Friday, November 30, 2012

Beer Tasting 4 - 7pm Friday, Nov 28



We hav a retro tasting on the offing tonight as Jeff comes in to pour some of your fathers favorites. Funny to see how history repeats itself and we see them making a comeback.


Pabst Blue Ribbon Beer $5.99/6pcan 16 oz.
Better known these days is simply PBR and what a comeback in the past couple years

Ballantine Ale $8.29/6pbtl
We get requests for this one from all over the country.

Lone Star $6.99/6pbtl
Another PBR product out of Texas

McSorely's Pale Ale $8.996pbtl
Have to finish it right when you do a retro tasting and this one fits the bill

Thursday, November 29, 2012

Special Justin Winery Tasting Event Tonight! 4:30-6:30


Are you in the holiday spirit? Lots to do and so little time to do it...

Lots of gift buying to do and oh yeah, I need to get my wine and liquor for the holiday party.

Why not kill two birds with one stone and enjoy some wine at the same time.


We are hosting a special tasting this evening with the wines of Justin winery from 4:30pm-6:30pm

In the line-up:

Justin Isoceles 2009 $49.99
Appearance: Dark ruby in the glass with a violet rim Aroma: An alluring, rich mix of ripe black currants and berries faceted with vanilla, cinnamon and cocoa highlights. Palate: Full bodied and complex with multiple black fruit elements of lush currants, berry, and cherry layered with spice of licorice and vanilla accented with chocolate, roasted coffee bean, and tobacco. The finish is extremely long and complex, showing firm plush tannins that pull the wine’s many elements together making it hard to resist drinking it now, but implying an auspicious long-term cellaring potential.

Justin Cabernet Savignon 2010 $25.99
Appearance: bright with a deep ruby core and violet rim Aroma: Attractive mix of red and black fruit of currants, cherry and blackberry layered with spicy notes of anise, vanilla and with a subtle cedar character from an American oak influence. Palate: Complex with bright fruit of blackcurrant, cherry, and boysenberry mixed with licorice and subtle cedar notes on a long finish along with some mineral and cherry candy notes supported by smooth rounded tannins.

Justin Chardonnay 2011 $19.99
Appearance: Clear, day bright, golden straw Aroma: Lemon, peach, apple with some tropical notes and toasted butterscotch Palate: Crisp, medium intensity, with peach, citrus and green apple flavors on entry and a slightly herbal mid-palate and with subtle toasted French oak highlights on the clean, refreshing finish.

Justin Sauvignon Blanc 2011 $17.99
Appearance: Starbright, with a pale straw color with green highlights Aroma: An alluring mix of lime, grapefruit, green apple, pear, citrus flower and blackcurrant bud Palate: Balanced and clean with lemon-lime and guava on the entry, a mid-palate of white peach and passionfruit, and a touch of minerality and green apple on an amazingly crisp and refreshing finish. A perfect pairing with pear and goat cheese crostini, calamari fritti or on its own.

Saturday, November 24, 2012

Wine Tasting 1-4pm Saturday, Nov 24


Your host will be Christelle Marilhet of Metrowine.
Many of our loyal customers know Christelle very well from our staff. In a good news/bad news senario Christelle has moved on from Harry's (with our whole hearted support)and is now working the other side of the sales counter as she has become our sales rep for Metrowine. She is still on staff for the busier days coming into the holiday and was nice enough to help us when we counted inventory some weeks back. Today she is visiting with us and showing some of the wines from her portfolio. Please stop in and say hello and congratulations on her new adventure.



Casali Maniago Friulano 2011 $13.99
An inviting bouquet with the characteristic aromas of acacia flowers, thyme, chamomile and fragrant fruit.

Vaucher Meursault 2011 $34.99
The wines of Vaucher Pere et Fils can be found in many high-end restaurants. This wine shows the characteristic citrus, vanilla, and spice of a well-made Meursault.

Chateau la Pigotte Terre Feu 2010 $12.99
Cabernet Sauvignon 50% - Merlot 50% -- A deep burgundy color with bold berry and plum flavors and a nice undertone of cloves and cinnamon.

Beau Pere Cellars Petite Sirah 2010 $15.99
Layers upon layers of dark berry fruit are framed by a touch of spice and vanilla undertones. Complex and rich, this extremely limited release wine does not hold back.


Also...

Don't forget that AMEX is in the midst of small business Saturday. Support your small businesses and each time you spend at least $25.00 you will receive a $25.00 AMEX gift card by registering your card.

Tuesday, November 20, 2012

Lots to be thankful for...


As Thanksgiving disappears in the rearview mirror, it reminds all of us to take some time to reflect and consider all of the things that we are fortunate enough to have.

On the surface and in some cases much deeper it feels like the past few weeks have given us in the northeast lots to consider. Hurricane Sandy came through and destroyed many communities and our own towns were among the very hard hit. Many of Harry's friends and neighbors continue to feel the effects of her wrath and our local beaches and the houses that run along them are in many cases in ruins.

Why then am I describing a time when we should be considering our good fortune? Well to start with just think about the strong sense of community there is in Fairfield and the towns surrounding us. The number of stories that have been shared across the counter and on the sales floor with us about family and friends that opened their doors and wallets to help others that weren't as fortunate. Neighbors that gave shelter to someone living near them that had a tree fall on their house or was washed away in the flood, an old friend reaching out and offering their home to someone displaced from the beach community.

There have been plenty of sad stories coming through our doors and conveyed to our staff and some very proud people have been pushed to their breaking point but as the days and weeks go by there is an amazing resiliance that is showing also.

This Thanksgiving was met by a community that is strong in the face of adversity and able and willing to take the challenge. This Thanksgiving we heard about more large get togethers as the celebrations include a few more mouths. People were thankful for their hosts and seemed to be genuinely looking forward to what may just be americas most important holiday. The one were we sit down across the table and literally break bread with our neighbors and those that are important to our lives in one way or another.

It is inspiring that in the worst and most unfortunate situations, when the chips are down and the stress is high, We find a way to dig deep and show the best of what humanity has to offer. Our community is bouncing back and we offer our thanks to all that have helped in one way or another to make this a memorable Thanksgiving in our area.

Now, on we go into the madness of the upcoming season!

We look forward to a great one,

William, Patrick and the Harry's family

Saturday, November 17, 2012

Wine Tasting 1-4pm Saturday, Nov 17

Your host will be Michael Tobin from Worldwide Wines.

Lamberti Rosé Prosecco N.V. $14.99
The Non-vintage Spumante Rose reveals sweet roses, herbs and flowers on a soft, delicate frame, with a fine mousse and lovely balance. Wine Advocate, 88 pts

Marziano Abbona Barbera d’Alba 2010 $24.99
Aromatic, with black cherry, cooked plum, and anise on nose, over notes of smoky wood and minerals. Ripe on the palate with mature blackberry, licorice, and chocolate flavors, and a touch of tar. Balanced, spicy finish to pair with Italian style grilled rib-eye.

Marziano Abbona Dolcetto Dogliani 2011 $29.99
This has intense, fruity aromas of raspberry, and floral notes. In the mouth the wine is ripe and rich, with fresh tannins. The plum, red fruit and pepper flavors have a full, mouth filling character before a persistent, tangy finish.

Masi Bonacosta Valpolicella 2010 $14.99
Intense cherry aromas on the nose, very inviting and attractive combined with hints of violets. Instantly noticeable freshness on the palate, with good supporting acidity and excellent balance marked by soft and silky tannins. The biggest fruit component is cherries sweetened with touches of vanilla. 70% Corvina, 25% Rondinella, 5% Molinara.

Friday, November 16, 2012

Beer Tasting 4 - 7pm Friday, Nov 16







Your host will be the rep from Narragansett.








Narragansett Mix Pack $17.99/12pc

LAGER
Roll out the Barrel: 5.0% Alcohol by Volume and 12 IBUs. A classic American lager and the workhorse of the Gansett stable. Available all year long in bottle, can and on tap! Quality Supreme: We brew our lager with six row malt, seedless hops, corn from Iowa, our lager strain (the same one the brewery has depended on since just after Prohibition), and the purest water from Lakes Ontario and Hemlock. Taste & Enjoy: This beer is brewed just right for drinking¡ªcrisp and refreshing. It¡¯s got more flavor than other premium lagers, yet it¡¯s one of the most drinkable beers in the world. Narragansett has the highest rating of all domestic premium lagers on BeerAdvocate.com, and received the bronze medal for American Lagers at the 2008 World Beer Cup The History: The Lager is old reliable. It was the first beer brewed by ¡°The Original Six¡± back in 1890, the bestselling beer in New England from the 1930s to the 1970s, and the official beer of the Boston Red Sox from 1944-1975.


CREAM
¡®Gansett Cream is our first year-round craft style and is a perfect example of a Pre-Prohibition cream ale ¡ª only slightly hoppier. Available on tap and in 16oz cans, ¡®Gansett Cream delivers that refreshing straight from the barrel taste of days gone by. ¡®Gansett Cream is made with quality ingredients like 2-row pale, Munich, Vienna, and Cara-malt for a creamy head! We used Columbus hops for bittering and a touch of Willamette hops for a slight hop aroma. Bright gold in color and brilliant in clarity, this session ale delivers an extra pop of hop bitterness found only in cream ales of the early 1900¡äs.


FEST
This traditional German Oktoberfest style beer is brewed with the highest quality German malt & hops. Available during the fall season on tap and in 16oz Cans. The Fest is crafted in small batches at Cottrell Brewery in Pawcatuck, CT and at the award-winning High Falls Brewery in Rochester, NY under the supervision of Brew-master Sean Larkin. Vienna, Pilsner, Light and Dark Munich malts make up the backbone of this beast, and Northern Brewer & Tettnanger hops are added to give it a crisp but subtle hop flavor.


BOCK
Contract brewed by Cottrell Brewing Co. 18 IBU¡¯s; a traditional dark lager beer that delivers a uniquely delicious flavor experience. Brewed with summit hops and six types of malts including chocolate malt, cara-malt and crystal malt

Thanksgiving Recommendations


Well lets start with the obvious...

We at Harry's recommend that you do your best to enjoy the upcoming holiday season. Sounds passè but it is worth consideration... It seems that during the holiday season life has become so busy for so many of us that the enjoyment of this wonderful time of the year with family and friends is lost. Unfortunaltely by the time we get everything done and are ready to relax into the season, it is January and we've missed it.

There will be plenty of running and stressful moments in the upcoming weeks. It is up to each of us as individuals to take the time for ourselves and our loved ones so that we can enjoy the quality of time over the holidays that we are working so hard to create. A favorite thing for me in the holiday time is to take some strategic time where I just stop and look around at all that is happening. I try to seperate myself from all of the craziness that is happening for just a few minutes each day/week to look at what is happening as an observer. Kids are particularly fun to watch since their innocence really does exemplify what we are all trying to create and enjoy!

Now, onto the wine recommendations...

On Wednesday evening we did another installment at Harry's wine school, This time the theme was "Pairing food and wine for Thanksgiving". Chef Chris Palumbo from Fairfield Cheese Company stepped to the plate and cooked up a traditional Thanksgiving dinner for the soldout class and not only knocked it out of the park with the quality of the food but also with the wonderful selection of both traditional and modernized traditional recipes. We paired a number of wines and served everything family style. For our students it was a dress rehearsal for the upcoming week and was well received.

Some ideas:

Sharpe Hill Vineyards "Ballet of Angels" $12.99
Locally produced wine that pairs well with Turkey and the sides.

Hecht & Bannier White $15.99
A blend of Picpoul and Roussane (will be on my table this year)

Dr. H Thanisch Bernkastler Badstube Kabinett $17.99
German Riesling that is not overtly sweet and pairs well with you traditional meal/

Byron Pinot Noir Nielson 2009 $26.99
Nice balance and spice note that will make it to my table this year.

Angela Pinot Noir $44.99
One of Chris O'Brien's Favorite wines in the store (more here)

Bichot Cotes du Nuits $24.99
Elegantly styled Pinot Noir from Burgundy

Starry Night Zinfandel $19.99
From the Russian River in Sonoma. A slightly different look in red from Pinot Noir and worked really well at our class.

Artner Blauer Zweigelt 2010 $12.99
From Austria, a unique grapes that plays well with the traditional American dinner.

The list goes on...

These are just a few ideas that hope to offer some inspiration to you and yours. As always, our staff stands at the ready to help you individually and get you something that will fit your unique needs.

Happy Holidays!

-Patrick

Saturday, November 10, 2012

Onyx Moonshine tasting 4pm-7pm


Wow, it has been a very busy day here at the store! Lots of people stopping in to replenish after the storm, saying Happy Anniversary... and truth be told, tasting the days offerings.

Right Now Jeff is tasting us on "Apple Pie Moonshine" which is an original recipe from Onyx and consists of Onyx (of course) Apple cider, brown sugar, and Cinnamon. Delicious and perfect for this time of year.

Lets keep this celebration rolling

-Cheers

Wine Tasting 1-4pm Saturday, Nov 10



Your host is Martine Warner of Connecticut Distributors.

Please note:
Proceeds of all Kenwood wines sold in November will be given to the Connecticut Food Bank.
-nice touch in our opinion




Kenwood Chardonnay 2010 $10.99
This Chardonnay nicely balances the classic fruit flavors of this varietal with subtle notes of French oak aging. Fruit aromas of Pippin apples and Meyer lemon combine with gingerbread and vanilla notes, lush and viscous mouth feel with a crisp mineral quality to the finish.


Carmel Road Pinot Noir 2010 $17.99
This is supple and rich with flavors of red berries, warm spice, earth, and chocolate, along with mineral characteristics that are reflections of this cool climate region. The toasty finish is silky and long.

Donna Chiara Falanghina 2011 $12.99
Straw yellow in color with a bouquet intense fruit and floral notes of acacia, kaise pear, apricot and candied citrus. Dry, soft, with a great mouthwatering acidic structure.

Bogle Phantom 2009 $18.99
The Phantom has reappeared…Bogle's heady apparition of fierce berry and sensual spice returns to haunt wine lovers. Marked by a bright entry, a full-bodied mid palate and a firm finish, this wine showcases the best of these three unique varietals. Blend: 52% Zinfandel, 46% Petite Sirah, 2% Mourvedre

Friday, November 9, 2012

Is there anything better than Piedmont?

Many of our customers have been noticing the new rack which has been expanding very rapidly in the front of the store. This may now be my new favorite section! For a little over a month, we here at Harry's have been featuring one of the most important and delicious wine regions in the world... Piedmont.
If you are not familiar with Piedmont, it is located in the North West region in Italy at the foothills of the Swiss Alps. Known for their exotic and expressive wines, Piedmont is truly unique and has characteristics that other wines can not offer. The big boys from this region are Barolo and Barbaresco (both made from the Nebbiolo grape) and are truly remarkable. Deep rich fruit give way to a tannic but mouth watering finish. There are other reds that are phenomenal as well and tend to be more of the "everyday" type of wine. Dolcetto and Barbera are two other types that offer a great expression of Piedmont as well. Dolcetto tends to be a little weightier with denser darker fruit where as Babera is a little bit more subtle and has brighter fruit more reminiscent as cherries and raspberry. Piedmont also produces white wines like Gavi and Arneis. Both are lighter and drier with hints of citrus and crisp acidity. And we can't forget the ever so delicious wine Moscato that has a touch of Honeyed sweetness that is a perfect after dinner drink. So whatever style of wine you like, Piedmont is sure to have it well covered. Stop on by and check out our selection and you have my personal guarantee that you will have a smile on your face when you are pouring yourself a glass.

Here are a few of my personal favorites currently in stock...

Marziano Abbona Dolcetto 2011 - $29.99
Vietti Barbera D'Asti 2010 - $17.99
Damilano Nebbiolo D'Alba 2009 - $17.99
Conterno Barolo Riva Del Bric 2007 - $44.99

Cheers!

Chris OB

Saturday, November 3, 2012

Jefferson 18yr Bourbon tasting 4-7pm "Van Winkle" Connection...


Kris Lawther is here to taste our customers on Jefferson Distillery's Presidential select. This is a limited release Bourbon from the distillery that crosses paths with Pappy Van Winkle. Before the iconic Stitzel-Weller aka Pappy Van Winkle Distillery closed its doors in 1991, Jefferson was able to select a number of barrels from Pappy and has been aging the in their own barrel room. At 17 years, Jefferson decided to bottle their first limited release of this amazing Bourbon and put the "Presidenttial Select" label on it. Now the second release is here and has started to get some well deserved buzz in the whiskey world.

We were able to taste this amazing bottle a few months ago at a trade tasting here in Ct that the master distiller himself attended. Before we left the room that day it was certain that we would be showing this bottle on our anniversary weekend. As it stands today, Harry's owns every bottle that is available in the state and it has been going out of here in a hurry.

The more research people do on this and the better they understand its connection to Pappy and the more they want it. We will get some Pappy in the coming weeks but the wait list is so long at this point that we really aren't sure how long it will be before everyone on the list gets some. This is a great way to get your hands on some of this hard to find whiskey and it makes a great gift.

If you are in the neighborhood stop in for a taste. If you are not in the neighborhood, find a way to get here!

-Cheers

Jefferson Presidential 18yr $89.99 750ml

Wine Tasting 1-4pm Saturday, Nov 3 "Happy Anniversary"


HARRY'S 71ST ANNIVERSARY

Speaking to his staff Harry always put forth this message...

"It's my job to get them to come here. It's you job to get them to come back"

Harry's Wine and Liquor Market has, and always will be a customer service
store with a very strong emphasis on teaching and learning. Our patrons will be the judges on how well we do our jobs.


Today-

Your host will be Len Gulino "The Wine Tutor".

Domaine Leflaive Macon-Verze 2010 $37.99
The 2010 vintage is rich, powerful and well-balanced, with a plenty of liveliness and mineral notes. Forward, and fine textured. Apple, pineapple, and a little peach on the nose, with some hints of flint. This had subtle floral and citrus aromas. Medium length, impressive freshness and concentration for a wine at this price.

Marziano Abbona Dolcetto Dogliani 2011 $29.99
This has intense, fruity aromas of raspberry, and floral notes. In the mouth the wine is ripe and rich, with fresh tannins. The plum, red fruit and pepper flavors have a full, mouth filling character before a persistent, tangy finish.

Vall Llach Embruix 2009 $24.99
This red has a smooth, polished texture, which carries harmonious flavors of berry, plum, licorice and mineral, joined by notes of wild herbs and chocolate. Approachable, but shows depth and intensity. Drink now through 2015. Wine Spectator, 90 pts

Oakville Winery Cabernet Sauvignon 2009 $49.99
This delicious Cabernet Sauvignon is a style that reflects modern Oakville, while at the same time captures the classic flavors of the region. Well balanced with intense fruit and intense color. Showcasing blackberry and cassis aromatics this vintage shows hints of violets, tobacco and eucalyptus. On the palate it is very round and seductive. It starts with a lively grip and gains size and depth as it opens up. Will age well, drink now through 2020. Varietals: 94% Cabernet Sauvignon, 3% Petite Verdot, 3% Malbec Aging: All aged 24 months in 50% new French oak barrels.


Friday, November 2, 2012

The Iceman cometh!


We've had many requests for ice over the past couple of days. After many phone calls and a trip by our supplier all the way up to Rhode island they showed up just now with a good supply. In the picture we have our driver Victor and his assistant (not seen)stocking us up! Please help us to get the word out that it has finally gotten to our door and we want to help as many people to stock their coolers as possible.

Thanks!

Harry's

Beer Tasting 4 - 7pm Friday, Nov. 2nd



Your host will be Gerard from Goose Island Brewery.
In the picture circa 1967, you will see two of our employees, Mike and Alex along with Gerard standing at the tasting table that we still use today... erm, ok, that is a lie... It really does look like it could be from the 60's though and since the store has so much history, I'll bet some of you bit. It is Mike and Alex, along with Gerard but the picture was taken just a few minutes ago. Some very good Goose Island stuff to taste tonight so come by if you can.



Sofie $8.99 22oz.
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.

Mathilde $8.99 22oz.
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.

Pere Jaques $8.99 22oz
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.

Pepe nero $8.99 22oz.
With an aroma of roasted chestnuts and a mysteriously dark, mahogany hue, Pepe Nero is a farmhouse ale brewed with black peppercorns. His roasty sweetness melds into a lingering, earthy, black pepper finish that is ideal for pairing with grilled meats and roasted vegetables.

Harry's 71st Anniversary celebration is under way!

HARRY’S… a name associated with Fairfield since 1941. We are now celebrating our seventy-first year. The store was founded by my father Harry Pollack and his wife Betty. It still remains at the same location, although it’s gotten a little bigger.

This has been and exciting year for Harry’s, with lots of changes, which many of you may have noticed. I got my walking papers a while back and the store is now run by two of my long time employees William Miller and Patrick Monteleone, who are well schooled in the business. My son Scott who, with his wife, has handled all of our financials for many years and of course you will also recognize Patrick’s wife, Jan, who handles the administrative duties at her office in the middle of the store.

The store has remained the same in many respects. Customer service is still our number one goal. It’s a pleasure to walk in and have customers say they love shopping here because the staff is so knowledgeable and helpful. We work at it every day. Our inventory keeps growing and I still think of us as the number one wine shop in Connecticut.

The computer that sits on my shoulders is not big enough or strong enough to keep up with all of today’s needs, so it’s time to be a casual observer. I love it! After six-day weeks and 7:00 a.m. arrivals, I get to stay in bed. My wife and I have been doing some traveling but we return home and into the store pretty regularly. I’m still in the store while people take vacations and during the holidays so don’t forget to come in and say hello.

Our little corner is also going through some changes. We are about to welcome our newest retail store “Tutto Pasta”… homemade pasta and great Italian dishes you can take home to warm up. The Fairfield Cheese Company has just won
their second “Best in the State” award along with being recognized by Food and Wine as a must stop. Pine Creek Deli and Fabricare Cleaners are still the tops by all reports.

All of this and Harry’s too… stop by for a great tour of our one-stop shopping center. Our center is truly accommodating. That old fashioned friendliness is still alive and well. It’s always a pleasure to shop where your interests are still the number one reason for us being here.

- Saul

Keep reading...

First, we are glad to hear many reports from our customers that suggest power is being restored around town. If you are one of the lucky ones, Congratulations! We have heard many stories about helpful people that are going above and beyond to help their neighbors and friends. If you are like me and have not gotten your power back, hang in there. It was a cold one last night but it makes for good snuggling.

We are doing our best to help out so come by the store if there is something we can do for you we are happy to help. There are cellphone charging stations set up, Warm water to wash up and are happy to get you a sip of wine or whiskey to warm your bones. Our store was fortunate enough to get our power back yesterday afternoon and we would like to help where we can. I received a phone call a few minutes ago from our ice supplier and he promises me that we will have ice by 4pm.

Finally, We have some fun things planned for the weekend in order to celebrate our 71 years in business that include a great beer tasting from 4-7pm (more here). Our Saturday wine tasting has been kicked up a notch (more here)and s special Jefferson Presidential 18yr "Pappy" Bourbon tasting from 4-7pm Saturday.

Lots going on in Fairfield this week!

We hope you can join us,

Patrick, William and the staff