Ghost Pines Cabernet is Ghostly Good

We brought the 2008 Ghost Pines Cabernet Sauvignon into the store a few weeks ago and it has quickly become a customer favorite. This Cab’s bold, dark fruit flavors are balanced by its lush texture while aromas of cedar and tobacco are complemented by firm, lively tannins. The wine comes full circle with subtle flavors or chocolate and black cherry. This user friendly Cabernet pairs well with a wide variety of dishes. Try serving it alongside a veal espagnole with rice and mushrooms or grilled lamb chops seasoned with crushed black pepper.

Beer Review: Rogue's Dead Guy Ale

BeerAdvocate gave this beer an A- rating, stating Dead Guy Ale is “An all around prize ale”. We could not agree more with the "Bros" from BeerAdvocate! Rogue’s Dead Guy is a deep honey color with malty aromas. It is a smooth and medium bodied ale made from a blend of four malts and two styles of hops. It has a rich hearty flavor profile that is balanced by a slight hint of sweetness on the finish. It is available in 22 oz bombers and 64 ounce growlers. Our staff cannot get enough of this delicious brew!

Spirit Review: Crystal Head Vodka

What initially draws attention to this product is the packaging... who wouldn’t be enticed by a beautifully crafted glass skull? My initial thoughts were not about the liquid inside, rather, how awesome it would look on my desk. I bought a bottle within hours of their arrival at the store.

As I inspected the packaging further I noticed its box boasts Crystal Head Vodka is quadruple distilled then triple filtered through Herkimer Diamonds. When I read this I couldn’t help but do a double take. I thought to myself, “Diamonds?!” Within minutes I was online reading about distillation processes and the mysterious Herkimer Diamond. What exactly did I discover, you ask? I’ll spare you the drawn out geological details and get to right the interesting stuff. Herkimer Diamonds are quartz formations that are claimed to emit positive energy. Crystal Head’s website does not have any scientific evidence that Herkimer Diamonds boost human energy levels, however, taste tests show consumers prefer vodka filtered through Herkimer Diamonds over un-filtered vodka. After exploring Crystal Head's website I also learned the vodka is non-enhanced; it is free of additives such as sugar, glycerine and citrus oils.

After finishing my research it was time for a taste. As I mentally prepared myself for the daunting task of sipping straight vodka. I thought happy thoughts and tipped my glass. It was surprisingly smooth, light bodied and dare I say, quite tasty as well. Crystal Head is a great vodka, and even though it tends to be more expensive than the average vodka, it is worth every penny. For a limited time we are offering Crystal Head in a set that includes one 750mL bottle and two skull shaped glasses.

October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month

The month of October is nationally recognized as Breast Cancer Awareness Month. It is dedicated to increasing public knowledge about the importance of early detection of breast cancer. There are an increasing number of wineries going the extra mile to raise awareness and funds for the cause.

Cline Cellars released their 2008 Cashmere in support of Breast Cancer Awareness. The wine is a luscious bodied blend of Syrah, Grenache and Mourvérde. These three grapes come together to create a decadent flavor profile. This wine is smooth, presenting flavors of cherries, raspberries and hints of cracked pepper on the palate. It has a long, smooth finish with earthy undertones. Cline Cellars is a proud sponsor of the Breast Cancer Network of Strength. This year they are hosting "Ride to Empower", a 100 mile bike ride to raise money to donate to the Breast Cancer Network of Strength. Last year they raised over $23,000 in support of Breast Cancer Awareness.

Nautique, owned by Paconic Bay Wines, released a Rosé this summer to support Breast Cancer Awareness. This wine is a beautiful, rosy pink color. An unmistakable pink ribbon is tied around the neck of the bottle letting the consumer know part of the proceeds from the purchase are donated to the National Breast Cancer Foundation. This particular rosé is a fantastic blend of Cabernet Sauvignon, Riesling and Merlot. The diverse grape profile makes it a perfect match for just about any type of food. Its firm acidity is balanced by a supple tannin structure.

The efforts of these wineries are certainly commendable and they are producing fabulous wines for a great cause. Do your part, pick up a bottle today and toast a loved one!

Cheers to Chilé

All 33 of the Chilean mine workers who were trapped for 69 days have been rescued from what could perhaps be considered one of the worst mine disasters in history. The miners were trapped back in August a half mile below the Earth's surface. This rescue is truly an amazing example of human ingenuity and perseverance.

With Chile in the global spot light this week is as good as any to try some of our fantastic Chilean wines. Chile offers up some wonderful wines at exceptional values. One of my personal favorites is the 2008 Ritual Pinot Noir. On sale for $15.99, Ritual’s palate is soft and elegant with aromas of black cherries, raspberries and plum. Black currant and blueberry notes are followed by supple tannins and lead to a soft, luxurious finish. This wine would pair well alongside braised beef with mushrooms served with sweet vegetables or smoked sausage with caramelized onions and bell peppers.

A few of our other favorite Chilean wines include:

2008 Veranda Pinot Noir
90 Points - Stephen Tanzer's I.W.C.
"Bright red. Red berries, rose, minerals and underbrush on the nose. Light-bodied raspberry and bitter cherry flavors are nicely concentrated and sappy, with bracing minerality adding spine. The finish is gently sweet and refreshingly brisk, and repeats the mineral and floral notes. A graceful, low-fat style of pinot that nods more toward the Old World than New in texture, weight and flavors. Burgundy winemaker Pascal Marchand is deeply involved in this project." ~(ST)
Reg. $17.99
On Sale: $15.99

2009 Terra Noble Sauvignon Blanc
88 Points - Stephen Tanzer's I.W.C.
"Pale, bright yellow. Pungently spicy aromas of pink grapefruit, pear, sea spray and spicy herbs. Juicy, penetrating and brisk, with very good density of citrus fruits framed by bracing minerality. Finishes with orange zest and grapefruit notes and a lingering white pepper element." ~(ST)
Reg. $12.99
On Sale: $11.99

2007 Vina Santa Rita Cabernet Sauvignon Medalla Real Reserva Especial
88 Points - Stephen Tanzer's I.W.C.
"Inky ruby. Dark berry and cherry-cola aromas are complemented by licorice and a hint of bonfire. Juicy cassis and cherry flavors are firmed by dusty tannins, which gain strength with air. There's plenty of fruit here but I'd have liked more give. The finish is firm and focused, leaving bitter cherry and tobacco notes behind." ~(ST)
Our Price: $17.99
* mixed case price: $16.19/bottle

Bogle Phantom is Phenomenal

Just in time for Halloween Bogle’s Phantom is back and spook-tacular! The 2007 Phantom is a blend of three unique varietals; approximately 53% Petite Syrah, 44% Zinfandel and 3% Mourvérde. The wine is ruby-red in color and full of flavor. Dark berries and red fruit haunt the palate while the scent of black pepper and juniper present themselves on the nose. This full-bodied beauty finishes strong with hints of cinnamon and nutmeg.

Phantom is best paired with brains and/or muscle tissue. Just kidding! (...unless you’re into that kind of stuff.) Phantom is an ideal match for hearty meals of grilled beef, chicken or sausage. And is a perfect addition to a Halloween party or zombie movie marathon... Cheers!

Wine Review: J-E-T-S JETS! WINE! What?

An unlikely pairing has come together to surprise us all. The New York Jets have teamed up with winemaker Marco DiGiulio to create a limited edition Cabernet Sauvignon to commemorate the opening of their new stadium. The wine is appropriately named “Jets Uncorked” and if you think this wine tastes like a locker room smells, you are terribly mistaken. This 2008 Napa Cabernet Sauvignon is made in a classic cab style offering up pure, ripe flavors of red cherries and dark berries. The supple tannins are beautifully complemented by a long spicy finish. This wine is absolutely irresistible and is a touchdown in my book. Whether you pop the cork now or decide to wait until the Jets win the Super Bowl I highly recommend you try a bottle!