Wine Tasting 1-4pm Saturday, Oct 29

Your host is Philippe Newlin of Vintus Wines. Pictured today are two of the Pollack family. Saul Pollack who owns the store got a visit from his son and daughter today, David, tasting wine and Kira to his right are enjoying the days selections. How about that snow out there? Haven't even raked my leaves and we're getting snow! not good.

Wines of Errazuriz:

Wild Ferment Chardonnay 2010 $16.99
A light yellow colour with greenish tints, our Chardonnay Wild Ferment 2010 has an expressive nose with subtle notes of toast from the barrel aging combined with mineral tones and expressive tropical fruit aromas. The palate features a lively acidity that balances the wine’s creamy extravagant texture from the malolactic fermentation, and a prolonged and persistent finish.


Single Vineyard Sauvignon Blanc 2010 $13.99
A bright straw-yellow colour with greenish tints. With a great elegance, this wine displays fresh fruit notes with subtle tones of passion fruit intermingling with notes of green chili, tomato leaf and fresh-cut herbs that give it a great typicity. The palate is crisp and minerally, with citrus and herbal notes. A very elegant and balanced wine with a small portion barrel-fermented to lend a slight creaminess that complements the vibrant acidity of this Sauvignon Blanc.


Single Vineyard Carmenere 2009 $16.99
Deep purplish ruby-red in colour, our Carmenère Single Vineyard opens with aromas of sweet spice and chocolate that lead the way to black fruits that meld with the variety’s characteristic black pepper notes. Exuberant and intense flavours reveal excellent typicity on the palate with a touch of roasted red pepper, soy sauce, cinnamon, and blackberries complemented by a touch of tobacco and pencil lead. The palate displays very sweet, soft, and ripe tannins with firm acidity that refreshes and guarantees a long life in the bottle.


Late Harvest 2010 $16.99
A Late Harvest with a beautiful bright golden yellow colour and a lively style. Citrus notes stand out on the nose along with fruit such as apricots and papaya, elegant oral notes and ginger-like tones. Smooth textured on the palate with an impressive creaminess that balances the crispness from its lively acidity with the sweetness typical of this style of wine. With its excellent persistence and pleasing acidity, this wine promises a lengthy cellaring potential.

Beer Tasting 4 - 7pm Friday, Oct 28

Your host is Brendan McLane of Oskar Blues Brewery. Brendan brought by some giveaways so come on by and taste through todays lineup.








Dale’s Pale Ale $10.49/6pc
Brewed with hefty amounts of European malts and four kinds of American hops, it delivers a blast of hop aromas, a rich middle of malt and hops, and a thrilling finish. It weighs in at 6.5 % alcohol by volume. Why squeeze such a big brew into a little can? Because we think fun in the great outdoors calls for great beer. Our cans go where bottled beers can't, where flavorless canned beers don't belong. And no matter where you drink Dale's Pale Ale, our can protect it from light and oxidation far better than bottles do.

Mama’s Little Yella Pils $10.49/6pc
Our first lager produced with the 20 bbl brewhouse. This pilsner is a clear golden color. Four additions of Saaz hops lend a spicy-floral hop component.

Old Chub $10.49/6pc
Old Chub is a Scottish style ale brewed with copious amounts of crystal and chocolate malts, and a dash of beechwood-smoked malts. While Dale's Pale Ale ("the best-tasting canned beer I've ever had," according to many brewers and beer experts) is a showcase of both hops and pale malts, Old Chub is a celebration of malts. The cola-colored beer features a dense, tawny head, a creamy mouthful and flavors of caramel, chocolate and lightly roasted malt. Complex and rich, it finishes with a whisper of smokiness that calls to mind a fine single malt scotch. Old Chub weighs in at 8 % alcohol by volume

Wine Tasting 12-3pm then 3:30-7pm Saturday, Oct 27

Your hosts are Francois Thienpont and Jones Winery.
So as we get started today we have Francois (pictured) along with Alain Blanchon (not pictured) showing some french selections on this beautiful fall day. Later we will have local winery, Jones Family winery with some terrific local flavors. Lots going on at the store as we celebrate 70yrs. Thanks to all of our fiends for stopping in to see us these past few weeks and we look forward to continuing the celebration for the next week or so. Check last nights post from the beer tasting for your chance to win an adirondack chair by saying something fun or nice.

Saturday 2 Special Tastings

Special Saturday Tasting 12-3pm With Owner Francois Thienpont

From the family of the famous
Chateau Le Pin and Chateau Vieux Certan of Pomerol.
His Terrabordigaia wines and the
Gravette de Certan 2006 www.terraburdigaia.com

Special Saturday Tasting 3:30 – 7pm with Jones Winery

Only 15 minutes from Fairfield
Voted Best Winery in Connecticut
2010 and 2011 by Connecticut Magazine
http://www.jonesfamilyfarms.com/

Pinot Gris 2010
Woodland White N.V.
Harvest Time N.V.
Raspberry Rhapsody

This time in the picture we have the entire wine staff along with Saul (owner) and Jim Jannson who used to work here and brought with him a magnum of Bollinger to toast Saul on his success through the years. Interesting side note... Jim is an artist in his own right and has two pieces of his work in the store, Do you know where they are?
*hint- one is a painting and the other is a drawing he did. They are always visible to the public :) good luck

Beer Tasting 4 - 7pm Friday, Oct 21

Your host is Brian of Saranac. Pictured with Brian are staff members Janice and Christelle celebrating our 70th anniversary with a beer tasting break.
Ok so here is what we have on deck today,
This is only for our Facebook friends and the followers of our blog. Brian brought with him today an authentic Adirondack chair (picture below) for us to give away on the anniversary weekend so here is how it works. Go to our facebook page "Harrys Wine" (for those of you that came here a different way)and reply to our post that includes this tasting. and finish this thought...

My favorite thing about Harry's is...

Be creative, have fun and we'll pick the best reply. Thanks to all of you that support us and make our store what it is.



Beers of Winter $14.49/12pb
You are sure to be a hit with this years Saranac 12 Beers of Winter™. Everyone’s favorite winter variety package is back for another successful season. Where else can you get six award winning beers in one great holiday package? Enjoy one at home, with your friends or give it as a gift! Whatever you decide, you won't be disappointed!

PACKAGE INCLUDES:
Saranac Vanilla Stout-NEW!
Saranac India Brown Ale-NEW!
Saranac Bohemian Pilsener-NEW!
Saranac Extra Special Bitter
Saranac Season's Best
Saranac Belgian Ale

Lake Placid Camp Collection $18.99/12pb
Since we have always had a special relationship with the Adirondacks, when the opportunity came to work with the Lake Placid Craft Brewing Company it was a natural connection. Through our agreement, we will be working together to create a win/win situation for beer lovers everywhere!

Imperial IPA $9.59/6pb
The First in our series, Saranac Imperial IPA, is brewed with ten different malts and ten different hops to make a delectably flavored and complex Imperial IPA. AT 85 IBU’s and 8.5% alc/vol This is a beer that is truly meant to be savored.

Continuing the anniversary celebration with a great complimentary tasting

Pictured is Mike Tobin from Worldwide Wines with David Newman a good friend to Harry's

. You might recognize Mike from his days working here at Harry's in the wine room. When we asked him to come by and help us celebrate 70 years he said "sure"! Then he volunteered to show some of the best wines available in the market today, To top it off todays prices are the best allowed by law so come down and help us celebrate!




Here is the line-up:

Olivier Leflaive Chassagne Montrachet 2009         Reg $59.99     Sale     $49.99

A slight hint of sulfur mildly lessens the appeal of the fresh white peach, resin and faintly earthy nose that gives way to voluminous, punchy and delicious middle weight flavors that possess good weight and depth on the moderately long finish.  Burghound

Louis Roederer Cristal 2004                                     Reg $230.99   Sale $199.99

The 2004 Brut Cristal has put on quite a bit of weight since I first tasted it earlier this year. It is a powerful, structured Cristal layered with considerable fruit. Chardonnay seems to play the leading role in 2004, at least today. Cristal is often accessible young, but that is far from the case here. This is a serious, painfully young Cristal that will require considerable patience. Readers who are willing to spend some time with the wine today will find a super-impressive, complete Cristal. The 2004 Cristal is 60% Pinot Noir and 40% Chardonnay. This is Lot L033331E100008, disgorged January, 2010. Anticipated maturity: 2014-2034.  Wine Advocate, 97 pts

Beaucastel Chateauneuf du Pape 2006                   Reg  $89.99    Sale $69.99

Powerful, with a round, almost creamy core of blackberry and raspberry fruit all layered with cocoa, sweet toast, mesquite and fig paste. Long and rich through the finish. Still quite primal, with lots in reserve. Best from 2010 through 2030.  Wine Spectator, 95 pt


Are you still reading this? Come down and try the wines, they're brilliant and this type of opportunity doesn't happen every day!

Wine Tasting 1-4pm Saturday, Oct 15

Your host is Marian Cherrone of Slocum and Sons. Tasting with her is Jim Jansson who is a former employee of Harry's and the artist of several pieces on display around the store. Next Saturday Jim will be representing a local wine producer, Jones Farm Winery, and pouring several of their fine selections from 4-7pm. So come on down and taste some delicious wines today!

Mionetto Sergio Prosecco N.V. $15.99
Here’s a refreshing and luminous sparkler with easy aromas of citrus, peach and white mineral. This Prosecco would match perfectly with finger foods and fried calamari thanks to the wine’s floral flavors and crisp acidity.

Von Schlinitz Weissenberg Kabinett Riesling 2008 $14.99
This wine is elegant and well-integrated. Peach, nectarine and grapefruit flavors hold court with the essence of mineral. On the finish are hints of spice and honey.

Talbott Logan Pinot Noir 2009 $24.99
Crafted using carefully selected all estate grown grapes from Sleepy Hollow Vineyard, this wine combines fruit from both mature vines and youthful elite Pommard and Dijon clone vines, to create a lush medium bodied Pinot Noir with flavors of ripe cherry and blueberry.

Badia Coltibuono Chianti 2009 $16.99
Intense bright ruby red, cherry and blackberry nose with cinnamon and clove nuances. Full and well-balanced, soft but tasty, with good structure. Pleasant acidity, clean and persistent aftertaste.

Beer Tasting 4 - 7pm Friday, Oct 14

Your host is Jared of Harpoon, With Jared today is our own Renzo Kian and a good Harry's customer and suds appreciator, Dan Carlucci, you might recognize him from his band String fingers. They are a good Folk/Americana band out of Easton, more on them here and if you sit and listen for a minute that is them playing in the background.

On another note... Renzo just finished nailing down the beer dinner that we are doing with Barcelona. Scroll down for some specifics-


Tonights line-up:

Harpoon Docesna Czech Hop $5.59/22ozBeer has inspired traditions and celebrations across the world. As brewers, there is one festival in particular that has intrigued us because it is devoted to a single beer ingredient: hops. The Doèesná hop festival celebrates the harvest of hops, grown in the area surrounding the Bohemian city of Zatec. The area has a long history as one of the world’s eminent hop growing regions. This is commemorated annually with music, dancing, hop-picking competitions, and beer drinking. An inspiration indeed for brewing a beer! This deep chestnut colored ale uses Sládek hops imported from the Zatec region. The Sladek hops provide a clean, slightly bitter but smooth finish. With a medium body, it is well balanced beer. A great choice for celebrations.

Leviathan IPA $10.29/4pbOur Imperial IPA is loaded with big, juicy American hop character and balanced by a strong, malty backbone. A massive hop profile dominates.

Leviathan Triticus $10.29/4pbOne of the special barrel-aged versions, aged in Buffalo Trace straight bourbon whiskey barrels. A strong and dark wheat wine style ale. Brewed with 50 percent malt and 50 percent wheat; including German chocolate and caramel wheat and Munich malt; spiced with four hop varities (57 IBU), and fermented clean with the Chico yeast strain

The beer dinner presented by Harry's Wine & Liquor, along with Bacelona Restaurant and features Berkshire brewing will take place on Monday November 7th at 7:00pm. The cost will be $42 per person + tax and tip. That includes 5 courses paired with 5 different beers! Stop by and talk to Renzo about the specifics of the pairings and get a copy of the menu for the evening, it looks great.

Click on the Play button to listen.

WINE DINNER: Cote du Rhone Ferraton Wine Dinner

Harry’s Wine & Liquor Market,
Brasserie Restaurant & Ferraton Pere & Fils Present:
Cote du Rhone Ferraton Wine Dinner
Tuesday, October 18 – 7PM
$65 plus tax and tip


Entrance Wine
Cote du Rhone “Samorens” Blanc 2009


Pâté de Campagne et sa Salade verte
Country Pate with Green’s
Cote du Rhone “Samorens” Rouge 2009
Crozes Hermitage “La matiniere” Rouge 2007


Filet de Truite Sautée, Sauce Meunière
Sautéed filet of Trout served with Meuniere Sauce
Crozes Hermitage “La Matiniere” Blanc 2008


Filet de Bœuf Grillé, Sauce aux Champignons Sauvage
Grilled Filet Mignon served with Wild Mushroom Sauce
St. Joseph “La Source” Rouge 2007
Chateauneuf du Pape “La Parvis” Rouge 2006


Assiette de Fromage des Regions du Centre
Cheese Plate from Center of France
Condrieu “Les Mandouls” Blanc 2008
Hermitage “Les Miaux” Rouge 2006


Tarte aux Pommes Chaude, Sauce Caramel et Glace a la Vanille
Warm Apple Tart with Vanilla Ice Cream and Caramel Sauce
Café, Espresso or Cappuccino


For reservations please contact:
Brasserie Restaurant
52 Sanford Street, Fairfield
(203) 254-8094 thebrasseriect@hotmail.com
http://www.thebrasseriect.com/

For wine info please contact:
Harry’s Wine & Liquor Market
2094 Post Road, Fairfield
Phone: (203) 259-4692
harrys@snet.net
http://www.harryswine.com/

Cult Wine - Pleiades XX

The mention of highly allocated cult wines usually makes you think of labels such as Harlan Estates or Screaming Eagle which fetch several hundreds of dollars for a single bottle. At a much more affordable level is the wine named Pleiades from the mysterious winemaker Sean Thackery of California.

Pleiades is a truly unique blend that starts you guessing from the moment you begin to pour it from the bottle. The inclusion of white grape varietals is immediately apparent, the wine is highly translucent with a pinkish hue. Thackery does not disclose the exact percentages of grapes used in the blend, although usual suspects in the blend are pinot noir, sangiovese, mouvedre, syrah, and viognier. The presence of viognier is evident based on the floral nature of the nose of Pleiades. On the palate this wine shows ripe cherry and cooked strawberry flavors accented with subtle hints of baking spice. Unlike a hastily assembled blend this wine shows interesting layers of flavor which are very well integrated.

Over the couple of hour which I spent drinking this wine, new flavors kept presenting themselves. I think of Pleiades as more of an appertif or a casual "drinking" wine as opposed to a food wine. It lacks some structure and acidity which would allow you to pair it with food. It's definitely worth trying. It won't last too long so grab a bottle sooner than later and enjoy!

- Greg

A Vintage to Never Forget!

As many of you may know, 2007 was a great vintage overall for California. The harvest season in California started earlier than expected due to a mild winter, below average rainfall and a dry spring, leading to an early bud break. A unique fact was that the grape size was smaller than vintages in the past which enhances greater skin to juice ratio and improves quality. Most of the white wine grapes such as Sauvignon Blanc and Chardonnay were picked before October but the thicker skinned grapes such as Cabernet Sauvignon were allowed to stay on the vines until the end of October. This allowed the grapes to become more mature and develop more intense flavors.
We here at Harry's have grown fond of many of the Cabs from the 2007 vintage. With their luscious fruit and mild tannins, the 2007 vintages has not disappointed. A few of my personal favorites from 07 are:

Schug Cab- Schug Cabernet consists of 90% Cabernet Sauvignon, 5% Merlot, 4% Cabernet Franc and 1% Malbec. This wine incorporates the classic Bordeaux style with bright flavors of cherry and berry with lively acidity. It produces very fine tannins with a touch of spice. This wine is perfect for grilled meats and hearty stews. $23.99

Far Niete Cab- This by far has to be one of the finest Cabs that I have ever tasted. This Cab offers intense aromas of blackberry, boysenberry and licorice. It has perfect ripe tannins and a full body that leads to a long lasting finish that will have you coming back for more. Drink now through 2025. $99.99

Waterstone Cab- A new arrival for us, the Watersone Cab 2007 is finally here! Waterstone's trademark integrates strong and well balance structure as well as plush ripe fruit. Hints of currants, berries and even chocolate can be seen on the palate. Even if you are not a fan of American Cabs, give this one a try. You won't be disappointed. $27.99

Chris OB

Wine Tasting 1-4pm Saturday, Oct 8

Your host is Sara Vigneault Ryan of Cape Classics. Pictured with Sara today is Ron Lanzo. Ron is a good customer of Harry's, He has open mind when it comes to tasting wine and has a ver engaging personality. With his easy style and big smile Ron is fun to have around. The fact that he knows wine and enjoys talking with us is a bonus. Thanks for coming by today Ron and thanks for the friendship you show to all of us!

Excelsior Cabernet Sauvignon 2009 $7.99
Bright dark red. Currant, blackberry and licorice aromas show a candied quality and a touch of reduction. Good intensity and harmonious acidity to the dark berry flavors. Hints of menthol and mint on the finish. Tanzer, 87 pts

Excelsior Chardonnay 2010 $7.99
Pale yellow. Citrus peel on the nose. Sweet and juicy, with ripe acidity framing the citrus and nectarine flavors. Boasts good intensity and varietal character. Finishes with hints of pineapple and crystallized lemon peel. Tanzer, 87 pts

Indaba Merlot 2010 $7.99
Crafted in a fresh, clean style, this velvety Merlot offers enticing aromas and bright, juicy flavors of cherry, dark berry and plum backed by subtle mocha and herbal nuances and a delicate minerality.

Indaba Chenin Blanc 2010 $7.99
Pale yellow. Pure aromas of apple, nectarine and flowers. Juicy, floral and fresh, with good cut and intensity for the gentle price. Ripe but nicely dry chenin blanc with a hint of citrus zest on the finish. Tanzer, 87 pts

*****************Don't forget*******************

We have a second tasting today as part of our annivesary celebration! Beginning at 5pm we will be tasting Ardbeg's 10 year single malt scotch and showing off the Ardbeg custom OCC chopper, a very good looking bike! Lastly, we were also able to get our hands on three bottles of the Ardbeg Alligator, a limited Bottling from Ardbeg (info here) $99.99 while it lasts.

Beer Tasting 4 - 7pm Friday, Oct 7

Your host will be Dennis of Stone Brewing Company. Chris is stepping to the plate for the first 1/2 hour or so to fill in and standing with him is Joe lavenziana (had to have him spell it for me) Who seemed to like the beers we are offering this evening and who I promised to make a minor celebrity via our blog. I can tell you this... While Joe may have enjoyed the beers the names of them do not describe him at all. Joe came across to me at least as a very nice guy. Cheers Joe! Thanks for letting us put you up on the blog.


Arrogant Bastard Ale $4.99/22oz
This is an aggressive ale. You probably won’t like it. It is quite doubtful that you have the taste or sophistication to be able to appreciate an ale of this quality and depth. We would suggest that you stick to safer and more familiar territory–maybe something with a multi-million dollar ad campaign aimed at convincing you it’s made in a little brewery, or one that implies that their tasteless fizzy yellow beverage will give you more sex appeal. Perhaps you think multi-million dollar ad campaigns make things taste better. Perhaps you’re mouthing your words as you read this.

Sublimely Self Righteous $6.99/22oz
We're brewers whose substantial mettle and idiomatic approach to brewing allows us to consistently create works of art such as this justifiably self-righteous ale. Its bitterness hits our sweet spot. Its blackness lightens our hearts. Its liquid dichotomy pulls it all together in this sublimely sacrosanct ale. Yes, we damn well know our stuff here at Stone, and it would be irresponsible of us not to acknowledge how remarkable this heavenly creation of ours is. Thus the name we are compelled to give it --- Stone Sublimely Self-Righteous Ale --- serves as a reminder of just how good we are, in both liquid and verbal form.

Smoked Porter IPA $4.99/22oz
So you think you don't like dark beer? Prepare to believe. This is no ordinary porter. And if you are already among the enlightened who appreciate a fine ebony-hued ale, we think you will find Stone Smoked Porter to be a poignant addition to your repertoire. This beer pours a gorgeous deep mahogany crowned by a creamy head. Dark, smooth and complex, with rich chocolate and coffee flavors balanced by a subtle smokiness, this brew is equally delicious with meats or fine chocolates.

Montalcino comes to Fairfield DinnerTuesday, October 11 – 6:30PM

Harry’s Wine & Liquor Market,
55o Restaurant & Vias Imports Present:
Montalcino Comes to Fairfield
Guest Host Michael Petrizzo, Regional Manager Vias Imports
Tuesday, October 11 – 6:30PM
$79 plus tax and tip

6:30 to 7:30
Pre-Dinner Tasting & Hors D’Oeuvres Hour
Terradora di Paolo Greco di Tufo 2010
Broglia Gavi di Gavi 2010
Rocca di Frassinello le Sughere 2008
Rampolla Chianti Classico 2008
Damilano Cannubi Barolo 2006


Roasted black trumpet mushrooms, truffle pecorino, slow cooked beets
Argiano Rosso di Montalcino 2008

Wild white shrimp, butternut squash panzoti, hazelnut brown butter
Camiglilano Rosso di Montalcino 2009

Grilled halibut, braised Tuscan kale, crumbled pancetta,
rosemary-white bean puree
Fossacolle Brunello di Montalcino 2006

Slow roasted veal loin, broccoli puree, crispy potato, chestnut,
brunello demi-glace
Argiano Brunello di Montalcino 2006

Five Italian chesses, toasted walnuts, quince, chocolate
La Poderina Brunello di Montalcino 2006


For reservations please contact:
55o Restaurant
55 Miller St, Fairfield
Phone: (203) 256-0099
info@55winebar.com
http://www.55winebar.com/

For wine info please contact:
Harry’s Wine & Liquor Market
2094 Post Road, Fairfield
Phone: (203) 259-4692
harrys@snet.net
www.harryswine.com

Harry's is celebrating our 70th year!

Harry's Wine and Liquor opened its doors in October of 1941. There is a bit of debate about what the actual first day of business was so we are using the entire month of October to have some fun with it and to include some special events. Each Tuesday this month we are doing a special dinner with a local restaurant where we pair great wines with equally great food. Be on the lookout for notifications over the coming days and weeks or go to our website for information on the events page so you can join in on the festivities.

This Saturday, October 8th we will have our standard wine tasting from 1pm-4pm. Then, from 5pm-7pm the folks from Ardeg distillery to taste their 10 year old single malt scotch and to show off their custom chopper designed and built by Orange County Choppers ( chopper pictured top left). They'll be showing it off both their scotch and their bike and talking about both to all interested parties. They've promised to drop off a box of giveaways too. So come down and taste a great scotch, see a beautiful motorcycle and say congratulations on 70 years!