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Serving downtown Raleigh for 15 years with the best savings, selection & service!
New Reds From Around the World!
Beyond Cabernet Sauvignon 2010; Western Cape, South Africa ($12.99)
Château de Ségriès 'Cuvée Réservée' 2009; Lirac, Côtes-du-Rhône, France ($17.99 net)
New Whites From Around the World!
Graham Beck Chardonnay/ Viognier 2010; Western Cape, South Africa ($11.99)
La Puerta Torrontès 2011; Famatina Valley, Argentina ($10.99, less 25% by the case)
Highly Rated Italian Super Tuscan!
2007 Domaine Serene 'Evenstad Reserve' Pinot Noir, Just In!
New 22oz Raleigh Brews! As Local as it Gets!
Aviator Brewing Company 'Hot Rod Red' Dry-Hopped Red Ale ($4.99) An Irish Red ale is the base for Hot Rod Red, but Aviator’s notoriously heavy hop hand sees the addition of East Kent Goldings and Cascade hops for a unique spin on this classic ale. Despite the higher IBU’s, the hop bitterness is surprisingly well-integrated, which gives the brew a deft balance between malt sweetness, body and hop bitterness.
Roth Brewing Company 'Dark Construct' Stout ($7.49) Don’t be caught off guard by the nomenclature- sweet stouts (or milk stouts) are almost never sweet! The addition of milk sugar gives this beer style its name, which gives richness and body to the beer, while Roth adds a hefty dose of smoked malt to give distinctive roasted and smoky undertones.
Aviator Brewing Company 'Frost Nipper' Winter Warmer ($5.99) This beer will curl your toes and put goose bumps on your arms! A light addition of traditional winter spices juxtaposes the smokiness from the roasted malt, and the combination of Perle and Willamette hops provides a contrasting hop intensity to keep the spice and smoky malt notes in check. A fantastic take on the Winter Warmer style!
New Arrivals from the West Coast!
Cartlidge & Browne Chardonnay 2010; North Coast, California ($13.99) Siduri Pinot Noir 2010; Russian River Valley, California ($29.99) R8 Cabernet Sauvignon 2010; California ($12.99) Beaux Frères, Beaux Frères Vineyard Pinot Noir 2009; Willamette Valley, Oregon ($64.99) Cartlidge & Browne Cabernet Sauvignon 2009; North Coast, California ($13.99)
Fresh Beer from 21st Amendment Brewing Company!
'Allies Win the War' Date-Infused Ale ($9.99/4pk) - Extra! Extra! Read all about it! This top-secret collaborative effort from 21st Amendment and Oregon’s Ninkasi Brewery is difficult to describe but delicious to drink. An English-style ale is brewed with dates from California and dry-hopped with Pacific Northwest hops to create a brew with hints of caramel, toast, cocoa and citrusy resinous hops notes. 'Back in Black' Black India Pale Ale ($9.99/6pk) - Inspired by Paul Revere's midnight ride, Back in Black is similar to an American style IPA, only with the addition of rich, dark malts to balance the hop profile that you’d expect. The cocoa and chocolate notes harmonize with the citrusy hop profile to create a truly unique and mellow style. 'Brew Free or Die' India Pale Ale ($9.99/6pk) - As the edgy label insinuates, this is brewed with some serious west coast attitude! This aromatic golden IPA starts with a sucker punch of six different hops to the nose, quickly balanced by a solid malt backbone. Brew Free or Die starts big and finishes clean leaving you wanting more.
Hop Lovers Rejoice! New IPA's
Green Flash Brewing Company 'Rayon Vert' Belgian-Style IPA; San Diego, California ($10.99/4pk) Rayon Vert, or Green Flash in French, was an attempt to recreate the style of ales that would have been seen in World War II era Belgium. The result is a powerful, funky brew with hints of apricot and barnyard and the characteristic dry finish from the Brettanomyces yeast strain, which will help the beer continually evolve as it ages. Extra thick glass is used in the bottles for this bottle-conditioned ale, to prevent any unwanted explosions as this sits in your cellar for a year or two.
The Bruery 'Mischief' Belgian-Style IPA; Orange County, California ($9.99/750ml) This wickedly good golden ale is fiendishly dry-hopped with American hops to add a layer of complexity and character to the dry, Belgian base. The citrus hop notes alternate with the Belgian pear and peppery spice nuances in your mouth, and the carbonation is fine and mousse-like. This limited release is a near-perfect wine from ratebeer.com!
Hoppin' Frog 'Hop Dam' Triple IPA; Akron, Ohio ($15.99/22oz) For the times that a double IPA seems too light, Hoppin’ Frog offers their award-winning Triple IPA. Reckless amounts of Summit, Cascade and Columbus hops are added during the boil to give a colossal pine and citrus profile which is complimented by layers of golden, rich malt. So many hops are used in this beer that it required its own kettle design, which as rightfully coined the hop dam. Who knew Ohio had it in 'em?
Uinta Brewing Company 'Hop Notch' IPA; Salt Lake City, Utah ($10.99/6pk) Too bad the bottles aren’t scratch ‘n sniff! Pine and grapefruit aromas seem to explode out of the bottle in this incredibly aromatic IPA, and the slight biscuit malt base plays well to balance the resinous hop bitterness. Although it hovers close to a Double IPA in style, the hops and malt are in harmony together. This is an incredible IPA from Uinta Brewing Company, who continue to impress us with every new release.
New Single Varietal Wines!
Couvillion, Sagemoor Vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon 2008, Columbia Valley, Washington ($15.99) - Made from a core of 100% Cabernet, all of which is sourced from the Dionysus block within Sagemoor Vineyard, this rich red shows wonderful balance and a sense of harmony and focus. Notes of cassis and black cherry are kissed by touches of bittersweet cocoa and roasted coffee beans, and the finish is firm with supple tannins. Filón Garnacha 2010, Calatayud, Spain ($9.99) - It’s hard to beat Spain when it comes to wine prices, and the area of Calatayud produces some of the best Garnacha in the country. This is young and bursting with layers of red and black raspberry and cherry notes. Hints of licorice and bacon fat float on the surface, and the wine shows fully ripe tannins making it dangerously drinkable. Jean-Paul Brun 'L'Ancien' Gamay 2010, Beaujolais, Burgundy, France ($20.99) - "Brun’s 2010 Beaujolais L’Ancien Vieilles Vignes is yet again a model of this appellation with its chalky terroir for which the Domaine Terres Dorees is named. Fresh, fragrant, juicy sour cherry, red currant, and red raspberry mingle with chalk, salt, citrus rinds, and fruit pit for a tart, pungent, piquant, yet refreshing, energetic, texturally lithe performance that will be a delight to revisit over the coming couple of years." Robert Parker's Wine Advocate issue #196. Rio Madre Graciano 2010, Rioja, Spain ($10.99) - Graciano has long been considered a blending grape in Rioja, where it adds a delicate floral bouquet and complexity to the wines, but rarely is it seen as a 100% bottling. Dark fruit notes are accented by cherry spice and licorice, while the wine’s chewy tannins help balance the bitter cherry and cassis flavors. This is a steal for such a unique wine! Allagash 'Black' Belgian-Style Stout, Portland, Maine
($8.99) - Allagash Black is a Belgian style stout brewed with 2 Row
barley, torrified wheat, oats, both roasted and chocolate malt and a
generous portion of dark caramelized Belgian candi sugar. The silky mouth
feel is a great balance to the roasted malt character, coffee, espresso and
dark chocolate notes expressed throughout this delicious dark beer.
A Season of Savings: New Red Tag Wines!
Federico Tinto Tempranillo 2008, Ribera del Duero, Spain ($18.99) There is a whole lot of Tempranillo character in this wine, an unbelievable value that should appeal to Spanish wine drinkers and many others as well. The quality of the wine shows: savory dark cherry flavors show themselves on a rich, mouth filling frame. Combined with hints of vanilla and spice from the American oak, there is an effortless balance that is rarely seen in young Ribera del Duero.
Michel Gassier 'Cercius' White Blend 2010, Vin de France, France ($13.99) A shockingly good blend of 70% Grenache Blanc and 30% Sauvignon Blanc, all aged in concrete prior to bottling. Light straw-colored with a greenish hue, it exhibits attractive freshness along with plenty of melony fruit intermixed with honeyed citrus, white currants, and flowers. Medium-bodied and long, with some underlying minerality intertwined with its delightful fruit character; this should be enjoyed with poultry, herb roasted vegetables and full-flavored fish dishes.
Señorío de P. Peciña Tempranillo 2010, Rioja, Spain ($13.99) This wonderfully understated Rioja offers up a nose of earthy mushroom, cedar, tobacco, and blackberry. Soft and seductive tannins on the palate are balanced with fresh acidity and smooth dark berry flavors. Medium-bodied, traditionally-styled and immensely food-friendly, this is a good match with chicken or paella with shrimp and chorizo.
Primaterra Prosecco NV, Veneto, Italy ($10.99) Prosecco is the quintessential Italian sparkler, and Primaterra’s offering shows why these wines are so popular. Made in the frizzante, or half-sparkling, style, this bubbly gives inviting aromas of crisp apple and pineapple accented with floral notes. The delicate bubbles continue on the palate in this soft and creamy sparkler.
Cascina Noto Barbera 2010, Asti, Piedmont, Italy ($11.99) The 2009 harvest was the latest in a string of excellent vintages in the Piedmont, and the intensity of fruit in this Barbera gives credit to the vintage. Ripe raspberry and black cherry flavors are balanced by nuances of cocoa and licorice, while the harmonious acidity keeps the wine fresh, clean and persistent.
New Brews - December 2011
Stone Vertical Epic ’11, Escondido, California ($6.99) The Stone 11.11.11 pours a delightfully deep amber color with a rich, creamy head. The Belgian-yeast gives notes of banana mixed with toffee and cinnamon before the secret ingredient takes over: Hatch green chili peppers. This layer of delicious flavor gives a subtle but not overpowering heat, which matches the cinnamon and Belgian yeast notes perfectly.
Weyerbacher ‘Harvest Ale,’ Easton, Pennsylvania ($8.99) This “wet hop” ale uses fresh, whole hops straight from Weyerbacher’s own farms. The bounty of Cascade hops gives an unequivocally fresh hop aroma to this beer, while the hop bitterness is a little more restrained. Grassy grapefruit notes round out the golden, warm malt flavors in this hop-lover’s fantasy.
Green Flash Double Stout, San Diego County, California ($10.99) Green Flash may be known more for their hop-driven brews, but this stout is no shy beast. If you can manage to pour the contents from the bottle, you’ll be rewarded with wonderful aromas of roasted malt, coffee and cacao bean. The espresso notes continue on the palate with subtle hints of smoke and molasses.
Mother Earth ‘Dark Cloud’ Dunkle, Kinston, North Carolina ($10.99) Just because a beer is dark doesn’t mean it has to be heavy. This old-fashioned lager is based on an old German recipe, and despite the dark color, it is not overbearing. Smooth roasted malt notes balance caramel undertones with a subtle herby hop tone for balance. This sessionable beer is the perfect partner for a juicy burger with sharp cheddar cheese.
Vino Nuevo! New Wines from Spain - November 2011 Duran ‘Gran Reserva’ Brut Nature NV, Penedes, Spain ($18.99) No, this isn’t a wine endorsed by 80’s icon Duran Duran; this Cava is produced by the renowned producer Canals Canals. This serious sparkler shows a slight oxidative nuttiness balancing the citrus fruit on the nose, which is pleasantly reminiscent of fine sherry. Very dry, mouth-filling and lively, this bubbly features a very fine bubble structure that challenges French Champagne!
Leira Albariño 2010, Rias Baixas, Spain ($16.99) If Tempranillo is the king of Spanish red grapes, then Albariño is the queen of the whites; Rias Baixas, located North of the border with Portugal, is the home for these unique whites. Leira’s bottling offers mouth-watering acidity wrapped around bright, tropical fruit. It’s vibrancy, and clean fruit and subtle nuttiness make this a versatile pair to a wide variety of dishes.
Cata Regia ‘Gran Reserva’ Tempranillo / Cabernet 2004, Terra Alta, Spain ($12.99) We were incredibly impressed with the value this wine from the lesser known Terra Alta region of Spain. Hints of spice and smoke intertwine with round cherry and black currant fruit notes. Subtle oak and cedar notes play well with this red, which is delightfully smooth and exceptionally elegant, thanks to several years of bottle age.
Montecastillo Crianza Red Blend 2006, Priorat, Spain ($12.99) We know what you’re thinking: A Priorat under $15, have we lost our minds? This delicious blend of 50% Garnacha, 30% Carignan and 20% Cabernet drinks like a much more expensive bottle. The dark plum and dried cherry notes are displayed in a slightly rustic, old-world style. The tannins have softened with the bottle age, resulting in an incredibly complex and delicious Priorat.
Palacio de Monsalud Tempranillo / Garnacha 2007, Extremadura, Spain ($13.99) The rural area of Extremadura is known for the famous Spanish ham jamòn, and paprika, but let’s not forget about the wine! This blend of 80% Tempranillo and 20% Garnacha shows the nice rustic style of the region, with rich dark cherry notes up front balancing the light smoke and earthiness on the finish. This traditional red screams for chorizo, aged goat cheese, or paella!
New Wines For The Holidays - November 2011
Luca Chardonnay 2008, Valle de Uco, Mendoza, Argentina ($29.99) "The 2008 Chardonnay spent 12 months in 30% new French oak-aged sur lies before bottling without filtration. It has an alluring bouquet of toasty oak, baking spices, mineral, and tropical notes. This leads to a creamy textured, round, spicy Chardonnay with tons of flavor, excellent concentration, impeccable balance, and a length, pure finish....Luca is the personal project of Laura Catena, M.D., daughter of Argentina pioneer Nicolas Catena. The Chardonnay, since its inception, has always over-delivered, offering competition to the likes of Kistler, Peter Michael, and Aubert at less than half the price." Robert Parker's The Wine Advocate issue #184
La Ferme du Mont ‘Première Cote’ 2009, Cotes-du-Rhone, France ($16.99) "The 2009 Cotes du Rhone Premiere Cote is an amazingly sexy, lush, full-bodied, Cotes du Rhone with loads of black cherry and black currant fruit, a deep, concentrated mouthfeel and a silky finish. It should drink nicely for 2-4 years if you can resist it that long." Robert Parker's The Wine Advocate issue #191
McRitchie ‘Fallingwater’ White Blend 2010, Virginia ($15.99) A fresh crisp blend of Traminette, Chardonnay and Viognier with delicate rose petal and lychee aromas, round tropical fruit laced with lime and orange peel followed by a vibrant spicy finish with just a touch of fruit. A refreshing and unique wine to enjoy with mild cheeses and light fish dishes.
Hacienda Araucano Reserva Carmenère 2009, Valle de Colchagua, Chile ($12.99) Araucano sustainably produces their wines, which will bear an organic seal beginning with the 2010 vintage. The layers of rich plum and cocoa enrich the smoky, tobacco leaf nuances on the palate. Despite the low price, this wine manages to avoid the green pepper and stemmy flavors that often plague cheap Carmenere, but still displays the character of this unique grape.
Independent Producers ‘La Bourgeoisie’ Merlot 2009, Columbia Valley, Washington ($15.99) This offshoot from the highly-touted Hedges Estate will remind you how delicious Merlot can be. The dark, juicy fruit pleasantly dominates the front palate, with restrained cedar and oak nuances balancing the fruit. We can’t always pronounce Bourgeouisie without twisting our tongues, but we can appreciate the velvety tannins and succulent mouthfeel of this killer red.
New Wines - November 2011
Milbrandt Vineyards 'Traditions' Syrah 2007, Columbia Valley, Washington ($15.99) After planting their first vineyards in 1997, Jerry and Butch Milbrandt have earned a reputation for growing some of the best grapes in the area. This Syrah is harvested entirely from estate vineyards, and aged in French oak for 16 months. The resulting wine is dense and opulent, with smoky notes of sweet bacon and cocoa layered with dark blueberry and blackberry notes. This is a big oaky mouthful for the money!
Marc Ripoll Sans 'Black Slate' Red Blend 2008, Porrera, Priorato, Spain ($21.99) "Marc Ripoll Sans’ 2008 Black Slate from the Priorat village of Porrera is composed of 60% Garnacha and 40% Carinena aged for 12 months in used French oak. It displays intense black fruit aromas along with slate/mineral, Asian spices, and incense. Made in a slightly racy style, it has plenty of savory fruit, good balance, and a pure, lengthy finish. It will deliver plenty of enjoyment over the next 6-8 years." Robert Parker's The Wine Advocate #194
Lioco 'Indica' Carignan Blend 2008, Mendocino County, California ($21.99) While Carignan dominates this field blend (an homage to some of the original wine grapes of California), small percentages of Grenache and Petite Sirah are blended in for balance. The smoky and gamey nose is reminiscent of Minervois in Southern France, with inky, blueberry and blackberry adding depth and complexity to the palate.
Ken Forrester 'Reserve' Chenin Blanc 2010, Stellenbosch, South Africa ($15.99) When it comes to the archetypal grape of South Africa, Chenin Blanc, no one makes them quite like Ken Forrester. Two thirds of the wine sees French Oak, which adds rich hints of lemon curd, apricot and hazelnut, while the un-oaked portion contributes fresh citrus fruit and acidity. This Chenin comes highly recommended, and is the perfect example of the purity that South Africa offers.
Honoro Vera Monastrell 2010, Jumilla, Spain ($9.99) The vineyards for Honoro Vera are located high in elevation in the Jumilla region of Spain, where the Monastrell grape thrives. This example is fermented and aged completely in stainless steel, which preserves the fresh, dark fruit notes indicative of the varietal. The jammy black fruit notes are incredibly lively and complex, especially given the inexpensive price range for this stellar value! |
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