May 2011 Newsletter

MAY TASTINGS

ALL in our store on Grove Ave. from 5:30 to 7:30 pm

WEDNESDAY,  May 11th
5:30 - 7:30pm
Wine maker Nicolas Ricome
and the Rhone wines of Chateau de ValcombeDiscounts will be offered on all wines tasted.

FRIDAY MAY, 20th,  5:30-7:30pm at our store on Grove Ave.
Washington State Wines with Winemaker Christian Sparkman
of SPARKMAN CELLARS
Discounts will be offered on all wines tasted.

MAY BEER TASTINGS
We’re offering all of our beers now as individual bottles or in 6-packs (or 4-packs, depending on the item), and extending a 15% discount on a mix-and-match six-pack of beer. We’re also hosting regular FRIDAY Beer tastings from 5:30-7:30pm so you can taste before you buy. MAY TASTINGS: FRIDAY 5/6 & 5/27

MAY SHORT SIPS” CLASS – “Sparkling Wine ”

We’ll talk about different styles and taste a variety of sparkling wines including Champagne.

A FREE one hour educational program, limited to eight people and held in our fine wine room. We do two identical classes on FRI. & SAT., May 13th and 14th,  5:30 to 6:30pm ––Availability is on a first come first serve basis so call or e-mail early to reserve space. (A great idea for your group as a prelude to dinner.)

NEW ARRIVALS

2009 PALERMO - From Orin Swift A Cabernet from David Phinney made with juice from Howell Mountain, Oakville, Rutherford, Saint Helena, and Spring Mountain. Limited quantities.  $29.95
2008 Anderson’s Conn Valley Estate Reserve Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon -  “One of the few wineries to make a 2008 Cabernet Sauvignon Reserve that eclipsed its 2007 counterpart is Anderson’s Conn Valley. A spectacular effort that is as black as a moonless night, this full-bodied wine boasts abundant aromas of creme de cassis, camphor and subtle oak presented in a voluptuously textured, full-bodied style with terrific richness and depth. Great intensity and opulence as well as a layered mouthfeel make for a remarkable wine that should age for 20-30+ years.” (WA #192) $79.95

ROSÉ

New rose wines are arriving daily and next month we’ll hold our annual Rosé-a-palooza tasting; in the meantime here are a few to try.
2010 Domaine Du Bagnol, Cassis, Rosé – From one of the prettiest areas in Provence this very small production Grenache, Cinsault Mourvedre blend has some similarities to its more expensive cousins from Bandol. You’ll get ripe strawberries on the nose, good weight on the palate and a minerally bone dry finish. $27.95
2010 Ameztoi Rubentis Txakolina - 50% (Hondarribi Beltza and 50% Hondarribi Zuri) – A wine you can’t pronounce nade from grapes you have never heard of, this rose from Spain’s Basque region is light and crisp with ripe fruit notes and is ever so slightly carbonated making it a refreshing beach or river rose.  $19.95
2010 Muga Rosado Rioja - 60% Garnacha, 30% Viura and 10% Tempranillo. – Every year this is one of our most popular rose wines and the reason is a combination of the bouquet, the richness in the mouth and the clean crisp finish. It is the definition of a smooth and will pair with everything from chicken salad to burgers. $11.95
2010 Sean Minor “Four Bears” Pinot Noir Rosé, Carneros – There is always something special about Pinot Noir Roses; they seem to have have an ethereal essence. The Sean Minor has a certain plushness and depth; mixed with fruit and earth and a very smooth finish. $17.95
2009 Barren Ridge Rosé Wine, Virginia - This dry Rosé offers a Virginia style blend of Cabernet Franc, Merlot, Touriga and Petit Verdot. With a kiss of strawberry and a crisp finish it is perfect as an aperitif, with tapas, shellfish, smoked salmon or even your Thanksgiving turkey but best of all it’s priced just right at $11.95.

WITH LOVE FROM ITALY

Recently we had two gems from Tuscany, one well known and a bit expensive that was just this side of perfect; the other not so well known, quite a bit less expensive but a delicious gollywhomper none the less.
2006 Isole e Olena Cepparello Tuscany, Italy – “Isole e Olena’s 2006 Cepparello (100% Sangiovese) reveals superb density and richness in a surprisingly medium-bodied style for this vintage. Candied red fruit, flowers, menthol and sweet herbs emerge from the glass with almost liqueur-like sweetness. The wine possesses outstanding balance and a long, sweet finish, with subtle notes of tar, licorice and herbs that make an appearance on the close. This is an elegant Cepparello that combines the ripeness of the vintage in a mid-weight, ethereal style. Anticipated maturity: 2009-2019.” (WA # 184) $72.95
2009 Corte Alla Flora, Rosso De Montepulciano – Ah, here was lip smacking tastiness in a blend of Prugnolo Gentile (close relative of Sangiovese) and Colorino. This wine surprised me with body and rich texture with a pleasant gritty mouth feel and abundant dried clack cherry fruit. A great wine with pasta, lasagna or even grilled lamb and beef. $17.95

MISCELLANY

SATURDAY WINE TASTING
Every Saturday between 1pm and 7pm we will offer wines to taste and enjoy while shopping. Check out our web site, Facebook or Twitter on Friday to find out what we will be opening.

USE YOUR 6 BOTTLE WINE BAGS FROM OTHER STORES AND SAVE 10% (on six bottles)
We want to remind our customers to use wine bags that other stores continue to push on you. Remember they are made from oil and you must use each of those bags 9 times before it equals one paper bag

THREE SISTERS CHEESE STRAWS
The best cheese straw you will ever taste. Baked locally by Peggy Crowley and her sisters and available
exclusively at Emerson’s.  5oz - $9.95, Gift tin - $14.95 and $19.95.
OUR OWN EMERSON LATE BOTTLE VINTAGE PORT TRUFFLES and BARK – $5.95

THE FLOUR GARDEN – The worlds best Baguette*(*in our opinion)
Every Friday and Saturday we receive fresh Baguettes ($2.49) and Foccacia ($1.95) from arguably the best wholesale baker in Richmond. If you want to order several loaves, give us a call on the prior Wednesday.

MONTHLY SPECIALS