I hear so many comments from customers about Rose being low quality and "uncool." I think this idea was caused by all the crappy blush wines that started getting popular in the 80's. The dry roses are a perfect summer drink and are totally back in style. We like to keep a big selection in all different price points with a focus of the Provence region of France.
West Concord Liquor Store is happy to be taking part by arranging local wine and beer to be served at the Stone Soup Dinner. Tickets are available at our store for $35.
The Stone Soup Dinner, a folk tale which reveals the pleasures of creating and sharing a meal, inspired the Concord Agricultural Committee to enlist local farmers, retailers and citizens to bring their harvests, products and talents together for an evening of community fellowship. The Agriculture Committee was formed three years ago with a mission which includes promoting the sale of locally grown crops and other farm products and educating Concord residents, and those from surrounding areas about agricultural issues. With land becoming increasingly valuable, there is a greater threat to maintaining Concord's traditional agricultural landscape and events such as the Stone Soup dinner will remind residents of the importance of supporting Concord's diverse farming community.
Friends of the Concord Agriculture committee invite you to join them in feasting on locally grown produce and meats at their second Stone Soup Dinner to be held at the Gardens at Buttrick Mansion on Saturday, September 26, 2009 from 4 to 7 p.m.
Another little gem I wanted to pass along is the 2000 L de la Louviere. With all the hype from the 2005 Bordeaux vintage, the 2000 vintage became overlooked. Many if not all of the professional critics consider it too early to drink the 2005's now. However, many wines from the 2000 vintage (which was viewed as the the next best since 1990) are just entering their "drink now" window.
Wine Spectator gave this wine 90 Points. Here is the review from them: Dark colored, with a fantastically deep and rich nose of crushed currants and berries, with hints of new wood. Full-bodied, with super, well-integrated tannins and a long, caressing finish. Very well-crafted. Almost too good for a second wine. One point less than the grand vin. Best after 2008. 3,330 cases made
Other reviews, including mine and be found here. We have this wine on sale on the store for $24.99
L de la Louviere is the second wine of Chateau Louviere, an unclassified property in Graves. Wines from this property are considered a great value. There is a long story of the Chateau and why their wines have long been considered a great value here.
I came across this wine from one of our wholesalers who was overstocked and trying to reduce some inventory. I didn't have highest hopes but when I saw the high point ratings from Wine Spectator and Wine Enthusiast review I took a gamble. After sampling a bottle one night with a couple friends I was pleasantly surprised with this little charmer. At seven years old, this wine is ready to drink now. It has great color, an earthy nose, medium to full mouthfeel and very integrated tannins which you can tell have been smoothed out from bottle age. It would be great for a BBQ or even to drink without food like I usually do. Normally you would be looking at a $17.99 price tag but with the discount we are selling for $11.99 a bottle. Check it out on the corner of our 85 Point Club table at the store.
The polished reviews:
From the wine maker: Le Mas (or little farm) is an original blend mixing Atlantic and Mediterranean influences. The wine reveals a very intense bouquet mixing red fruit, spice and toasted oak aromas. Cabernet and Merlot give their structure and a lingering finish while Syrah brings its delicate fruity aromas and soft tannins.
Wine Spectator: 87 Points Medium-bodied, with blackberry, dark plum and red cherry flavors. Baker's chocolate, mineral and spice fill the finish. Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot and Syrah.
Wine Enthusiast: 89 Points A ripe, smooth wine, dominated by vanilla from wood and by red berry fruits. The tannic structure is subservient to the rich layers of mint and herbal flavors, while the fruit dominates. Finishes with chocolate and firm tannins.
With the warm weather here come check out our "Summah Sippahs" and "BBQ Reds" table and displays near the registers and right when you walk in the front door. The whites are typically light and crisp and the reds are fruit driven, juicy and can stand up to BBQ food. You won't find any oaked chardonnay on this table. Just refreshing, thirst quenching wines to help you enjoy the warm weather.
Our wholesalers have been giving me some great prices on some of their higher end wines. Some of the wines are "drink now" and some can use some time in your cellar. Either way now is a great time to try some wines you may skipped over in the past because of the price tag. Send an email to Chris if you would like to see the whole list.
Speciale 93 Points from Robert Parker, 92 Points from Tanzer. Would have cost $62.99 but we have it for $39.99 The 2004 Chateauneuf du Pape Cuvee Speciale, which is aged in used, small oak casks and comes from the northern sector of Chateauneuf du Pape (specifically a lieux-dit called La Gardiole), is a dense, full-bodied, 100% Grenache cuvee reeking of black cherries and raspberries intermixed with licorice and pepper. Powerful, rich, and set for a long life, it should be given 2-3 years of bottle-age and drunk it over the following 12-15 years
2004 Clos des Papes Chateauneuf du Pape Blanc - 90 Points from Robert Parker. Would have cost $85.00 but we have it for $49.99 One of the best white wines of the appellation is made at Clos des Papes, the non-malolactic yet full-bodied and powerful 2004 Clos des Papes Chateauneuf du Pape blanc. Notes of white peaches, pears, citrus oil, and honeysuckle are present in the medium to full-bodied, fleshy 2004. It shows good acidity and a lively, vibrant mouthfeel. Drink it over the next 4-5 years, although some vintages have an amazing ability to last much longer
Clos des Pontifes - 92 Points from Robert Parker. Would have cost $42.99 but we have it for $26.99 (An excellent effort from proprietor Jean Marchand, the modern-styled 2001 Chateauneuf du Pape Clos des Pontifes sees some aging in new oak barrels, but the wood is better integrated in the 2001 than in previous vintages where the oak was too aggressive. The rich, saturated ruby/purple-colored 2001 offers aromas of creme de cassis intermixed with licorice, vanilla, and spice box. Full-bodied, broad, moderately tannic, and concentrated, it will be at its finest between 2006-2014.
2003 Vina Sena Sena from Chile - 93 Points from Robert Parker. Would have cost $89.99 but we have for $49.99 "In contrast to the 2002, the 2003 Sena is more primary and more complete. It is purple-colored with an expressive array of pain grille, clove, espresso, earth, black currants, and blackberry. This is followed by a wine which admirably combines power and elegance. There are layers of sweet fruit, and the oak, tannin, and acidity are nicely integrated. Cellar this superior effort for another 4-6 years and drink it through 2030"
Points from Robert Parker. Would have cost $49.99 but we have for $29.99 The 2004 Cornas Coteaux has a deep ruby/purple color and a big, sweet nose of creamy oak and black fruits as well as a hint of flowers. In the mouth, the rustic tannins and sharp acids again recall a lighter weight 1996. This wine needs 2-3 years of cellaring and should drink gracefully for 10-12 years. 
