Wine Tasting - Saturday 1-4PM, Nov 2

Your host is Michael Kane of Rosenthal Wine Merchant.

 
Domaine Edmond Cornu Ladoix “ViellesVignes” 2009    $29.99

Cornu's wines are very fruit driven and this is no exception, the black cherry and raspberry aromas burst from the glass. The quality of the fruit is reflected on the palate too, rich and textured, certainly drinkable at this early stage but there is considerable backbone here whichwill keep this alive for a decade.  Ladoix sits just underneath the Grand Cru Hill of Corton and the terroir shows here.  It is a classy wine.  WJGardener/U.K.reviewer, 90 pts

 Marc Des champs Pouilly Fume Champs De Cri 2010     $25.99

This wine is a classic example of the appellation that is fermented with natural yeast and left on the lees for a considerable time. Rich and powerful, it is marked by an undercurrent of minerality. Even more so it has the precision, elegance and exceptional length that makes the wines of this appellation the envy of all the producers of Pouilly Fumé. Importers Notes

Tellus Vinea Red Bordeaux 2009     $13.99

The grapes for this wine are harvested (by hand) from vineyards that border the Lalande de Pomerol appellation.  The grapes undergo a three-day cold maceration; the alcoholic fermentation then proceeds for eight to ten days.  The wine is racked several times during its elevage in stainless steel and cement tanks before being bottled after an egg-white fining.  The grape composition is predominantly Merlot with a touch of Cabernet Franc in the blend that provides additional structure to the wine.   Importer’s Notes

 La Manarine Cotes du Rhone Red 2011     14.99

The standard bearer of the domaine is the Côtes du Rhône Rouge produced from the younger (but not young) vines (average 35 years old) of the estate.  This wine is 100% Grenache and produces a classically spicy, full-bodied wine that speaks clearly of the “garrigue” of the region. The grapes are destemmed before the fermentation and the cuvaison is on the order of three weeks duration.  The wine is bottled without filtration after twenty to twenty-four months of “elevage”.  Importer’s Notes

Lily is going to be a Mother!

Lily has become a bit of a mascot to Harry's over the past 2 years and she really looks forward to coming to work on Sunday's when my rotation comes up. She gets lots of visitors and I am regularly asked when she will be back by moms and dads who want to bring their kids in to see her. Lily always gets alot of attention and sleeps very well on the days she works thanks to so much interaction with her and our staff and of course the scores of people that she greets through the day.

This coming Sunday November 3rd she is going to be back to visit and then next Sunday she hopes to be back for what will be her final appearance through the holiday season, you see Lily is pregnant with her first litter of puppies and after that she will need to get ready to be a mom. It is a very exciting time for us and we are really looking forward to a big family as she is expecting between 9-12 puppies!

We will be sharing her experience along the way and of course those puppies will be looking for good homes after the new year. Our breeder has been involved with every step of the process from advice to stud selection and will continue to work with us to insure wonderful and healthy puppies that will be good service dogs, hunting companions and show dogs along with being excellent family pets.

There are already a good number of people that are looking forward to having one of her puppies including Jan and myself, her breeder, and a list of families that seems to grow buy the day. We would love to keep some of her brood local and watch them grow so if there is interest in having one in your family please talk with us. We are expecting both black and yellow in the litter.

It is a very exciting time for us and we would love to see Lily visit with as many of her fans as possible over the next couple of weeks before she goes on maternity leave as she settles in to begin raising puppies.

Patrick

Beer Tasting 4 - 7pm Friday, Nov 1

Your host is Calvary Brewing.

Hatch Plug

A classic English ale made with pale malt, crystal malt, Fuggles and East Kent Goldings hops providing fruity aromas to work with the subtle malt flavors. 4.5 % Alc. By Vol. 28 IBU’s.

Back of Label:
A happy tanker is a fat tanker and a real fat tanker is a Hatch Plug. This beer is named after a 1st Lieutenant that was traded for six M-16’s to another unit prior to departing for Iraq in early 2003. Hatch Plug went on to run the Baghdad airport and helped establish the telecommunications system in the region. Despite what we did to him he remains a good friend to this day.

Nomad  Stout

This dry Irish stout is smooth and flavorful with excellent malt and chocolate undertones. 4.5% Alc. By Vol. 50 IBU’s.

Back of Label:
Nomad is a good friend that led a team in eastern Baghdad with a base at the Al Rustimayah war college in southeastern Baghdad. He was the only officer in our group to be wounded and this came from an Iraqi ceiling fan. We promptly shot the fan and transported the wounded soldier to the aid station where he received three stitches.

We are looking for a cashier to join our team, Will it be you?

HELP WANTED

Harry’s Wine & Liquor Market

2094 Post rd. Fairfield CT

(203) 259-4692 (ask for Patrick)

Are you customer service oriented?

Local to Fairfield Connecticut?

Do you have your own transportation?

Have a valid drivers license?

Are you at least 18 years old?

Do you have a flexible schedule?

If you are able to answer yes to all of these questions and are looking for a cashiers position in a very customer service oriented store this may be the job for you. We are currently looking for people to work part time in our store assisting customers, ringing a register, and more...

Interviews of prospective employees will happen in the coming days and weeks as we work find the right fit.

As you consider applying for this position please ask yourself whether or not it sounds like the right fit for you.

It will be very important that you are able to answer yes to ALL of the questions above and mean it.

We feel that ours is a great work environment and hope that the next members of our team enjoy their job with us.

FUND RAISER: First Book Fri, November 1st 2013 7pm-9pm

First Book Benefit Fund Raiser

Walk-Around Wine Tasting Event

“First Taste”

Presented by First Book Fairfield County

Local Advisory Board

Remember the magic of your first book?

Friday, November 1, 2013

7:00PM – 9:00PM

 Fairfield Museum and History Center

370 Beach Rd, Fairfield

 $35 per person

RSVP: Please call 203-331-0551 

for tickets or more information

Wine Tasting sponsored by:

Harry’s Wine & Liquor

2094 Post Rd, Fairfield

203-259-4692

harrys@snet.net 

www.harryswine.com

Wine Tasting - Saturday 1-4PM, Oct 26

Your host is Tom Clare of Vina del Sol.
 

Lamadrid Single Vineyard Reserva Malbec 2010             $19.99

Bright ruby-red. Aromas of blackberry, licorice and floral oils are complicated by a peppery note and a hint of maple syrup. Dense, round and lightly saline, with a suave, silky Old World texture to its flavors of blackberry and fig. Most impressive today on the long, rising finish, which features big but lush tannins and an impression of seamlessness. A lot of wine for the price.  International Wine Cellar, 91 pts

Zolo Torrontes 2012                                                  $11.99

This crisp and refreshing white wine has aromas of white flowers and tropical fruits along with a fresh and balanced mouth feel.  It is great for sipping on its own or to have with poultry or seafood.

Gen5 Cabernet Sauvignon 2010                              $9.99

The grapes for this Lodi, CA Cab were sustainably farmed by the Lange family, fifth-generation farmers (hence the name Gen5).  The fruit-forward Cabernet is medium-bodied, with soft tannins and an abundance of blackberry-black currant flavors and an intriguing herbal/smoky finish that would make it a great match with barbecued meats, chili and robust winter stews. This is a great everyday red wine.  Kira O'Donnell, Sacramento Magazine

Gen5 Chardonnay 2011                                           $9.99

Pale golden color. Smoked whole nuts, grassy herbs and nettles, and grilled peach aromas and flavors with a supple, tangy light-to-medium body and a lime creme brulee and tart kiwi skin finish. Should pair well with spicy Latin poultry dishes.  Tastings.com

Beer Tasting 4 - 7pm Friday, Oct 25

Your host is the rep from Grey Sail Brewery.

 

Flying Jenny                 $9.29/6pb

An unfiltered extra pale ale crafted with five different malts and complimented by northwestern hops make this brew one to enjoy year-round. Generous amounts of hops in the kettle and fermenter give our EPA a citrusy and floral flavor and aroma. Available on draft and in 12-ounce cans. 6% ABV • 54 IBU

Flagship Ale                  $9.29/6pb

Our golden-colored cream ale, brewed in a similar manner to the crisp lagers of continental Europe, offers great balance between malty sweetness and noble hop bitterness. This gold-medal winning cream ale is the perfect session beer for any occasion. Available on draft and in 12-ounce cans. 4.9% ABV • 22 IBU

Autumn Winds             $9.49/4pb

This Oktoberfest-style ale, brewed with five premium German malts, create a bready aroma, dense creamy head and brilliant garnet red color. Hallertau and Saaz hops compliment the nutty and biscuit-like malt presence while a touch of caramel and moderately dry finish continue to balance out this full-bodied beer. Available September to November on draft only. 5.8% ABV • 27 IBU

Ciel Rogue                     $8.99/750ml

Our Flanders-Style Red was brewed using a “sour mash” method with 6 different grains, lightly hopped and finished with a Belgian yeast, giving this limited-offer brew plenty of tartness with a slightly-oaked finish. Available on tap and in 750ml champagne bottles while supplies last. 5% ABV • 15 IBU

WINE DINNER: Flora Springs Wine Dinner Tue, October 29th 2013 7pm-10pm

Harry’s Wine & Liquor Market, T & C Steakhouse,

And Martin Scott Wines present:

Flora Springs Wine Dinner, Napa Valley

Special Guest Paul Gardner, Northeast Brand Manager

Tuesday, October 29, 7PM

$95 all inclusive

Alaskan king crab

Foie gras, yuzu mirin, soy butter, lemon zest risotto

Sauvignon Blanc “Soliloquy Vineyard”, Oakville 2012

 

Diver sea scallops

Pancetta, edamame, hen of the woods mushrooms, lemon zest,

Flora Springs Chardonnay reduction

Chardonnay, Napa Valley 2011

30 days age prime New York steak

Roasted baby vegetable, caramelized cipollini, potato puree

Cabernet Sauvignon, Napa Valley 2011

 

American rack of lamb chanterelles, port wine demi glaze

Trilogy “Cabernet Blend”, Rutherford 2010

 

Artisinal Cheese board

Merlot, Napa Valley 2011

For reservations please contact:

T & C Steakhouse

52 Sanford St, Fairfield
Phone:(203) 254-8094

http://www.tandcsteakhouse.com/

PASO ROBLES; The hot region in California

In 1990, there were fewer than 20 wineries in Paso Robles, a farming community midway between San Francisco and Los Angeles on the Central Coast. Most of the wines produced there were rustic, high in alcohol, extremely tannic, with minimal excitement or finesse. Today there are more than 200 wineries in Paso Robles, and the area is going through a metamorphosis. The result is a surge of investment and an influx of winemaking talent.

If you like big, juicy, red wine, this is the place to be right now. Paso Robles Cabernets are elegant, with supple tannins that make them easy to drink upon release, yet they still retain structure when aging. Paso  Cabs are priced competitively in comparison to other regions within California producing similar varietals. I believe Paso Robles Cabernet producers are making a terrific product now, but still have not reached their potential.  

Only a handful of producers from this region have made outstanding wines. Some of the consistent vintners are; Justin, which produces Isosceles, (This wine actually set the bar for Cabernet in Paso Robles years ago and continues to earn outstanding scores), Daou, and Farm Winery, which have produced winners such as Daou Cabernet Sauvignon-Paso Robles, LPF Paso Robles to name a few. Paso’s climate and soil make it perfect for red wines. It can be, at times, warmer in the summer than Napa, which is an advantage when climates north of Paso experience a cool vintage, as was the case in 2010 and 2011 in Napa.

It had taken sometime for Paso Robles to be taken seriously as a major wine producing area, but once it got recognition, it has been one of the quickest- growing wine regions in California. Cabernet Sauvignon, currently with over thirty-two thousand acres has the most increased growth in Paso, but keep your eye out on both Syrah and Grenache which are getting some serious attention these days. And please don’t forget about Paso’s Zinfandel! Some great producers include Turley, and Peachy Canyon.

As Paso Robles status grows, more winemaking talent is moving to this area.

Winemakers from Lewis Cellars and Duckhorn are just two vintners that come to mind. There is some international interest also, with vintners from both France and Argentina partnering with local Paso wineries developing some new and exciting styles from this region.

Hillside Vineyards planted in limestone soils of various elevations, which are all within ten to fifteen miles of the Pacific Ocean, producing wines of great intensity as well as elegance. This is Paso Robles! Enjoy theses wines from this terrific region as there best are yet to come!

Joe D

Pappy Van Winkle 12yr 4-7pm today - Wine Tasting - Saturday 1-4PM

Today is a very good day to come by the store and set up camp around the tasting bar!

These past couple of days have been filled with celebration here at the store as we look back at 72 years in business and today is no exception. Vias imports has joined in and is sending Christopher Lawther who represents their portfolio to taste some of our seasonal favorites on the wine tasting from 1-4pm today (menu below).
Bring a folding chair with you because the Pappy Van Winkle Bourbon wait will have begun. At 4pm the wait will be over as we break the seal on a brand new bottle of "Pappy". In our last allocation we squirrled away a 12yr old bottle of the very rare Bourbon and have been looking forward to this occasion to break it out and share with our customers. We will also show a handful of other Bourbons, along with a Rye and a Sour Mash Whiskey (Menu below). If you are wondering what the "Brown Liquor" craze is all about this tasting will answer the question and put an exclamation point on it! Patrick and Renzo will be on hand to help people to understand the mystique and story behind each of the selections and there will be a chance to purchase some of the items at the tasting today... No, not the Pappy, but we do have a wait list if you want to add your name. The list extends out to what looks like 6 or 7 years right now based on current allocations.



Your host is Christopher Lawther of Hartley Parker Select Brands 1-4pm.
 

Broglia Gavi di Gavi 2012                                        $19.99

Straw yellow color is highlighted by a trace of green.  The nose has a racy profile of white flowers with a touch of almond.  On the palate it is classically dry as it offers flavors of citrus and white fruit.  A clean refreshing finish leaves plenty of room for another sip.  This is the oldest documented vineyard in Italy . . . since 971!

Strasserhof Kerner 2012                                          $21.99

Color: Pale straw yellow with golden emerald highlights. Bouquet: Refined and intense with persistent citrus and floral notes. Flavor: Dry with excellent structure and a soft, round body.  Pairings: Perfect for appetizers and shellfish based dishes.  This is the most northern vineyard in Italy.  Winemaker’s Notes

Produttori del Barbaresco Pora 2008       $49.99

Playing true to type, the 2008 Barbaresco Riserva Pora is another of the more open wines in this vintage. But that is only in relative terms. Layers of expressive red fruit, crushed flowers and spices flesh out in this radiant Barbaresco. In most vintages the Pora is one of the more accessible of the Riservas when young. The close proximity of the vineyard to the Tanaro River results in a warm microclimate that ripens the fruit earlier than elsewhere. In 2008, though, the Pora packs a serious punch. The coolness of the late harvest comes through in a finish laced with considerable tension and minerality. This is easily one of the very best Poras I have ever tasted from the Produttori. Anticipated maturity: 2018-2048.  Wine Advocate, 95 pts

Ca Viola Dolcetto 2012                                             $19.99

This is a ready-to-drink wine for everyday enjoyment.  Rich ruby red color.  The nose plays on notes of fresh fruit and finishes with a pleasant note of blackberry.  Smooth, agile and balanced in the mouth.  Pleasantly fresh throughout, this dynamic Dolcetto appeals to a wide variety of palates.  This is the vineyard of world renowned winemaker Beppe Ca Viola.  Winemaker’s Notes

Your hosts are Patrick & Renzo of Harry's staff 4-7pm

Pappy Van Winkle 12yr "lot B" 
(tasting only) 
Nose: Honey, honeysuckle, orange zest, citrus and a hint of cherry.
Body: Very rich and smooth, almost creamy, buttery.  A hint of smoke but not a lot – surprised that we like it as much as we do given that our blog is dedicated to the smoky varieties.
Finish: Complex body turns into a complex finish: white chocolate, smoke and tree bark; warmth but with very little burn.

Angel's Envy Port cask finish $47.99
Offers a rich mouthfeel and a sumptuous banquet of flavors on the palate. The effect of the port barrel finish is evident in the sophistication and complexity of flavors, everything is perfectly balanced and the port doesn't overwhelm the natural bourbon flavors but instead perfectly complements it. Vanilla bundt cake, cinnamon, mint and orange flavors abound with a delicious burnt sugar undertone and solid oak notes.

Michter's Sour Mash  $40.99
This is a really lovely, very fruity whiskey. The nose is all apples, with a touch of caramel behind it. Supple and silky, that fruitiness continues on into the body, with an apple pie character that is far too easy to drink, and doesn’t taste at all like it’s been bottled at a solid 86 proof. Not too sweet and lightly wooded, the graininess of the spirit is all but gone — a touch of corn on the mid-palate and a bit of popcorn on the finish are all that remind you that you’re drinking a whiskey instead of chowing down on dessert.

Michter's Small Batch Bourbon $39.99
Robust and rich, semi-sweet and spicy, with a background of cinnamon and ginger. This can be a bit sharp at first, and water significantly yields a smoother drink, while amplifying the flavors. This is quite nice.

Michter's Single Barrel Rye $40.99
Crazy-sweet aroma, full of caramel, vanilla and a slight floral touch. The bite comes first (and lingers awhile), followed by vanilla, caramel, coconut flavors. It mellows considerably with ice, and becomes quite likeable, drinkable and mild.

And a surprise for those that read this post and ask "What else are you offering today?"
Pssst... It will be behind the counter ;)