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Thursday, March 7, 2013

Big time 2010 Bordeaux



2010 Chateau Haut Bailly Pessac-Leognan...$213.99
Deep plum/purple, Haut-Bailly’s 2010 required some coaxing to appreciate its subtle notes of barbecue smoke, lead pencil shavings and creme de cassis as well as its touches of pomegranate and forest floor. The oak is pushed far into the background and the tannins are extremely silky, but the intensity of the wine is profound and the finish lingers for close to 55 seconds. This wine is ripe yet delicate, powerful yet stylish, and essentially resembles a remarkable fashion design from a house of haute couture. This wine needs a good 7-8 years of bottle age and should keep for 40-50+ years. 

Rated 98/100 The Wine Advocate
Chewy and brambly, but integrated, this carries a very hefty core of espresso, ganache, mulled plum and blackberry fruit. The purity starts to shine through on the finish, which drips with cassis and is threaded with a long warm paving stone note. Tight and backward today, this extremely well-built wine will need substantial cellaring. Best from 2018 through 2035. –JM
Rated 95/100 The Wine Spectator
Wow. What a superb nose of blackberries, flowers and licorice. Full bodied, with a powerful palate of super rich fruit yet bright tannins and loads of blackberries and ctirus on the finish. This is really structural with amazing purity of fruit. It is so direct and powerful. Chic brick house of a wine. 62% Cabernet Sauvignon, 36% Merlot and 2% Cabernet Franc.
Rated 96/100 James Suckling

Marilyn Monroe Strawberry Vodka


NEW!
Three Olives Marilyn Monroe Strawberry Vodka...$14.99 / 750ml


click here for recipes

Big score, low price

In stock at Forsyth



2011 Chapoutier Occultum Lapidem...$24.99
Although these wines are normally reviewed by my colleagues David Schildknect in his Languedoc-Roussillon and Alsace reports and Lisa Perrotti-Brown in her reviews of Australian wines, I tasted them during my visit with Chapoutier, so I will include them in this report as they are of high quality and merit attention. I will just list the wines, my score, and the region from which they emerge.
Rated 94-96/100 Robert Parker, The Wine Advocate

4 Hands Brewing Co. News!!!!


Time to get excited!



I am told we the 4 Hands Brewing Bona Fide Stout aged in a Dry Fly Wheat Whiskey barrel will be bottled this month!  It went in barrel back on February 13, 2012 -- OVER A YEAR in barrel about 13 months.  4 Hands did not want to release it before it is ready.  "We will sell no wine [ or beer] before its time" -- Orson Wells for Paul Masson


Barrel Aged Bona Fide Stout with Espresso Coffee and Vanilla Beans
It is a barrel aged version of this beer....
"Bona Fide Imperial Stout is a collaborative effort with Goshen Coffee, a local fair trade coffee roaster. This beer is big, bold, and in your face. Bona Fide pours black as night with a smooth mouth feel. Aromas of espresso, dark chocolate, roasted malt, with nuances of vanilla. Drink now or cellar for up to 5 years. 9% Alc/Vol 65 IBU's"


Same beer aged in two different barrels...
Barrel - Elijah Craig 12yr Old  Bourbon 
Date filled: Filled on February 13, 2012
Date bottled: Elijah Craig barrel bottled October 1, 2012
Cases produced: 228
Status: Beer released and sold out

Barrel - Dry Fly Wheat Whiskey 
Date filled: Filled on February 13, 2012
Date Bottled: soon (going to be about 13 months in barrel)
Cases produce:  ?
Status: soon to be released

As soon as we get a confirmed bottling date, we will set the date for the release party.  I saved some of the other beers for the release party!
The release party will include a tasting of all three!!!!! 
(only the Dry Fly version will be available for sale)
  1. "regular" 4 Hands Bona Fide Stout 
  2. Elijah Craig Barrel Aged 4 Hands Bona Fide Stout 
  3. Dry Fly Barrel Aged 4 Hands Bona Fide Stout 


Wednesday, March 6, 2013

This week's recipe



Prosciutto Arancini
Adapted from Williams-Sonoma Essentials of Italian by Michele Scicolone (Oxmoor House, 2007). 


Try this recipe with these two wines....
2011 Banfi San Angelo Pinot Grigio
2009 Villa Antinori Toscana


Arancini means “little oranges,” which is exactly what these round, deep-fried rice croquettes look like when they are lifted from the hot oil. They are served as snack food in bars and cafés all over Sicily.

Ingredients: 
  • 2 1/2 cups chicken broth 
  • 1 cup medium-grain white rice such as Arborio ***
  • 1 Tbs. unsalted butter 
  • Pinch of sea salt     ***
  • 1/2 cup grated Parmigiano-Reggiano cheese     ***
  • 1 whole egg, plus 1 egg yolk     ***
  • 1 cup all-purpose flour 
  • 2 cups fine dried bread crumbs (I prefer panko for added crunch)     ***
  • 3 egg whites     ***
  • 2 oz. prosciutto, chopped     ***
  • 2 oz. Sottocenere with Truffle *** grated medium on a box grater (the original recipe calls for mozzarella but the Sottocenere adds a deep earthy flavor from the truffles while maintaining the soft melted texture of the mozzarella)
  • Olive or canola oil for deep-frying     ***
 *** In stock at The Wine and Cheese Place

In a saucepan over high heat, bring the broth to a boil. Stir in the rice, butter and salt. Cover, reduce the heat to low and cook until the liquid is absorbed and the rice is tender, 18 to 20 minutes.

Transfer the rice to a bowl and stir in the Parmigiano-Reggiano. Let cool slightly, then stir in the whole egg and egg yolk. Let cool completely.
Spread the flour on a dinner plate, and spread the bread crumbs on a separate plate. In a shallow bowl, lightly beat the egg whites until blended. 

In a small bowl, mix together the prosciutto and sottocenere, moisten your hands with water. Scoop up 1/4 cup of the rice mixture and place it in the cupped palm of one hand. Flatten out the mixture slightly and place a good pinch of the prosciutto-sottocenere mixture in the center. Shape the rice into a ball. Roll the ball in the flour, and then in the egg whites to coat completely. Finally, roll the ball in the bread crumbs and place on a rack. Continue with the remaining ingredients to make roughly 12 balls total. Rinse your hands frequently to prevent the rice from sticking to them (this is important to be able to shape the arancini). Let dry on the rack for at least 15 minutes before frying, or refrigerate for up to 1 hour.


Position a rack in the middle of an oven and preheat to 200°F. Line a large baking sheet with paper towels and set it next to the stove, in order to keep the cooked arancini warm while frying the rest. Pour the olive oil to a depth of 3 inches into a deep, heavy fry or sauce pan and heat to 375°F on a deep-frying thermometer. The oil must cover the balls by at least 1 inch so they will cook evenly and not burst.

Using a slotted spoon or wire skimmer, gently lower a few of the rice balls into the hot oil, being careful not to crowd the pan. Fry until golden brown and crisp all over, about 2 minutes. Using the slotted spoon, transfer the arancini to the prepared baking sheet, sprinkle with sea salt while hot and place in the oven to keep warm. Fry the remaining arancini in the same way, allowing the oil to return to the original frying temperature before adding the next batch.

Serve warm with sauce of your choice, I enjoy the Rustichella d’abruzzo Napoletana sauce with these arancini.


Tuesday, March 5, 2013

4 Hands Chocolate Milk Stout


Back in stock - just arrived today!

I am told this the last batch of the season!



4 Hands Brewing Chocolate Milk Stout...$6.99 / 22oz
"Our Chocolate milk stout pours black as the night sky with aromas of dark chocolate, chocolate malt, and more chocolate.  With a frothy tan head and a rich velvety mouthfeel our Chocolate milk stout is a perfect addition to the change of seasons.  Brewed with over 3 pounds of cocoa nibs per barrel this beer is a chocolate lovers dream!" -- label

NEW - Abita Spring IPA

Abita Spring IPA...$7.99 / 6 pk
Spring IPA (March-May) is a West Coast-style IPA with an up-front intense hop flavor and aroma. Amarillo and Centennial hops give the brew a rich and resinous flavor of citrus and spice. This bright pale ale has a malt sweetness that will give way to a pleasant bitter. It pairs well with Mexican or spicy Szechwan Chinese food. Spring IPA is a nice accompaniment for cheeses with strong flavors, like sharp cheddar or goat cheese.


Beer Profile
ABV 6.25%
IBU 65




New limited Glen Grant Scotch


The Major's Reserve
Glen Grant The Major's Reserve Single Malt...$31.99
Inspired by James ‘The Major’ Grant, this easy drinking single malt is the most fresh and light of the Glen Grant range. Creamy and fruity on the palate it has a slightly dry, nutty finish.
The Major’s Reserve, 40%
“Balance and quality nothing short of superb.”
Jim Murray’s Whisky Bible 2008
Tasting notes
Appearance
Light, golden colour

Bouquet
Soft, slightly dry with a delicate apple/fruity note

Palate
Creamy, fruity

Finish
Slightly dry, nutty

Whisky style
Rich, smooth, fruity Single Malt whisky with a hint of spice

Cask type
Matures in Bourbon casks

Distillery
Glen Grant Distillery, Rothes, Morayshire, Speyside



Monday, March 4, 2013

New from New Belgium Rampant Imperial IPA

Brand new!!! Imperial IPA!!!
Just arrived at Forsyth



New Belgium Rampant Imperial IPA...$8.99 / 6pk
STORY
A burly and bitter Imperial IPA, Rampant pours a pure copper and carries the sheen of a rightly hopped beer. The Mosaic and Calypso hops bring stonefruit to the front seat, and the addition of Centennials nod towards citrus for a well-rounded aroma.

The taste expands these hops with heavy peach tones and a profoundly bitter bite. There is some malt sweetness to stand this beer up, and Rampant’s finish is bone-dry.

BEER FACTS
Birthdate: February, 2013
ABV: 8.5%
IBU: 85
Calories: 230
Hops: Mosaic, Calypso, Centennial
Malts: Pale, Black
Fruits/Spice: Lemon Peel
  • Body: Medium-Light
  • Aroma: Prominent lemon citrus and floral hop aroma and flavor including some nice dry-hopped fresh grass and spicy pine notes.
  • Mouthfeel: Warmth from alcohol is present but not conspicuous. Nice dry finish from carbonation and glass full of bitter hops.
  • Flavor: Hint of sweetness in the background from malt, the rest is a story of ambitious but not overwhelming bitterness.
  • Visual: Golden with solid white foam and a slight hop sheen.

Time to vote....




time to vote for your 
  • Favorite Wine Shop
  • Favorite Place to Buy Cheese
  • Favorite Liquor shop
  • plus favorite restaurants....


I am not telling you who to vote for, just click here to vote

Saturday, March 2, 2013

1997 Croft Port!





We have an amazing price on this port....there are many places on Wine-Searcher that are selling half bottles of this port at $39.99 - $55 we have the full bottle for $39.99


Check out this price!!!!

2007 Croft Vintage Port...$39.99 / 750ml

Lowest price on Wine-Searcher
Shows aromas of very ripe fruit and sweet tobacco, with hints of earth and spices. Full-bodied and medium sweet, with round, velvety tannins and a long, fruity finish. Likeable for its soft texture. Best after 2016. –JS
Rated 92/100 The Wine Spectator

Great Price!!





2006 Acustic Celler Brao....$19.99
Lowest price on Wine-Searcher $38.67
The 2006 Brao is a blend of 50% Garnacha and 50% Samso aged for 12 months in French oak, some of it new. Purple colored, it offers a similar aromatic profile but is more structured and fuller-bodied than the Acustic. Layered, bordering on opulent, the wine has superb depth, concentration, and a 40-second finish. Give it 3-4 years in the cellar and drink it through 2026.
Rated 92/100 The Wine Advocate

Super Sale!!!




We received 60 cases at this great price!!

In stock at all four locations! and online

Case price available!


2010 Grand Estates Chardonnay


2010 Columbia Crest Chardonnay Grand Estates....$6.99
Compare to $12 at the winery
Polished, lively and refined, with pretty white peach, floral and oatmeal notes that come together smoothly and linger on the finish. Drink now through 2015. 200,000 cases made. –HS
Rated 89/100 The Wine Spectator

"The Grand Estates Chardonnay opens with bright fruit aromas of apple and pear which harmonize gracefully with signature notes of caramelized sugar and butterscotch. Ripe fruit flavors are bolstered by lively acidity, yet balanced deftly with a subtle creaminess. The striking combination of rich flavors, ample body and refreshing finish make this wine a natural pairing for a wide array of foods." -- winery

Friday, March 1, 2013

New Ballas Expansion

We saved a few goodies for our expansion grand opening

In stock only at New Ballas - 1 bottle per person until gone.  They will be available starting at 4pm today.

Sazerac Rye 6 Year old - very limited


Goose Island Night Stalker Imperial Stout...$8.99 / 22oz
Rated 100/100 on RateBeer



Info from Goose Island's Website:
A heavily-hopped imperial stout, Night Stalker is a heavyweight of a beer. It delivers a formidable punch of hops and rich roasted malt notes to the nose in a silky body that's as dark as night.

Recipe Information:
Style: Imperial Stout
Alcohol by Volume: 11.2%
International Bitterness Units: 60
Color: Midnight
Hops: Mt Hood, Simcoe
Malts: 2-Row, Munich, Chocolate, Caramel, Roasted Barley, De-Bittered Black

Lagunitas WTF is here!


In stock now at Forsyth!

Lagunitas Wilco Tango Foxtrot
"WTF"....$4.49 22 oz A big Ol' Imperial Brown Ale to help you with your slipperly slide on into springtime. Rich, smooth, dangerous & chocolatey. "In the murky realm of things that make you go "Hmmm..." 2010 should rank way, way up there. From the curious per curiam decision of 531 U.S. 98 in 2000, to WTC7, to the House of Lehman, to the Nobel President's Afghan Expedition escalation, to the oxymoronic Jobless Recovery of 2010; we have been confused. So, we did the only thing we could, we made beer and lots of it. 5,643,420 cases of it to be exact. And as far as we know, you drank all of it. Thank you for that, because if you had not, we would have been looking for a bailout of our own, and we haven't heard about any breweries either needing or receiving any of those spicy Yuan TARP dollars....although we have rad that the Las Vegas adult video industry did. Nobdoy knows why. So, in a wolrd that is once again the proverbial "Ball of Confusion", craft beer alone seems to carry its own weight. It's nice to be on the winning team and thank you for your patronage and imbibiliciousness." -- Label Share

Wine Tasting Tonight!

In stock now at Forsyth!

WINE TASTING!
Come taste these 3 wines tonight from 3-6pm
at our Forsyth location in Clayton



2009 DeLille Cellars Chaleur Estate White Bordeaux Blend....$18.99
Lowest price on Wine-Searcher is $29.99 
A Complex nose that melds ginger, lemon drop, mirabelle, honey and spicy oak. Then dense, sappy and highly concentrated, with a strong spice quality and a distinctly tactile impression of structure. 
Rated 92/100 Wine Spectator 
Rated 93/100 Stephen Tanzer 

2008 DeLille Cellars Chaleur Estate Red Bordeaux Blend...$39.99
Compare to the winery price $70 
A restrained nose of balsam wood, pencil lead, thyme, sage, black currant, and blackberry leads to a round, rich, succulent offering that has the balance and structure to achieve its 20th birthday in peak form. As good as the wine is, if the nose becomes more expressive with time in the bottle, my score will appear to be stingy. 
Rated 93/100 Wine Advocate
Rated 93/100 Stephen Tanzer


2008 DeLille Cellars Doyenne Aix Cabernet/Syrah Blend...$19.99

Lowest price on Wine-Searcher is $29.99 
Expressive aromas of smoke, game, bacon, pepper, garrigue, blueberry, and blackberry lead to a round, succulent, impeccably balanced, lengthy wine. In the scheme of things it is a terrific value. 
Rated 92/100 Wine Advocate