Sorry guys and gals,
I intended on keepingup with this blog, but I always seem to get busy and forget. Follow us on Facebook for all our announcements. Hopefully, in time, I will get back on the horse, but for now this blog will not be maintained.
http://www.facebook.com/pages/Tacoma-Boys-Markets/119314298127848
Thanks
Joe
Friday, January 14, 2011
Tuesday, September 14, 2010
Let's get back to business!
After a long hiatus to lands unknown I have returned to work. There are so many new items to tell you guys about, but let's start out small with one beer and one wine.
New Beer:
Sierra Nevada 30th Anniversary Jack and Ken's Black Barleywine - The name kinda says it all, but if you need more detail here it is.
“Jack McAuliffe is the original microbrewer. McAuliffe’s tiny New Albion Brewery in Sonoma, California inspired countless brewers to start small-scale breweries of their own. Jack agreed to guest brew this very special ale with us in honor of our 30th anniversary. This American barleywine is a nod to the big ales New Albion served at their legendary summer solstice parties. It is robust and complex – brewed with 100% American Cascade hops.”
I have had a few of these already and keep going back to it. Here are my tasting notes.
Pours a thick black with an almost frothy head leaving behind great lacing. Aromas of dark roasted coffee, lightly smoked malt, and an earthen nuttiness are complemented by hints of caramel, dark fruits, fig, and dark chocolate. The palate showcases a nearly heavy handed maltiness that is balanced out with dark chocolate and a hint of smoky nuttyness. The palate doesn't carry anywhere near the level of dark fruit and sweet I anticipated, but it works well. Think of this beer as more of an Imperial Stout with Barleywine highlights than vice versa. A killer brew, I will continue to return to.
New Wine:
2006 Fattoria Di Felsina Toscana Fontalloro
95pts Wine Spectator
Wine Spectator Top 100 for 2009 # 13
Wine Spectator Highly Recommened
94pts Wine Advocate (Galloni)
Wine Spectator review:
Editor's Note: Chocolate, blackberry and black cherry aromas lead to a full-bodied palate, with velvety tannins and a deep concentration of fruit. Powerfully rich and polished. Big and structured. A blockbuster Sangiovese. Best after 2012. 3,300 cases made.–JS
Wine Advocate review:
The 2006 Fontalloro is much more sweet and open than the firmer Rancia. Enticing, expressive aromatics lead to an expansive core of fruit. Round, finessed tannins give the wine an additional level of polish. Today the Fontalloro is fleshier and more ready than the Rancia. There is superb purity to the fruit and wonderful overall balance. Tar, smoke, licorice, and grilled herbs come to life on the finish. Fontalloro is made from vineyards in both the Chianti Classico and Chianti Colli Senesi appellations. Simply put, this is a great, majestic Fontalloro. Anticipated maturity: 2010-2018.
If you were to cut proprietor Giuseppe Mazzocolin’s veins the man would bleed Sangiovese, such is his passion for Tuscany’s most important native grape. Mazzocolin has a terrific set of new releases on his hands. The 2006s are glorious and benefit from a warm growing season that also saw good alternation of day and evening temperatures before the grapes got a final kick of heat that informs the wines. In 2007, I have only tasted the Chianti Classico so far, but if that wine is indicative, Felsina could have another superb vintage in store for fans of this venerable property. So far 2007 looks to be a vintage of ripe wines made in a more generous, if early maturing style, than the firmer 2006s. Not only are Felsina’s wines magnificent, they also remain exceedingly fairly priced in relative terms. Mazzocolin deserves much credit and support from readers for his consumer-friendly approach, especially in these challenging times.
Not much I can say that the pros haven't, but this is one outstanding wine that needs to go home with you!
New Beer:
Sierra Nevada 30th Anniversary Jack and Ken's Black Barleywine - The name kinda says it all, but if you need more detail here it is.
“Jack McAuliffe is the original microbrewer. McAuliffe’s tiny New Albion Brewery in Sonoma, California inspired countless brewers to start small-scale breweries of their own. Jack agreed to guest brew this very special ale with us in honor of our 30th anniversary. This American barleywine is a nod to the big ales New Albion served at their legendary summer solstice parties. It is robust and complex – brewed with 100% American Cascade hops.”
I have had a few of these already and keep going back to it. Here are my tasting notes.
Pours a thick black with an almost frothy head leaving behind great lacing. Aromas of dark roasted coffee, lightly smoked malt, and an earthen nuttiness are complemented by hints of caramel, dark fruits, fig, and dark chocolate. The palate showcases a nearly heavy handed maltiness that is balanced out with dark chocolate and a hint of smoky nuttyness. The palate doesn't carry anywhere near the level of dark fruit and sweet I anticipated, but it works well. Think of this beer as more of an Imperial Stout with Barleywine highlights than vice versa. A killer brew, I will continue to return to.
New Wine:
2006 Fattoria Di Felsina Toscana Fontalloro
95pts Wine Spectator
Wine Spectator Top 100 for 2009 # 13
Wine Spectator Highly Recommened
94pts Wine Advocate (Galloni)
Wine Spectator review:
Editor's Note: Chocolate, blackberry and black cherry aromas lead to a full-bodied palate, with velvety tannins and a deep concentration of fruit. Powerfully rich and polished. Big and structured. A blockbuster Sangiovese. Best after 2012. 3,300 cases made.–JS
Wine Advocate review:
The 2006 Fontalloro is much more sweet and open than the firmer Rancia. Enticing, expressive aromatics lead to an expansive core of fruit. Round, finessed tannins give the wine an additional level of polish. Today the Fontalloro is fleshier and more ready than the Rancia. There is superb purity to the fruit and wonderful overall balance. Tar, smoke, licorice, and grilled herbs come to life on the finish. Fontalloro is made from vineyards in both the Chianti Classico and Chianti Colli Senesi appellations. Simply put, this is a great, majestic Fontalloro. Anticipated maturity: 2010-2018.
If you were to cut proprietor Giuseppe Mazzocolin’s veins the man would bleed Sangiovese, such is his passion for Tuscany’s most important native grape. Mazzocolin has a terrific set of new releases on his hands. The 2006s are glorious and benefit from a warm growing season that also saw good alternation of day and evening temperatures before the grapes got a final kick of heat that informs the wines. In 2007, I have only tasted the Chianti Classico so far, but if that wine is indicative, Felsina could have another superb vintage in store for fans of this venerable property. So far 2007 looks to be a vintage of ripe wines made in a more generous, if early maturing style, than the firmer 2006s. Not only are Felsina’s wines magnificent, they also remain exceedingly fairly priced in relative terms. Mazzocolin deserves much credit and support from readers for his consumer-friendly approach, especially in these challenging times.
Not much I can say that the pros haven't, but this is one outstanding wine that needs to go home with you!
Wednesday, March 31, 2010
Wine & Beer of the Week
Alright, I am back from Minnesota and ready to get back on the horse. Lots of goodies to tell you about this week, but let's start with these.
Beer of the Week:
Sierra Nevada 30th Anniversary Fritz and Ken's Ale
Since I was out of town this beer simply came in and went right into backstock. I wanted to be here to sell every bottle of this special brew. This is the first in a series of beers celebrating Sierra Nevada's 30 years of brewing. The first collaboration brings Fritz Maytag into the mix. Fritz is widely regarded as the father of modern American craft brewing. The heir to the Maytag fortune, he purchased a small San Francisco based microbrewery (Anchor Brewing) back in 1965 that was going out of business. 35 years later he is still at the helm, and has worked tirelessly to promote craft brewing in the U.S.
This is one big and impressive stout, with ability to age. A big malty sweet palate, with dark chocolate, dates, coffee, light smokiness and a touch of resin-y floral hops to round it out. Do not miss out on this beer, it will not last long!
Wine(ry) of the Week:
Baileyana Winery
This winery has easily been one of the biggest suprises for me this year. All three of their wines are under $21, and great values for their price point. All three are also certified sustainable. Here is just a quick blip about all three.
Chardonnay
"This wonderful union of winemaking and viticulture brings a Chardonnay of tremendous concentration. Bright flavors of pear, pineapple, and citrus marry with a nuance of minerality. Our first unfiltered effort has given us a wine that is intense and full with classic cool climate characteristics."
Winemaker, Christian Roguenant
Syrah
"Wow, what a wine! Cool climate Syrah is a whole different monster from the norm. There is not a lot of it in the ground and when grown right, it makes a wine that I believe will define Syrah in California. Lavender and blueberry jump out of the glass and are complimented by hints of white pepper on the palate."
Winemaker, Christian Roguenant
Pinot Noir
"Fruitier and fresher than many Pinot Noirs, this wine is intensely characteristic of its varietal. It is packed with flavors of rich black cherries and luscious black raspberry jam, with a hint of spice in the background. Smooth tannins and a velvety texture finish off nicely, leaving the palate asking for more."
Winemaker, Christian Roguenant
All three wines have scored 90 plus points in at least one major wine publication or another. My Favorite was the Chardonnay at $19, although it is tough to argue with a $21 Pinot Noir with this much depth and complexity. Give all three a try and decide for yourself.
Beer of the Week:
Sierra Nevada 30th Anniversary Fritz and Ken's Ale
Since I was out of town this beer simply came in and went right into backstock. I wanted to be here to sell every bottle of this special brew. This is the first in a series of beers celebrating Sierra Nevada's 30 years of brewing. The first collaboration brings Fritz Maytag into the mix. Fritz is widely regarded as the father of modern American craft brewing. The heir to the Maytag fortune, he purchased a small San Francisco based microbrewery (Anchor Brewing) back in 1965 that was going out of business. 35 years later he is still at the helm, and has worked tirelessly to promote craft brewing in the U.S.
This is one big and impressive stout, with ability to age. A big malty sweet palate, with dark chocolate, dates, coffee, light smokiness and a touch of resin-y floral hops to round it out. Do not miss out on this beer, it will not last long!
Wine(ry) of the Week:
Baileyana Winery
This winery has easily been one of the biggest suprises for me this year. All three of their wines are under $21, and great values for their price point. All three are also certified sustainable. Here is just a quick blip about all three.
Chardonnay
"This wonderful union of winemaking and viticulture brings a Chardonnay of tremendous concentration. Bright flavors of pear, pineapple, and citrus marry with a nuance of minerality. Our first unfiltered effort has given us a wine that is intense and full with classic cool climate characteristics."
Winemaker, Christian Roguenant
Syrah
"Wow, what a wine! Cool climate Syrah is a whole different monster from the norm. There is not a lot of it in the ground and when grown right, it makes a wine that I believe will define Syrah in California. Lavender and blueberry jump out of the glass and are complimented by hints of white pepper on the palate."
Winemaker, Christian Roguenant
Pinot Noir
"Fruitier and fresher than many Pinot Noirs, this wine is intensely characteristic of its varietal. It is packed with flavors of rich black cherries and luscious black raspberry jam, with a hint of spice in the background. Smooth tannins and a velvety texture finish off nicely, leaving the palate asking for more."
Winemaker, Christian Roguenant
All three wines have scored 90 plus points in at least one major wine publication or another. My Favorite was the Chardonnay at $19, although it is tough to argue with a $21 Pinot Noir with this much depth and complexity. Give all three a try and decide for yourself.
Monday, March 1, 2010
Wine & Beer of the Week
Here is the first installment of what will become a weekly series. Each week I'll pick a wine and a beer that has caught my eye, and tell you all about it.
Wine of the Week for March 1st
Clua-Doménech Terra Alta Tinto –
This husband and wife team have combined 3 generations worth of winemaking and vineyards into one winery. Xavier Clua and Rosa Doménech both learned winemaking from their grandfathers, and inherited the estates in time. When the two married it combined two amazing winemakers and enologists with loads of fruit grown from old vine vineyards. Red wines from the Terra Alta are almost always Garnacha (Grenache) based and this wine is no exception. With 50% of the blend being Garnacha and the balance filled in with 20% Syrah and 15% each Cab and Merlot. The result is a deep rich wine with plenty of dark fruit, smoke and minerality. This wine does not spend any time in oak, which really allows the fruit to shine. At an average yield of one bottle per plant this is as small and boutique as you can get without paying an arm and a leg.
Snap up some of this Spanish gem at $13 a bottle!!!
Beer of the Week for March 1st
Allagash Confluence
This is one of the most under-rated breweries available in our market. They are a small production brewery located in Portland, Maine and make some of the best beer out there. The Confluence is a mixed fermentation beer that uses both a house Belgian style yeast in combination with Brettanomyces yeast, giving the beer all sorts of cool funk. Loads of tropical fruit and spice explode on to the palate with this beer, but the extensive ageing adds another dimension of stone fruits and a slight earthy tartness. This brew may be a little pricey, but trust me it is worth every penny!
Wine of the Week for March 1st
Clua-Doménech Terra Alta Tinto –
This husband and wife team have combined 3 generations worth of winemaking and vineyards into one winery. Xavier Clua and Rosa Doménech both learned winemaking from their grandfathers, and inherited the estates in time. When the two married it combined two amazing winemakers and enologists with loads of fruit grown from old vine vineyards. Red wines from the Terra Alta are almost always Garnacha (Grenache) based and this wine is no exception. With 50% of the blend being Garnacha and the balance filled in with 20% Syrah and 15% each Cab and Merlot. The result is a deep rich wine with plenty of dark fruit, smoke and minerality. This wine does not spend any time in oak, which really allows the fruit to shine. At an average yield of one bottle per plant this is as small and boutique as you can get without paying an arm and a leg.
Snap up some of this Spanish gem at $13 a bottle!!!
Beer of the Week for March 1st
Allagash Confluence
This is one of the most under-rated breweries available in our market. They are a small production brewery located in Portland, Maine and make some of the best beer out there. The Confluence is a mixed fermentation beer that uses both a house Belgian style yeast in combination with Brettanomyces yeast, giving the beer all sorts of cool funk. Loads of tropical fruit and spice explode on to the palate with this beer, but the extensive ageing adds another dimension of stone fruits and a slight earthy tartness. This brew may be a little pricey, but trust me it is worth every penny!
Monday, February 15, 2010
Here Are Some Can't Miss Beer Deals!
Deschutes Hop Trip IPA
Regular Price: $5.49
Sale Price: $3.99
Sierra Nevada Chico Harvest Ale
Regular Price: $9.99
Sale Price: $5.49
Sierra Nevada Southern Hemisphere Harvest Ale
Regular Price: $5.99
Sale Price: $2.99
Sierra Nevada Celebration 12pks
Regular Price: $15.99
Sale Price: $12.99
These are just a few of the deals I have going right now. As a disclaimer, the beers listed above are a little past their ideal consumption date, but they are still fantastic, and some even prefer the Celebration with a little time on it. I have personally drank all three of these beers recently and they were still very tasty!
Regular Price: $5.49
Sale Price: $3.99
Sierra Nevada Chico Harvest Ale
Regular Price: $9.99
Sale Price: $5.49
Sierra Nevada Southern Hemisphere Harvest Ale
Regular Price: $5.99
Sale Price: $2.99
Sierra Nevada Celebration 12pks
Regular Price: $15.99
Sale Price: $12.99
These are just a few of the deals I have going right now. As a disclaimer, the beers listed above are a little past their ideal consumption date, but they are still fantastic, and some even prefer the Celebration with a little time on it. I have personally drank all three of these beers recently and they were still very tasty!
Lots & Lots Of New Goodies!
It has been very busy the past couple of weeks, so I haven't had a chance to let you guys know about all the tasty treats we have received. Since I started with beer last time, I will give wine it's due this time around.
One Hope Wines -
These guys are a double edged sword, as they not only donate 50% of their proceeds to the respective charity associated to the wine, but they also happen to be great value wines.
As of right now I have the first three in stock, but plan on adding the rest as soon as I have space. All varietals retail for $12!
Chardonnay (Breast Cancer)
Zinfandel (Support for the troops)
Cabernet Sauvignon (Autism)
Merlot (HIV/AIDS)
Sauvignon Blanc (Green Practices)
Obsidian Ridge Cabernet Sauvignon -
Obsidian Ridge Vineyard is planted at 2,640 feet, atop the Mayacamas range north of Napa Valley. This is one of the newest American Viticultural Areas, named Red Hills Lake County for the distinctive volcanic soils that define this remarkable mountain appellation. The vineyard’s red soils are shot through with obsidian rock – this steep, sloping terroir of obsidian gravel is all that a winemaker could hope for. The unrestricted drainage and meager soil fertility produce wines with great tannic structure. The summer growing season in the Red Hills tends to be quite warm, which is ideal for Bordeaux grape varieties that require extended hang time to mature properly. The micro climate at Obsidian Ridge is one where cool evening
mountain breezes carry away the daytime heat allowing some respite to the grapes as they cool in the overnight air. This cyclical pattern continues all summer long as the fruit matures evenly to the picking dates in the fall.
Looking back at 2006, we realize how idyllic the summer growing season truly was in the Red Hills, with optimal moisture and few heat spikes. The fruit set was healthy, and while the clusters were longer than previous years, the
grapes were small, evenly spaced and packed with flavor. Our many walks through the vineyard amidst the warm, consistent weather gave us the confidence to keep the fruit on the vine as flavors continued developing to new levels of intensity. We were stunned at the consistency of picture-perfect fruit as it hit our sorting tables at the winery.
This year's Cabernet Sauvignon was a blend of four select blocks from the Obsidian Ridge vineyard. In previous vintages we picked primarily from the steep slopes that rise from 2300' to 2600'. In 2006 we decided to pick some complimentary fruit from the flatter blocks at the very bottom of the vineyard (2200’). Historically ripening later than the fruit from the slopes, the fruit off the flats was found to contribute aromatic nuance along with elegant structure on the palate in the final blend. A small percent of Cabernet Franc was also included from a small block
at the top of the vineyard to add further aromatic intensity to the final blend. Winemaking was simple: pick fruit at optimal ripeness, careful destemming, warm fermentations and gentle pressing at dryness. The young wines were placed in our signature Kádár Hungary oak barrels, where they aged for 18 months. The resulting wine is an elegant, aromatic expression of Cabernet Sauvignon. The bouquet is filled with spices of bay, clove and anise amidst a core of red cherries, dried cranberries and ripe red plums. With each sip we're reminded of the terroir at Obsidian Ridge with the subtle hints of chaparral throughout. This is a rich and densely structured wine. It maintains appropriate acidity that carries forth the flavors of dark cherries finishing with espresso beans coated in dark chocolate. This is undeniably mountain Cabernet Sauvignon with ample tannin to secure its longevity for ten or even fifteen years.
Alex Beloz, Winemaker
Michael Blaise Terrien, Founding Winemaker
Decoy Cabernet and Merlot
These are the "value" wines from the famed Duckhorn Cellars, and they certainly don't disappoint. Both retail for $25 and are certainly worth more.
And now on to the beer...........
These are all the new and returning beers we have seen since the last update:
Lost Abbey Angels Share 2009 375ml
Russian River Supplication 375ml
Russian River Pliny the Elder (it's finally back!)
Full Sail Top Sail (Bourbon Imperial Porter)
Southern Tier Unearthly DIPA
Southern Tier Mokah
Southern Tier Jah-Va
Southern Tier Choklat
Avery Dugana
Boulevard Double Wide IPA
Boulder Mojo Risin DIPA
Widmer W'10
Lindemans Cuvee Rene
Sierra Nevada Bigfoot
Diamond Knot IPA
Diamond Knot Industrial IPA
Diamond Knot Ho Ho
I am sure there are more, but they are escaping me at this point.
One Hope Wines -
These guys are a double edged sword, as they not only donate 50% of their proceeds to the respective charity associated to the wine, but they also happen to be great value wines.
As of right now I have the first three in stock, but plan on adding the rest as soon as I have space. All varietals retail for $12!
Chardonnay (Breast Cancer)
Zinfandel (Support for the troops)
Cabernet Sauvignon (Autism)
Merlot (HIV/AIDS)
Sauvignon Blanc (Green Practices)
Obsidian Ridge Cabernet Sauvignon -
Obsidian Ridge Vineyard is planted at 2,640 feet, atop the Mayacamas range north of Napa Valley. This is one of the newest American Viticultural Areas, named Red Hills Lake County for the distinctive volcanic soils that define this remarkable mountain appellation. The vineyard’s red soils are shot through with obsidian rock – this steep, sloping terroir of obsidian gravel is all that a winemaker could hope for. The unrestricted drainage and meager soil fertility produce wines with great tannic structure. The summer growing season in the Red Hills tends to be quite warm, which is ideal for Bordeaux grape varieties that require extended hang time to mature properly. The micro climate at Obsidian Ridge is one where cool evening
mountain breezes carry away the daytime heat allowing some respite to the grapes as they cool in the overnight air. This cyclical pattern continues all summer long as the fruit matures evenly to the picking dates in the fall.
Looking back at 2006, we realize how idyllic the summer growing season truly was in the Red Hills, with optimal moisture and few heat spikes. The fruit set was healthy, and while the clusters were longer than previous years, the
grapes were small, evenly spaced and packed with flavor. Our many walks through the vineyard amidst the warm, consistent weather gave us the confidence to keep the fruit on the vine as flavors continued developing to new levels of intensity. We were stunned at the consistency of picture-perfect fruit as it hit our sorting tables at the winery.
This year's Cabernet Sauvignon was a blend of four select blocks from the Obsidian Ridge vineyard. In previous vintages we picked primarily from the steep slopes that rise from 2300' to 2600'. In 2006 we decided to pick some complimentary fruit from the flatter blocks at the very bottom of the vineyard (2200’). Historically ripening later than the fruit from the slopes, the fruit off the flats was found to contribute aromatic nuance along with elegant structure on the palate in the final blend. A small percent of Cabernet Franc was also included from a small block
at the top of the vineyard to add further aromatic intensity to the final blend. Winemaking was simple: pick fruit at optimal ripeness, careful destemming, warm fermentations and gentle pressing at dryness. The young wines were placed in our signature Kádár Hungary oak barrels, where they aged for 18 months. The resulting wine is an elegant, aromatic expression of Cabernet Sauvignon. The bouquet is filled with spices of bay, clove and anise amidst a core of red cherries, dried cranberries and ripe red plums. With each sip we're reminded of the terroir at Obsidian Ridge with the subtle hints of chaparral throughout. This is a rich and densely structured wine. It maintains appropriate acidity that carries forth the flavors of dark cherries finishing with espresso beans coated in dark chocolate. This is undeniably mountain Cabernet Sauvignon with ample tannin to secure its longevity for ten or even fifteen years.
Alex Beloz, Winemaker
Michael Blaise Terrien, Founding Winemaker
Decoy Cabernet and Merlot
These are the "value" wines from the famed Duckhorn Cellars, and they certainly don't disappoint. Both retail for $25 and are certainly worth more.
And now on to the beer...........
These are all the new and returning beers we have seen since the last update:
Lost Abbey Angels Share 2009 375ml
Russian River Supplication 375ml
Russian River Pliny the Elder (it's finally back!)
Full Sail Top Sail (Bourbon Imperial Porter)
Southern Tier Unearthly DIPA
Southern Tier Mokah
Southern Tier Jah-Va
Southern Tier Choklat
Avery Dugana
Boulevard Double Wide IPA
Boulder Mojo Risin DIPA
Widmer W'10
Lindemans Cuvee Rene
Sierra Nevada Bigfoot
Diamond Knot IPA
Diamond Knot Industrial IPA
Diamond Knot Ho Ho
I am sure there are more, but they are escaping me at this point.
A Big Thanks To All who Attended Italy 101!
It was a great time with lots of tasty wine, good friends, and great food. A special thanks goes out to Nicola of Northwest Vintage for hosting and providing the great food. A big thanks as well goes to Tom Kelly from Small Vineyards for coming all the way down to see us. There will certainly be another tasting sometime in the near future, and judging by the response of Italy 101 tickets will certainly sell quickly.
Monday, February 1, 2010
Italy 101 Tasting
This baby is filling up fast, and the ladies at Northwest Vintage are opening up ticket sales to their e-mail list today. If you have been waiting to get a ticket now is the time. I highly doubt there will be any tickets left by Saturday night. Just stop in and see me to pick up a ticket. All the info on the tasting is few posts prior to this one.
Friday, January 22, 2010
Some New Items Of Note
Last week we completely reset our coolers, which gave me space to add quite a few new beers into the store. Add to that the fact that we had a new brewery arrive in the state and there is plenty of beer news. We have also added a few new wines to the store in the past week.
Here is all the new beer:
Green Flash Brewing West Coast IPA - 98%Ratebeer, A- Beer Advocate
Green Flash Brewing Le Freak (an IPA/Belgian Tripel hybrid!) - 95% Ratebeer, A- Beer Advocate
Green Flash Brewing Barleywine - 95% Ratebeer, B+ Beeradvocate
Green Flash Brewing Hop Head Red - 96% Ratebeer, A- Beeradvocate
Sierra Nevada Glissade - B+ Beer Advocate
Some new to us items:
Skagit River Trumpeter Imperial Stout - 92% Ratebeer
Silver City Big Scotch
Silver City Red Ale
Silver City IPA
Westmalle Double - 98% Ratebeer, A- Beeradvocate
Westmalle Triple - 98% Ratebeer, A Beeradvocate
Flying Dog Gonzo Imperial Porter - 99% Ratebeer, A- Beeradvocate
Wandering Aengus Bloom (cider)
Wandering Aengus Wanderlust (cider)
Alaskan Stout
Scmaltz Brewing Hebrew Rejewvenator
Smaltz Brewing Hebrew Bittersweet Lenny's Rye IPA - 96% Ratebeer, A- BeerAdvocate
Allagash Confluence Ale - 96% Ratebeer, A- Beeradvocate
Dogfish Head Fort (An 18% ABV Raspberry infused beer!)
Dogfish Head Pangaea (brewed with an ingredient from every continent)
New Belgium Lips of Faith Le Fleur Misseur (a tribute to the great Orval)
Scuttlebutt Old No. 1 Barleywine
Ommegang Hennepin - 95% Ratebeer, A- Beeradvocate
Boulevard Bourbon Barrel Quad - 97% Ratebeer, A- Beeradvocate
Boulder Hazed and Infused IPA
Red Hook Copperhook
Red Hook Mudslinger
Great Divide Titan IPA - 97% Ratebeer, A- Beeradvocate
Weihenstephaner Hefe Weissebier - 100% by Style Ratebeer, A Beeradvocate
Weihenstephaner Korbinian - 96% Ratebeer, A- Beeradvocate
Scaldis Noel Premium - 95% Ratebeer, A- Beeradvocate
Haandbryggeriet Dobble Dram IPA - B+ Beeradvocate
I think that is about it for now. There will be more to come as I make more room to add more beer.
As for the wine, here is what's new:
Gilbert Cellars From Yakima, Washington:
I brought in a few of their wines to start with and they are all fantastic.
Unoaked Chardonnay - This wine sees zero oak and no malolactic fermentation, so the fruit truly takes the forefront on this beatiful Chardonnay. $18
Estate Gewurtztraminer - An off-dry version of Gewurtz, this wine has loads of lychee and spice with a touch of apricot like sweetness. An ideal wine for Indian, Thai, or Chinese food.
Allobroges - A southern Rhone inspired blend, this wine is named after the celtic settlers who lived in southern Rhone back in the day. A blend of Grenache, Syrah, and Mourvedre this wine is a can't miss with loads of dark fruit and spice. $20
Cabernet Sauvignon - A big Washington Cab in the vain of those from Napa. Loads of blackberry, spice, cassis, sage, dark fruit, strawberry jam and cocoa will keep you going back for more. A steal at $32/btl!
Cabernet Franc - Rich and concentrated with plum, nutmeg, and an herbally spice character. Huge mouthfeel with dried fruit, spice dark fruit and flecks of minerality. $32
Frescobaldi Pomino Rosso
The Castle of Pomino, produces the Pomino Rosso DOC using the grapes Sangiovese, Black Pinot, and Merlot. Matured for 15 months in oak barriques and refined for a year in the bottle. The color is ruby red, the aroma is intense and vigorous, and the taste is velvety and persistent.
Tasting Notes
A medium ruby in color, Pomino Rosso is marked by a clean-edged bouquet releasing raspberry, red currant, and plum, that then make way for crisp mint and spicy nutmeg. The entry in the mouth is refreshing and clean, introducing fine balance on the palate and silky tannins.
I think that is going to be it for now. Gotta get back to work.
Don't forget to pick your Italy 101 tickets. We are about 50% sold-out.
Here is all the new beer:
Green Flash Brewing West Coast IPA - 98%Ratebeer, A- Beer Advocate
Green Flash Brewing Le Freak (an IPA/Belgian Tripel hybrid!) - 95% Ratebeer, A- Beer Advocate
Green Flash Brewing Barleywine - 95% Ratebeer, B+ Beeradvocate
Green Flash Brewing Hop Head Red - 96% Ratebeer, A- Beeradvocate
Sierra Nevada Glissade - B+ Beer Advocate
Some new to us items:
Skagit River Trumpeter Imperial Stout - 92% Ratebeer
Silver City Big Scotch
Silver City Red Ale
Silver City IPA
Westmalle Double - 98% Ratebeer, A- Beeradvocate
Westmalle Triple - 98% Ratebeer, A Beeradvocate
Flying Dog Gonzo Imperial Porter - 99% Ratebeer, A- Beeradvocate
Wandering Aengus Bloom (cider)
Wandering Aengus Wanderlust (cider)
Alaskan Stout
Scmaltz Brewing Hebrew Rejewvenator
Smaltz Brewing Hebrew Bittersweet Lenny's Rye IPA - 96% Ratebeer, A- BeerAdvocate
Allagash Confluence Ale - 96% Ratebeer, A- Beeradvocate
Dogfish Head Fort (An 18% ABV Raspberry infused beer!)
Dogfish Head Pangaea (brewed with an ingredient from every continent)
New Belgium Lips of Faith Le Fleur Misseur (a tribute to the great Orval)
Scuttlebutt Old No. 1 Barleywine
Ommegang Hennepin - 95% Ratebeer, A- Beeradvocate
Boulevard Bourbon Barrel Quad - 97% Ratebeer, A- Beeradvocate
Boulder Hazed and Infused IPA
Red Hook Copperhook
Red Hook Mudslinger
Great Divide Titan IPA - 97% Ratebeer, A- Beeradvocate
Weihenstephaner Hefe Weissebier - 100% by Style Ratebeer, A Beeradvocate
Weihenstephaner Korbinian - 96% Ratebeer, A- Beeradvocate
Scaldis Noel Premium - 95% Ratebeer, A- Beeradvocate
Haandbryggeriet Dobble Dram IPA - B+ Beeradvocate
I think that is about it for now. There will be more to come as I make more room to add more beer.
As for the wine, here is what's new:
Gilbert Cellars From Yakima, Washington:
I brought in a few of their wines to start with and they are all fantastic.
Unoaked Chardonnay - This wine sees zero oak and no malolactic fermentation, so the fruit truly takes the forefront on this beatiful Chardonnay. $18
Estate Gewurtztraminer - An off-dry version of Gewurtz, this wine has loads of lychee and spice with a touch of apricot like sweetness. An ideal wine for Indian, Thai, or Chinese food.
Allobroges - A southern Rhone inspired blend, this wine is named after the celtic settlers who lived in southern Rhone back in the day. A blend of Grenache, Syrah, and Mourvedre this wine is a can't miss with loads of dark fruit and spice. $20
Cabernet Sauvignon - A big Washington Cab in the vain of those from Napa. Loads of blackberry, spice, cassis, sage, dark fruit, strawberry jam and cocoa will keep you going back for more. A steal at $32/btl!
Cabernet Franc - Rich and concentrated with plum, nutmeg, and an herbally spice character. Huge mouthfeel with dried fruit, spice dark fruit and flecks of minerality. $32
Frescobaldi Pomino Rosso
The Castle of Pomino, produces the Pomino Rosso DOC using the grapes Sangiovese, Black Pinot, and Merlot. Matured for 15 months in oak barriques and refined for a year in the bottle. The color is ruby red, the aroma is intense and vigorous, and the taste is velvety and persistent.
Tasting Notes
A medium ruby in color, Pomino Rosso is marked by a clean-edged bouquet releasing raspberry, red currant, and plum, that then make way for crisp mint and spicy nutmeg. The entry in the mouth is refreshing and clean, introducing fine balance on the palate and silky tannins.
I think that is going to be it for now. Gotta get back to work.
Don't forget to pick your Italy 101 tickets. We are about 50% sold-out.
Saturday, January 16, 2010
You Asked For It, We're Finally Delivering!
Many of you have asked me when we will do a tasting, and now I finally have an answer. Tuesday, February 9th at Northwest Vintage in downtown Puyallup. http://www.northwestvintage.com. The following is a quick blurb about the tasting:
"Come join Small Vineyards wine educator, Tom Kelly, for a light-hearted, but informative, romp through Italy's most prominent regions. We'll explore the backroads of Tuscany, Piedmont and beyond, while discussing the differences between European and domestic winemaking. A sampling of 8 different micro-productions, light snacks, and (you guessed it) a couple of surprises will be provided."
This event will be held at Northwest Vintage in downtown Puyallup. Here is a link to their website. http://www.northwestvintage.com
The event will cost $35 per person for the food, wine, and education. I will also be offering a one-time discount on wine purchased that night. We will have order forms at the tasting that you will fill out and turn in to me, and I will fill your orders and have them ready for pickup at Tacoma Boys that Friday. You will not have to pay for your wine at the tasting, as you will not get the wine until that Friday, at which time you will pay for it.
I have had the pleasure of sitting in on many sessions with Tom Kelly, and amazingly even the most knowledgeable wine connoisseur walks away with some interesting tidbits they never knew. Tom has traveled extensively throughout Italy and he has the stories to prove it. The greatest atribute of Tom as a wine educator is his blatant lack of snobbery. Whether you are a seasoned wine expert or a beginner Tom will make you feel welcome with his old world style hospitality.
This tasting will be in a laid back classroom format, meaning everyone will be tasting and learning about the same wines throughout. This provides for the maximum amount of learning, and also makes Q & A much easier.
Northwest Vintage is a small wine bar in downtown Puyallup, that is cozy and classy at once. There is only room for 50 people so space (and tickets) are limited and on a first come first payed basis.
The tasting will start at 6:30 and run until 8:30.
Tickets will be sold at both locations, but if you want to buy a ticket at Tacoma Boys it will have to be in cash or money order. Please try to stop by when I am at the store to purchase you're tickets (Mon, Wed, Thurs, Fri, Sat 9-5). If you are unable to make it during those hours let me know, and I will arrange other means of you purchasing your tickets.
This is certain to be a fantastic time, and can easily serve as an early Valentine's day present to any wine lover.
"Come join Small Vineyards wine educator, Tom Kelly, for a light-hearted, but informative, romp through Italy's most prominent regions. We'll explore the backroads of Tuscany, Piedmont and beyond, while discussing the differences between European and domestic winemaking. A sampling of 8 different micro-productions, light snacks, and (you guessed it) a couple of surprises will be provided."
This event will be held at Northwest Vintage in downtown Puyallup. Here is a link to their website. http://www.northwestvintage.com
The event will cost $35 per person for the food, wine, and education. I will also be offering a one-time discount on wine purchased that night. We will have order forms at the tasting that you will fill out and turn in to me, and I will fill your orders and have them ready for pickup at Tacoma Boys that Friday. You will not have to pay for your wine at the tasting, as you will not get the wine until that Friday, at which time you will pay for it.
I have had the pleasure of sitting in on many sessions with Tom Kelly, and amazingly even the most knowledgeable wine connoisseur walks away with some interesting tidbits they never knew. Tom has traveled extensively throughout Italy and he has the stories to prove it. The greatest atribute of Tom as a wine educator is his blatant lack of snobbery. Whether you are a seasoned wine expert or a beginner Tom will make you feel welcome with his old world style hospitality.
This tasting will be in a laid back classroom format, meaning everyone will be tasting and learning about the same wines throughout. This provides for the maximum amount of learning, and also makes Q & A much easier.
Northwest Vintage is a small wine bar in downtown Puyallup, that is cozy and classy at once. There is only room for 50 people so space (and tickets) are limited and on a first come first payed basis.
The tasting will start at 6:30 and run until 8:30.
Tickets will be sold at both locations, but if you want to buy a ticket at Tacoma Boys it will have to be in cash or money order. Please try to stop by when I am at the store to purchase you're tickets (Mon, Wed, Thurs, Fri, Sat 9-5). If you are unable to make it during those hours let me know, and I will arrange other means of you purchasing your tickets.
This is certain to be a fantastic time, and can easily serve as an early Valentine's day present to any wine lover.
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