23 Mar 2011 Top 100 Wines to Taste Today and a Single Barrel Select Bourbon!
I just got in three great wines that are on either the Wine Spectator or Wine Enthusiast top 100 wines for 2011. This should be a great tasting this evening!
Yalumba Viognier from South Australia ($14.99) – Wine Enthusiast top 100 #93! A bright yellow straw in color, the Yalumba Y Series Viognier 2010 exhibits an alluring mix of honeysuckle, candied ginger and glacé pineapple aromas, which are typical of this exotic variety. In the mouth the palate has flavors of fresh pineapple and dried figs. It is finely balanced with silky texture from wild fermentation and lees aging.
Allegrini Palazzo Della Torre from Italy ($22.99) – Wine Spectator top 100 #60! WS 90 pts! Palazzo della Torre has a particular structure and aromatic qualities, combined with an elegant and harmonious personality. A complex wine with pleasant raisined nuances and a lengthy, lingering finish. This wine has an aging potential of 8-10 years. “This sleek, polished red offers juicy blackberry and black fruit flavors, backed by refined tannins and well-integrated acidity. Hard to stop sipping. Corvina Veronese, Rondinella and Sangiovese. Drink now through 2020. 26,000 cases imported.” – Wine Spectator.
Catena Malbec from Argentina ($25.99) – Wine Spectator top 100 #58! WS 91pts! The 2009 Catena Malbec presents a dark, violet color with deep black tones. This microclimate blend of four unique vineyard sites offers intense aromas with a soft generous texture and concentrated flavors. Angelica vineyard lends ripe plum and chocolate flavors with a very soft, supple mouthfeel. Altamira vineyard brings a core of black currant and cassis, with excellent structure and length. La Piramide vineyard offers blackberry fruit with a slight earthy tone and notes of spicy black pepper. Finally, the Adrianna vineyard lends exceptional concentration with explosive floral aromatics. Together they give birth to a complex blend of aromas and flavors – a wine with excellent concentration, balance and freshness. “A rich red, with ripe layers of linner torte, plum pudding and fig paste flavors backed by notes of mesquite, olive paste and grilled herbs. Grippy tannins add weight to the long, vibrant finish. Drink now through 2013. 75,000 cases imported.” – Wine Spectator.
Stop in and enjoy a taste!
Single Barrel Select Bourbon!
Yes, Kentucky Straight Bourbon! One of my distributors purchased a full barrel of Buffalo Trace Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey. He had three bottles left and offered them to me. I have been considering bringing in some higher quality spirits and thought this would be a great way to try it out! I am no expert on Bourbon, but I have been assured that this is a great single barrel bourbon. I only have three bottles and won’t be able to get any more, so if you like bourbon don’t wait too long! The bottles are $27.99 each.
Wine and Food Paring
Tuesday’s wine and food paring is now full. We still have a reservations left for Wednesday, March 28th but I expect that to fill up soon too. If you would like to attend, don’t wait much longer! We start at 7:00 pm on both nights. Chef Bryan Scott has put together a fantastic menu and we have some great wines to pair with it! The cost is $45 per person and space is still limited. Your reservation will be confirmed with your payment. Here is another look at the menu!
FIRST COURSE
DECONSTRUCTED ROASTED GARLIC TOMATO AND
KALAMATA OLIVE BRUCHETTA
w/ Bran Caia Chianti Classico
2007 Sangiovese
RP 90 pts.
SECOND COURSE
LOBSTER BISQUE
Creamy Lobster Bisque Flavored with Dry Sherry
w/ Neyers Carneros District
2009 Chardonnay
WS 92 pts.
THIRD COURSE
SOUS VIDE LEG OF CHICKEN
Slow Simmered and Herb Infused Served with Israeli Cous Cous
w/ Ferrari-Carano
2011 Pinot Grigio
INTER MEZZO
FRESH MELON WATER
FOURTH COURSE
SURF AND TURF
Ancho Rubbed Grass Fed NY Strip Steak and
Agava Chipotle Glazed Salmon
with a Carrot Puree
w/ Ghost Block Estate
2008 Cabernet Sauvignon
W&S 91 pts.
FIFTH COURSE
LEMONCHELLO AND PRAIA VINO VERDE POPSICLES
Southern Starz Tasting Wednesday, April 4th!
Don Clemens from Southern Starz will be in the shop for a very special tasting! We have 8 great wines picked out to taste! More info on the wines soon!
Southern Starz specializes in representing wineries from south of the Equator. The very experienced management team has selected some of the finest producers from South Africa, Australia, New Zealand and Argentina.
Don Clemens is currently the Midwest Regional Manager for Southern Starz. Don’s career in the wine business has included retail and restaurant management, wholesale distribution, regional sales and even winery sales management. His love of wine has led him through many challenging and rewarding opportunities, including a stint as sommelier at one of Chicago’s leading restaurants (where his wine list won a Wine Spectator “Grand Award”). Don is a Certified Wine Educator and Certified Specialist in Wine and in Spirits with the Society of Wine Educators, he is frequently called upon to talk about his favorite subject, WINE.
This will be a great event you will not want to miss! Mark your calendars for April 4th!
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