and Valdobbiadene, in the hills north of Treviso.
Up until the 1960s, Prosecco sparkling wine was generally rather sweet and barely distinguishable from the Asti wine produced in Piedmont. Since then, production techniques have improved, leading to the high-quality dry wines produced today. According to a 2008 New York Times report, Prosecco has risen sharply in popularity in markets outside Italy, with global sales growing by double-digit percentages since 1998, aided also by its comparatively low price. It was introduced into the mainstream U.S. market in 2000 by Mionetto.
Unlike Champagne, Prosecco usually is produced using the Charmat method, in which the secondary fermentation takes place in stainless steel tanks, making the wine less expensive to produce. The rules for the DOCG Prosecco Valdobbiadene also allow the use of the Metodo Classico: secondary fermentation in the bottle.
Taste the Mionetto Prosecco D.O.C. Treviso this weekend.

New Boulevard Mid-Coast IPA and Westside Rye



Boulevard Sample Twelve...$13.99 / 12 pack
Boulevard provides a fresh angle on one of the craft segment’s most popular formats, the variety pack. Consumers can now enjoy two of our most popular offerings, plus sample two new “test beers” once available only in the brewery’s Tasting Room. The redesigned package features die cut corner windows showcasing both new beers, and invites online consumer feedback.

Our new Sample Twelve includes  
three bottles each of two favorite year-round beers...
• Unfiltered Wheat Beer
• 80-Acre Hoppy Wheat Beer

...plus three bottles each of
Tasting Room beers....


Cathedral Square of St. Louis and HeBrew Collab


Cathedral Square / Hebrew Collaboration
St. Lenny's Belgian Style Rye Double IPA...$8.49 



Blue Moon Graffiti Beer



Blue Moon Pine in the Neck...$5.49 / 22oz
While camping, brewers John and Tom stashed their beer in a quiet stream to chill it. Smart, until a storm came, causing floods. After trudging through the rain back to the campsite, they found their gear washed away and the beer gone. While hunting for the beer and gear), they decided to brew a bold beer that was nature-proof. This double IPA crafted with juniper berries might be called Pine in the Neck™, but it’s worth the trouble.
Ingredients and Profile
Malts: Pale, White Wheat, Munich, Caramel, Carapils
Hops: Citra, Simcoe, Taurus in the brew kettle. Dry hopped with Citra, Simcoe, and Cascade
Our Twist: Juniper berries
IBUs: 75
ABV: 7.5%
Appearance:  Deep golden to light amber color with brilliant clarity and white head
Aroma:  Assertive fruity, citrus hop notes as well as hints of pine from the juniper berries
Taste:  Smooth bitterness with caramel malt and citrus notes
Mouthfeel:  Full-bodied
Finish:  Smooth, intense bitter finish


Blue Moon Tongue Thaied...$5.49 / 22oz
Take the Time to Taste This Tantalizing Tongue-Twister.
Our brewmaster Keith has always wanted to brew a beer that paired well with his favorite Thai dishes. He landed on using lemongrass and basil, but a mixup in the order yielded the brewery a bunch of extra basil. Instead of letting it go to waste, Keith added it in just to see what would happen. The outcome was a roundhouse kick of basil with a citrus punch that worked so well it left Keith literally Tongue Thai-ed.

Ingredients and Profile
Malts: Pils, Acidulated, Melanoidin
Hops: Spalt Select, Taurus, Nelson Sauvin
Our Twist: Lemongrass, Basil
IBUs: 25
ABV: 7.5%
Appearance:  Clear, light amber color with rich, white foam
Aroma:  Lemon-citrus aroma with assertive basil background notes
Taste:  Lemon citrus taste with basil with rich biscuity malt backbone
Mouthfeel:  Warm and full-bodied
Finish:  Lingering lemon with a hint of basil

New Gin - Right!

From Sweden


Right Gin...$27.99 / 750ml
Right was created by Altamar to bring some excitement back into a sleepy category. It is gorgeous nude and mixes beautifully – which is to say it makes a fine martini and is just as good in a mixed cocktail. The grain base is corn, which lends an accessible sweetness while the finish is crisp and clean. The unique blend of botanicals is enhanced with a twist of orange, which brings up the bergamot sourced from Sicily. Its dress evokes sophistication, elegance and the notion that there is a right way to do everything. Right is blended outside Malmo, Sweden near its water source at Lake Bolmen.

There is a Right Way

Berg & Hauk's Bitters

New bitters at The Wine and Cheese Place Forsyth



Berg & Hauk's Aromatic Bitters...$19.99 / 4oz
Product Description: Berg & Hauck’s – Old Time Aromatic Bitters add structure and complexity not only to classic and modern mixed drinks but also to many dishes and desserts.
Origin: This bitters style has been in existence for approximately 250 years; it was called stomach bitters and primarily created by doctors and apothecaries for use in liquid tonics. Early bartenders added bitters to their cocktails to improve the taste of these mixed drinks. In reference to the definition of the word »Cocktail« from 1806, bitters were included as indispensable ingredients in this drink category. After prohibition almost all bitters had vanished from the market and were rediscovered at the end of the 20th century.
Production: Berg & Hauck sticks to the »classic method« of producing bitters by macerating roots, seeds, barks, fruits, herbs and plants in an alcohol base. All ingredients are 100 % natural outside of a small amount of caramel to achieve a beautiful rich color and guarantee the best quality.
Usage: The Old Time Aromatic Bitters are bitter and tangy to the taste with hints of cinnamon, cardamom, anise and cloves; typical gingerbread aromas that are perfectly suited for drinks based on aged spirits like Whisk(e)y, Rum, Brandy and Tequila.
Packaging: The design of the bitters bottle refers to old medicine bottles from the 19th century. The label was designed with old fashioned floral ornaments and printed on plastic foil to withstand daily demands.
39 % Alcohol by Volume


Berg & Hauk's Oragne Bitters...$19.99 / 4oz

Product Description: Berg & Hauck’s – Orange Bitters add structure, complexity and fruitiness to classic and modern mixed drinks but also to many dishes and desserts.Origin: The first orange bitters were released in the 1880s as a supplement for the famous stomach bitters. Early bartenders added bitters to their cocktails to improve the taste of these mixed drinks. In reference to a definition of the word »Cocktail« from 1806, bitters were included as indispensable ingredients in this drink category. After prohibition almost all bitters had vanished from the market and were rediscovered at the end of the 20th century. Stephan Berg & Alexander Hauck started producing cocktail bitters in 2006.Production: Berg & Hauck sticks to the »classic method« of producing bitters by macerating roots, seeds, barks, fruits, herbs and plants in an alcohol base. All ingredients are 100 % natural to guarantee the best quality of taste.
Usage: The aroma of bitter orange peel followed by spicy flavors of cardamom, caraway and nutmeg make the orange bitters essential for the preparation of a Classic Dry Martini Cocktail. Additionally, they can also be combined with all kinds of clear and aged spirits as well as liqueurs.
Packaging: The design of the bitters bottle refers to old medicine bottles from the 19th century. The label was designed with old fashioned floral ornaments and printed on plastic foil to withstand daily demands.
39 % Alcohol by Volume




Berg & Hauk's Lemon Bitters...$19.99 / 4oz

Product Description: Berg & Hauck’s – Lemon Bitters add the liveliness and freshness of lemons to every cocktail, long drink, salad and dessert.
Origin: Bitters already existed 250 years ago, but stomach bitters were the prevailing style and primarily meant for medicinal use. Early bartenders added bitters to their cocktails to improve the taste of these mixed drinks. After prohibition almost all bitters had vanished from the market but were rediscovered at the end of the 20th century with modern interpretations of classic style bitters and new and innovative flavors. Stephan Berg & Alexander Hauck started producing cocktail bitters in 2006.
Production: Berg & Hauck sticks to the »classic method« of producing bitters by macerating roots, seeds, barks, fruits, herbs and plants in an alcohol base. All ingredients are 100 % natural to guarantee the best quality and taste.
Usage: The Lemon Bitters are fresh, fruity and tangy with an unbelievably intense citrus aroma and flavorful notes of coriander and cardamom. They’re primarily suited for drinks based on clear sprits like Gin, Vodka, Blanco Tequila and Light Rum, but also go well with many other spirits and liqueurs.
Packaging: The design of the bitters bottle refers to old medicine bottles from the 19th century. The label was designed with old fashioned floral ornaments and printed on plastic foil to withstand daily demands.
39 % Alcohol by Volume




Berg & Hauk's Celery Bitters...$19.99 / 4oz 

Berg & Hauck’s – Celery Bitters were defunct for decades and revived to please the most discriminating palate.
Origin: Bitters already existed 250 years ago, but stomach bitters were the prevailing style and primarily meant for medicinal use. Early bartenders added bitters to their cocktails to improve the taste of these mixed drinks. After prohibition almost all bitters vanished from the market but were rediscovered at the end of the 20th century with modern interpretations of classic style bitters like celery, which had existed in the 19th century. Stephan Berg & Alexander Hauck started producing cocktail bitters in 2006.
Production: Berg & Hauck sticks to the »classic method« of producing bitters by macerating roots, seeds, barks, fruits, herbs and plants in an alcohol base. All ingredients are 100 % natural to guarantee the best quality and taste.
Usage: The Celery Bitters are very exotic and enrich cocktails with unusual flavors of celery, lemongrass and ginger. They’re ideal for Corpse-Reviver style cocktails like the Bloody Mary, but also go well with all kinds of clear sprits, like Gin, Vodka, Blanco Tequila and Light Rum. Furthermore they’re a great addition to soups and salads.
Packaging: The design of the bitters bottle refers to old medicine bottles from the 19th century. The label was designed with old fashioned floral ornaments and printed on plastic foil to withstand daily demands.
44 % Alcohol by Volume


Berg & Hauk's Jerry Thomas Bitters...$19.99 / 4oz 
Product Description: Berg & Hauck’s – Jerry Thomas Bitters are dedicated to Professor Jerry Thomas (1830-1885), who is considered to be the most famous and important bartender of the 19th century.
Origin: Bitters already existed 250 years ago, but were called aromatic or stomach bitters and were primarily created by doctors and apothecaries for the use in liquid tonics. Early bartenders added bitters to their cocktails to improve the taste of these mixed drinks. Some of them, like Jerry Thomas, created their own bitters formulas. After prohibition almost all bitters had vanished from the market but were rediscovered at the end of the 20th century. Stephan Berg & Alexander Hauck started producing cocktail bitters in 2006 and recreated this improved version of Jerry Thomas’ formula in 2008.Production: Berg & Hauck sticks to the »classic method« of producing bitters by macerating roots, seeds, barks, fruits, herbs and plants in an alcohol base. All ingredients are 100 % natural outside of a small amount of caramel to achieve a beautiful rich color and guarantee the best quality.
Usage: The Jerry Thomas Bitters include citrus and dried fruit aromas which unite with the spicy flavors of cloves, angostura bark and cinnamon.
They’re the perfect addition to all cocktails based on aged spirits like Whisk(e)y, Rum, Tequila and Brandy.
Packaging: The design of the bitters bottle refers to old medicine bottles from the 19th century. The label was designed with old fashioned floral ornaments and printed on plastic foil to withstand daily demands.
30 % Alcohol by Volume

Wednesday, August 21, 2013

Wines of Jura



Rare wines of Jura....
Domaine de Montbourgeau has produced traditional Jura wines since Victor Gros, the grandfather of current Vigneronne, Nicole Deriaux, first planted the estate’s vineyards in 1920. Nicole’s father, Jean Gros, was responsible for expanding the domaine once he acceded to the head of the family in 1956. Thirty years later (1986) Nicole joined her father and she now is fully responsible for the operation of the domaine. Her three sons are waiting in the wings!
The estate is located in the village of L’Etoile in the southwestern zone of the Jura. The origin of the name “L’Etoile” (meaning “star”) is attributed to either the fact that there are five hills surrounding the village in the pattern of a star or, more probably, because of the numerous specimens of the fossils of ancient starfish that are found to this day in the soils of this appellation. The appellation itself is very small, including only 52 hectares, principally in the village of L’Etoile but also with certain vineyards in the neighboring villages of Planoiseau, Saint Didier and Qunitigny.

The domaine’s nine hectares are devoted mostly to Chardonnay with Savagnin sited in 1.7 of those hectares; some Trousseau and Poulsard round out the plantings. The viticulture is organic and the vinification is strictly traditional respecting, in all aspects, the ancient practices of this region. Nicole Deriaux’s natural approach to every step of the process captures the true essence of the Etoile appellation in each of the separate bottlings done at the domaine.

All grapes are hand-harvested and vinified in the cellars underneath the family home, which is surrounded by the picturesque mountaintops of the Jura. Fermentation occurs in stainless steel cuves but all wines are then racked into a combination of foudres, demi-muids and smaller barrels, virtually none of which are new. The white wines are aged in barrel; they are never racked; they are not topped off. The very special nature of the appellation of L’Etoile produces white wines of exceptional finesse and complexity.



2009 Domaine de Montbourgeau l'Etoile...$25.99
This cuvée is the classic white wine of Montbourgeau. It is usually bottled after 24 to 30 months of elevage in barrel. Chardonnay is the dominant grape but an occasional Savagnin vine is found within the Chardonnay plantings, an addition which adds a touch of complexity to the ultimate blend. The fermentation occurs in stainless steel but, after malolactic, the wine is racked into small barrel and demi-muids for two years. At that point, the entire production is assembled and left for several months in cuve before being bottled.

2011 Domaine de Montbourgeau Poulsard....$25.99
Montbourgeau produces a limited amount of red wine from the Poulsard grape. It is a bright, airy wine with a hint of tannin to the finish. This red from L’Etoile is classified as a “Cotes du Jura” since the L’Etoile appellation is strictly reserved for the white wines produced there. We are limited to 600 bottles of this wine per vintage.

Tuesday, August 20, 2013

2011 Drouhin Burgundy

In stock now at Forsyth


WHITES
2011 Drouhin Beaune Clos des Mouches Blanc...$99.99
Pale, bright lemon-yellow. Backward nose hints at pineapple and smoky reduction. Much less harmonious today--and less vibrant--than the 2010 version, with a distinctly oily texture to the pineapple flavor. Hard to taste right now owing to the CO2 and the wine's edgy acidity. This will require another look next year. 89-92 points
Rated 89-92/100 Stephen Tanzer

2011 Drouhin Puligny Montrachet AC...$57.99
Bright pale yellow with green highlights. Reticent, pure aromas of lemon, lime, white peach and white pepper. Juicy and brisk on the palate, with very good cut to the peach and pepper flavors.  Bright, harmonious acidity gives this village wine lovely energy and back-end lift.
Rated 87-90/100 Stephen Tanzer

2011 Drouhin Chassagne Montrachet AC....$49.99
Pale bright yellow. Subdued aromas of ripe pear and white flowers. Sweet, supple and pliant, with a dominant flavor of pear drop. In a soft, very ripe style but not heavy. The wine's fruit carries nicely on the lingering finish.
Rated 87-89 Stephen Tanzer


2011 Drouhin Chassagne Montrachet Morgeot Marquis de Laguiche...$99.99
Pale yellow. Sexy aromas of lime blossom, white flowers and ginger. Intense flavors of citrus peel, flowers, spices and fresh herbs are given cut by bright, integrated acidity. Nicely concentrated, spicy wine with a long, bright aftertaste. Showing very well today.
Rated 89-92/100 Stephen Tanzer

2011 Drouhin Meursault AC...$45.99

Pale straw-yellow. Yellow peach, ginger and flowers on the nose. Fat and sweet but a bit youthfully aggressive, offering good volume but less flavor intensity than the 2010 model. Finishes bright and spicy but a bit dry-edged.
Rated 86-88/100 Stephen Tanzer

RED

2011 Drouhin Chambolle Musigny Amoureuses...$399.99 SOLD OUT
Medium red with ruby highlights. Very fresh, highly aromatic nose combines blackberry, black cherry, violet and crushed rock. Juicy and tightly wound on first taste but essentially creamy in the middle palate, displaying lovely black fruit and floral perfume. Very fine-grained and long, finishing with firm tannins, well-integrated acidity and resounding savory and mineral qualities. Just a tad warm today at 13.5% alcohol but this should turn out very well.
Rated 91-94/100 Stephen Tanzer

2011 Drouhin Gevrey Chambertin AC...$49.99
Bright dark red. Candied dark berries, dark chocolate, licorice and minerals on the nose; rather Vosne-like. Supple, sweet and nicely ripe, showing an almost creamy texture but limited definition. Finishes with ripe tannins and a lingering, restrained sweetness.
Rated 87-89/100 Stephen Tanzer


2011 Drouhin Musigny Grand Cru...$649.99  SOLD OUT
Good deep red. Captivating aromas of blueberry, violet, coffee bean, white pepper and crushed stone. Juicy on entry, then tight and imploded in the middle, with an energetic core of fruit currently dominated by the wine's structure. Most impressive today on the rising, expanding back end, which saturates the mouth with dusty minerality. This will need eight to ten years of cellaring.
Rated 92-95/100 Stephen Tanzer
2011 Drouhin Clos des Mouches Rouge....$99.99
Bright medium-deep red. Musky aromas of dark berries, licorice and minerals. Juicy, suave and fine-grained, with dark fruit flavors complicated by enticing subtle minerality and a whiff of game bird. Dry, classic wine with good density and and depth. Finishing flavors of dark berries, flowers and minerals give lovely lift to the primary back end. Really refreshing stony energy here.
Rated 90-92/100 Stephen Tanzer
2011 Drouhin Bonnes Mares Grand Cru...$499.99
Bright red-ruby. Knockout nose combines dark berries, brown spices, mocha and earth. Dense and supple in the mouth, offering captivating early sweetness for Bonnes-Mares. Has the creamy middle to buffer its brisk but harmonious acidity and firm tannic spine. I wouldn't be at all surprised if this very promising young wine shut down in bottle within the next year or two.
Rated 91-94 Stephen Tanzer


2011 Drouhin Cotes de Beaune...$32.99
2011 Drouhin Cotes de Beaune Villages...$23.99
2011 Drouhin Chorey Les Beaune...$32.99

93 Point Italian




2011 Le Macchiole Bolgheri Rosso....$29.99
A pretty red, boasting black cherry, black currant, violet and mineral aromas and flavors. Supple and silky, with hints of herbs and spices. Though dense, the tannins are well-covered by sweet fruit and flesh, but provide ample support. Excellent length. Best from 2015 through 2025. 7,900 cases made. –BS
Rated 93/100 The Wine Spectator

Pegau CDP 2006




Re-release of the great 2006!
If you have not tasted 2006 CDPs in awhile, they are drinking great now!



2006 Pegau Chateauneuf du Pape Reservee....$74.99
The 2006 Chateauneuf du Pape Cuvee Reservee shares a similar meaty, gamy character intermixed with abundant notes of kirsch liqueur, ground pepper and Provencal herbs, sweeter tannins than the 2005, a voluptuous, full-bodied mouthfeel, and a long finish. The fruit seems sweeter and I would not be surprised if the 2006 has higher alcohol than the 2005 (although all top vintages here tend to be in the 14.8-15.6 range). This big, rich, impressive effort will age effortlessly over the next 20-25 years.
Rated 94/100 Robert Parker, The Wine Advocate

Still 630: from St. Louis Missouri....

Click here to order online

Back in stock now, just got in a few more cases








Still 630 Big Jake White Dog Whiskey...$23.99 / 750ml
*90 Proof

*Made from 95% rye mash, 5% barley
*Twice distilled
*White, un-aged, and crafted from the tightest Hearts cuts in our distillation process
*Tastes great on its own or as a foundation for some of the most classic cocktails,
such as: a Manhattan, Old Fashioned, or Sazerac
(Check out our Cocktail Recipes page for other delicious drinks and recipes!)

Legend – “Whiskey fueled the men who settled the West, but they did not venture out alone. Therefore, we humbly present our tribute to man’s best friend: Big Jake White Dog Whiskey. This smooth and surprisingly flavorful un-aged whiskey is proudly named after our own distillery mascot: Jake. So pour yourself a glass and give thanks for our faithful, furry companions!”


Still 630 Ralley Point Rye Whiskey...$29.99 / 750ml
Big Jake aged for 14 months in barrel




700|405


About Still630

My name is David Weglarz. I am the owner/operator of the St. Louis, Missouri distillery StilL 630. I believe that life should be filled with passion and intensity. That it is absolutely vital to live life to it’s fullest. That’s not only how I’ve lived my life, but it’s also how I run StilL 630.



I’ve always wanted my life to be spectacular, to be something worth talking about and remembering long after I’m gone.



I want StilL 630 to be different, not just some assembly line churning out product. We are different because we are passionate. We are different because we are bold and committed. To put it simply, we are different because we are the best. Our whiskey, bourbon, and rum are flavorful, well-balanced, and extremely high quality. We work and play by our own rules because life is too short to do things any other way. In the end we will succeed where others have failed because mine is an Indomitable Spirit. I truly believe this and I truly believe I am living the American dream.

Heitz Cabernet Sauvignon - Martha's Vineyard




2007 Heitz Cellar Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon...$44.99
Tasting Notes: Our 2007 Napa Valley Cabernet is a stunning wine from the popular 2007 vintage. Unquestionably a Heitz Wine Cellars cabernet, this is a classic wine of finesse and elegance – beautiful now and structured to age gracefully for years to come.

The rich varietal aroma leads to delicious flavors of dark cherry with notes of spicy plum. A generous core of cabernet fruit is nicely integrated with refreshing acidity and just the right touch of oak. This wine is silky in texture, building momentum as it crosses the palate to a lovely, lingering finish. 


2004 Heitz Cellars Cabernet Sauvignon Martha's Vineyard...$159.99
Shows hints of maturity, with chocolate mint, cherry and currant flavors that are intense yet elegant, balanced and stylish. Full-bodied, firm and focused, this is complex and concentrated without being heavy, offering the wine's classic style and personality. Drink now through 2018. 2,750 cases made. –JL
Rated 93/100 The Wine Spectator

2005 Heitz Cellars Cabernet Sauvignon Martha's Vineyard...$159.99
Minty bay leaf aromas are pure, with a spicy edge, leading to firm dark berry, mocha, mineral and sage flavors that are tight and well-structured, with firm, ripe tannins that provide an excellent backbone. Much too young now, however tempting. Should only get much better. Best from 2013 through 2022. 3,569 cases made.–JL
Rated 93/100 The Wine Spectator

Weller our own barrels....

We have a ton of rare and limited Bourbon and Whiskey available online
click here to check them out



In stock at all stores and online

The Wine and Cheese Place along with some of our regular Bourbon buyers picked out our own barrels of W.L. Weller and Old Weller Bourbons.


Very Exciting stuff!!!




You cannot find Pappy Van Winkle??
Check out his quote from Julian Van Winkle (yes, the famous Bourbon)

You Don't Need Pappy. Really. Even Pappy Says So.
Julian Van Winkle, maker of Pappy Van Winkle, offers alternatives to his cultishly popular hooch. "My first pick? That'd be seven-year-old W.L. Weller. It's very close to ours, sweet and a lot of caramel. If you can't get that, try Maker's 46. It's a little more interesting, with that extra French-oak aging that they use. Third would be Four Roses, the single-barrel. And if that's not available, then I'm gonna go drink vodka." - GC Magazine article

We have our own barrels.....





TWCP / Old Weller Antique 107 Proof Bourbon...$23.99 / 750ml
Only 132 bottles produced.
A wheated bourbon with a full-bodied flavor and a balanced palette. Old Weller Antique is bottled at 107 proof, offering a complex taste and bold finish. It’s certainly a recognizable member of the Weller label, with its own unique characteristics to compliment the high proof.
TASTING NOTES:
Sweet and unusual floral notes and coupled with vanilla. The taste is very well balanced with sweet fruit notes, strong vanilla undertone and sharp spicy tones, with a cinnamon finish.




TWCP / W.L. Weller Special Reserve...$14.99 / 750ml

Only 240 bottles produced.
The Original Wheated Bourbon Whiskey features an exceptionally smooth taste, substituting wheat for rye grain. Bottled at 90 proof, this bourbon stands out with its burnt orange color. Its softer flavor notes make this bourbon great for sipping or making cocktails.
TASTING NOTES:
A sweet nose with a presence of caramel. Tasting notes of honey, butterscotch, and a soft woodiness. It's smooth, delicate and calm. Features a smooth finish with a sweet honeysuckle flair.

4 Hands Ruby Red Prussia


NEW!!!



4 Hands Ruby Red Prussia....$7.99 / 22oz
"Ruby Red Prussia is our non traditional look at the classic Berliner Weisse style.  After a 24-hour sour mash and during fermentation we added fresh ruby red grapefruit juice.  Ruby Red Prussia pours a slight pink hue with a nice tart finish.  A perfect compliment to the hot summer heat." -- label

Brain Blasta...



Porterhouse Ale Brain Blasta...$3.99 / 11.2oz
Our secret weapon. A fulsome, winsome strong ale. A deep copper tinged brew for the true aficionado, longer fermentation and thrice hopping bring about a complex soft bitterness allied to a malt induced sweetness with the characteristic oily Fuggles hop perfume. Not just for students. Once "stuffed" savour the flavour of a glass as a digestif... True "Aroma-therapy".
Grain:
Pale Malt, Roast Barley, Black Malt, Flaked Barley.
Hops:
Galena, Nugget, East Kent Goldings.

Founders Red's Rye now in 4 PACKS

Super fresh - bottled August 11

In stock now online

Fresh, great beer, great price --- 






Founders Red’s Rye PA...$10.99 / 4pk

Serious hop bitterness, along with an unyielding grapefruit bouquet from the Amarillo dry hop, balances the malty richness of four varieties of imported Belgian caramel malts. Pours a spectacular crimson with a creamy tan head. A generous addition of rye malt accentuates a spicy, crisp finish.
ABV: 6.6%
IBUs: 70



Red's Rye is now a seasonal:
Most noticeably, Red’s Rye PA will only be available on draft year-round, beginning in March or April of 2013. Our bottle release will be limited to a specialty, four-pack release in September and October. The final Red’s Rye PA six-pack batch will ship in February 2013.

This was a hard decision for us to make. We love Red’s Rye PA, and we do not want to limit its availability, but it’s the right thing to do for the sake of the quality of the beer. Red’s Rye PA carries a shelf life of 90 days, which means it is tied with Harvest Ale for having the shortest shelf life of any of our brands. Extensive lab analyses have been conducted, and they have validated this shelf life again and again.

This limited shelf life holds true for Red’s Rye PA in bottles and Red’s Rye PA in kegs; however, the out-of-code Red’s Rye PA that we’ve found in the market has overwhelmingly been bottles. This is mostly because kegs have a faster sell-through rate, but draft has other built-in shelf life benefits such as constant refrigeration and a totally concealed container that protects the beer from light exposure.

By shortening Red’s Rye PA’s period of availability, we alleviate shelf life concerns due to the shorter window of availability. Specialty beers tend to have a much faster sell-through rate than seasonal and year-round beers.

We aren’t taking this decision lightly. We discussed modifying the Red’s Rye PA recipe to extend the shelf life, and researched it for some time, but it simply wouldn’t be the same beer. As difficult as this is, we aren’t willing to compromise our recipe and a beer that we believe in just to get it on the shelves longer.

Finally, by moving Red’s Rye PA into the specialty category, it will be moved from a six-pack to a four-pack package, and the price per bottle will increase. Red’s Rye PA has always been an expensive beer for us to make; its cost is more in-line with our specialty beers, but we blended our margins for years to try to make it work. In the end, we’ve had to accept that this is the right thing to do for one of our greatest beers. As is always the case at Founders, producing quality beer comes ahead of concerns about profits.

Monday, August 19, 2013

Goose Island 765ml bottles


Realized that I never posted the new 750ml size of Goose Island


2013 Goose Island Sofie...$7.99 / 765ml
Brewmasters Notes
Fermented with wild yeasts and aged in wine barrels with orange peel, Sofie is a tart, dry, sparkling ale. A subtle, spicy white pepper note, a hint of citrus from the orange peel and a creamy vanilla finish make Sofie an intriguing choice for Champagne drinkers and beer drinkers who are fond of Belgian Saisons.
Recipe Information:

Style: Belgian Style Farmhouse Ale
Alcohol by Volume: 6.5%
International Bitterness Units: 25
Color: Champagne Hops: Amarillo
Malt: Pilsner, Wheat

2013 Goose Island Matilda...$7.99 / 765ml
Brewmasters Notes:
Wild in character, with a slightly fruity aroma and a spicy yeast flavor that is as unique as it is satisfying – Matilda is an intriguing choice for beer and wine lovers alike. Dry and quenching, it’s the perfect accompaniment at the dining table or for casually socializing at the bar.
Recipe Information:

Style: Belgian Style Pale Ale
Alcohol by Volume: 7%
International Bitterness Units: 32
Color: Golden Sunrise
Hops: Styrian, Saaz
Malts: 2-Row, Caramel

2013 Goose Island Pere Jacques...$7.99 / 765ml

Brewmasters Notes:

Brewed with loads of malt and Belgian yeast, Pere Jacques is a wonderfully fruity, malty ale. Pere Jacques’ complex flavors stand shoulder to shoulder with the Belgian Dubbels enjoyed in the world’s finest beer bars. At the dining table it’s the perfect alternative to a glass of vintage port.
Recipe Information:
Style: Belgian Style Abbey Ale
Alcohol by Volume: 8.7%
International Bitterness Units: 26
Color: Warm Molasses
Hops: Saaz
Malt: 2-Row, Wheat, Caramel, Rye Flakes, Special B, Candy Sugar